SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects for a home invasion burglary.

Just after 9:00 a.m. Sunday, police responded to report of a burglary in progress at a residence in the 1200 Block of SW Pembroke in Topeka, according to Police Sgt. Steven Block.

 The homeowner was reporting hearing noises in the home and believed an intruder was inside. Officers arrived and discovered the home had been broken into while occupied, and numerous items were stolen.

A neighborhood canvas led to a suspect vehicle being identified, and a stolen electronic item was able to be tracked by GPS to a residence in the 2300 Block of SE Bellview Avenue in Topeka. 

Officers conducted a knock and talk at this residence and were able to take two suspects into custody.

These suspects were brought to the Law Enforcement Center to speak with detectives about this case.

After a search warrant was completed at the address where the suspects were located, Lakendrick Hunter, 24, and Joseph Hines, 25 were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Burglary, Felony Theft and Felony Criminal Damage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650325171503.png" alt="Hines-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hines-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects for a home invasion burglary.Just after 9:00 a.m. Sunday, police responded to report of a burglary in progress at a residence in the 1200 Block of SW Pembroke in Topeka, according to Police Sgt. Steven Block. The homeowner was reporting hearing noises in the home and believed an intruder was inside. Officers arrived and discovered the home had been broken into while occupied, and numerous items were stolen.A neighborhood canvas led to a suspect vehicle being identified, and a stolen electronic item was able to be tracked by GPS to a residence in the 2300 Block of SE Bellview Avenue in Topeka. Officers conducted a knock and talk at this residence and were able to take two suspects into custody.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650325130588.png" alt="Hunter-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hunter-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>These suspects were brought to the Law Enforcement Center to speak with detectives about this case.After a search warrant was completed at the address where the suspects were located, Lakendrick Hunter, 24, and Joseph Hines, 25 were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Burglary, Felony Theft and Felony Criminal Damage.

2 suspects accused in Kansas home invasion burglary

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Governor Laura Kelly on Monday signed a large alcohol policy bill that allows for the consumption of beer, wine or other alcoholic liquor on the Kansas state fairgrounds in areas to be set by the State Fair Board.

"This would allow people to walk around the fairgrounds during fair time with their favorite beverage, beer or wine," State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz said last month. "We would be able to control that by setting boundaries."

The Fair Board would have to issue permits that clearly outline the area.

"During fair time, that might be a little difficult because of the full size of the grounds," Schulz said. "During other events on the grounds, we would be able to set up a parameter. Say, if we were to have a big car show up there, we could set up fencing and say it has to stay within this area and proper security would have to be taken with that."

Now that the bill is signed, the board can take up the issue. The next State Fair Board meeting is May 10 at 10 a.m.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — New Kansas laws will make the state fair home to drinkers who roam.

 Gov. Laura Kelly on Monday signed bills on beer and wine sales at the state fair. 

At the state fair, patrons 21 and older already can consume beer and wine in designated buildings and areas, but the new law will allow them to walk outside those areas with their drinks within boundaries marked off with a barrier.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1568929115476.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Governor Laura Kelly on Monday signed a large alcohol policy bill that allows for the consumption of beer, wine or other alcoholic liquor on the Kansas state fairgrounds in areas to be set by the State Fair Board."This would allow people to walk around the fairgrounds during fair time with their favorite beverage, beer or wine," State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz said last month. "We would be able to control that by setting boundaries."The Fair Board would have to issue permits that clearly outline the area."During fair time, that might be a little difficult because of the full size of the grounds," Schulz said. "During other events on the grounds, we would be able to set up a parameter. Say, if we were to have a big car show up there, we could set up fencing and say it has to stay within this area and proper security would have to be taken with that."Now that the bill is signed, the board can take up the issue. The next State Fair Board meeting is May 10 at 10 a.m.---------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — New Kansas laws will make the state fair home to drinkers who roam. Gov. Laura Kelly on Monday signed bills on beer and wine sales at the state fair. At the state fair, patrons 21 and older already can consume beer and wine in designated buildings and areas, but the new law will allow them to walk outside those areas with their drinks within boundaries marked off with a barrier.

Kansas to let drinkers roam at the State Fair

KANSAS CITY —A judge on Friday found Timothy Fernandez guilty of two felony counts related to the fatal shooting in February 2019 of Michael Bryan outside a business near 17th and Grand Boulevard in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

The judge convicted 45-year-old Fernandez guilty of Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action. 

According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to 17th and Grand on the morning of Feb. 5, 2019, regarding a shooting. The victim was found deceased on the sidewalk. He had suffered gunshot wounds. Surveillance video showed the fatal shooting of Michael Bryan. The suspect and the victim were on the north side of the business. 

The victim walked away and the suspect drew a gun and shot at the victim. The video also showed the suspect throwing away a tissue after blowing his nose before the shooting. 

Police recovered the tissue and tested for DNA. Police also found a backpack and jacket found nearby. DNA from the tissue, a fingerprint from an item found in the backpack were linked to the suspect and ammunition from the backpack was the same caliber as a bullet recovered from the victim's jacket.&nbsp;

In 2020, Fernandez was found guilty of the same counts in Bryan's shooting, but was granted a motion for a new trial. Fernandez will be sentenced at a later date, according to the prosecutor's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650276581990.png" alt="Fernandez-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Fernandez-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A judge on Friday found Timothy Fernandez guilty of two felony counts related to the fatal shooting in February 2019 of Michael Bryan outside a business near 17th and Grand Boulevard in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.The judge convicted 45-year-old Fernandez guilty of Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action. According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to 17th and Grand on the morning of Feb. 5, 2019, regarding a shooting. The victim was found deceased on the sidewalk. He had suffered gunshot wounds. Surveillance video showed the fatal shooting of Michael Bryan. The suspect and the victim were on the north side of the business. The victim walked away and the suspect drew a gun and shot at the victim. The video also showed the suspect throwing away a tissue after blowing his nose before the shooting. Police recovered the tissue and tested for DNA. Police also found a backpack and jacket found nearby. DNA from the tissue, a fingerprint from an item found in the backpack were linked to the suspect and ammunition from the backpack was the same caliber as a bullet recovered from the victim's jacket.&nbsp;In 2020, Fernandez was found guilty of the same counts in Bryan's shooting, but was granted a motion for a new trial. Fernandez will be sentenced at a later date, according to the prosecutor's office.

DNA from Kleenex tissue led to conviction in Kansas City murder

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal motorcycle crash have made an arrest.

Just before 3a.m. Saturday, police responded to an injury accident at 17th Street North and Tyler Road in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

At the scene, first responders located 20-year-old Jacob Fowler and 20-year-old Levi Ward both of Wichita. They had been riding a 2004 Honda Shadow motorcycle northbound on Tyler Road. 

As the motorcycle approached 17th Street, a 2011 Dodge Dakota driven by 23-year-old Collin Becker of Wichita entered the intersection from 17th Street. The motorcycle struck the pickup and both Fowler and Ward were ejected and died of their injuries.

Becker left the scene of the accident and returned later where police arrested him on requested charges of failure to stop at an accident resulting in death. Police will report their findings to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650302102139.png" alt="Becker-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Becker-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal motorcycle crash have made an arrest.Just before 3a.m. Saturday, police responded to an injury accident at 17th Street North and Tyler Road in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.At the scene, first responders located 20-year-old Jacob Fowler and 20-year-old Levi Ward both of Wichita. They had been riding a 2004 Honda Shadow motorcycle northbound on Tyler Road. As the motorcycle approached 17th Street, a 2011 Dodge Dakota driven by 23-year-old Collin Becker of Wichita entered the intersection from 17th Street. The motorcycle struck the pickup and both Fowler and Ward were ejected and died of their injuries.Becker left the scene of the accident and returned later where police arrested him on requested charges of failure to stop at an accident resulting in death. Police will report their findings to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

Kan. man arrested after 2 died in motorcycle, pickup crash

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kelly-signs-bill-expanding-authority-of-kansas-advanced-practice-rns/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas and national 
associations of nurse practitioners praised action by the Kansas 
Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly to reduce regulatory barriers to 
licensed advanced practice registered nurses practicing independently, 
including prescribing of medication without written authorization of a 
physician.

