JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating after 3 adults were found dead in a&nbsp; home in Overland Park have identified the victims as 71-year-old Jonnie Hill, 64-year-old Susan Hill and 34-year-old Desiree Hill all of Overland Park.

Just after 10a.m. Thursday, police responded to a home for a welfare check in the 9100 Block of Nieman, according to a media release.

At the scene, officers met with the caller, a family member, who was attempting to contact a member of her family inside the residence.

Upon entry into the home, police found three adults and a family pet deceased.&nbsp; Police say they are investigating this as a possible homicide, suicide.

Authorities released no additional details Friday morning.&nbsp;

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating after 3 adults were found dead in a&nbsp; home in Overland Park.

Authorities released no additional details Thursday afternoon.

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating after 3 adults were found dead in a&nbsp; home in Overland Park have identified the victims as 71-year-old Jonnie Hill, 64-year-old Susan Hill and 34-year-old Desiree Hill all of Overland Park.Just after 10a.m. Thursday, police responded to a home for a welfare check in the 9100 Block of Nieman, according to a media release.At the scene, officers met with the caller, a family member, who was attempting to contact a member of her family inside the residence.Upon entry into the home, police found three adults and a family pet deceased.&nbsp; Police say they are investigating this as a possible homicide, suicide.Authorities released no additional details Friday morning.&nbsp;--------JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating after 3 adults were found dead in a&nbsp; home in Overland Park.Just after 10a.m. Thursday, police responded to a home for a welfare check in the 9100 Block of Nieman, according to a media release.At the scene, officers met with the caller, a family member, who was attempting to contact a member of her family inside the residence.Upon entry into the home, police found three adults and a family pet deceased.&nbsp; Police say they are investigating this as a possible homicide, suicide.Authorities released no additional details Thursday afternoon.

Police ID 3 adults found dead in Kansas home

EDISON, Neb. (AP) — A wildfire in southern Nebraska fueled by dry conditions and strong winds forced the evacuation of the small village of Edison, and officials reported a volunteer responder died in a crash on the way to fight the blaze. 

The Nebraska State Patrol called for a mandatory evacuation Thursday night of the Furnas County community just north of the Kansas border.

That order was later extended to rural residents around Edison and near the small town of Stamford. Critical fire weather conditions are forecast for Friday from the central Plains to the northwestern Gulf Coast, including parts of Texas and Louisiana, Much of Nebraska and Kansas could see wind gusts of up to 35 mph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649430093092.png" alt="Photo courtesy Nebraska State Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Nebraska State Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>EDISON, Neb. (AP) — A wildfire in southern Nebraska fueled by dry conditions and strong winds forced the evacuation of the small village of Edison, and officials reported a volunteer responder died in a crash on the way to fight the blaze. The Nebraska State Patrol called for a mandatory evacuation Thursday night of the Furnas County community just north of the Kansas border.That order was later extended to rural residents around Edison and near the small town of Stamford. Critical fire weather conditions are forecast for Friday from the central Plains to the northwestern Gulf Coast, including parts of Texas and Louisiana, Much of Nebraska and Kansas could see wind gusts of up to 35 mph.

Wildfire forces evacuation of Nebraska village near Kan. border

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a drive-by shooting in Salina and asking the public for help to ID a suspect.

Just before 11:30p.m. Saturday, April 2, officers with the Salina Police Department responded to the 600 block of Viemont Avenue regarding a drive-by shooting. 

On arrival, officers discovered the residence had been shot multiple times with a firearm. Several spent casings were located in the street. The occupants of the home were not injured. The occupants of the home reported an argument with two unknown black or Hispanic males at the house earlier in the evening. The unknown males left the residence in a vehicle and then the shots were fired. 

Officers located surveillance video from nearby homes. The subjects responsible for the shooting were driving a four-door hatchback passenger car. 


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: <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. Vaughan, case 2022-9157.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649421365044.jpeg" alt="Photo pulled from surveillance video courtesy Crimestoppers" />
 <figcaption>Photo pulled from surveillance video courtesy Crimestoppers</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a drive-by shooting in Salina and asking the public for help to ID a suspect.Just before 11:30p.m. Saturday, April 2, officers with the Salina Police Department responded to the 600 block of Viemont Avenue regarding a drive-by shooting. On arrival, officers discovered the residence had been shot multiple times with a firearm. Several spent casings were located in the street. The occupants of the home were not injured. The occupants of the home reported an argument with two unknown black or Hispanic males at the house earlier in the evening. The unknown males left the residence in a vehicle and then the shots were fired. Officers located surveillance video from nearby homes. The subjects responsible for the shooting were driving a four-door hatchback passenger car. 
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: <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. Vaughan, case 2022-9157.

Police ask for help to locate Kansas drive-by shooting suspects

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall hosted an event discussing the war in Ukraine and what it means for global food security, according to a statement from his office.

 Senator Marshall was joined by Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa as well as Ukrainian Civil Society leaders Dr. Hanna Hopko, Daria Kaleniuk, and Maria Berlinska.&nbsp;

“There is a perfect storm brewing in the Black Sea due to Putin’s unprovoked war. Ukraine is the breadbasket of Europe and a major exporter of sunflower oil, corn, wheat, and other staple foods. 

One third of all wheat exported in the world flows through the Black Sea. Every day this war continues takes us closer to the point-of-no-return where we will see food insecurity at a global level because it prevents Ukrainians from planting, harvesting, and shipping food. The commodity price explosion caused by this war will impact the pocketbook of every American already faced with staggering inflation,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall. 

“The strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people has inspired this nation and the world. We must get them the weapons they need and we must continue to stand side by side with them and all their farmers who work each day to feed and fuel those around the globe.”

The United Nations says prices for world food commodities like grains and vegetable oils have reached their highest levels ever because of Russia's war in Ukraine. The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization said Friday that its Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in international prices for a basket of commodities, averaged 159.3 points last month, up 12.6% from February.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall hosted an event discussing the war in Ukraine and what it means for global food security, according to a statement from his office. Senator Marshall was joined by Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa as well as Ukrainian Civil Society leaders Dr. Hanna Hopko, Daria Kaleniuk, and Maria Berlinska.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OUYzoGmsMWY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“There is a perfect storm brewing in the Black Sea due to Putin’s unprovoked war. Ukraine is the breadbasket of Europe and a major exporter of sunflower oil, corn, wheat, and other staple foods. One third of all wheat exported in the world flows through the Black Sea. Every day this war continues takes us closer to the point-of-no-return where we will see food insecurity at a global level because it prevents Ukrainians from planting, harvesting, and shipping food. The commodity price explosion caused by this war will impact the pocketbook of every American already faced with staggering inflation,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall. “The strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people has inspired this nation and the world. We must get them the weapons they need and we must continue to stand side by side with them and all their farmers who work each day to feed and fuel those around the globe.”The United Nations says prices for world food commodities like grains and vegetable oils have reached their highest levels ever because of Russia's war in Ukraine. The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization said Friday that its Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in international prices for a basket of commodities, averaged 159.3 points last month, up 12.6% from February.

🎥Sen. Marshall hosts global food security event with Ukrainians

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — President Joe Biden’s requirement that all&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-us-supreme-court-health-business-4b627f784e59e82e59ed66ed17cc8b67">federal employees be vaccinated</a>&nbsp;against COVID-19 was upheld Thursday by a federal appeals court.

In a 2-1 ruling, a panel of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-business-new-orleans-eb37276842a8c64ade009957fc225f56">reversed a lower court</a>&nbsp;and ordered dismissal of a lawsuit challenging the mandate. The ruling, a rare win for the administration at the New Orleans-based appellate court, said that the federal judge didn’t have jurisdiction in the case and those challenging the requirement could have pursued administrative remedies under Civil Service law.

Biden issued an executive order Sept. 9 ordering vaccinations for all executive branch agency employees, with exceptions for medical and religious reasons. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown, who was appointed to the District Court for the Southern District of Texas by then-President Donald Trump, issued a nationwide injunction against the requirement in January.

When the case was argued at the 5th Circuit last month, administration lawyers had noted that district judges in a dozen jurisdictions had rejected a challenge to the vaccine requirement for federal workers before Brown ruled.

