ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have two in custody.

Just before 6:00AM on Sunday, officers responded to the area of 21st and Birch in Atchison after it was reported an injured man was outside a residence, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Police located the 28-year-old injured man from Liberty, Missouri and EMS transported him to a local hospital by EMS with for treatment. 

After an investigation that continued throughout the day on Sunday, police learned the victim came to Atchison around 9p.m. on Saturday. The victim arrived to meet with a person who lived at a residence in the 2000 Block of Birch Street and had been communicating with them on-line, according to Wilson.

Five persons were gathered in the Birch Street residence when a disturbance occurred around 4:00a.m.

The suspects struck the man over the head with a ball bat and over the head and shoulder with a chair and liquor bottle, and threatened him with a knife, according to Wilson.

The suspects also took a credit card, an ID card, cash and a cellphone from him. 

The victim was later able to get out and away from the residence and went to a nearby neighbor’s residence for help and police were called.

Police took a 17-year-old boy into custody on requested charges of aggravated battery and aggravated robbery. He is being held in a juvenile detention facility.

Police also arrested Bailey R. Walker, 28, of Atchison, on requested charges of aggravated assault and aggravated robbery. She is being held in the Atchison County jail, according to Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620611598398.png" alt="Walker photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Walker photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have two in custody.Just before 6:00AM on Sunday, officers responded to the area of 21st and Birch in Atchison after it was reported an injured man was outside a residence, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Police located the 28-year-old injured man from Liberty, Missouri and EMS transported him to a local hospital by EMS with for treatment. After an investigation that continued throughout the day on Sunday, police learned the victim came to Atchison around 9p.m. on Saturday. The victim arrived to meet with a person who lived at a residence in the 2000 Block of Birch Street and had been communicating with them on-line, according to Wilson.Five persons were gathered in the Birch Street residence when a disturbance occurred around 4:00a.m.The suspects struck the man over the head with a ball bat and over the head and shoulder with a chair and liquor bottle, and threatened him with a knife, according to Wilson.The suspects also took a credit card, an ID card, cash and a cellphone from him. The victim was later able to get out and away from the residence and went to a nearby neighbor’s residence for help and police were called.Police took a 17-year-old boy into custody on requested charges of aggravated battery and aggravated robbery. He is being held in a juvenile detention facility.Police also arrested Bailey R. Walker, 28, of Atchison, on requested charges of aggravated assault and aggravated robbery. She is being held in the Atchison County jail, according to Wilson.

Police: Kan.  woman jailed after baseball bat attack, robbery

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas school board has fired a high school baseball coach for allegedly using a racial slur toward a Black player.

The Olathe school board met Monday morning and announced the firing of Olathe North High School Coach Pete Flood. 

The father of the team’s only Black player said last week that his son was playing rap music through speakers during batting practice before a recent game.

Tony Banks said Flood walked up to his son and used a racial slur in describing rap music. Banks shared the story on social media, prompting an outcry.

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas school board has fired a high school baseball coach for allegedly using a racial slur toward a Black player.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oN4fc99nIL8?start=3669" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The Olathe school board met Monday morning and announced the firing of Olathe North High School Coach Pete Flood. The father of the team’s only Black player said last week that his son was playing rap music through speakers during batting practice before a recent game.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620673653379.png" alt="Coach Pete Flood-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Coach Pete Flood-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Tony Banks said Flood walked up to his son and used a racial slur in describing rap music. Banks shared the story on social media, prompting an outcry.

🎥 Kan. high school coach, accused of racial slur, fired

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas jail deputy, accused of having sex with inmates made his first court appearance on Friday.

Tony LoSavio, 40 of Wichita, is charged with 8 counts of unlawful sexual relations, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

On May 4, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office received information that LoSavio was having sexual contact with a female inmate, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.

The Sheriff’s Office investigated the complaint and determined enough probable cause existed to arrest LoSavio.

He began employment with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office in March of 2017 and has been placed on an unpaid suspension.

His next court date is May 20. He remains in jail on a bond of $75,000, according to the district attorney.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620228617694.png" alt="LoSavio photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>LoSavio photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas jail deputy, accused of having sex with inmates made his first court appearance on Friday.Tony LoSavio, 40 of Wichita, is charged with 8 counts of unlawful sexual relations, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.On May 4, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office received information that LoSavio was having sexual contact with a female inmate, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.The Sheriff’s Office investigated the complaint and determined enough probable cause existed to arrest LoSavio.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSedgwickCountySheriff%2Fvideos%2F292222212392172%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>He began employment with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office in March of 2017 and has been placed on an unpaid suspension.His next court date is May 20. He remains in jail on a bond of $75,000, according to the district attorney.&nbsp;-------

Kansas jail deputy charged with having sex with inmate 

WASHINGTON (AP) —COVID-19 vaccines finally are headed for more kids as U.S. regulators on Monday expanded use of Pfizer’s shot to those as young as 12, sparking a race to protect middle and high school students before they head back to class in the fall.

Shots could begin as soon as a federal vaccine advisory committee issues recommendations for using the two-dose vaccine in 12- to 15-year-olds, expected Wednesday.

Vaccinating children of all ages will be critical to a return to normalcy. Most COVID-19 vaccines rolling out worldwide have been authorized for adults. Pfizer’s vaccine is being used in multiple countries for teens as young as 16, and Canada recently became the first to expand use to 12 and up. Parents, school administrators and public health officials elsewhere are anxiously awaiting the shot to become available to more kids.