“This is a major milestone in health care for Kansas and for our 
nation,” said April Kapu, president of national nurse practitioner 
organization. “We celebrate as Kansas becomes the 26th state to grant 
patients full and direct access to nurse practitioners’ care. The 
majority of states have now adopted this legislative model, known as 
full practice authority.”

Under House Bill 2279, state law governing nurses was modified to 
permit advanced practice RNs to prescribe medications as well as require
 these nurses to maintain malpractice insurance and secure national 
certification for initial licensure as an advanced practice RN.

It also requires these medical professionals comply with federal Drug
 Enforcement Administration requirements related to controlled 
substances.

Kelly signed the bill approved by the House on a vote of 80-34 and by the Senate by a margin of 30-7.

“Kansas, like so many other states, is experiencing a 
health care shortage — especially in rural parts of the state,” Kelly 
said. “This will improve the availability of high quality health care by
 empowering APRNs to reduce local and regional care gaps.”

Amy Siple, an advanced practice RN and president of the 
state association, said the new law would increase Kansans’ access to 
care. She said the reform was a step toward “greater access, quality 
outcomes and reduced regulatory barriers.”

New York state adopted the full practice standard this 
year. Delaware and Massachusetts approved the nursing authority model in
 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650314217069.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bipartisan bill removing regulatory hurdles in Kansas to advanced practice registered nurses working more independently of physicians, including prescribing of medication. (Submitted to Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bipartisan bill removing regulatory hurdles in Kansas to advanced practice registered nurses working more independently of physicians, including prescribing of medication. (Submitted to Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kelly-signs-bill-expanding-authority-of-kansas-advanced-practice-rns/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas and national 
associations of nurse practitioners praised action by the Kansas 
Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly to reduce regulatory barriers to 
licensed advanced practice registered nurses practicing independently, 
including prescribing of medication without written authorization of a 
physician.“This is a major milestone in health care for Kansas and for our 
nation,” said April Kapu, president of national nurse practitioner 
organization. “We celebrate as Kansas becomes the 26th state to grant 
patients full and direct access to nurse practitioners’ care. The 
majority of states have now adopted this legislative model, known as 
full practice authority.”Under House Bill 2279, state law governing nurses was modified to 
permit advanced practice RNs to prescribe medications as well as require
 these nurses to maintain malpractice insurance and secure national 
certification for initial licensure as an advanced practice RN.It also requires these medical professionals comply with federal Drug
 Enforcement Administration requirements related to controlled 
substances.Kelly signed the bill approved by the House on a vote of 80-34 and by the Senate by a margin of 30-7.“Kansas, like so many other states, is experiencing a 
health care shortage — especially in rural parts of the state,” Kelly 
said. “This will improve the availability of high quality health care by
 empowering APRNs to reduce local and regional care gaps.”Amy Siple, an advanced practice RN and president of the 
state association, said the new law would increase Kansans’ access to 
care. She said the reform was a step toward “greater access, quality 
outcomes and reduced regulatory barriers.”New York state adopted the full practice standard this 
year. Delaware and Massachusetts approved the nursing authority model in
 2021.

Kelly signs bill expanding authority of Kan. advanced practice RNs

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A murder suspect captured by the U.S. Border Patrol and extradited to Kansas made his first court appearance Friday.

Patricio Gomez, 32,&nbsp; was charged with&nbsp;with 1st&nbsp;degree murder, attempted distribution of methamphetamine and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

On March 28, U.S. Border Patrol Agents&nbsp;in the El Paso&nbsp;Sector&nbsp;arrested Gomez who was wanted for&nbsp;murder in Wichita.

The El Paso Station&nbsp;Border Patrol Agent encountered a Gomez walking along&nbsp;the south side of the Border Barrier&nbsp;near Fonseca Drive&nbsp;and Cesar E. Chavez/Border Highway, according to a media release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

When agents questioned the Gomez as to his citizenship, he stated that he was a U.S.&nbsp;citizen and that he had&nbsp;just&nbsp;entered the United States&nbsp;from Mexico, illegally,&nbsp;by attempting to drive his truck across the Rio Grande.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Gomez, was taken into custody, for the illegal entry,&nbsp;and transported to a Border Patrol station for further investigation.&nbsp;Record checks revealed that he had an extensive criminal history&nbsp;and an&nbsp;active&nbsp;warrant&nbsp;out of&nbsp;Wichita for&nbsp;murder.

Gomez was&nbsp;remanded to the&nbsp;custody of the&nbsp;El Paso County Sheriff’s&nbsp;Office until his extradition to Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Just before 6:30p.m. Sept. 30, 2021. officers responded to a shooting call at a hotel in the 9400 block of East Corporate Hills.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located 42-year-old Michael Martinez who had been shot.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.

The investigation revealed&nbsp;Patricio&nbsp;along with a woman arrived at the hotel regarding an illegal drug transaction.&nbsp; During the transaction, a disturbance ensued and&nbsp;Gomez&nbsp;fired multiple shots at Martinez, striking him.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gomez&nbsp;and the woman fled the scene in a black Cadillac Escalade.

Police located the Cadillac outside of a hotel in Park City.&nbsp;

Gomez next court date is April 25, He is in the Sedgwick County Jail on a bond of $500,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650038792432.png" alt="Gomez-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Gomez-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A murder suspect captured by the U.S. Border Patrol and extradited to Kansas made his first court appearance Friday.Patricio Gomez, 32,&nbsp; was charged with&nbsp;with 1st&nbsp;degree murder, attempted distribution of methamphetamine and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;On March 28, U.S. Border Patrol Agents&nbsp;in the El Paso&nbsp;Sector&nbsp;arrested Gomez who was wanted for&nbsp;murder in Wichita.The El Paso Station&nbsp;Border Patrol Agent encountered a Gomez walking along&nbsp;the south side of the Border Barrier&nbsp;near Fonseca Drive&nbsp;and Cesar E. Chavez/Border Highway, according to a media release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.When agents questioned the Gomez as to his citizenship, he stated that he was a U.S.&nbsp;citizen and that he had&nbsp;just&nbsp;entered the United States&nbsp;from Mexico, illegally,&nbsp;by attempting to drive his truck across the Rio Grande.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gomez, was taken into custody, for the illegal entry,&nbsp;and transported to a Border Patrol station for further investigation.&nbsp;Record checks revealed that he had an extensive criminal history&nbsp;and an&nbsp;active&nbsp;warrant&nbsp;out of&nbsp;Wichita for&nbsp;murder.Gomez was&nbsp;remanded to the&nbsp;custody of the&nbsp;El Paso County Sheriff’s&nbsp;Office until his extradition to Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just before 6:30p.m. Sept. 30, 2021. officers responded to a shooting call at a hotel in the 9400 block of East Corporate Hills.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located 42-year-old Michael Martinez who had been shot.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633117408445.png" alt="Gomez-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Gomez-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed&nbsp;Patricio&nbsp;along with a woman arrived at the hotel regarding an illegal drug transaction.&nbsp; During the transaction, a disturbance ensued and&nbsp;Gomez&nbsp;fired multiple shots at Martinez, striking him.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gomez&nbsp;and the woman fled the scene in a black Cadillac Escalade.Police located the Cadillac outside of a hotel in Park City.&nbsp;Gomez next court date is April 25, He is in the Sedgwick County Jail on a bond of $500,000.

Suspect captured by Border Patrol charged with Kan. murder

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — State funds for Kansas’ public schools have been held up as Republican lawmakers push for policies critics say would punish educators for court rulings that forced the GOP-controlled Legislature to boost its spending.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/ccrb_hb2567_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">A legislative proposal</a>&nbsp;ties $6.4 billion in spending to policies pushed by conservative Republicans, including an “open enrollment” proposal to allow parents to send their children to any public school with enough space. Another provision would restrict surveys of students’ families, their beliefs, mental health, or drug or alcohol abuse. A third would expand a state-funded college scholarship program to students outside Kansas.

Republicans drafted the measure before lawmakers began their annual spring break earlier this month, to settle differences between the House and Senate. When legislators reconvene April 25, they must decide whether to add more money for special education programs and whether to link dollars to policy changes.

Conservatives argue they are trying to make schools more accountable for how they spend state money. They’ve been linking money to policy since 2014, when the Kansas Supreme Court issued&nbsp;<a href="https://www.the-review.com/story/news/2014/03/07/kansas-high-court-school-funding/19192626007/" target="_blank">the first of seven rulings</a>&nbsp;in an education funding lawsuit filed against the state by four school districts.