The administration argued that the Constitution gives the president, as the head of the federal workforce, the same authority as the CEO of a private corporation to require that employees be vaccinated.

Lawyers for those challenging the mandate had pointed to a recent Supreme Court opinion that the government cannot force private employers to require employee vaccinations.

Twelve of 17 active judges at the 5th Circuit were nominated to the court by Republicans, including six Trump appointees.

Judges Carl Stewart and James Dennis, both nominated to the court by President Bill Clinton, were in the majority. Judge Rhesa Barksdale, a senior judge nominated by President George H.W. Bush, dissented, saying the relief the challengers sought does not fall under the Civil Service Reform Act cited by the administration.

The case marked ideological divides at the appeals court even before Thursday’s ruling.

A different panel had refused in February to block Brown’s ruling pending the appeal. That panel’s vote was 2-1. There were no reasons given by the majority — Judge Jerry Smith, a President Ronald Reagan nominee, and Don Willett, a Trump nominee.

But there was a lengthy dissent by Judge Stephen Higginson, a nominee of President Barack Obama, who said a single district judge “lacking public health expertise and made unaccountable through life tenure,” should not be able to block the president from ordering the same type of COVID-19 safety measures many private sector CEOs have ordered.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648688148561.png" alt="President Biden, 79, received the first series of two doses of the coronavirus vaccine shortly before taking office and a first booster shot in September. The additional booster dose was administered by a member of the White House Medical Unit-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden, 79, received the first series of two doses of the coronavirus vaccine shortly before taking office and a first booster shot in September. The additional booster dose was administered by a member of the White House Medical Unit-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW ORLEANS (AP) — President Joe Biden’s requirement that all&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-us-supreme-court-health-business-4b627f784e59e82e59ed66ed17cc8b67">federal employees be vaccinated</a>&nbsp;against COVID-19 was upheld Thursday by a federal appeals court.In a 2-1 ruling, a panel of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-business-new-orleans-eb37276842a8c64ade009957fc225f56">reversed a lower court</a>&nbsp;and ordered dismissal of a lawsuit challenging the mandate. The ruling, a rare win for the administration at the New Orleans-based appellate court, said that the federal judge didn’t have jurisdiction in the case and those challenging the requirement could have pursued administrative remedies under Civil Service law.Biden issued an executive order Sept. 9 ordering vaccinations for all executive branch agency employees, with exceptions for medical and religious reasons. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown, who was appointed to the District Court for the Southern District of Texas by then-President Donald Trump, issued a nationwide injunction against the requirement in January.When the case was argued at the 5th Circuit last month, administration lawyers had noted that district judges in a dozen jurisdictions had rejected a challenge to the vaccine requirement for federal workers before Brown ruled.The administration argued that the Constitution gives the president, as the head of the federal workforce, the same authority as the CEO of a private corporation to require that employees be vaccinated.Lawyers for those challenging the mandate had pointed to a recent Supreme Court opinion that the government cannot force private employers to require employee vaccinations.Twelve of 17 active judges at the 5th Circuit were nominated to the court by Republicans, including six Trump appointees.Judges Carl Stewart and James Dennis, both nominated to the court by President Bill Clinton, were in the majority. Judge Rhesa Barksdale, a senior judge nominated by President George H.W. Bush, dissented, saying the relief the challengers sought does not fall under the Civil Service Reform Act cited by the administration.The case marked ideological divides at the appeals court even before Thursday’s ruling.A different panel had refused in February to block Brown’s ruling pending the appeal. That panel’s vote was 2-1. There were no reasons given by the majority — Judge Jerry Smith, a President Ronald Reagan nominee, and Don Willett, a Trump nominee.But there was a lengthy dissent by Judge Stephen Higginson, a nominee of President Barack Obama, who said a single district judge “lacking public health expertise and made unaccountable through life tenure,” should not be able to block the president from ordering the same type of COVID-19 safety measures many private sector CEOs have ordered.

Appeals court OKs Biden federal employee vaccine mandate

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man after an unusual incident at a Topeka home.

Just after 7:30p.m. Tuesday,&nbsp;&nbsp;the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received information regarding an incident in the 3800 block of North Kansas Avenue, according to Lt. Manual Munoz.

The victim reported that 46-year-old James O. Meredith Jr. of Topeka drove a white 1995 Chevrolet Kodiak tow truck into his residence causing significant damage. 

Meredith then broke a window and climbed inside the residence where a physical altercation ensued. Meredith stole a firearm and fled the scene.

Through the investigation, information was gathered and Meredith was located in the 4500 block of NW Westgate Road. He was placed into custody and interviewed by detectives at the Law Enforcement Center.

Meredith was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and on requested charges of aggravated battery, theft of a firearm, criminal damage and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.

Meredith and the 45-year-old male victim are known to each other, according to Munoz.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649275909658.png" alt="Meredith-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Meredith-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man after an unusual incident at a Topeka home.Just after 7:30p.m. Tuesday,&nbsp;&nbsp;the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received information regarding an incident in the 3800 block of North Kansas Avenue, according to Lt. Manual Munoz.The victim reported that 46-year-old James O. Meredith Jr. of Topeka drove a white 1995 Chevrolet Kodiak tow truck into his residence causing significant damage. Meredith then broke a window and climbed inside the residence where a physical altercation ensued. Meredith stole a firearm and fled the scene.Through the investigation, information was gathered and Meredith was located in the 4500 block of NW Westgate Road. He was placed into custody and interviewed by detectives at the Law Enforcement Center.Meredith was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and on requested charges of aggravated battery, theft of a firearm, criminal damage and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.Meredith and the 45-year-old male victim are known to each other, according to Munoz.

Police: Man crashed tow truck into Kansas home, started fight

Sports betting is big business – <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/26620-bbb-scam-alert-betting-on-a-big-game-dont-fall-for-a-sports-betting-scam" target="_blank">for scammers as well</a>. According to recent <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>
 reports, con artists are posing as self-proclaimed handicappers who use
 insider information to place guaranteed bets on upcoming games. Don’t 
fall for it! Here’s how to avoid these “scamicappers.”

You come across a social media post or get an email about an 
experienced handicapper with a record of picking consistent wins. This 
handicapper is allegedly using insider information to place sure-thing 
bets on upcoming games. For a fee, you can get in on it too. This person
 is so confident about their information that they even offer you a 
money-back guarantee. For example, they may promise you free picks if 
you make a losing wager.

While it sounds like a safe bet, you’re really dealing with a 
scammer. These “scandicappers” had no intention of ever providing a 
refund or free picks. And their “insider information” is fake, too. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>
 has received multiple reports about this con. For example, one person 
reported paying for “sports betting picks with money back guarantees.” 
However, the handicapper never refunded the losing picks. The con artist
 “also lies about his winning record and is a true scammer in every 
sense of the word.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBSports betting is big business – <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/26620-bbb-scam-alert-betting-on-a-big-game-dont-fall-for-a-sports-betting-scam" target="_blank">for scammers as well</a>. According to recent <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>
 reports, con artists are posing as self-proclaimed handicappers who use
 insider information to place guaranteed bets on upcoming games. Don’t 
fall for it! Here’s how to avoid these “scamicappers.”<h2>How the scam works</h2>You come across a social media post or get an email about an 
experienced handicapper with a record of picking consistent wins. This 
handicapper is allegedly using insider information to place sure-thing 
bets on upcoming games. For a fee, you can get in on it too. This person
 is so confident about their information that they even offer you a 
money-back guarantee. For example, they may promise you free picks if 
you make a losing wager.While it sounds like a safe bet, you’re really dealing with a 
scammer. These “scandicappers” had no intention of ever providing a 
refund or free picks. And their “insider information” is fake, too. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>
 has received multiple reports about this con. For example, one person 
reported paying for “sports betting picks with money back guarantees.” 
However, the handicapper never refunded the losing picks. The con artist
 “also lies about his winning record and is a true scammer in every 
sense of the word.”<h2>How to avoid these scams: </h2><ul>
 <li>Avoid sports handicappers. A handicapper’s goal 
isn't to win bets for their members, it's to get people to buy their 
picks. Once you've purchased their picks, the handicapper has already 
won. It doesn't matter if the pick wins or loses, the handicapper keeps 
the payment.&nbsp; </li><li>Don’t believe promises that sound too good to be true.
 If a handicapper promises you will never lose a bet, or they will 
refund your money any time you do, think twice. Scammers love to entice 
their victims with get-rich-quick schemes. If it sounds too good to be 
true, it probably is. </li><li>Don’t fall for tempting ads. Be wary of gambling-related pop-up ads, email spam, or text messages.&nbsp; </li>
 </ul>

Scam alert: Handicapper promising guaranteed wins? Don't bet on it

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Thursday was a double celebration for Salina's OCCK, Inc. 