“This is a watershed moment in our ability to fight back the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Bill Gruber, a Pfizer senior vice president who’s also a pediatrician, told The Associated Press.

The Food and Drug Administration declared the Pfizer vaccine is safe and offers strong protection for younger teens based on testing of more than 2,000 U.S. volunteers ages 12 to 15. The study found no cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated adolescents compared to 18 among kids given dummy shots. More intriguing, researchers found the kids developed higher levels of virus-fighting antibodies than earlier studies measured in young adults.

The younger teens received the same vaccine dosage as adults and had the same side effects, mostly sore arms and flu-like fever, chills or aches that signal a revved-up immune system, especially after the second dose.

Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech recently requested similar authorization in the European Union, with other countries to follow.

The latest news is welcome for U.S. families struggling to decide what activities are safe to resume when only the youngest family members remain unvaccinated.

“I can’t feel totally comfortable because my boys aren’t vaccinated,” said Carrie Vittitoe, a substitute teacher and freelance writer in Louisville, Kentucky, who is fully vaccinated as are her husband and 17-year-old daughter.

The FDA decision means her 13-year-old son soon could be eligible, leaving only her 11-year-old son who would be unvaccinated. The family hasn’t yet resumed going to church, and summer vacation will be a road trip so they don’t have to get on a plane.

“We can’t really go back to normal because two-fifths of our family don’t have protection,” Vittitoe said.

Pfizer isn’t the only company seeking to lower the age limit for its vaccine. Moderna recently said preliminary results from its study in 12- to 17-year-olds show strong protection and no serious side effects. Another U.S. company, Novavax, has a COVID-19 vaccine in late-stage development and just began a study in 12- to 17-year-olds as well.

Next up is testing whether the vaccine works for even younger children. Both Pfizer and Moderna have begun U.S. studies in children ages 6 months to 11 years. Those studies explore whether babies, preschoolers and elementary-age kids will need different doses than teens and adults. Gruber said Pfizer expects its first results sometime in the fall.

Outside of the U.S., AstraZeneca is studying its vaccine among 6- to 17-year-olds in Britain. And in China, Sinovac recently announced it has submitted preliminary data to Chinese regulators showing its vaccine is safe in children as young as 3.

Children are far less likely than adults to get seriously ill from COVID-19 yet they still have been hard-hit by the pandemic. They represent nearly 14% of the nation’s coronavirus cases. At least 296 have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. alone and more than 15,000 have been hospitalized, according to a tally by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

That’s not counting the toll of family members becoming ill or dying -- or the disruption to school, sports and other activities so crucial to children’s overall well-being.

“Children right now are struggling,” Gruber said. Plus, “we need as many people in the country who have the potential to transmit the virus to be protected.”

Experts say children must get the shots if the country is to vaccinate the 70% to 85% of the population necessary to reach what’s called herd immunity.

In the meantime, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says unvaccinated people -- including children -- should continue taking precautions such as wearing masks indoors and keeping their distance from other unvaccinated people outside of their households.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608677701818.png" alt="A worker at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City prepares doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine against the virus that causes COVID-19 -Photo courtesy Truman Medical Center" />
 <figcaption>A worker at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City prepares doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine against the virus that causes COVID-19 -Photo courtesy Truman Medical Center</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —COVID-19 vaccines finally are headed for more kids as U.S. regulators on Monday expanded use of Pfizer’s shot to those as young as 12, sparking a race to protect middle and high school students before they head back to class in the fall.Shots could begin as soon as a federal vaccine advisory committee issues recommendations for using the two-dose vaccine in 12- to 15-year-olds, expected Wednesday.Vaccinating children of all ages will be critical to a return to normalcy. Most COVID-19 vaccines rolling out worldwide have been authorized for adults. Pfizer’s vaccine is being used in multiple countries for teens as young as 16, and Canada recently became the first to expand use to 12 and up. Parents, school administrators and public health officials elsewhere are anxiously awaiting the shot to become available to more kids.“This is a watershed moment in our ability to fight back the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Bill Gruber, a Pfizer senior vice president who’s also a pediatrician, told The Associated Press.The Food and Drug Administration declared the Pfizer vaccine is safe and offers strong protection for younger teens based on testing of more than 2,000 U.S. volunteers ages 12 to 15. The study found no cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated adolescents compared to 18 among kids given dummy shots. More intriguing, researchers found the kids developed higher levels of virus-fighting antibodies than earlier studies measured in young adults.The younger teens received the same vaccine dosage as adults and had the same side effects, mostly sore arms and flu-like fever, chills or aches that signal a revved-up immune system, especially after the second dose.Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech recently requested similar authorization in the European Union, with other countries to follow.The latest news is welcome for U.S. families struggling to decide what activities are safe to resume when only the youngest family members remain unvaccinated.“I can’t feel totally comfortable because my boys aren’t vaccinated,” said Carrie Vittitoe, a substitute teacher and freelance writer in Louisville, Kentucky, who is fully vaccinated as are her husband and 17-year-old daughter.The FDA decision means her 13-year-old son soon could be eligible, leaving only her 11-year-old son who would be unvaccinated. The family hasn’t yet resumed going to church, and summer vacation will be a road trip so they don’t have to get on a plane.“We can’t really go back to normal because two-fifths of our family don’t have protection,” Vittitoe said.Pfizer isn’t the only company seeking to lower the age limit for its vaccine. Moderna recently said preliminary results from its study in 12- to 17-year-olds show strong protection and no serious side effects. Another U.S. company, Novavax, has a COVID-19 vaccine in late-stage development and just began a study in 12- to 17-year-olds as well.Next up is testing whether the vaccine works for even younger children. Both Pfizer and Moderna have begun U.S. studies in children ages 6 months to 11 years. Those studies explore whether babies, preschoolers and elementary-age kids will need different doses than teens and adults. Gruber said Pfizer expects its first results sometime in the fall.Outside of the U.S., AstraZeneca is studying its vaccine among 6- to 17-year-olds in Britain. And in China, Sinovac recently announced it has submitted preliminary data to Chinese regulators showing its vaccine is safe in children as young as 3.Children are far less likely than adults to get seriously ill from COVID-19 yet they still have been hard-hit by the pandemic. They represent nearly 14% of the nation’s coronavirus cases. At least 296 have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. alone and more than 15,000 have been hospitalized, according to a tally by the American Academy of Pediatrics.That’s not counting the toll of family members becoming ill or dying -- or the disruption to school, sports and other activities so crucial to children’s overall well-being.“Children right now are struggling,” Gruber said. Plus, “we need as many people in the country who have the potential to transmit the virus to be protected.”Experts say children must get the shots if the country is to vaccinate the 70% to 85% of the population necessary to reach what’s called herd immunity.In the meantime, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says unvaccinated people -- including children -- should continue taking precautions such as wearing masks indoors and keeping their distance from other unvaccinated people outside of their households.___