“It’s our responsibility to make sure that student outcomes are improving,” said state Rep. Kristey Williams, an Augusta Republican who chairs a House committee on education spending. “It’s important to always pair funding with an obligation on the schools’ part to provide back the accountability that they need to.”

But Democratic lawmakers, teachers and other educators see the bill combining funding and policy as imposing unnecessary new tasks that hinder teaching. Marcus Baltzell, spokesman for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kneaweb.org/" target="_blank">the state’s largest teachers union,</a>&nbsp;sees policy proposals as the “heavy toll” that Republicans want schools to pay for winning the funding lawsuit.

Kansas is set to spend 57% more on direct aid to its public schools during the 2021-22 school year than it did in 2011-2012, according to budget documents. With the pending measure, that figure would increase again by more than 6% for the 2022-23 school year, to $5.3 billion, including funding for educators’ pensions.

“If these folks are actually interested in fully funding public schools, they should just do that,” Baltzell said. “They shouldn’t have to attach special interest policy in order for kids to have all the resources that they deserve.”

Even with the additional funds, some districts expect to have budget shortfalls because state funding is tied to student numbers, and those numbers declined during the pandemic.

Also, the measure before lawmakers wouldn’t hit the goal set in state law for funding special education programs. The State Department of Education is asking Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly to support another $155 million for special education — 30% above the $520 million lawmakers had planned to spend for 2022-23.

“Because special education services are mandated by federal and state statute, school districts must make up this shortfall by reducing funding in their operating budgets for other necessary educational programs,” Deputy Education Commissioner Craig Neuenswander said in a letter to Kelly’s budget director.

It’s not clear yet how much policy will remain tied to funding. While Williams argues that negotiators struck a deal and should keep the package together, Senate Education Chair Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican, suggested that GOP leaders may separate some proposals from the money.

Senators would vote first on the package, and Baumgardner said she’s heard from senators in both parties who who don’t want to open up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasregents.org/students/student_financial_aid/promise-act-scholarship" target="_blank">the college scholarship program</a>&nbsp;to people outside Kansas, given that scholarships are capped at $10 million a year.

Williams said the goal is to attract people to Kansas, but Baumgardner said, “That is a real sticking point for the Senate.”

Meanwhile, Republicans argue that it’s necessary to restrict surveys in which students are asked about their personal beliefs and lives, so the surveys don’t take time away from classroom lessons and parents know beforehand what their children will be asked. Educators say such surveys provide valuable data and can help schools find at-risk children.

The open enrollment proposal split Republicans enough that one version&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20220323102801_716700/" target="_blank">barely passed the House</a>&nbsp;last month. The proposal would require districts to take students after determining how much space they have.

Williams and other supporters argue that the proposal would increase choices for parents. However, Mark Tallman, a lobbyist for the Kansas Association of School Boards, said that with decisions left to local officials, most districts take outside students and, “That system has worked well.”

Other critics said open enrollment could cause headaches for quickly growing school districts. And Rep. Jarrod Ousley, a Merriam Democrat, said better-off families in urban and suburban areas would benefit most, because parents would have to provide their own transportation.

“It creates the opportunity for — for lack of a better term — white flight,” Ousley said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648234906372.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — State funds for Kansas’ public schools have been held up as Republican lawmakers push for policies critics say would punish educators for court rulings that forced the GOP-controlled Legislature to boost its spending.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/ccrb_hb2567_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">A legislative proposal</a>&nbsp;ties $6.4 billion in spending to policies pushed by conservative Republicans, including an “open enrollment” proposal to allow parents to send their children to any public school with enough space. Another provision would restrict surveys of students’ families, their beliefs, mental health, or drug or alcohol abuse. A third would expand a state-funded college scholarship program to students outside Kansas.Republicans drafted the measure before lawmakers began their annual spring break earlier this month, to settle differences between the House and Senate. When legislators reconvene April 25, they must decide whether to add more money for special education programs and whether to link dollars to policy changes.Conservatives argue they are trying to make schools more accountable for how they spend state money. They’ve been linking money to policy since 2014, when the Kansas Supreme Court issued&nbsp;<a href="https://www.the-review.com/story/news/2014/03/07/kansas-high-court-school-funding/19192626007/" target="_blank">the first of seven rulings</a>&nbsp;in an education funding lawsuit filed against the state by four school districts.“It’s our responsibility to make sure that student outcomes are improving,” said state Rep. Kristey Williams, an Augusta Republican who chairs a House committee on education spending. “It’s important to always pair funding with an obligation on the schools’ part to provide back the accountability that they need to.”But Democratic lawmakers, teachers and other educators see the bill combining funding and policy as imposing unnecessary new tasks that hinder teaching. Marcus Baltzell, spokesman for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kneaweb.org/" target="_blank">the state’s largest teachers union,</a>&nbsp;sees policy proposals as the “heavy toll” that Republicans want schools to pay for winning the funding lawsuit.Kansas is set to spend 57% more on direct aid to its public schools during the 2021-22 school year than it did in 2011-2012, according to budget documents. With the pending measure, that figure would increase again by more than 6% for the 2022-23 school year, to $5.3 billion, including funding for educators’ pensions.“If these folks are actually interested in fully funding public schools, they should just do that,” Baltzell said. “They shouldn’t have to attach special interest policy in order for kids to have all the resources that they deserve.”Even with the additional funds, some districts expect to have budget shortfalls because state funding is tied to student numbers, and those numbers declined during the pandemic.Also, the measure before lawmakers wouldn’t hit the goal set in state law for funding special education programs. The State Department of Education is asking Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly to support another $155 million for special education — 30% above the $520 million lawmakers had planned to spend for 2022-23.“Because special education services are mandated by federal and state statute, school districts must make up this shortfall by reducing funding in their operating budgets for other necessary educational programs,” Deputy Education Commissioner Craig Neuenswander said in a letter to Kelly’s budget director.It’s not clear yet how much policy will remain tied to funding. While Williams argues that negotiators struck a deal and should keep the package together, Senate Education Chair Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican, suggested that GOP leaders may separate some proposals from the money.Senators would vote first on the package, and Baumgardner said she’s heard from senators in both parties who who don’t want to open up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasregents.org/students/student_financial_aid/promise-act-scholarship" target="_blank">the college scholarship program</a>&nbsp;to people outside Kansas, given that scholarships are capped at $10 million a year.Williams said the goal is to attract people to Kansas, but Baumgardner said, “That is a real sticking point for the Senate.”Meanwhile, Republicans argue that it’s necessary to restrict surveys in which students are asked about their personal beliefs and lives, so the surveys don’t take time away from classroom lessons and parents know beforehand what their children will be asked. Educators say such surveys provide valuable data and can help schools find at-risk children.The open enrollment proposal split Republicans enough that one version&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20220323102801_716700/" target="_blank">barely passed the House</a>&nbsp;last month. The proposal would require districts to take students after determining how much space they have.Williams and other supporters argue that the proposal would increase choices for parents. However, Mark Tallman, a lobbyist for the Kansas Association of School Boards, said that with decisions left to local officials, most districts take outside students and, “That system has worked well.”Other critics said open enrollment could cause headaches for quickly growing school districts. And Rep. Jarrod Ousley, a Merriam Democrat, said better-off families in urban and suburban areas would benefit most, because parents would have to provide their own transportation.“It creates the opportunity for — for lack of a better term — white flight,” Ousley said.___

Kansas GOP ties new school funds to 'choice,' other policies

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — A federal judge in Florida has voided the national mask mandate covering airplanes and other public transportation as exceeding the authority of U.S. health officials in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">coronavirus pandemic</a>.

The decision Monday by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Tampa, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, also said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention improperly failed to justify its decision and did not follow proper rulemaking.

In her 59-page ruling, Mizelle said the only remedy was to vacate the rule entirely because it would be impossible to end it for the limited group of people who objected to it in the lawsuit.

The judge said “a limited remedy would be no remedy at all” and that the courts have full authority to make a decision such as this — even if the goals of the CDC in fighting the virus are laudable.