Not only was the organization celebrating the ribbon cutting opening of its expanded transportation facility in downtown Salina, but it also was announced as one of 26 agencies receiving funds as a part of the Access, Innovation, and Collaboration (AIC) Public Transit Program.

It was such an occasion for celebration that state and federal dignitaries, including Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Administrator Nuria Fernandez, and FTA Region 7 Regional Administrator Mokhtee Ahmad were greeted with green confetti when the bus that transported them from the Salina Regional Airport pulled into the new, 16,000 square-foot expansion of the OCCK Transportation building at 340 N. Santa Fe Avenue.

The expanded bus facility was funded by the Kansas Department of Transportation and an FTA grant, with support from the City of Salina and OCCK.

"OCCK has always believed that through partnerships, most things can be accomplished," OCCK President and CEO Shelia Nelson-Stout told the crowd assembled. "Many years ago, we began public transportation through a partnership with Salina Regional hospital, KDOT, and FTA. Since that time, we've added many other parties, City of Salina, county commissioners, service organizations, businesses, schools, colleges, to that partnership."

Trell Grinter, OCCK transportation director, told the crowd that since the organization's transportation program first began in 2005, OCCK Transportation has provided more than four million rides to people of central and north-central Kansas while logging millions of miles statewide.

"Transportation in Kansas is such an important tool. It connects people to the places and things that they need to live healthy and vibrant lives. It's not just for seniors and people with disabilities, but we pride ourselves on safe, affordable, quality, efficient transportation for people of all ages and abilities," said Michelle Griffin, OCCK mobility manager.

Griffin noted that transit supports both large and small communities in both rural and urban areas. It helps people get to and from work, school, medical appointments, shopping, visiting friends, and anywhere else they need to go.

"It helps us protect our rural areas, it promotes economic development, and it helps to curb social isolation," she said.

Lorenz said Salina was a shining example for the state, and even the nation, for what rural transit can do for people.

After referencing the KU men's basketball championship win, Lorenz said, "As you think about it, we're here today to celebrate more big wins for the State of Kansas. It's a team sport, transportation, and the wins that we are celebrating are that when we make investments, we expand people's access to healthcare, jobs, education now and in the future."

Lorenz explained that the team aspect of transportation was the collaboration between local, state, and federal government, as well as strong partnerships with the private sector and non-profit organizations.

"And, perhaps what is often overlooked is we need communities working together, working regionally. And that's what I want to underscore here today, the regional aspect of what you all deliver, because people's transportation needs aren't confined to just a city or a county line or a state line, and we shouldn't try to deliver service that way," Lorenz said.

"You'd be hardpressed to find a better example of regional transit than right here in north-central Kansas," she added.

Fernandez, who brought with her a number of officials from the regional and national FTA offices, praised OCCK and its partners for having a vision about transportation.

"Partnership cannot happen without a vision, I'm sorry," Fernandez said. "The fact that you all have established a vision, and a vision that has expanded. You started out small, and not only are you serving this county, but you have gone beyond many more counties and have created this regional transportation system that's so vital. It's so vital."

Fernandez said she would share information about what OCCK and its partners have accomplished.

"Mark my words. I will be using what's going on here and how you've been able to broaden into the community and into this region in many of my speeches and I will be sharing that also with Secretary Buttigieg, who I bring regards to all of you from, because it is so important for all of us to tell these stories. These are the stories that matter," she said.

Kelly told the crowd that while she was on the bus from the airport, Salina Mayor Trent Davis welcomed her home.

The governor, who was born in New York City, lived in Salina when she first moved to Kansas in the mid-1980s.

"It was a bit of a shock to my system, but the longer I was here and the more I got to know the people, the more I began to recognize what an incredible community Salina is. The fact that there are so many of you here this morning to celebrate this was exactly what I felt when I lived here in the '80s, was this sense of community like no other community, the willingness of people to use their own blood, sweat, and tears to get things done," Kelly said.

"Its the people in this area, the people who live in Salina who really are so incredible and make this and incredible place to live and make something like this possible," she added.

Kelly told the federal officials that the state was glad for them to be here to see first hand how Kansans were optimizing FTA funding.

"What you see happening here in Salina is a prime example of a community and a region working together to make public transportation a viable option for many Kansans. This $2 million facility expansion project was made possible by state and federal funds and with investments by both the City of Salina and OCCK," Kelly said.

More than eight million rides are provided by public transit in urban areas and approximately three million rides in rural communities each year, she said.

"For some, transit is a choice. For others, it's the only way to access services and jobs. Projects announced today will help continue our efforts to help Kansans access jobs, healthcare, and other essential services," Kelly said.

According to information from the governor's office, new funding announced today for OCCK is more than $1.2 million for the following.

●Mobility hubs and stop improvement, $84,600 

●81 Connection expansion (Saturdays), $54,812 

●CityGo+ - microtransit pilot in Salina, $250,400 

●Fixed route enhancements - Software and Bus Equipment, $570,769 

Other AIC Kansas 2022 Selected Projects announced today include the following.

Butler County Department on Aging, Technology Upgrade, $1,552

Community Health Center (CHC) - Southeast Kansas (SEK) in Crawford County, Regional Transportation Facility for SEK, $1,043,802

City of Liberal, Transit Program Signage, $172,800

City of Wilson, Bus Facility, $40,000

Clay County Task Force, New Bus for Clay County, $63,000

COF Training Services, Inc. in Franklin County, 2021 Bus Replacement, $51,746

Coffey County Transportation, Bus and Bus Facility Improvements, $25,600

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, Inc. (DSNWK) in Ellis County

●8-Passenger Bus w/ 4-Wheelchair Capacity, $71,702 

●Building &amp; Equipment Updates, $87,412 

Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency (FHATA) - serving Riley, Pottawatomie and Geary counties

●Safety &amp; Security Upgrades to FHATA Facility, $20,000 

●Covered Bus Parking Lot at the FHATA Facility, $57,750 

●Junction City Regional Transit Facility, $900,000 

●Junction City Fixed Route Bridge Funding, $157,500 

●Real Time Passenger Information Devices, $9,600 

●Zero Emissions Vehicle Study, $20,000 

Futures Unlimited – Sumner County, Transportation Facility Renovation, $221,060

Hetlinger Developmental Services – Lyon County, Three-Stall Bus Barn, $81,865

●Technology Improvements for RideKC, $382,500 

●Equitable &amp; Accessible Bus Stops, $122,040 

●Multimodal Transfer Facility Elements, $1,624,000 

●Zero-Emissions Transition Plan, $120,000 

●Technology, Accessibility and Branding Enhancements, $676,448 

Lyon County Transportation (LCAT), Security Camera Expansion, $12,000

Leavenworth County, Secure Parking Area for Transit Vehicles, $525,000

Morris County, Public Transportation Facility, $507,465

Northeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging – Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Jackson, Marshall, Nemaha and Washington counties, Clean Technology Expansion, $234,509

Osage County, New Vehicles, $222,400

Rooks County, Bus Garage Project, $620,928

Sedgwick County Department on Aging, Vehicle Camera Systems, $32,000

Southeast Kansas Community Action Program (SEK-CAP) – Crawford and Neosho counties, Innovative Scheduling, $103,437

Solomon Valley Transportation – Jewell, Mitchell and Osborne counties, Building Project, $1,484,290