US children age 12-15 can now get Pfizer COVID shot 

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/10/kansas-lawmakers-make-sexual-extortion-a-crime-raise-penalties-for-eluding-police/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A criminal 
justice bill passed by the House and Senate makes sexual extortion a 
crime, enforces stronger penalties for attempting to elude a police 
officer and allows a spouse to be charged with sexual battery.

Senate Bill 60 passed with
 overwhelming bipartisan support, although some lawmakers took issue 
with a provision that amends a state statute dealing with when a person 
can be tried by Kansas courts. The provision arose out of a recent state
 Court of Appeals ruling that Kansas courts only had jurisdiction over 
an out-of-state crime that affected someone in Kansas if the criminal 
statute governing that crime considered the “negative consequences” of a
 crime.

Rep. John Carmichael, 
D-Wichita, blasted the provision as an attempt to cover up a poorly 
tried lawsuit by the attorney general’s office where the office failed 
to prove the crime occurred in Kansas. While Carmichael was in favor of 
three provisions of the bill and ultimately voted in favor of the 
measure, he called out this section as a shoddy cover-up.

In testimony before the 
Senate Judiciary Committee, a representative of the Kansas Association 
of Criminal Defense Lawyers spoke in opposition to the bill, calling it 
premature because litigation related to the issue is still pending.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/sb60_02_0000.pdf">SB 60 contains five bills</a>
 that were bundled together when the House and Senate judiciary panels 
came together to iron out policy differences. The measure passed the 
House by a vote of 118 to 3 last week, and the Senate followed 40-0. The
 package now goes to Gov. Laura Kelly for approval.

A second provision would 
remove an exemption in current law shielding spouses from prosecution 
for sexual battery. The measure would make it a crime for one spouse to 
touch the other with “the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires
 of the offender or another” without consent.

Before
 being added to the crime bundle, the proposed change in law was 
introduced by Rep. Fred Patton, R-Topeka, on behalf of Rep. Brett 
Parker, D-Overland Park, and <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/02/11/kansas-lawmaker-wonders-if-marriage-involves-implied-consent-for-sexual-battery/">passed the House 110-13</a>.

Sen. David Haley, D-Kansas
 City, said the measure could provide relief to a growing backlog of 
domestic abuse cases yet to or unable to be addressed in Kansas.

“Sometimes it’s as clear 
as a bruised person coming in saying, ‘I’ve been abused. I’ve been 
struck. I’m the victim of a battery,’ and the immediate affirmative 
defense is this can’t be prosecuted because we’re married, and this has 
long troubled me, as it should others,” Haley said.

In the House Judiciary Committee hearing, nobody testified in opposition to the bill.

Patton
 expanded on another provision included in the bundle relating to a law 
described by sexual assault advocates as “archaic” and “misogynistic.”&nbsp;

“This
 bill would also prohibit a court from requiring a victim of a crime to 
undergo a psychological examination during the prosecution for such 
crime,” Patton said. “It did pass out of House Judiciary, but it was too
 late to bring it above the floor, so you have not had the chance to 
vote on it before. But again, it was supported by the advocates against 
sexual violence and prosecutors across the state, and it passed 
unanimously on the other side.”

The
 rule in Kansas allowing psychiatric or psychological examination of a 
witness stems from a 1979 Kansas Supreme Court case that relied on 
“outdated and false understandings of criminal sexual abuse,” said Todd 
Thompson, of the Kansas County and District Attorneys Association, in 
testimony to the House Judiciary Committee.

A similar bill that failed last year&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.com/news/20200220/kansas-prosecutors-want-to-ban-shameful-psych-tests-for-rape-victims">targeted evaluations for only victims of sexual abuse</a>, but legislators amended the measure to include victims of all crimes.

In
 yet another provision, someone who flees a police officer while driving
 a stolen vehicle would face a level 9 felony. It would also make 
knowingly driving the wrong way to evade an officer a level 7 felony. 