“Because our system does not permit agencies to act unlawfully even in pursuit of desirable ends, the court declares unlawful and vacates the mask mandate,” she wrote.

The Justice Department declined to comment Monday when asked if the government planned to appeal the ruling.

The CDC recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-e603a9dfc361ad095733bc868ebeba74">extended the mask mandate</a>, which was set to expire Monday, until May 3 to allow more time to study the BA.2 omicron subvariant of the coronavirus that is now responsible for the vast majority of cases in the U.S.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-business-health-travel-lifestyle-ae387f22e84ff86822fa3a86ad4c6961">mask requirement</a>&nbsp;for travelers was the target of months of lobbying from the airlines, which sought to kill it. The carriers argued that effective air filters on modern planes make transmission of the virus during a flight highly unlikely. Republicans in Congress also fought to kill the mandate.

Critics have seized on the fact that states have rolled back rules requiring masks in restaurants, stores and other indoor settings, and yet COVID-19 cases have fallen sharply since the omicron variant peaked in mid-January.

There have been a series of violent incidents on aircraft that have mainly been attributed to disputes over the mask-wearing requirements.

The lawsuit was filed in July 2021 by two plaintiffs and the Health Freedom Defense Fund, described in the judge’s order as a nonprofit group that “opposes laws and regulations that force individuals to submit to the administration of medical products, procedures and devices against their will.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617380938877.png" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas City International Airport" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas City International Airport</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — A federal judge in Florida has voided the national mask mandate covering airplanes and other public transportation as exceeding the authority of U.S. health officials in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">coronavirus pandemic</a>.The decision Monday by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Tampa, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, also said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention improperly failed to justify its decision and did not follow proper rulemaking.In her 59-page ruling, Mizelle said the only remedy was to vacate the rule entirely because it would be impossible to end it for the limited group of people who objected to it in the lawsuit.The judge said “a limited remedy would be no remedy at all” and that the courts have full authority to make a decision such as this — even if the goals of the CDC in fighting the virus are laudable.“Because our system does not permit agencies to act unlawfully even in pursuit of desirable ends, the court declares unlawful and vacates the mask mandate,” she wrote.The Justice Department declined to comment Monday when asked if the government planned to appeal the ruling.The CDC recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-e603a9dfc361ad095733bc868ebeba74">extended the mask mandate</a>, which was set to expire Monday, until May 3 to allow more time to study the BA.2 omicron subvariant of the coronavirus that is now responsible for the vast majority of cases in the U.S.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-business-health-travel-lifestyle-ae387f22e84ff86822fa3a86ad4c6961">mask requirement</a>&nbsp;for travelers was the target of months of lobbying from the airlines, which sought to kill it. The carriers argued that effective air filters on modern planes make transmission of the virus during a flight highly unlikely. Republicans in Congress also fought to kill the mandate.Critics have seized on the fact that states have rolled back rules requiring masks in restaurants, stores and other indoor settings, and yet COVID-19 cases have fallen sharply since the omicron variant peaked in mid-January.There have been a series of violent incidents on aircraft that have mainly been attributed to disputes over the mask-wearing requirements.The lawsuit was filed in July 2021 by two plaintiffs and the Health Freedom Defense Fund, described in the judge’s order as a nonprofit group that “opposes laws and regulations that force individuals to submit to the administration of medical products, procedures and devices against their will.”___

Federal judge voids US mask mandate for planes, other travel

WICHITA —For the first-time ever, the National Hockey League is headed to Wichita.

The Arizona Coyotes and St Louis Blues will face off at Intrust Bank Arena on September 24 for an NHL preseason matchup, according to a social media report from the arena.

For the current season, the Blues are in second place&nbsp;in the NHL's Central division with a record of 46-20 and the Coyotes are in last place in that division with a record of 22-48.

Tickets for the G1 Sports &amp; Entertainment "Frozen Face Off" go on sale Friday at 10:00 AM through Select-A-Seat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650298803174.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA —For the first-time ever, the National Hockey League is headed to Wichita.The Arizona Coyotes and St Louis Blues will face off at Intrust Bank Arena on September 24 for an NHL preseason matchup, according to a social media report from the arena.For the current season, the Blues are in second place&nbsp;in the NHL's Central division with a record of 46-20 and the Coyotes are in last place in that division with a record of 22-48.Tickets for the G1 Sports &amp; Entertainment "Frozen Face Off" go on sale Friday at 10:00 AM through Select-A-Seat.

National Hockey League will play a game in Wichita

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after an arrest. Shortly before 2p.m. Friday, deputies with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office were attempting to locate a subject wanted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The search led them to a residence in the 2100 block of North Kansas Avenue in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. Deputies took 60-year-old Richard L. Niedfeldt of Topeka into custody. During the arrest, illegal narcotics were located. Niedfeldt was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for two warrants and requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650232037428.png" alt="Niedfeldt photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Niedfeldt photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after an arrest. Shortly before 2p.m. Friday, deputies with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office were attempting to locate a subject wanted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The search led them to a residence in the 2100 block of North Kansas Avenue in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. Deputies took 60-year-old Richard L. Niedfeldt of Topeka into custody. During the arrest, illegal narcotics were located. Niedfeldt was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for two warrants and requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Deputies find 60-year-old with drugs at Kansas home

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and asking the public for help to locate a vehicle and ultimately a suspect.

Just after 11p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to the the 2400 block of SW Burnett in Topeka, according to Lt. Ronnie Connell. Upon arrival, officers found that an 11-year-old girl who qA suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

On Sunday, investigators released a security camera image of a vehicle identified as a vehicle of interest in the case.

Police have not released additional details on the girl's condition or reported an arrest. They asked anyone with information in the case to contact police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650285506930.png" alt="Security camera image of suspect vehicle -Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image of suspect vehicle -Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and asking the public for help to locate a vehicle and ultimately a suspect.Just after 11p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to the the 2400 block of SW Burnett in Topeka, according to Lt. Ronnie Connell. Upon arrival, officers found that an 11-year-old girl who qA suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.On Sunday, investigators released a security camera image of a vehicle identified as a vehicle of interest in the case.Police have not released additional details on the girl's condition or reported an arrest. They asked anyone with information in the case to contact police.

Police ID vehicle of interest in shooting of 11-year-old Kan. girl

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The Interior Department said it’s moving forward with the first onshore&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-oil-gas-public-land-environment-4d2c446ee78f6ed172f28f0fa01c6826">sales of public oil and natural gas drilling leases&nbsp;</a>under President Joe Biden, but will sharply increase royalty rates for companies as federal officials weigh efforts to fight climate change against pressure to bring down high gasoline prices.

The royalty rate for new leases will increase to 18.75% from 12.5%. That’s a 50% jump and marks the first increase to royalties for the federal government since they were imposed in the 1920s.

Biden suspended new leasing just a week after taking office in January 2021. A federal judge in Louisiana ordered the sales to resume, saying Interior officials had offered no “rational explanation” for canceling them.

The government&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-science-business-environment-and-nature-cc0deca6a28aab21cd4e0aa35ea7b6af">held an offshore lease auction</a>&nbsp;in the Gulf of Mexico in November, although a court later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-business-environment-and-nature-environment-62adf1fd8d2731449df882e6709f3522">blocked that sale</a>&nbsp;before the leases were issued.

The announcement comes amid pressure for Biden to expand U.S. crude production as the pandemic and war in Ukraine roil the global economy and fuel prices have spiked. The Democrat faces calls from within his own party to do more to curb emissions from fossil fuels that are driving climate change.

Leases for 225 square miles (580 square kilometers) of federal lands primarily in the West will be offered for sale in a notice to be posted on Monday, officials said. The parcels represent about 30 % less land than officials had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-oil-gas-public-land-environment-4d2c446ee78f6ed172f28f0fa01c6826">proposed for sale&nbsp;</a>in November and 80% less than what was originally nominated by the industry.

The sales notices will cover leasing decisions in nine states — Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Montana, Alabama, Nevada, North Dakota and Oklahoma.

Interior Department officials declined to specify which states would have parcels for sale or to give a breakdown of the amount of land by state, saying that information would be included in Monday’s sales notices. They said the reduced area being offered reflects a focus on leasing in locations near existing oil and gas development including pipelines.