The Guidance Center – Leavenworth, Transit Technology Implementation, $25,747

●Paratransit Software Enhancements, $16,560 

●Accident Incident Management System, $15,300 

●Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Pilot Program, $124,168 

Wabaunsee County, Fleet Expansion and Barriers, $87,210

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649372582395.jpeg" alt="OCCK Transportation employees shoot confetti above a bus delivering Governor Laura Kelly and other state and federal dignitaries to the celebration. Salina Post photos" />
 <figcaption>OCCK Transportation employees shoot confetti above a bus delivering Governor Laura Kelly and other state and federal dignitaries to the celebration. Salina Post photos</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostThursday was a double celebration for Salina's OCCK, Inc. Not only was the organization celebrating the ribbon cutting opening of its expanded transportation facility in downtown Salina, but it also was announced as one of 26 agencies receiving funds as a part of the Access, Innovation, and Collaboration (AIC) Public Transit Program.It was such an occasion for celebration that state and federal dignitaries, including Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Administrator Nuria Fernandez, and FTA Region 7 Regional Administrator Mokhtee Ahmad were greeted with green confetti when the bus that transported them from the Salina Regional Airport pulled into the new, 16,000 square-foot expansion of the OCCK Transportation building at 340 N. Santa Fe Avenue.The expanded bus facility was funded by the Kansas Department of Transportation and an FTA grant, with support from the City of Salina and OCCK.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649372797630.jpeg" alt="Shelia Nelson-Stout, OCCK president and CEO, speaks to those assembled as Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz look on." />
 <figcaption>Shelia Nelson-Stout, OCCK president and CEO, speaks to those assembled as Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz look on.</figcaption>
 </figure>"OCCK has always believed that through partnerships, most things can be accomplished," OCCK President and CEO Shelia Nelson-Stout told the crowd assembled. "Many years ago, we began public transportation through a partnership with Salina Regional hospital, KDOT, and FTA. Since that time, we've added many other parties, City of Salina, county commissioners, service organizations, businesses, schools, colleges, to that partnership."Trell Grinter, OCCK transportation director, told the crowd that since the organization's transportation program first began in 2005, OCCK Transportation has provided more than four million rides to people of central and north-central Kansas while logging millions of miles statewide."Transportation in Kansas is such an important tool. It connects people to the places and things that they need to live healthy and vibrant lives. It's not just for seniors and people with disabilities, but we pride ourselves on safe, affordable, quality, efficient transportation for people of all ages and abilities," said Michelle Griffin, OCCK mobility manager.Griffin noted that transit supports both large and small communities in both rural and urban areas. It helps people get to and from work, school, medical appointments, shopping, visiting friends, and anywhere else they need to go."It helps us protect our rural areas, it promotes economic development, and it helps to curb social isolation," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649373018536.jpeg" alt="Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz told those attending the celebration,&nbsp;"You'd be hardpressed to find a better example of regional transit than right here in north-central Kansas."" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz told those attending the celebration,&nbsp;"You'd be hardpressed to find a better example of regional transit than right here in north-central Kansas."</figcaption>
 </figure>Lorenz said Salina was a shining example for the state, and even the nation, for what rural transit can do for people.After referencing the KU men's basketball championship win, Lorenz said, "As you think about it, we're here today to celebrate more big wins for the State of Kansas. It's a team sport, transportation, and the wins that we are celebrating are that when we make investments, we expand people's access to healthcare, jobs, education now and in the future."Lorenz explained that the team aspect of transportation was the collaboration between local, state, and federal government, as well as strong partnerships with the private sector and non-profit organizations."And, perhaps what is often overlooked is we need communities working together, working regionally. And that's what I want to underscore here today, the regional aspect of what you all deliver, because people's transportation needs aren't confined to just a city or a county line or a state line, and we shouldn't try to deliver service that way," Lorenz said."You'd be hardpressed to find a better example of regional transit than right here in north-central Kansas," she added.Fernandez, who brought with her a number of officials from the regional and national FTA offices, praised OCCK and its partners for having a vision about transportation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649373220403.jpeg" alt="FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez, left, said she would share with others the transit successes of the OCCK programs." />
 <figcaption>FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez, left, said she would share with others the transit successes of the OCCK programs.</figcaption>
 </figure>"Partnership cannot happen without a vision, I'm sorry," Fernandez said. "The fact that you all have established a vision, and a vision that has expanded. You started out small, and not only are you serving this county, but you have gone beyond many more counties and have created this regional transportation system that's so vital. It's so vital."Fernandez said she would share information about what OCCK and its partners have accomplished."Mark my words. I will be using what's going on here and how you've been able to broaden into the community and into this region in many of my speeches and I will be sharing that also with Secretary Buttigieg, who I bring regards to all of you from, because it is so important for all of us to tell these stories. These are the stories that matter," she said.A welcome homeKelly told the crowd that while she was on the bus from the airport, Salina Mayor Trent Davis welcomed her home.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649373637547.jpeg" alt="Governor Laura Kelly talked of the strong sense of community in Salina before announcing new transportation funding that included OCCK." />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly talked of the strong sense of community in Salina before announcing new transportation funding that included OCCK.</figcaption>
 </figure>The governor, who was born in New York City, lived in Salina when she first moved to Kansas in the mid-1980s."It was a bit of a shock to my system, but the longer I was here and the more I got to know the people, the more I began to recognize what an incredible community Salina is. The fact that there are so many of you here this morning to celebrate this was exactly what I felt when I lived here in the '80s, was this sense of community like no other community, the willingness of people to use their own blood, sweat, and tears to get things done," Kelly said."Its the people in this area, the people who live in Salina who really are so incredible and make this and incredible place to live and make something like this possible," she added.Kelly told the federal officials that the state was glad for them to be here to see first hand how Kansans were optimizing FTA funding."What you see happening here in Salina is a prime example of a community and a region working together to make public transportation a viable option for many Kansans. This $2 million facility expansion project was made possible by state and federal funds and with investments by both the City of Salina and OCCK," Kelly said.More than eight million rides are provided by public transit in urban areas and approximately three million rides in rural communities each year, she said."For some, transit is a choice. For others, it's the only way to access services and jobs. Projects announced today will help continue our efforts to help Kansans access jobs, healthcare, and other essential services," Kelly said.According to information from the governor's office, new funding announced today for OCCK is more than $1.2 million for the following.●Mobility hubs and stop improvement, $84,600 ●Second floor renovation, $270,316 ●81 Connection expansion (Saturdays), $54,812 ●CityGo+ - microtransit pilot in Salina, $250,400 ●Fixed route enhancements - Software and Bus Equipment, $570,769 Other AIC Kansas 2022 Selected Projects announced today include the following.Butler County Department on Aging, Technology Upgrade, $1,552 Community Health Center (CHC) - Southeast Kansas (SEK) in Crawford County, Regional Transportation Facility for SEK, $1,043,802 City of Liberal, Transit Program Signage, $172,800 City of Wilson, Bus Facility, $40,000 Clay County Task Force, New Bus for Clay County, $63,000 COF Training Services, Inc. in Franklin County, 2021 Bus Replacement, $51,746 Coffey County Transportation, Bus and Bus Facility Improvements, $25,600 Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, Inc. (DSNWK) in Ellis County ●8-Passenger Bus w/ 4-Wheelchair Capacity, $71,702 ●Building &amp; Equipment Updates, $87,412 Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency (FHATA) - serving Riley, Pottawatomie and Geary counties ●Safety &amp; Security Upgrades to FHATA Facility, $20,000 ●Covered Bus Parking Lot at the FHATA Facility, $57,750 ●Junction City Regional Transit Facility, $900,000 ●K-18 Connector Expansion, $370,980 ●Junction City Fixed Route Bridge Funding, $157,500 ●Real Time Passenger Information Devices, $9,600 ●Microtransit Study, $54,000 ●Zero Emissions Vehicle Study, $20,000 Futures Unlimited – Sumner County, Transportation Facility Renovation, $221,060 Hetlinger Developmental Services – Lyon County, Three-Stall Bus Barn, $81,865 Johnson County Transit ●EV Micro Transit Service, $374,526 ●Technology Improvements for RideKC, $382,500 Lawrence Transit ●Equitable &amp; Accessible Bus Stops, $122,040 ●Multimodal Transfer Facility Elements, $1,624,000 ●Microtransit Pilot, $124,000 ●Zero-Emissions Transition Plan, $120,000 ●Technology, Accessibility and Branding Enhancements, $676,448 Lyon County Transportation (LCAT), Security Camera Expansion, $12,000 Leavenworth County, Secure Parking Area for Transit Vehicles, $525,000 Morris County, Public Transportation Facility, $507,465 Northeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging – Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Jackson, Marshall, Nemaha and Washington counties, Clean Technology Expansion, $234,509 Osage County, New Vehicles, $222,400 Rooks County, Bus Garage Project, $620,928 Sedgwick County Department on Aging, Vehicle Camera Systems, $32,000 Southeast Kansas Community Action Program (SEK-CAP) – Crawford and Neosho counties, Innovative Scheduling, $103,437 Solomon Valley Transportation – Jewell, Mitchell and Osborne counties, Building Project, $1,484,290 The Guidance Center – Leavenworth, Transit Technology Implementation, $25,747 Unified Government Transit ●Bus Facility Modernization, $431,778 ●Fleet Modernization, $271,440 ●Paratransit Software Enhancements, $16,560 ●Accident Incident Management System, $15,300 ●Micro Transit Expansion, $394,144 ●Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Pilot Program, $124,168 Wabaunsee County, Fleet Expansion and Barriers, $87,210