“There’s
 rampant auto theft in Kansas,” said Sen. Kellie Warren, R-Leawood. “The
 bill amends the penalty as well. Again, a tough-on-crime piece.”

Some
 supporters of the bill pointed to incidents like that of Sen. Gene 
Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican who was arrested for fleeing an 
officer after driving under the influence on the wrong side of the 
highway, as a reason to strengthen these laws.&nbsp;

The
 final bill included in the package would make it a felony crime to 
threaten to injure a person or the reputation of a person, through the 
distribution of an image, video or other recordings of a person that is 
sexual in nature.

“It
 is important to recognize that blackmail, coercion, and abuse of power 
are often used in cases of domestic violence and sexual violence to 
compel a victim to comply with the desires of the perpetrator,” said 
Sarah Rust-Martin, legal and policy director for KCSDV. “All victims 
deserve to be safe from this type of blackmail or intrusion.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620668101913.png" alt="Rep. John Carmichael, D-Wichita, voted in favor a bundle of criminal justice bills but blasted the original bill for covering up a poorly tried case by the attorney general's office. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. John Carmichael, D-Wichita, voted in favor a bundle of criminal justice bills but blasted the original bill for covering up a poorly tried case by the attorney general's office. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/10/kansas-lawmakers-make-sexual-extortion-a-crime-raise-penalties-for-eluding-police/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A criminal 
justice bill passed by the House and Senate makes sexual extortion a 
crime, enforces stronger penalties for attempting to elude a police 
officer and allows a spouse to be charged with sexual battery.Senate Bill 60 passed with
 overwhelming bipartisan support, although some lawmakers took issue 
with a provision that amends a state statute dealing with when a person 
can be tried by Kansas courts. The provision arose out of a recent state
 Court of Appeals ruling that Kansas courts only had jurisdiction over 
an out-of-state crime that affected someone in Kansas if the criminal 
statute governing that crime considered the “negative consequences” of a
 crime.Rep. John Carmichael, 
D-Wichita, blasted the provision as an attempt to cover up a poorly 
tried lawsuit by the attorney general’s office where the office failed 
to prove the crime occurred in Kansas. While Carmichael was in favor of 
three provisions of the bill and ultimately voted in favor of the 
measure, he called out this section as a shoddy cover-up.In testimony before the 
Senate Judiciary Committee, a representative of the Kansas Association 
of Criminal Defense Lawyers spoke in opposition to the bill, calling it 
premature because litigation related to the issue is still pending.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/sb60_02_0000.pdf">SB 60 contains five bills</a>
 that were bundled together when the House and Senate judiciary panels 
came together to iron out policy differences. The measure passed the 
House by a vote of 118 to 3 last week, and the Senate followed 40-0. The
 package now goes to Gov. Laura Kelly for approval.A second provision would 
remove an exemption in current law shielding spouses from prosecution 
for sexual battery. The measure would make it a crime for one spouse to 
touch the other with “the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires
 of the offender or another” without consent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620668156040.jpeg" alt="Sen. David Haley praised a provision of the criminal justice bundle removing a spousal exception for criminal battery for not only doing away with an antiquated policy but potentially addressing a growing backlog of sexual abuse cases. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. David Haley praised a provision of the criminal justice bundle removing a spousal exception for criminal battery for not only doing away with an antiquated policy but potentially addressing a growing backlog of sexual abuse cases. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Before
 being added to the crime bundle, the proposed change in law was 
introduced by Rep. Fred Patton, R-Topeka, on behalf of Rep. Brett 
Parker, D-Overland Park, and <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/02/11/kansas-lawmaker-wonders-if-marriage-involves-implied-consent-for-sexual-battery/">passed the House 110-13</a>.Sen. David Haley, D-Kansas
 City, said the measure could provide relief to a growing backlog of 
domestic abuse cases yet to or unable to be addressed in Kansas.“Sometimes it’s as clear 
as a bruised person coming in saying, ‘I’ve been abused. I’ve been 
struck. I’m the victim of a battery,’ and the immediate affirmative 
defense is this can’t be prosecuted because we’re married, and this has 
long troubled me, as it should others,” Haley said.In the House Judiciary Committee hearing, nobody testified in opposition to the bill.Patton
 expanded on another provision included in the bundle relating to a law 
described by sexual assault advocates as “archaic” and “misogynistic.”&nbsp;“This
 bill would also prohibit a court from requiring a victim of a crime to 
undergo a psychological examination during the prosecution for such 
crime,” Patton said. “It did pass out of House Judiciary, but it was too
 late to bring it above the floor, so you have not had the chance to 
vote on it before. But again, it was supported by the advocates against 
sexual violence and prosecutors across the state, and it passed 
unanimously on the other side.”The
 rule in Kansas allowing psychiatric or psychological examination of a 
witness stems from a 1979 Kansas Supreme Court case that relied on 
“outdated and false understandings of criminal sexual abuse,” said Todd 
Thompson, of the Kansas County and District Attorneys Association, in 
testimony to the House Judiciary Committee.A similar bill that failed last year&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.com/news/20200220/kansas-prosecutors-want-to-ban-shameful-psych-tests-for-rape-victims">targeted evaluations for only victims of sexual abuse</a>, but legislators amended the measure to include victims of all crimes.In
 yet another provision, someone who flees a police officer while driving
 a stolen vehicle would face a level 9 felony. It would also make 
knowingly driving the wrong way to evade an officer a level 7 felony. “There’s
 rampant auto theft in Kansas,” said Sen. Kellie Warren, R-Leawood. “The
 bill amends the penalty as well. Again, a tough-on-crime piece.”Some
 supporters of the bill pointed to incidents like that of Sen. Gene 
Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican who was arrested for fleeing an 
officer after driving under the influence on the wrong side of the 
highway, as a reason to strengthen these laws.&nbsp;The
 final bill included in the package would make it a felony crime to 
threaten to injure a person or the reputation of a person, through the 
distribution of an image, video or other recordings of a person that is 
sexual in nature.“It
 is important to recognize that blackmail, coercion, and abuse of power 
are often used in cases of domestic violence and sexual violence to 
compel a victim to comply with the desires of the perpetrator,” said 
Sarah Rust-Martin, legal and policy director for KCSDV. “All victims 
deserve to be safe from this type of blackmail or intrusion.”