Hundreds of parcels of public land that companies nominated for leasing had been previously dropped from the upcoming lease sale because of concerns about wildlife being harmed by drilling rigs.

At the time, officials said burning fuel from the remaining leases could cost billions of dollars in climate change impacts. Fossil fuels extracted from public lands account for about 20% of energy-related U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making them a prime target for climate activists who want to shut down leasing.

Republicans want more drilling, saying it would increase U.S. energy independence and help bring down the cost of crude. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-covid-health-business-da75f38d60c1e820b5147fa9e25feca2">oil companies have been hesitant to expand drilling</a>&nbsp;because of uncertainty over how long high prices will continue.

Friday’s announcement comes after Interior officials had raised the prospect of higher royalty rates and less land available for drilling in a leasing reform report issued last year.

“For too long, the federal oil and gas leasing programs have prioritized the wants of extractive industries,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “Today, we begin to reset how and what we consider to be the highest and best use of Americans’ resources.”

But the move brought condemnation from both ends of the political spectrum: Environmentalists derided the decision to hold the long-delayed sales, while oil industry representatives said the higher royalty rates would deter drilling.

Nicole Ghio with the environmental group Friends of the Earth said Biden was putting oil industry profits ahead of future generations that will have to deal with the worsening consequences of climate change.

“If Biden wants to be a climate leader, he must stop auctioning off our public lands to Big Oil,” Ghio said in an emailed statement.

American Petroleum Institute Vice President Frank Macchiarola said officials had removed some of the most significant parcels that companies wanted to drill while adding “new barriers” that would discourage companies from investing in drilling on public lands.

Lease sales and royalties that companies pay on extracted oil and gas brought in more than $83 billion in revenue over the past decade. Half the money from onshore drilling goes to the state where it occurred.

Most states and many private landowners require companies to pay royalty rates higher than 12.5%, with some states charging 20% or more, according to federal officials.

The royalty rate for oil produced from federal reserves in deep waters in the Gulf of Mexico is 18.75%. In the November auction that was later canceled, energy companies including Shell, BP, Chevron and ExxonMobil offered a combined $192 million for offshore drilling rights in the Gulf.

New leases that are developed could keep producing crude long past 2030, when Biden has set a goal to lower greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50%, compared with 2005 levels. Scientists say the world needs to be well on the way to that goal over the next decade to avoid catastrophic climate change.

Economists say a higher royalty rate would have a relatively small effect on global emissions, because any reductions in oil and gas from federal lands would be largely offset by fuel from other sources.

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The Interior Department said it’s moving forward with the first onshore&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-oil-gas-public-land-environment-4d2c446ee78f6ed172f28f0fa01c6826">sales of public oil and natural gas drilling leases&nbsp;</a>under President Joe Biden, but will sharply increase royalty rates for companies as federal officials weigh efforts to fight climate change against pressure to bring down high gasoline prices.The royalty rate for new leases will increase to 18.75% from 12.5%. That’s a 50% jump and marks the first increase to royalties for the federal government since they were imposed in the 1920s.Biden suspended new leasing just a week after taking office in January 2021. A federal judge in Louisiana ordered the sales to resume, saying Interior officials had offered no “rational explanation” for canceling them.The government&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-science-business-environment-and-nature-cc0deca6a28aab21cd4e0aa35ea7b6af">held an offshore lease auction</a>&nbsp;in the Gulf of Mexico in November, although a court later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-business-environment-and-nature-environment-62adf1fd8d2731449df882e6709f3522">blocked that sale</a>&nbsp;before the leases were issued.The announcement comes amid pressure for Biden to expand U.S. crude production as the pandemic and war in Ukraine roil the global economy and fuel prices have spiked. The Democrat faces calls from within his own party to do more to curb emissions from fossil fuels that are driving climate change.Leases for 225 square miles (580 square kilometers) of federal lands primarily in the West will be offered for sale in a notice to be posted on Monday, officials said. The parcels represent about 30 % less land than officials had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-oil-gas-public-land-environment-4d2c446ee78f6ed172f28f0fa01c6826">proposed for sale&nbsp;</a>in November and 80% less than what was originally nominated by the industry.The sales notices will cover leasing decisions in nine states — Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Montana, Alabama, Nevada, North Dakota and Oklahoma.Interior Department officials declined to specify which states would have parcels for sale or to give a breakdown of the amount of land by state, saying that information would be included in Monday’s sales notices. They said the reduced area being offered reflects a focus on leasing in locations near existing oil and gas development including pipelines.Hundreds of parcels of public land that companies nominated for leasing had been previously dropped from the upcoming lease sale because of concerns about wildlife being harmed by drilling rigs.At the time, officials said burning fuel from the remaining leases could cost billions of dollars in climate change impacts. Fossil fuels extracted from public lands account for about 20% of energy-related U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making them a prime target for climate activists who want to shut down leasing.Republicans want more drilling, saying it would increase U.S. energy independence and help bring down the cost of crude. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-covid-health-business-da75f38d60c1e820b5147fa9e25feca2">oil companies have been hesitant to expand drilling</a>&nbsp;because of uncertainty over how long high prices will continue.Friday’s announcement comes after Interior officials had raised the prospect of higher royalty rates and less land available for drilling in a leasing reform report issued last year.“For too long, the federal oil and gas leasing programs have prioritized the wants of extractive industries,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “Today, we begin to reset how and what we consider to be the highest and best use of Americans’ resources.”But the move brought condemnation from both ends of the political spectrum: Environmentalists derided the decision to hold the long-delayed sales, while oil industry representatives said the higher royalty rates would deter drilling.Nicole Ghio with the environmental group Friends of the Earth said Biden was putting oil industry profits ahead of future generations that will have to deal with the worsening consequences of climate change.“If Biden wants to be a climate leader, he must stop auctioning off our public lands to Big Oil,” Ghio said in an emailed statement.American Petroleum Institute Vice President Frank Macchiarola said officials had removed some of the most significant parcels that companies wanted to drill while adding “new barriers” that would discourage companies from investing in drilling on public lands.Lease sales and royalties that companies pay on extracted oil and gas brought in more than $83 billion in revenue over the past decade. Half the money from onshore drilling goes to the state where it occurred.Most states and many private landowners require companies to pay royalty rates higher than 12.5%, with some states charging 20% or more, according to federal officials.The royalty rate for oil produced from federal reserves in deep waters in the Gulf of Mexico is 18.75%. In the November auction that was later canceled, energy companies including Shell, BP, Chevron and ExxonMobil offered a combined $192 million for offshore drilling rights in the Gulf.New leases that are developed could keep producing crude long past 2030, when Biden has set a goal to lower greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50%, compared with 2005 levels. Scientists say the world needs to be well on the way to that goal over the next decade to avoid catastrophic climate change.Economists say a higher royalty rate would have a relatively small effect on global emissions, because any reductions in oil and gas from federal lands would be largely offset by fuel from other sources.

White House restarting federal oil, gas lease sales this week

KANSAS CITY —A jury found a man guilty in the fatal shooting of a woman in her vehicle near Downtown Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

On Friday, the jury convicted 28-year-old Dakkota Siders, Independence, of Murder 2nd Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;

According to court records, at approximately 3a.m. January 16, 2019, Kansas City police responded to Interstate 70 West near the Interstate 35 entrance ramp on a reported injury accident.

 Police found the victim, Barbra J. Harper, 71, deceased. She had suffered a gunshot wound. Holes in the headrest of the passenger's seat appeared to be from gunfire. 

The driver's side window was broken, as well as a passenger side window. Spent shell casings were found in the roadway nearby. Police detectives obtained surveillance video from city cameras and showed another vehicle speeding behind the victim's vehicle before the victim's vehicle swerves and strikes the guard rail. 

The vehicle speeding behind her vehicle exited onto Harrison Street from Interstate 70. Other video detected the sounds of two gunshots and showed the subject vehicle. 

Police determined the license plate number on the suspect vehicle and conducted surveillance on the residence associated with the plate. The defendant pulled into the driveway of that residence in what appeared to be the same vehicle. While he was arrested, police found a 9 mm handgun in his waistband, another 9 mm under his armpit, a large amount of cash and an I-phone. 

Another handgun was found inside as well as three pounds of marijuana with scales and sandwich baggies. During the investigation, detectives also learned of a disturbance and shots being fired near the Shady Lady on East 12th Street shortly before the homicide. 