Gov.  joins celebration at public transportation facility in Salina

The Federal Trade Commission’s trial win against On Point
 Global has made $102 million in refunds available to consumers who were
 harmed by a wide-ranging scheme that led them to pay money or hand over
 personal information to fake government websites. Consumers who were 
harmed must apply for redress payments by July 5, 2022.Consumers who 
were deceived by a wide-ranging scheme into handing over money or 
personal information in exchange for bogus advice on how to apply for 
government benefits can apply for redress payments as a result of a 
Federal Trade Commission lawsuit, but must do so by July 5, 2022.

The scammers, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2020/02/court-stops-sprawling-scheme-operated-hundreds-websites-deceived-consumers-about-government-services">sued by the FTC in December 2019</a>,
 ran hundreds of deceptive websites that promised a quick and easy 
government service, such as renewing a driver’s license, or eligibility 
determinations for public benefits like Section 8 housing or food 
stamps. The sites had names like DMV.com, floridadriverslicense.org and 
many others that were designed to mimic legitimate government websites. 
The defendants operated under several names, including On Point Global.

On sites where consumers submitted payments for supposed 
government services, they received at most a PDF with publicly available
 information on how to apply for a drivers’ license. On other sites that
 claimed to tell consumers if they were eligible for government 
benefits, consumers who submitted detailed and sensitive personal 
information almost immediately began receiving a wave of unwanted sales 
and marketing contacts.

As a result of the FTC’s win at trial, a federal court 
ordered a refund process to be established for consumers who were harmed
 by On Point Global and its network of fake websites. Consumers must 
submit claims in order to receive payments, and payment is available 
both for consumers who paid money to the sites and those who submitted 
personal information.

The money being used to provide payments to consumers is a
 result of a contempt motion filed by the FTC against one of the 
defendants in the case, Burton Katz. Katz was previously sued by the FTC
 for placing millions of dollars in unwanted charges on consumers’ 
mobile phone bills by using spam text messages pitching “free” gift 
cards. As a result of that suit, Katz was placed under a court order 
prohibiting from any further violations of the FTC Act. Because of his 
involvement in this new fake government websites scam, the FTC filed the
 motion alleging that Katz and other defendants were in contempt of that
 order. The court ruled in the FTC’s favor on the motion and awarded the
 monetary relief.

If a consumer either: paid money to an On Point Global 
fake DMV site between January 2017 and December 2019 and didn’t already 
get their money back, or submitted their personal information to 
an On Point Global government benefits site in 2019, they are eligible 
for a payment, and should receive an email by mid-April with 
instructions from the company handling the claims process. Legitimate 
emails related to this settlement will come from&nbsp;<a href="mailto:noreply@onpointclaimform.com">noreply@onpointclaimform.com</a>

,
 or from an ftc.gov email address, and will be sent to the e-mail 
address used when consumers paid or submitted information to the bogus 
site.

Consumers who believe they are eligible for a payment and have not received an email should visit <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fonpointclaimform.com&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F04%2Fftc-win-at-trial-against-on-point-global-makes-102-million-in-refunds-for-consumers">https://onpointclaimform.com</a>


 and enter their name and email address. They should&nbsp;get an&nbsp;email 
immediately with a personalized claim link, and they should follow the 
instructions in that link.&nbsp;They must enter the same email 
address&nbsp;used&nbsp;when they paid for fake DMV services.&nbsp;If they don't&nbsp;have 
access to that&nbsp;email, the site provides instructions on how to change 
their contact email.

While the refund process is not being administered 
by the FTC, there is additional information available for affected 
consumers on the FTC’s website. Consumers who paid money to fake DMV 
sites can visit <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/OnPointDMV">https://ftc.gov/OnPointDMV</a> for more information; consumers who submitted personal information to fake government benefits sites can visit <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/OnPointBenefits">https://ftc.gov/OnPointBenefits</a> for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe Federal Trade Commission’s trial win against On Point
 Global has made $102 million in refunds available to consumers who were
 harmed by a wide-ranging scheme that led them to pay money or hand over
 personal information to fake government websites. Consumers who were 
harmed must apply for redress payments by July 5, 2022.Consumers who 
were deceived by a wide-ranging scheme into handing over money or 
personal information in exchange for bogus advice on how to apply for 
government benefits can apply for redress payments as a result of a 
Federal Trade Commission lawsuit, but must do so by July 5, 2022.The scammers, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2020/02/court-stops-sprawling-scheme-operated-hundreds-websites-deceived-consumers-about-government-services">sued by the FTC in December 2019</a>,
 ran hundreds of deceptive websites that promised a quick and easy 
government service, such as renewing a driver’s license, or eligibility 
determinations for public benefits like Section 8 housing or food 
stamps. The sites had names like DMV.com, floridadriverslicense.org and 
many others that were designed to mimic legitimate government websites. 
The defendants operated under several names, including On Point Global.On sites where consumers submitted payments for supposed 
government services, they received at most a PDF with publicly available
 information on how to apply for a drivers’ license. On other sites that
 claimed to tell consumers if they were eligible for government 
benefits, consumers who submitted detailed and sensitive personal 
information almost immediately began receiving a wave of unwanted sales 
and marketing contacts.As a result of the FTC’s win at trial, a federal court 
ordered a refund process to be established for consumers who were harmed
 by On Point Global and its network of fake websites. Consumers must 
submit claims in order to receive payments, and payment is available 
both for consumers who paid money to the sites and those who submitted 
personal information.The money being used to provide payments to consumers is a
 result of a contempt motion filed by the FTC against one of the 
defendants in the case, Burton Katz. Katz was previously sued by the FTC
 for placing millions of dollars in unwanted charges on consumers’ 
mobile phone bills by using spam text messages pitching “free” gift 
cards. As a result of that suit, Katz was placed under a court order 
prohibiting from any further violations of the FTC Act. Because of his 
involvement in this new fake government websites scam, the FTC filed the
 motion alleging that Katz and other defendants were in contempt of that
 order. The court ruled in the FTC’s favor on the motion and awarded the
 monetary relief.If a consumer either: paid money to an On Point Global 
fake DMV site between January 2017 and December 2019 and didn’t already 
get their money back, or submitted their personal information to 
an On Point Global government benefits site in 2019, they are eligible 
for a payment, and should receive an email by mid-April with 
instructions from the company handling the claims process. Legitimate 
emails related to this settlement will come from&nbsp;<a href="mailto:noreply@onpointclaimform.com">noreply@onpointclaimform.com</a>,
 or from an ftc.gov email address, and will be sent to the e-mail 
address used when consumers paid or submitted information to the bogus 
site.Consumers who believe they are eligible for a payment and have not received an email should visit <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fonpointclaimform.com&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F04%2Fftc-win-at-trial-against-on-point-global-makes-102-million-in-refunds-for-consumers">https://onpointclaimform.com</a>
 and enter their name and email address. They should&nbsp;get an&nbsp;email 
immediately with a personalized claim link, and they should follow the 
instructions in that link.&nbsp;They must enter the same email 
address&nbsp;used&nbsp;when they paid for fake DMV services.&nbsp;If they don't&nbsp;have 
access to that&nbsp;email, the site provides instructions on how to change 
their contact email.While the refund process is not being administered 
by the FTC, there is additional information available for affected 
consumers on the FTC’s website. Consumers who paid money to fake DMV 
sites can visit <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/OnPointDMV">https://ftc.gov/OnPointDMV</a> for more information; consumers who submitted personal information to fake government benefits sites can visit <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/OnPointBenefits">https://ftc.gov/OnPointBenefits</a> for more information.