Kan. lawmakers make sexual extortion a crime, raise penalties for eluding police

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged drug distribution.

Just after 6:30p.m. May 7,&nbsp; a sheriff's deputy stopped a blue Toyota pickup for a traffic infraction near the intersection of Broadway at Baker Street in Great Bend, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

 Deputies contacted the driver, identified as James B. Michael, 56 of Great Bend and asked for and received consent to search the vehicle. 

Deputies discovered methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. They arrested Michael at the scene without incident and transported him to the Barton County Jail. He was booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, no drug tax stamp and other charges. He is being held on a bond of $100,000, according to Bellendir.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620675978602.jpeg" alt="James Michael photo Barton Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>James Michael photo Barton Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged drug distribution.Just after 6:30p.m. May 7,&nbsp; a sheriff's deputy stopped a blue Toyota pickup for a traffic infraction near the intersection of Broadway at Baker Street in Great Bend, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. Deputies contacted the driver, identified as James B. Michael, 56 of Great Bend and asked for and received consent to search the vehicle. Deputies discovered methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. They arrested Michael at the scene without incident and transported him to the Barton County Jail. He was booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, no drug tax stamp and other charges. He is being held on a bond of $100,000, according to Bellendir.

Kan. man held on $100K bond for alleged meth distribution

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Three homes in Kansas City are facing repairs after a massive tree collapsed onto them.

The roots of the tree snapped after a thunderstorm Saturday night,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kctv5.com/news/giant-tree-collapses-on-three-homes-in-kansas-city/article_8dbe2c58-b13b-11eb-ac41-db47094ce73a.html?block_id=991165">KCTV-TV</a>&nbsp;reported. Part of the sidewalk on Kensington Avenue came up as the tree went down. Neighbors believe the ground became so saturated that the already-leaning tree gave way.

No one was hurt but three families were displaced.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620669856667.png" alt="Sunday damage following Saturday's storms in Kansas City -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Sunday damage following Saturday's storms in Kansas City -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Three homes in Kansas City are facing repairs after a massive tree collapsed onto them.The roots of the tree snapped after a thunderstorm Saturday night,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kctv5.com/news/giant-tree-collapses-on-three-homes-in-kansas-city/article_8dbe2c58-b13b-11eb-ac41-db47094ce73a.html?block_id=991165">KCTV-TV</a>&nbsp;reported. Part of the sidewalk on Kensington Avenue came up as the tree went down. Neighbors believe the ground became so saturated that the already-leaning tree gave way.No one was hurt but three families were displaced.

Huge tree falls in Kansas City damaging three homes

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The state that made saloon smasher Carrie Nation famous is moving to allow people to get beer and cocktails to go after the coronavirus pandemic.

Kansas lawmakers approved&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/ccrb_hb2137_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;last week to allow to-go beer and alcoholic drinks from clubs, bars and restaurants until 11 p.m., as long as the drinks are in sealed containers and clear bags that discourage tampering.

The measure is headed to Gov. Laura Kelly after the Senate approved it,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210507150538_755844/" target="_blank">30-9,</a>&nbsp;and the House passed it,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210507164227_424766/" target="_blank">101-18,&nbsp;</a>on Friday. It continues a policy Kelly set by&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/EO-20-27-Executed.pdf" target="_blank">executive order</a>&nbsp;in April 2020 when Kansas was under a statewide stay-at-home order and that remained in effect through March.

Kristi Brown, senior director of state government relations for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, said Monday that the pandemic “eviscerated” restaurants, and such temporary policies in more than 30 states were “a lifeline.”

Now, she said, “This is what the consumer wants.”

The council said eight states, including Arkansas and Iowa, and the District of Columbia have made cocktails to go permanent, and lawmakers also have passed bills to do so in Florida, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Another four states have extended temporary policies.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The state that made saloon smasher Carrie Nation famous is moving to allow people to get beer and cocktails to go after the coronavirus pandemic.Kansas lawmakers approved&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/ccrb_hb2137_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;last week to allow to-go beer and alcoholic drinks from clubs, bars and restaurants until 11 p.m., as long as the drinks are in sealed containers and clear bags that discourage tampering.The measure is headed to Gov. Laura Kelly after the Senate approved it,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210507150538_755844/" target="_blank">30-9,</a>&nbsp;and the House passed it,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210507164227_424766/" target="_blank">101-18,&nbsp;</a>on Friday. It continues a policy Kelly set by&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/EO-20-27-Executed.pdf" target="_blank">executive order</a>&nbsp;in April 2020 when Kansas was under a statewide stay-at-home order and that remained in effect through March.Kristi Brown, senior director of state government relations for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, said Monday that the pandemic “eviscerated” restaurants, and such temporary policies in more than 30 states were “a lifeline.”Now, she said, “This is what the consumer wants.”The council said eight states, including Arkansas and Iowa, and the District of Columbia have made cocktails to go permanent, and lawmakers also have passed bills to do so in Florida, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Another four states have extended temporary policies.___