Analysis of spent shell casing revealed they and those found near the homicide scene were fired from the same gun. Detectives believe the victim's vehicle may have been mistakenly targeted by the defendant after the Shady Lady incident.&nbsp;

Siders will be sentenced at a July 15 hearing, according to the prosecutor's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650207566443.png" alt="Siders-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Siders-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A jury found a man guilty in the fatal shooting of a woman in her vehicle near Downtown Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.On Friday, the jury convicted 28-year-old Dakkota Siders, Independence, of Murder 2nd Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;According to court records, at approximately 3a.m. January 16, 2019, Kansas City police responded to Interstate 70 West near the Interstate 35 entrance ramp on a reported injury accident. Police found the victim, Barbra J. Harper, 71, deceased. She had suffered a gunshot wound. Holes in the headrest of the passenger's seat appeared to be from gunfire. The driver's side window was broken, as well as a passenger side window. Spent shell casings were found in the roadway nearby. Police detectives obtained surveillance video from city cameras and showed another vehicle speeding behind the victim's vehicle before the victim's vehicle swerves and strikes the guard rail. The vehicle speeding behind her vehicle exited onto Harrison Street from Interstate 70. Other video detected the sounds of two gunshots and showed the subject vehicle. Police determined the license plate number on the suspect vehicle and conducted surveillance on the residence associated with the plate. The defendant pulled into the driveway of that residence in what appeared to be the same vehicle. While he was arrested, police found a 9 mm handgun in his waistband, another 9 mm under his armpit, a large amount of cash and an I-phone. Another handgun was found inside as well as three pounds of marijuana with scales and sandwich baggies. During the investigation, detectives also learned of a disturbance and shots being fired near the Shady Lady on East 12th Street shortly before the homicide. Analysis of spent shell casing revealed they and those found near the homicide scene were fired from the same gun. Detectives believe the victim's vehicle may have been mistakenly targeted by the defendant after the Shady Lady incident.&nbsp;Siders will be sentenced at a July 15 hearing, according to the prosecutor's office.

71-year-old KC-area woman killed in case of mistaken identity  

WASHINGTON — Taxpayers requesting an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/extension-of-time-to-file-your-tax-return">extension</a>
 will have until Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, to file a return. Not everyone 
has to ask for more time, however. Disaster victims, taxpayers serving 
in combat zones and those living abroad automatically have longer to 
file.

An extension of time to file will also automatically process when 
taxpayers pay all or part of their taxes electronically by this year's 
original due date of April 18, 2022. Although taxpayers can file up to 
six months later when they have an extension, taxes are still owed by 
the original due date.

Here's more about those who get automatic extensions:

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations">Victims</a>
 of the December 2021 tornadoes and flooding in Arkansas, Illinois, 
Kentucky and Tennessee have until May 16, 2022, to file their 2021 
returns and pay any tax due, as do victims of Colorado wildfires and 
straight-line winds that began Dec. 30. In addition, victims of severe 
storms, flooding and landslides that began on Feb. 4 in Puerto Rico will
 have until June 15, 2022, to file and pay.

The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any 
taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in a federally declared 
disaster area when at least one area qualifies for FEMA's Individual 
Assistance program. Ordinarily, this means that taxpayers need not 
contact the IRS to get disaster tax relief.

This relief also includes more time for making 2021 contributions to 
IRAs and other plans and making 2022 estimated tax payments. In some 
cases, relief is also available to people living outside the disaster 
area if, for example, they have a business located in the disaster area,
 have tax records located in the disaster area or are assisting in 
disaster relief. For details on all available relief, visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation">Around the Nation</a> page on IRS.gov.

Military service members and eligible support personnel serving in a 
combat zone have at least 180 days after they leave the combat zone to 
file their tax returns and pay any tax due. This includes those serving 
in Iraq, Afghanistan and other combat zones. A complete list of 
designated combat zone localities can be found in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-3">Publication 3, Armed Forces' Tax Guide</a>, available on IRS.gov.

Combat zone extensions also give affected taxpayers more time for a 
variety of other tax-related actions, including contributing to an IRA. 
Various circumstances affect the exact length of the extension available
 to taxpayers. Details, including examples illustrating how these 
extensions are calculated, are in the Extensions of Deadlines section in
 Publication 3.

U.S. citizens and resident aliens who live and work outside the U.S. 
and Puerto Rico have until June 15, 2022, to file their 2021 tax returns
 and pay any tax due.

The special June 15 deadline also applies to members of the military 
on duty outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico who do not qualify for the 
longer combat zone extension. Affected taxpayers should attach a 
statement to their return explaining which of these situations apply.

Though taxpayers abroad get more time to pay, interest — <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/interest-rates-increase-for-the-second-quarter-of-2022">currently</a>
 at the rate of 4% per year, compounded daily — applies to any payment 
received after this year's April 18 deadline. For more information about
 the special tax rules for U.S. taxpayers abroad, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-54">Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad</a>, on IRS.gov.

Taxpayers who don't qualify for any of these three special situations
 can still get more time to file by submitting a request for an 
automatic extension. This will extend their filing deadline until Oct. 
17, 2022. But because this is only a tax-filing extension, their 2021 
tax payments are still due by April 18.

An easy way to get the extra time is through IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> on IRS.gov. In a matter of minutes, anyone, regardless of income, can use this free service to electronically <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-everyone-can-file-an-extension-for-free">request an extension</a> on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868">Form 4868</a>. To get the extension, taxpayers must estimate their tax liability on this form.

Another option is to pay electronically and get a tax-filing 
extension. The IRS will automatically process an extension when a 
taxpayer selects Form 4868 and makes a full or partial federal tax 
payment by the April 18 due date using their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a> or a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card">debit, credit card or digital wallet</a>.
 Under this option, there is no need to file a separate Form 4868. 
Taxpayers must register for EFTPS before using. Electronic payment 
options are available at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">Pay Online</a>.

The deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or an extension to file and 
pay tax owed this year falls on April 18, instead of April 15, because 
of the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia. Taxpayers 
in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 19, 2022, to file their 
returns due to the Patriots' Day holiday in those states.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — Taxpayers requesting an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/extension-of-time-to-file-your-tax-return">extension</a>
 will have until Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, to file a return. Not everyone 
has to ask for more time, however. Disaster victims, taxpayers serving 
in combat zones and those living abroad automatically have longer to 
file.An extension of time to file will also automatically process when 
taxpayers pay all or part of their taxes electronically by this year's 
original due date of April 18, 2022. Although taxpayers can file up to 
six months later when they have an extension, taxes are still owed by 
the original due date.Here's more about those who get automatic extensions:<h2>Disaster victims</h2><a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations">Victims</a>
 of the December 2021 tornadoes and flooding in Arkansas, Illinois, 
Kentucky and Tennessee have until May 16, 2022, to file their 2021 
returns and pay any tax due, as do victims of Colorado wildfires and 
straight-line winds that began Dec. 30. In addition, victims of severe 
storms, flooding and landslides that began on Feb. 4 in Puerto Rico will
 have until June 15, 2022, to file and pay.The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any 
taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in a federally declared 
disaster area when at least one area qualifies for FEMA's Individual 
Assistance program. Ordinarily, this means that taxpayers need not 
contact the IRS to get disaster tax relief.This relief also includes more time for making 2021 contributions to 
IRAs and other plans and making 2022 estimated tax payments. In some 
cases, relief is also available to people living outside the disaster 
area if, for example, they have a business located in the disaster area,
 have tax records located in the disaster area or are assisting in 
disaster relief. For details on all available relief, visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation">Around the Nation</a> page on IRS.gov.<h2>Combat zone taxpayers</h2>Military service members and eligible support personnel serving in a 
combat zone have at least 180 days after they leave the combat zone to 
file their tax returns and pay any tax due. This includes those serving 
in Iraq, Afghanistan and other combat zones. A complete list of 
designated combat zone localities can be found in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-3">Publication 3, Armed Forces' Tax Guide</a>, available on IRS.gov.Combat zone extensions also give affected taxpayers more time for a 
variety of other tax-related actions, including contributing to an IRA. 
Various circumstances affect the exact length of the extension available
 to taxpayers. Details, including examples illustrating how these 
extensions are calculated, are in the Extensions of Deadlines section in
 Publication 3.<h2>Taxpayers outside the United States</h2>U.S. citizens and resident aliens who live and work outside the U.S. 
and Puerto Rico have until June 15, 2022, to file their 2021 tax returns
 and pay any tax due.The special June 15 deadline also applies to members of the military 
on duty outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico who do not qualify for the 
longer combat zone extension. Affected taxpayers should attach a 
statement to their return explaining which of these situations apply.Though taxpayers abroad get more time to pay, interest — <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/interest-rates-increase-for-the-second-quarter-of-2022">currently</a>
 at the rate of 4% per year, compounded daily — applies to any payment 
received after this year's April 18 deadline. For more information about
 the special tax rules for U.S. taxpayers abroad, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-54">Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad</a>, on IRS.gov.<h2>Everyone else</h2>Taxpayers who don't qualify for any of these three special situations
 can still get more time to file by submitting a request for an 
automatic extension. This will extend their filing deadline until Oct. 
17, 2022. But because this is only a tax-filing extension, their 2021 
tax payments are still due by April 18.An easy way to get the extra time is through IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> on IRS.gov. In a matter of minutes, anyone, regardless of income, can use this free service to electronically <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-everyone-can-file-an-extension-for-free">request an extension</a> on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868">Form 4868</a>. To get the extension, taxpayers must estimate their tax liability on this form.Another option is to pay electronically and get a tax-filing 
extension. The IRS will automatically process an extension when a 
taxpayer selects Form 4868 and makes a full or partial federal tax 
payment by the April 18 due date using their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a> or a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card">debit, credit card or digital wallet</a>.
 Under this option, there is no need to file a separate Form 4868. 
Taxpayers must register for EFTPS before using. Electronic payment 
options are available at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">Pay Online</a>.The deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or an extension to file and 
pay tax owed this year falls on April 18, instead of April 15, because 
of the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia. Taxpayers 
in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 19, 2022, to file their 
returns due to the Patriots' Day holiday in those states.