$102M in refunds available to consumers duped by fake websites

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A man charged in the 2019 killing of his father, who was a Kansas sheriff’s captain, has been convicted. 

Television station WDAF reports that Zachary Arnold was found guilty last week of involuntary manslaughter in the October 5, 2019, shooting death of 57-year-old Chris Arnold. 

The elder Arnold was a captain with the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office and a 25-year veteran of the department. Authorities have said Zachary Arnold was 22-years-old when he shot his father in the head during an argument at the captain's home in Kansas City, Kansas. He is set to be sentenced on May 23.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649345663009.png" alt="Arnold-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Arnold-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A man charged in the 2019 killing of his father, who was a Kansas sheriff’s captain, has been convicted. Television station WDAF reports that Zachary Arnold was found guilty last week of involuntary manslaughter in the October 5, 2019, shooting death of 57-year-old Chris Arnold. The elder Arnold was a captain with the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office and a 25-year veteran of the department. Authorities have said Zachary Arnold was 22-years-old when he shot his father in the head during an argument at the captain's home in Kansas City, Kansas. He is set to be sentenced on May 23.

Son convicted of killing his father, a Kansas sheriff's deputy

BEIRUT (AP) — Artillery hit a base housing U.S. troops in eastern Syria early Thursday injuring four members of the U.S.-led coalition there, the organization said. They are being evaluated for minor injuries and possible traumatic brain injury, according to a media release from the combined joint task force.

The attack — two rounds of indirect fire — was the first to hit the base in Syria’s Deir el-Zour province since January, when eight rounds landed inside its perimeter.

The International Coalition for Operation Inherent Resolve said troops at Green Village in the province that borders Iraq reported receiving two rounds of indirect fire. Two Coalition members were lightly injured in the attack, it added, saying that two were treated and returned to duty Thursday morning.

Green Village, just east of the Euphrates River, is an installation used by some of the several hundred U.S. forces in Syria.

The coalition said the incoming rounds ignited two fires which were quickly extinguished.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said five rockets were fired early Thursday from positions where Iran-backed fighters are based.

Hundreds of U.S. troops are stationed in northeastern Syria, working with the U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces to fight against the Islamic State group.

Thousands of Iran-backed militiamen from around the Middle East are deployed in different parts of Syria, many of them in areas along the border with Iraq.

Iran sent thousands of fighters it backs from around the Middle East to fight alongside President Bashar Assad’s forces during Syria’s 11-year conflict. They helped tip the balance of power in his favor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649377588949.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BEIRUT (AP) — Artillery hit a base housing U.S. troops in eastern Syria early Thursday injuring four members of the U.S.-led coalition there, the organization said. They are being evaluated for minor injuries and possible traumatic brain injury, according to a media release from the combined joint task force.The attack — two rounds of indirect fire — was the first to hit the base in Syria’s Deir el-Zour province since January, when eight rounds landed inside its perimeter.The International Coalition for Operation Inherent Resolve said troops at Green Village in the province that borders Iraq reported receiving two rounds of indirect fire. Two Coalition members were lightly injured in the attack, it added, saying that two were treated and returned to duty Thursday morning.Green Village, just east of the Euphrates River, is an installation used by some of the several hundred U.S. forces in Syria.The coalition said the incoming rounds ignited two fires which were quickly extinguished.The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said five rockets were fired early Thursday from positions where Iran-backed fighters are based.Hundreds of U.S. troops are stationed in northeastern Syria, working with the U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces to fight against the Islamic State group.Thousands of Iran-backed militiamen from around the Middle East are deployed in different parts of Syria, many of them in areas along the border with Iraq.Iran sent thousands of fighters it backs from around the Middle East to fight alongside President Bashar Assad’s forces during Syria’s 11-year conflict. They helped tip the balance of power in his favor.

Attack in Syria injures U.S. service members

By DAN MARGOLIES <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-04-07/university-of-kansas-professor-charged-under-trump-era-initiative-convicted-of-wire-fraud">Kansas News Service</a>

A federal jury has convicted 
University of Kansas chemistry professor Feng “Franklin” Tao of four 
counts of wire fraud, in a closely watched case involving his ties to a 
Chinese university.

Tao, a tenured professor, was the first 
defendant among about two dozen academics charged under a 
since-disbanded Trump-era program known as the China Initiative.

Thursday's verdict followed a <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-03-22/trial-begins-for-ku-professor-charged-under-china-initiative">two-week-long trial</a> that drew the attention of civil rights activists, who claimed the initiative unfairly targeted Chinese Americans.

The jury acquitted Tao of two additional counts of wire fraud and two counts of making false statements.

Peter
 R. Zeidenberg, one of Tao’s attorneys, said he was disappointed in the 
verdict but noted the judge said there were significant issues with the 
evidence in the case. He said U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson asked 
for briefing on Tao’s motion for a judgment of acquittal, and has yet to
 set a sentencing date.

“We take that as a positive sign and we are looking to getting this verdict overturned,” Zeidenberg said.

“Sometimes,
 unfortunately, juries get things wrong," Zeidenberg added. "There was 
no evidence to support a charge that anyone was defrauded because the 
(grant) agencies themselves said they were happy with the work (Tao) 
performed for them. And they also indicated that had they known he was 
working in China or was setting up a lab there, that would not have 
mattered to them in their grant decision process.”

The counts 
against Tao were based on government allegations that he was employed as
 a Changjiang Distinguished Professor at Fuzhou University through the 
Changjiang Scholars Program and failed to inform the Department of 
Energy and other grant-making agencies and KU.

The Justice 
Department's now-defunct China Initiative aimed to combat China’s 
efforts to steal American technology and trade secrets. But in many 
cases, rather than charge suspects with espionage, the government 
charged them with the more narrow crime of concealing their Chinese ties
 in grant proposals and from their American employers.

An 
investigation last year by the MIT Technology Review found that, instead
 of focusing on economic espionage and national security, “the 
initiative now appears to be an umbrella term for cases with almost any 
connection to China, whether they involve state-sponsored hackers, 
smugglers, or, increasingly, academics accused of failing to disclose 
all ties to China on grant-related forms.”

In January, the Justice
 Department dismissed a similar case against Gang Chen, a professor of 
mechanical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The
 government said it had obtained new information indicating that the 
Chinese affiliations at the center of the case were not of material 
importance to the funding agency, the Department of Energy, according to
 the New York Times.

Late in the day Wednesday, the Tao jury asked
 to see the transcript of testimony given by a key defense witness, 
Vivian Schwartz, a program manager at the Department of Energy who 
supervised Tao’s grants. 

Schwartz had testified that Tao 
performed his work to the department’s satisfaction and it was 
immaterial to her that he was setting up a lab in China, according to 
Zeidenberg.