Kansas lawmakers want to keep cocktails to go after pandemic

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 345 to a total of 310,927, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported no new coronavirus deaths. The virus death total is 5016.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 345 to a total of 310,927, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported no new coronavirus deaths. The virus death total is 5016.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620666375131.png" alt="Monday May 10, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday May 10, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

NICKERSON, Kan. — Additional officers from the Reno County Sheriff's Office were deployed to Nickerson High School Monday morning after a threat was found in a bathroom there on Friday.

"We had a male write, I guess you could call it a bomb threat, that he had a bomb, on our men's restroom stall," said Penny Stoss with USD 309. "We just had extra police there just in case today. The investigation has been completed. It's been determined that the threat was not credible and the issue has already been resolved."

The district added the presence Monday until they had a chance to talk to the writer and any other witnesses.

"The investigation started around 2:30 on Friday," Stoss said. "It's pretty much completed, we just couldn't finish it until the students were back in the building so we could talk to the students in question."

As those involved are juveniles, no further information can be released by the school.

NICKERSON, Kan. — Additional officers from the Reno County Sheriff's Office were deployed to Nickerson High School Monday morning after a threat was found in a bathroom there on Friday."We had a male write, I guess you could call it a bomb threat, that he had a bomb, on our men's restroom stall," said Penny Stoss with USD 309. "We just had extra police there just in case today. The investigation has been completed. It's been determined that the threat was not credible and the issue has already been resolved."The district added the presence Monday until they had a chance to talk to the writer and any other witnesses."The investigation started around 2:30 on Friday," Stoss said. "It's pretty much completed, we just couldn't finish it until the students were back in the building so we could talk to the students in question."As those involved are juveniles, no further information can be released by the school.

Threat at Kansas high school found to be not credible

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued guidance on 
the taxability of dependent care assistance programs for 2021 and 2022, 
clarifying that amounts attributable to carryovers or an extended period
 for incurring claims generally are not taxable. The guidance also 
illustrates the interaction of this standard with the one-year increase 
in the exclusion for employer-provided dependent care benefits from 
$5,000 to $10,500 for the 2021 taxable year under the American Rescue 
Plan Act.

Because of the pandemic, many people were unable to use the money 
they set aside in their dependent care assistance programs in 2020 and 
2021. Generally, under these plans, an employer allows its employees to 
set aside a certain amount of pre-tax wages to pay for dependent care 
expenses. The employee's expenses are then reimbursed from the dependent
 care assistance program.

Carryovers of unused dependent care assistance program amounts 
generally are not permitted (although a 2½ month grace period is 
allowed). However, recent coronavirus-related legislation (the Taxpayer 
Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020) allowed employers to 
amend their plans to permit the carryover of unused dependent care 
assistance program amounts to plan years ending in 2021 and 2022, or to 
extend the permissible period for incurring claims to plan years over 
the same period.

Today's <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-21-26.pdf">Notice 2021-26&nbsp;PDF</a>
 clarifies for taxpayers that if these dependent care benefits would 
have been excluded from income if used during taxable year 2020 (or 
2021, if applicable), these benefits will remain excludible from gross 
income and are not considered wages of the employee for 2021 and 2022.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-21-15.pdf">Notice 2021-15&nbsp;PDF</a>,
 issued in February 2021, states that if an employer adopted a carryover
 or extended period for incurring claims, the annual limits for 
dependent care assistance program amounts apply to amounts contributed, 
not to amounts reimbursed or available for reimbursement in a particular
 plan or calendar year. Therefore, participants in dependent care 
assistance programs may continue to contribute the maximum amount to 
their plans for 2021 and 2022.

For more on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments">coronavirus-related tax relief</a>, see IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued guidance on 
the taxability of dependent care assistance programs for 2021 and 2022, 
clarifying that amounts attributable to carryovers or an extended period
 for incurring claims generally are not taxable. The guidance also 
illustrates the interaction of this standard with the one-year increase 
in the exclusion for employer-provided dependent care benefits from 
$5,000 to $10,500 for the 2021 taxable year under the American Rescue 
Plan Act.Because of the pandemic, many people were unable to use the money 
they set aside in their dependent care assistance programs in 2020 and 
2021. Generally, under these plans, an employer allows its employees to 
set aside a certain amount of pre-tax wages to pay for dependent care 
expenses. The employee's expenses are then reimbursed from the dependent
 care assistance program.Carryovers of unused dependent care assistance program amounts 
generally are not permitted (although a 2½ month grace period is 
allowed). However, recent coronavirus-related legislation (the Taxpayer 
Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020) allowed employers to 
amend their plans to permit the carryover of unused dependent care 
assistance program amounts to plan years ending in 2021 and 2022, or to 
extend the permissible period for incurring claims to plan years over 
the same period.Today's <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-21-26.pdf">Notice 2021-26&nbsp;PDF</a>
 clarifies for taxpayers that if these dependent care benefits would 
have been excluded from income if used during taxable year 2020 (or 
2021, if applicable), these benefits will remain excludible from gross 
income and are not considered wages of the employee for 2021 and 2022.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-21-15.pdf">Notice 2021-15&nbsp;PDF</a>,
 issued in February 2021, states that if an employer adopted a carryover
 or extended period for incurring claims, the annual limits for 
dependent care assistance program amounts apply to amounts contributed, 
not to amounts reimbursed or available for reimbursement in a particular
 plan or calendar year. Therefore, participants in dependent care 
assistance programs may continue to contribute the maximum amount to 
their plans for 2021 and 2022.For more on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments">coronavirus-related tax relief</a>, see IRS.gov.