Extensions of time to file tax returns; some taxpayers instantly qualify

TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said he will ask the Kansas Supreme Court to approve&nbsp;the newly redrawn legislative district maps that were signed into law Friday, according to a statement from the AG's office.

The Kansas constitution requires legislators to reapportion all 40 Kansas Senate districts and 125 House of Representative districts to reflect population changes from the 2020 census. Legislators approved the new boundaries with large, bipartisan majorities and the governor today signed into law the bill creating the new district boundaries.

"The procedure for judicial review of state legislative districts differs significantly from that for review of congressional districts," Schmidt said. "Unlike congressional redistricting where the attorney general's role is to defend the redrawn boundaries against legal attacks brought by dissatisfied parties, the attorney general is required by the state constitution to proactively seek judicial review of new legislative district boundaries in the Kansas Supreme Court. I will do so promptly."

The redistricting bill next must be published in the Kansas Register. Within 15 days of publication, Schmidt must file a request for the Kansas Supreme Court to review the new legislative district boundaries. Schmidt said he will ask the court not only to review the boundaries but to approve them.

"The new legislative district boundaries appear to satisfy all legal requirements previously established by state constitutional, statutory or common law," Schmidt said. "So I will ask the Kansas Supreme Court to approve the new district boundaries as quickly as possible so candidate filing for this year's legislative elections can proceed without unnecessary disruption or delay."

In addition to handling the legislative maps, Schmidt’s office has been defending against legal challenges in Wyandotte County brought by parties dissatisfied with the recently enacted new boundaries for the four congressional districts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643147273216.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said he will ask the Kansas Supreme Court to approve&nbsp;the newly redrawn legislative district maps that were signed into law Friday, according to a statement from the AG's office.The Kansas constitution requires legislators to reapportion all 40 Kansas Senate districts and 125 House of Representative districts to reflect population changes from the 2020 census. Legislators approved the new boundaries with large, bipartisan majorities and the governor today signed into law the bill creating the new district boundaries."The procedure for judicial review of state legislative districts differs significantly from that for review of congressional districts," Schmidt said. "Unlike congressional redistricting where the attorney general's role is to defend the redrawn boundaries against legal attacks brought by dissatisfied parties, the attorney general is required by the state constitution to proactively seek judicial review of new legislative district boundaries in the Kansas Supreme Court. I will do so promptly."The redistricting bill next must be published in the Kansas Register. Within 15 days of publication, Schmidt must file a request for the Kansas Supreme Court to review the new legislative district boundaries. Schmidt said he will ask the court not only to review the boundaries but to approve them."The new legislative district boundaries appear to satisfy all legal requirements previously established by state constitutional, statutory or common law," Schmidt said. "So I will ask the Kansas Supreme Court to approve the new district boundaries as quickly as possible so candidate filing for this year's legislative elections can proceed without unnecessary disruption or delay."In addition to handling the legislative maps, Schmidt’s office has been defending against legal challenges in Wyandotte County brought by parties dissatisfied with the recently enacted new boundaries for the four congressional districts.

Kan. AG will ask State High Court to approve new legislative district maps

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man has been sentenced to prison for animal cruelty after killing his girlfriend's puppy and other crimes.&nbsp; &nbsp;Judge Eric Williams sentenced 46-year-old Jesse Powell to just over 2 and one half years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Powell pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal threat and a misdemeanor count of cruelty to animals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In November of 2020,&nbsp; the Wichita police department Domestic Intervention Violence Reduction Team following up on a domestic violence threat case worked to locate Powell who was wanted on requested threat charges, Police learned Powell had fatally injured his girlfriend's puppy, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

Police located Powell and arrested him at a home in the 4200 block of South Broadway in Wichita.

He has previous convictions for stalking, forgery, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, aggravated criminal threat, battery of a law enforcement officer and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605892413255.png" alt="Powell-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Powell-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man has been sentenced to prison for animal cruelty after killing his girlfriend's puppy and other crimes.&nbsp; &nbsp;Judge Eric Williams sentenced 46-year-old Jesse Powell to just over 2 and one half years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Powell pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal threat and a misdemeanor count of cruelty to animals.&nbsp;&nbsp;In November of 2020,&nbsp; the Wichita police department Domestic Intervention Violence Reduction Team following up on a domestic violence threat case worked to locate Powell who was wanted on requested threat charges, Police learned Powell had fatally injured his girlfriend's puppy, according to Officer Charley Davidson.Police located Powell and arrested him at a home in the 4200 block of South Broadway in Wichita.He has previous convictions for stalking, forgery, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, aggravated criminal threat, battery of a law enforcement officer and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;--------

Kansas felon who killed girlfriend's puppy is going back to prison

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after standoff at a Kansas home.

Just after 4 p.m. Friday, deputies were following up on a neighborhood complaint in the 1100 Block of SW Frazier in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

While the officers were conducting follow-up, 44-year-old Cooper Rothschild pointed a weapon at officers then barricaded himself inside his home. 

The Topeka Police Department's Response Team and Crisis Negotiators responded to the scene. At around 11:38 pm the subject was taken into custody without incident. Rothschild was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and later transported to the Shawnee County on requested charges of Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer , Aggravated Battery and Felony Interference.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650232107860.png" alt="Rothschild-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Rothschild-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after standoff at a Kansas home.Just after 4 p.m. Friday, deputies were following up on a neighborhood complaint in the 1100 Block of SW Frazier in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.While the officers were conducting follow-up, 44-year-old Cooper Rothschild pointed a weapon at officers then barricaded himself inside his home. The Topeka Police Department's Response Team and Crisis Negotiators responded to the scene. At around 11:38 pm the subject was taken into custody without incident. Rothschild was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and later transported to the Shawnee County on requested charges of Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer , Aggravated Battery and Felony Interference.

Sheriff: Kansas man jailed after threatening officers with weapon

By DAN PARKS of The Chronicle of Philanthropy, via Associated Press

Last Mile Food Rescue in Cincinnati started shopping in November for a refrigerated box truck to move perishable donations from food retailers to distribution sites. The purchase would take some of the pressure off overstretched volunteers, who would have to make three or more runs in their cars to haul as much food as a single truckload.

But Last Mile is experiencing sticker shock. Prices for the kind of truck its leaders have in mind have soared thousands of dollars in recent months, to as much as $80,000. For an organization with an annual budget of $650,000, that’s too big a hit to absorb.