If U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson were to grant 
Tao’s motion for a judgment of acquittal, it would wipe out the jury’s 
verdict. Such motions, though rarely granted, are based on claims that 
the evidence at trial was insufficient for a finding of guilt beyond a 
reasonable doubt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649363336421.png" alt="Feng "Franklin" Tao's trial was held in the Robert J. Dole Federal Courthouse in Kansas City, Kansas. Dan Margolies / KCUR " />
 <figcaption>Feng "Franklin" Tao's trial was held in the Robert J. Dole Federal Courthouse in Kansas City, Kansas. Dan Margolies / KCUR </figcaption>
 </figure>By DAN MARGOLIES <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-04-07/university-of-kansas-professor-charged-under-trump-era-initiative-convicted-of-wire-fraud">Kansas News Service</a>A federal jury has convicted 
University of Kansas chemistry professor Feng “Franklin” Tao of four 
counts of wire fraud, in a closely watched case involving his ties to a 
Chinese university.Tao, a tenured professor, was the first 
defendant among about two dozen academics charged under a 
since-disbanded Trump-era program known as the China Initiative.Thursday's verdict followed a <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-03-22/trial-begins-for-ku-professor-charged-under-china-initiative">two-week-long trial</a> that drew the attention of civil rights activists, who claimed the initiative unfairly targeted Chinese Americans.The jury acquitted Tao of two additional counts of wire fraud and two counts of making false statements.Peter
 R. Zeidenberg, one of Tao’s attorneys, said he was disappointed in the 
verdict but noted the judge said there were significant issues with the 
evidence in the case. He said U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson asked 
for briefing on Tao’s motion for a judgment of acquittal, and has yet to
 set a sentencing date.“We take that as a positive sign and we are looking to getting this verdict overturned,” Zeidenberg said.“Sometimes,
 unfortunately, juries get things wrong," Zeidenberg added. "There was 
no evidence to support a charge that anyone was defrauded because the 
(grant) agencies themselves said they were happy with the work (Tao) 
performed for them. And they also indicated that had they known he was 
working in China or was setting up a lab there, that would not have 
mattered to them in their grant decision process.”The counts 
against Tao were based on government allegations that he was employed as
 a Changjiang Distinguished Professor at Fuzhou University through the 
Changjiang Scholars Program and failed to inform the Department of 
Energy and other grant-making agencies and KU.The Justice 
Department's now-defunct China Initiative aimed to combat China’s 
efforts to steal American technology and trade secrets. But in many 
cases, rather than charge suspects with espionage, the government 
charged them with the more narrow crime of concealing their Chinese ties
 in grant proposals and from their American employers.An 
investigation last year by the MIT Technology Review found that, instead
 of focusing on economic espionage and national security, “the 
initiative now appears to be an umbrella term for cases with almost any 
connection to China, whether they involve state-sponsored hackers, 
smugglers, or, increasingly, academics accused of failing to disclose 
all ties to China on grant-related forms.”In January, the Justice
 Department dismissed a similar case against Gang Chen, a professor of 
mechanical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The
 government said it had obtained new information indicating that the 
Chinese affiliations at the center of the case were not of material 
importance to the funding agency, the Department of Energy, according to
 the New York Times.Late in the day Wednesday, the Tao jury asked
 to see the transcript of testimony given by a key defense witness, 
Vivian Schwartz, a program manager at the Department of Energy who 
supervised Tao’s grants. Schwartz had testified that Tao 
performed his work to the department’s satisfaction and it was 
immaterial to her that he was setting up a lab in China, according to 
Zeidenberg.If U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson were to grant 
Tao’s motion for a judgment of acquittal, it would wipe out the jury’s 
verdict. Such motions, though rarely granted, are based on claims that 
the evidence at trial was insufficient for a finding of guilt beyond a 
reasonable doubt.

KU professor charged under Trump-era initiative convicted of wire fraud

&nbsp;Hutchinson—A Kansas man jailed in the July abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick County has been bound over for trial on all 12 counts following Thursday's preliminary hearing. 

Judge Joe McCarville found there was sufficient evidence to hold 23-year-old Kamden Campos over for trial. 

He is accused of using a knife against the victim, trying to drown her at the lake, attempting to set her on fire, and shooting at the vehicle she was trying to escape in. He also faces counts of kidnapping and aggravated battery charges.

Campos was arrested after allegedly abducting a woman and her family in Wichita. They drove out to Cheney Lake. When the woman tried to escape in a vehicle, Campos allegedly shot at the vehicle, hitting a 2-year-old girl.&nbsp;

The woman drove into Sedgwick County and called 911. The child was taken to Wesley Medical Center where she underwent surgery and has recovered.

The victim took the stand Thursday morning and was reluctant to answer questions from the state, often returning an answer of “I don't remember.” She did talk about the day they left her house to buy a gift for her sister. At that time an argument started and they ended up at Cheney Reservoir. The state then played a recording of the 911 call she made. At that time, she stated she didn’t want to hear it.

In the tape, you can hear her say that she was worried Campos would take his own life. She then screamed hysterically when she discovered her two-year-old child had been shot. She repeatedly asked 911 for her to be able to hang up and make another call, but 911 kept her on the line and tried to help her do first aid on the child. The victim broke down and cried on the stand as the tape played while Campos put his head down on the table and was visibly shaking as the events played out in court.

When asked by the prosecution again about various events including how her clothing was doused in gasoline and how she was injured with a knife, she continued to answer with "I don’t remember."&nbsp;

Campos will now face arraignment on May 2 in front of Judge Trish Rose.

HUTCHINSON — A preliminary hearing originally delayed from February is scheduled for Thursday morning for the man arrested in connection with the abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick counties on July 19.

Kamden Campos, 23, is facing 12 counts including six counts of attempted first-degree murder, one count of kidnapping, three counts of aggravated battery and two counts of criminal threat.&nbsp;

The six counts of attempted murder and the single kidnapping carry sentences of up to 55 years in prison if Campos is convicted.&nbsp;

The hearing is set for 9:30 a.m. in front of Judge Joe McCarville.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649190223017.jpeg" alt="Campos-photo Reno County" />
 <figcaption>Campos-photo Reno County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Hutchinson—A Kansas man jailed in the July abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick County has been bound over for trial on all 12 counts following Thursday's preliminary hearing. Judge Joe McCarville found there was sufficient evidence to hold 23-year-old Kamden Campos over for trial. He is accused of using a knife against the victim, trying to drown her at the lake, attempting to set her on fire, and shooting at the vehicle she was trying to escape in. He also faces counts of kidnapping and aggravated battery charges.Campos was arrested after allegedly abducting a woman and her family in Wichita. They drove out to Cheney Lake. When the woman tried to escape in a vehicle, Campos allegedly shot at the vehicle, hitting a 2-year-old girl.&nbsp;The woman drove into Sedgwick County and called 911. The child was taken to Wesley Medical Center where she underwent surgery and has recovered.The victim took the stand Thursday morning and was reluctant to answer questions from the state, often returning an answer of “I don't remember.” She did talk about the day they left her house to buy a gift for her sister. At that time an argument started and they ended up at Cheney Reservoir. The state then played a recording of the 911 call she made. At that time, she stated she didn’t want to hear it.In the tape, you can hear her say that she was worried Campos would take his own life. She then screamed hysterically when she discovered her two-year-old child had been shot. She repeatedly asked 911 for her to be able to hang up and make another call, but 911 kept her on the line and tried to help her do first aid on the child. The victim broke down and cried on the stand as the tape played while Campos put his head down on the table and was visibly shaking as the events played out in court.When asked by the prosecution again about various events including how her clothing was doused in gasoline and how she was injured with a knife, she continued to answer with "I don’t remember."&nbsp;Campos will now face arraignment on May 2 in front of Judge Trish Rose.--------HUTCHINSON — A preliminary hearing originally delayed from February is scheduled for Thursday morning for the man arrested in connection with the abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick counties on July 19.Kamden Campos, 23, is facing 12 counts including six counts of attempted first-degree murder, one count of kidnapping, three counts of aggravated battery and two counts of criminal threat.&nbsp;The six counts of attempted murder and the single kidnapping carry sentences of up to 55 years in prison if Campos is convicted.&nbsp;Campos was arrested after allegedly abducting a woman and her family in Wichita. They drove out to Cheney Lake. When the woman tried to escape in a vehicle, Campos allegedly shot at the vehicle, hitting a 2-year-old girl.&nbsp;The woman drove into Sedgwick County and called 911. The child was taken to Wesley Medical Center where she underwent surgery and has recovered.The hearing is set for 9:30 a.m. in front of Judge Joe McCarville.

Update: Man will stand trial for abduction, shooting of Kan. toddler 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court on Thursday, shattering a historic barrier by securing her place as the first Black female justice and giving President Joe Biden a bipartisan endorsement for his effort to diversify the court.

Jackson, a 51 year-old appeals court judge with nine years experience on the federal bench, was confirmed 53-47, mostly along party lines but with&nbsp;three Republican votes.&nbsp; Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted against confirmation.