IRS clarifies tax rules regarding unused carry-over child care

Though still awaiting money from the latest federal coronavirus relief act, some governors and state lawmakers already are making plans to add the multibillion-dollar boon to their budgets.

Among their priorities: bailing out depleted unemployment accounts, expanding high-speed internet and providing additional aid to schools and businesses.

The $1.9 trillion pandemic relief law signed by President Joe Biden earlier this year contains $350 billion of flexible aid for state and local governments, plus billions of dollars more for specific programs such as housing assistance. Unlike earlier coronavirus aid, states have broad leeway to use the money to plug budget holes, invest in certain infrastructure or address the “negative economic impacts” of the pandemic.

States are expected to receive an initial installment soon, with a second round coming a year later.

“A billion dollars has just fallen from the sky, in some respects," said Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican. "It’s here, right in front of us. We have to invest it wisely.”

Like many governors, Scott hadn't accounted for a new influx of federal money when he presented a budget plan earlier this year. Now he's working with lawmakers to add it to the state's spending plan while still awaiting guidance from the U.S. Treasury Department on specific ways the money can — or can't — be used.

Scott wants to put the money toward economic development, climate change initiatives, water and sewer infrastructure, housing and high-speed internet. Democratic Senate President Pro Tem Becca Balint also wants some to go toward workforce training.

In other states, the spending plans include bonuses for teachers and first-responders; aid to movie theaters and entertainment venues; construction at parks and public facilities; and grants to farmers, commercial fishing operations and food processors.

“Of course it’s classical politics: They announce it, no details and everybody’s filling in the void with what they want to spend it on,” Virginia Secretary of Finance Aubrey Layne said.

Officials in Virginia and about a dozen other states told The Associated Press they are waiting for Treasury Department guidance before developing specific spending plans. Federal law prohibits states from using the aid to make pension payments or fund tax cuts. Some state officials are concerned that other uses also could be ruled out, trigging a provision requiring them to repay the federal government.

“If we don’t know what the guidelines are, it makes it hard to spend the money, because we don’t want to spend it in the wrong way and have it clawed back,” said Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican.

The federal law, known as the American Rescue Plan, comes on top of $150 billion the federal government sent directly to states and local governments last year.

This year's law cites infrastructure for water, sewer and broadband internet as allowable uses. It’s less clear whether money can be used for other infrastructure, such as roads and bridges. But some states are planning to do so, anyway.

A budget plan passed by the Indiana Legislature allots $192 million in federal aid to pay off bonds for an Interstate 69 project and $900 million for other “future state infrastructure projects." Maine Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat, rolled out a plan this week that allots $50 million for road and bridge work this summer.

A potentially wide-ranging provision allows states to use the federal aid for “government services” affected by a pandemic-induced reduction in revenue. States also can use the aid to provide extra pay for essential workers, such as the $1,000 bonuses included in a Florida budget for first-responders, teachers and early learning instructors.

Federal law allows states to address the pandemic's economic effects by providing aid to households, small businesses, nonprofits and industries such as tourism, travel and hospitality. But that doesn't necessarily prevent money from going to other purposes.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat, wants to use more than half the state’s flexible funds to plug budget holes over the next two years. But his plan also would spend millions on social programs.

Lamont wants to use $15 million to provide free admission for children at museums, aquariums, zoos and other venues from July through Labor Day; $3.5 million to help send low-income children to sports and specialty camps; and $1.9 million for programs that provide “safe, fun and healing spaces” for teenagers. He said the programs would provide a dual benefit — aiding children who were socially isolated during the pandemic and organizations that lost money because of a lack of customers.

Mills’ wide-ranging plan would provide aid to Maine’s agriculture and seafood industries, increase public support for private-sector research and subsidize health insurers to temporarily reduce premiums for small businesses and their employees, among other things.

Officials in Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine and Maryland are among those wanting to use part of their federal aid to replenish depleted unemployment trust funds. Doing so could spare businesses from temporary tax hikes that could otherwise be imposed to repay federal loans that funded benefits when jobless rates spiked during coronavirus shutdowns.

A plan passed by Kansas' Republican-led Senate would dedicate nearly $700 million to compensate small businesses that were forced to close or had their operations restricted because of the pandemic — a “pot of gold” that some Democrats said should be partly passed on to workers in higher wages.

Republican state. Sen. Mike Thompson said compensation should have been paid months ago, as pandemic restrictions were imposed.

“A lot of these businesses should not have been shut down,” Thompson said.