Frustrated, the charity started looking for used trucks, but the prices of used vehicles have shot up as well.

“We look every day,” says Julie Shifman, Last Mile’s executive director. “We hope that we will be able to afford it, or a major donor might be able to come in to help us.”

Last Mile is far from alone. Nonprofits of all kinds are getting hit hard by inflation, experts say. Price and wage increases are hurting nonprofits in multiple ways, making it harder to keep up with their own basic operational expenses while also forcing them to curtail the services they provide.

At the same time, there are early signs that the burst of generosity donors showed in the first year of the pandemic may be slowing considerably.

“It’s not a pretty equation,” says Shannon McCracken, chief executive of the Nonprofit Alliance, an advocacy group.

Nonprofits that provide annual cost-of-living increases for their workers, as many do, are getting hit with higher payroll costs of about 6% even without any increase based on merit or seniority, McCracken says.

David Lipsetz, CEO at the Housing Assistance Council, says inflation has eaten into the number of affordable-housing units his organization can provide.

The council underwrites loans for housing developments at below-market rates in some of the poorest regions of the country, and it strives to maximize the amount of housing it can build with limited resources. “We’re operating on extraordinarily thin margins,” says Lipsetz. “We are putting those loans out the door as cheaply as we can.”

When the price of building materials goes up 10%, says Lipsetz, there’s usually no room in the loan to accommodate that increase. Lipsetz says that sometimes his nonprofit can rework the terms of the loan or find additional sources of financing, but it doesn’t always work out.

“It’s stalled countless projects for us, right in the middle of a period of time when housing and shelter are the most important things needed to weather the storm of a pandemic,” says Lipsetz. “For us, a modest increase in costs can shut down a project in an area of the country where it’s needed the most.”

Jesse Tree, a nonprofit in Boise, Idaho, that pays rent for people who are on the verge of being evicted, has seen sharp increases in demand for assistance in recent years. Ali Rabe, the organization’s executive director, says research shows housing prices in her region shot up 75% from 2015 to 2020 at a time when local wages increased 18%.

The situation has only gotten worse since 2020, says Rabe. Work-at-home policies spurred by the pandemic allowed highly paid urban dwellers to relocate to rural areas, she says, and housing prices shot up another 40% or so last year.

Local courts in the Treasury Valley region of southwestern Idaho, which Jesse Tree serves, hold about 20 eviction hearings a week, says Rabe.

“We can only help about a quarter of people who apply for assistance,” she says.

A government grant provided through federal Covid assistance helped the nonprofit maintain operations, but that grant expires in September, says Rabe. The nonprofit is hoping donors will fill the gap, she says.

Nonprofits by their nature are in a poor position to adapt to rising costs, experts say. While McDonald’s can offset higher beef costs by raising the cost of a Big Mac, for many nonprofits the only options are to cut services or hope donors will come to the rescue.

Kelley Kuhn, CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association, says nonprofits that provide basic goods and services, like food and housing, are being hit the hardest. At the same time, nonprofits are struggling to retain workers who are being lured away by businesses that are able to offer higher salaries, says Kuhn.

By DAN PARKS of The Chronicle of Philanthropy, via Associated PressLast Mile Food Rescue in Cincinnati started shopping in November for a refrigerated box truck to move perishable donations from food retailers to distribution sites. The purchase would take some of the pressure off overstretched volunteers, who would have to make three or more runs in their cars to haul as much food as a single truckload.But Last Mile is experiencing sticker shock. Prices for the kind of truck its leaders have in mind have soared thousands of dollars in recent months, to as much as $80,000. For an organization with an annual budget of $650,000, that’s too big a hit to absorb.Frustrated, the charity started looking for used trucks, but the prices of used vehicles have shot up as well.“We look every day,” says Julie Shifman, Last Mile’s executive director. “We hope that we will be able to afford it, or a major donor might be able to come in to help us.”Last Mile is far from alone. Nonprofits of all kinds are getting hit hard by inflation, experts say. Price and wage increases are hurting nonprofits in multiple ways, making it harder to keep up with their own basic operational expenses while also forcing them to curtail the services they provide.At the same time, there are early signs that the burst of generosity donors showed in the first year of the pandemic may be slowing considerably.“It’s not a pretty equation,” says Shannon McCracken, chief executive of the Nonprofit Alliance, an advocacy group.Nonprofits that provide annual cost-of-living increases for their workers, as many do, are getting hit with higher payroll costs of about 6% even without any increase based on merit or seniority, McCracken says.David Lipsetz, CEO at the Housing Assistance Council, says inflation has eaten into the number of affordable-housing units his organization can provide.The council underwrites loans for housing developments at below-market rates in some of the poorest regions of the country, and it strives to maximize the amount of housing it can build with limited resources. “We’re operating on extraordinarily thin margins,” says Lipsetz. “We are putting those loans out the door as cheaply as we can.”When the price of building materials goes up 10%, says Lipsetz, there’s usually no room in the loan to accommodate that increase. Lipsetz says that sometimes his nonprofit can rework the terms of the loan or find additional sources of financing, but it doesn’t always work out.“It’s stalled countless projects for us, right in the middle of a period of time when housing and shelter are the most important things needed to weather the storm of a pandemic,” says Lipsetz. “For us, a modest increase in costs can shut down a project in an area of the country where it’s needed the most.”ADVERTISEMENTJesse Tree, a nonprofit in Boise, Idaho, that pays rent for people who are on the verge of being evicted, has seen sharp increases in demand for assistance in recent years. Ali Rabe, the organization’s executive director, says research shows housing prices in her region shot up 75% from 2015 to 2020 at a time when local wages increased 18%.The situation has only gotten worse since 2020, says Rabe. Work-at-home policies spurred by the pandemic allowed highly paid urban dwellers to relocate to rural areas, she says, and housing prices shot up another 40% or so last year.Local courts in the Treasury Valley region of southwestern Idaho, which Jesse Tree serves, hold about 20 eviction hearings a week, says Rabe.“We can only help about a quarter of people who apply for assistance,” she says.A government grant provided through federal Covid assistance helped the nonprofit maintain operations, but that grant expires in September, says Rabe. The nonprofit is hoping donors will fill the gap, she says.Nonprofits by their nature are in a poor position to adapt to rising costs, experts say. While McDonald’s can offset higher beef costs by raising the cost of a Big Mac, for many nonprofits the only options are to cut services or hope donors will come to the rescue.Kelley Kuhn, CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association, says nonprofits that provide basic goods and services, like food and housing, are being hit the hardest. At the same time, nonprofits are struggling to retain workers who are being lured away by businesses that are able to offer higher salaries, says Kuhn.“That’s something any nonprofit is experiencing now, trying to keep up with the requests for higher salaries and wages,” Kuhn says. She added that a passion for the mission won’t keep nonprofit workers from seeking higher wages elsewhere if they can’t meet basic living expenses.“That’s a lot of strain on human capital happening for nonprofits,” she says.Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott recently took the sting of inflation away for some nonprofits with another round of major gifts. The Housing Assistance Council, for example, got $7 million. And Habitat for Humanity, which has had to scale back the number of houses it builds due to increased costs of lumber and land, got $439 million, which will allow it to reverse course and ramp up operations.Corinne O’Connell, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, says the cost of replacing a roof on a row house shot up from $5,000 to $8,500 in a single year. And while her local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity received $5 million of Scott’s gift, she notes that most nonprofits can’t count on getting bailed out by a generous billionaire. “The screws just keep tightening on nonprofits who are working on the front lines,” O’Connell says.Like Shifman at Last Mile, Diana Lara leads a charity that collects and distributes food that was otherwise headed for the garbage. Lara’s Southern California nonprofit Food Finders has three trucks and a van, all refrigerated, and the fuel costs are gobbling up a bigger share of its budget.At the same time, grocery stores are hanging onto perishable food longer, she says. Food that previously would have been donated is getting marked down for a quick sale instead.The group purchases some nonperishable food to supplement donated goods, and those costs are rising, says Lara. Meanwhile new hires are demanding higher starting pay.In short, a wide array of expenses are over budget.“So we’re starting to feel that in our pockets,” she says. “It’s just insane.”