Three Republicans including  Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Mitt Romney of Utah broke party and voted to confirm.

Jackson will take her seat when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/stephen-breyer">Justice Stephen Breyer</a>&nbsp;retires this summer, solidifying the liberal wing of the 6-3 conservative-dominated court. She joined Biden at the White House to watch the vote, embracing as it came in.

During the four days of Senate hearings last month, Jackson spoke of her parents’ struggles through racial segregation and said her “path was clearer” than theirs as a Black American after the enactment of civil rights laws. She attended Harvard University, served as a public defender, worked at a private law firm and was appointed as a member of the U.S. Sentencing Commission.

She told senators she would apply the law “without fear or favor,” and pushed back on Republican attempts to portray her as too lenient on criminals she had sentenced.

Jackson will be just the third Black justice, after Thurgood Marshall and Clarence Thomas, and the sixth woman. She will join three other women, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan Amy Coney Barrett – meaning that four of the nine justices will be women for the first time in history.

Her eventual elevation to the court will be a respite for Democrats who fought three bruising battles over former President Donald Trump’s nominees and watched Republicans cement a conservative majority in the final days of Trump’s term with the confirmation of Coney Barrett. While Jackson won’t change the balance, she will secure a legacy on the court for Biden and fulfill his 2020 campaign pledge to nominate the first Black female justice.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said ahead of the vote that Jackson’s confirmation would be a “joyous day -- joyous for the Senate, joyous for the Supreme Court, joyous for America.”

Despite the efforts to tarnish her record, Jackson eventually won&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-stephen-breyer-biden-us-supreme-court-election-2020-44978cd5c89b917a59d2f94ca60fedc2">three GOP votes</a>. The final tally was far from the overwhelming bipartisan confirmations for Breyer and other justices in decades past, but it was still a significant bipartisan accomplishment for Biden in the 50-50 split Senate after GOP senators aggressively worked to paint Jackson as too liberal and soft on crime.

Statements from Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Mitt Romney of Utah all said the same thing — they might not always agree with Jackson, but they found her to be enormously well qualified for the job. Collins and Murkowski both decried increasingly partisan confirmation fights, which only worsened during the battles over Trump’s three picks. Collins said the process was “broken” and Murkowski called it “corrosive” and “more detached from reality by the year.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649355640418.png" alt="Some members of the U.S. Senate stood to applaud after the historic vote-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Some members of the U.S. Senate stood to applaud after the historic vote-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court on Thursday, shattering a historic barrier by securing her place as the first Black female justice and giving President Joe Biden a bipartisan endorsement for his effort to diversify the court.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Historic moment for our courts and for our country. Congratulations, Judge Jackson. <a href="https://t.co/eLSfs1QoHB">pic.twitter.com/eLSfs1QoHB</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1512186186898493452?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Jackson, a 51 year-old appeals court judge with nine years experience on the federal bench, was confirmed 53-47, mostly along party lines but with&nbsp;three Republican votes.&nbsp; Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted against confirmation.Three Republicans including Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Mitt Romney of Utah broke party and voted to confirm.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649357598057.png" alt="Judge Jackson’s confirmation was a historic moment for our nation. We’ve taken another step toward making our highest court reflect the diversity of America. She will be an incredible Justice, and I was honored to share this moment with her.-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Judge Jackson’s confirmation was a historic moment for our nation. We’ve taken another step toward making our highest court reflect the diversity of America. She will be an incredible Justice, and I was honored to share this moment with her.-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>Jackson will take her seat when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/stephen-breyer">Justice Stephen Breyer</a>&nbsp;retires this summer, solidifying the liberal wing of the 6-3 conservative-dominated court. She joined Biden at the White House to watch the vote, embracing as it came in.During the four days of Senate hearings last month, Jackson spoke of her parents’ struggles through racial segregation and said her “path was clearer” than theirs as a Black American after the enactment of civil rights laws. She attended Harvard University, served as a public defender, worked at a private law firm and was appointed as a member of the U.S. Sentencing Commission.She told senators she would apply the law “without fear or favor,” and pushed back on Republican attempts to portray her as too lenient on criminals she had sentenced.Jackson will be just the third Black justice, after Thurgood Marshall and Clarence Thomas, and the sixth woman. She will join three other women, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan Amy Coney Barrett – meaning that four of the nine justices will be women for the first time in history.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649355209252.png" alt="Jackson will take her seat when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/stephen-breyer">Justice Stephen Breyer</a>&nbsp;retires this summer-photo courtesy Rep. Val Demmings" />
 <figcaption>Jackson will take her seat when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/stephen-breyer">Justice Stephen Breyer</a>&nbsp;retires this summer-photo courtesy Rep. Val Demmings</figcaption>
 </figure>Her eventual elevation to the court will be a respite for Democrats who fought three bruising battles over former President Donald Trump’s nominees and watched Republicans cement a conservative majority in the final days of Trump’s term with the confirmation of Coney Barrett. While Jackson won’t change the balance, she will secure a legacy on the court for Biden and fulfill his 2020 campaign pledge to nominate the first Black female justice.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said ahead of the vote that Jackson’s confirmation would be a “joyous day -- joyous for the Senate, joyous for the Supreme Court, joyous for America.”Despite the efforts to tarnish her record, Jackson eventually won&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-stephen-breyer-biden-us-supreme-court-election-2020-44978cd5c89b917a59d2f94ca60fedc2">three GOP votes</a>. The final tally was far from the overwhelming bipartisan confirmations for Breyer and other justices in decades past, but it was still a significant bipartisan accomplishment for Biden in the 50-50 split Senate after GOP senators aggressively worked to paint Jackson as too liberal and soft on crime.Statements from Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Mitt Romney of Utah all said the same thing — they might not always agree with Jackson, but they found her to be enormously well qualified for the job. Collins and Murkowski both decried increasingly partisan confirmation fights, which only worsened during the battles over Trump’s three picks. Collins said the process was “broken” and Murkowski called it “corrosive” and “more detached from reality by the year.”Biden, a veteran of a more bipartisan Senate, said from the day of Breyer’s retirement announcement in January that he wanted support from both parties for his history-making nominee, and he invited Republicans to the White House as he made his decision. It was an attempted reset from Trump’s presidency, when Democrats vociferously opposed the three nominees, and from the end of President Barack Obama’s, when Republicans blocked nominee Merrick Garland from getting a vote.Once sworn in, Jackson will be the second youngest member of the court after Barrett, 50. She will join a court on which no one is yet 75, the first time that has happened in nearly 30 years.Jackson’s first term will be marked by cases involving race, both in college admissions and voting rights.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-college-admissions-stephen-breyer-us-supreme-court-race-and-ethnicity-4aee113eab07c8a9c03c1f313fa66abd">She has pledged to sit out the court’s consideration of Harvard’s admissions program</a>&nbsp;since she is a member of its board of overseers. But the court could split off a second case involving a challenge to the University of North Carolina’s admissions process, which might allow her to weigh in on the issue.Republicans spent the confirmation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-hearing-day-3-highlights-95aea2b41a957788f3dd072fb1e396f2">hearings strongly questioning her sentencing record</a>, including the sentences she handed down in child pornography cases, which they argued were too light.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-hearing-day-2-live-updates-219ce62acd87ca205163781f5b6623a0">Jackson declared&nbsp;</a>that “nothing could be further from the truth” and explained her reasoning in detail. Democrats said she was in line with other judges in her decisions.The GOP questioning in the Judiciary Committee showed the views of many Republicans, though, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who said in a floor speech Wednesday that Jackson “never got tough once in this area.”Democrats criticized the Republicans’ questioning.“You could try and create a straw man here, but it does not hold,” said New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker at the committee’s vote earlier this week. The panel deadlocked on the nomination 11-11, but the Senate voted to discharge it from committee and moved ahead with her confirmation.In an impassioned moment during the hearings last month, Booker, who is Black, told Jackson that he felt emotional watching her testify. He said he saw “my ancestors and yours” in her image.“But don’t worry, my sister,” Booker said. “Don’t worry. God has got you. And how do I know that? Because you’re here, and I know what it’s taken for you to sit in that seat.”___