In Kansas and some other states, the federal funding surge has generated spats over who can control how it’s spent.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, vetoed bills passed by the Republican-led Legislature that sought to use $1 billion for property tax cuts, $308 million for local roads and $250 million to pay off transportation bonds. Nonpartisan legislative staff had warned that those uses might not be allowed under federal law. Evers said he will instead spend the money according to his own plans, not all of which have been detailed.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham vetoed the Democratic-led Legislature’s plan to devote $600 million to the state's unemployment fund, $200 million to roads and $100 million to a college scholarship program. The Democratic governor said in her veto message that “the Legislature lacks the authority” to tell her how to use the money and that the state should wait for federal guidance.

By DAVID A. LIEB, Associated PressThough still awaiting money from the latest federal coronavirus relief act, some governors and state lawmakers already are making plans to add the multibillion-dollar boon to their budgets.Among their priorities: bailing out depleted unemployment accounts, expanding high-speed internet and providing additional aid to schools and businesses.The $1.9 trillion pandemic relief law signed by President Joe Biden earlier this year contains $350 billion of flexible aid for state and local governments, plus billions of dollars more for specific programs such as housing assistance. Unlike earlier coronavirus aid, states have broad leeway to use the money to plug budget holes, invest in certain infrastructure or address the “negative economic impacts” of the pandemic.States are expected to receive an initial installment soon, with a second round coming a year later.“A billion dollars has just fallen from the sky, in some respects," said Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican. "It’s here, right in front of us. We have to invest it wisely.”Like many governors, Scott hadn't accounted for a new influx of federal money when he presented a budget plan earlier this year. Now he's working with lawmakers to add it to the state's spending plan while still awaiting guidance from the U.S. Treasury Department on specific ways the money can — or can't — be used.Scott wants to put the money toward economic development, climate change initiatives, water and sewer infrastructure, housing and high-speed internet. Democratic Senate President Pro Tem Becca Balint also wants some to go toward workforce training.In other states, the spending plans include bonuses for teachers and first-responders; aid to movie theaters and entertainment venues; construction at parks and public facilities; and grants to farmers, commercial fishing operations and food processors.“Of course it’s classical politics: They announce it, no details and everybody’s filling in the void with what they want to spend it on,” Virginia Secretary of Finance Aubrey Layne said.Officials in Virginia and about a dozen other states told The Associated Press they are waiting for Treasury Department guidance before developing specific spending plans. Federal law prohibits states from using the aid to make pension payments or fund tax cuts. Some state officials are concerned that other uses also could be ruled out, trigging a provision requiring them to repay the federal government.“If we don’t know what the guidelines are, it makes it hard to spend the money, because we don’t want to spend it in the wrong way and have it clawed back,” said Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican.The federal law, known as the American Rescue Plan, comes on top of $150 billion the federal government sent directly to states and local governments last year.This year's law cites infrastructure for water, sewer and broadband internet as allowable uses. It’s less clear whether money can be used for other infrastructure, such as roads and bridges. But some states are planning to do so, anyway.A budget plan passed by the Indiana Legislature allots $192 million in federal aid to pay off bonds for an Interstate 69 project and $900 million for other “future state infrastructure projects." Maine Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat, rolled out a plan this week that allots $50 million for road and bridge work this summer.A potentially wide-ranging provision allows states to use the federal aid for “government services” affected by a pandemic-induced reduction in revenue. States also can use the aid to provide extra pay for essential workers, such as the $1,000 bonuses included in a Florida budget for first-responders, teachers and early learning instructors.Federal law allows states to address the pandemic's economic effects by providing aid to households, small businesses, nonprofits and industries such as tourism, travel and hospitality. But that doesn't necessarily prevent money from going to other purposes.Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat, wants to use more than half the state’s flexible funds to plug budget holes over the next two years. But his plan also would spend millions on social programs.Lamont wants to use $15 million to provide free admission for children at museums, aquariums, zoos and other venues from July through Labor Day; $3.5 million to help send low-income children to sports and specialty camps; and $1.9 million for programs that provide “safe, fun and healing spaces” for teenagers. He said the programs would provide a dual benefit — aiding children who were socially isolated during the pandemic and organizations that lost money because of a lack of customers.Mills’ wide-ranging plan would provide aid to Maine’s agriculture and seafood industries, increase public support for private-sector research and subsidize health insurers to temporarily reduce premiums for small businesses and their employees, among other things.Officials in Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine and Maryland are among those wanting to use part of their federal aid to replenish depleted unemployment trust funds. Doing so could spare businesses from temporary tax hikes that could otherwise be imposed to repay federal loans that funded benefits when jobless rates spiked during coronavirus shutdowns.A plan passed by Kansas' Republican-led Senate would dedicate nearly $700 million to compensate small businesses that were forced to close or had their operations restricted because of the pandemic — a “pot of gold” that some Democrats said should be partly passed on to workers in higher wages.Republican state. Sen. Mike Thompson said compensation should have been paid months ago, as pandemic restrictions were imposed.“A lot of these businesses should not have been shut down,” Thompson said.In Kansas and some other states, the federal funding surge has generated spats over who can control how it’s spent.Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, vetoed bills passed by the Republican-led Legislature that sought to use $1 billion for property tax cuts, $308 million for local roads and $250 million to pay off transportation bonds. Nonpartisan legislative staff had warned that those uses might not be allowed under federal law. Evers said he will instead spend the money according to his own plans, not all of which have been detailed.New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham vetoed the Democratic-led Legislature’s plan to devote $600 million to the state's unemployment fund, $200 million to roads and $100 million to a college scholarship program. The Democratic governor said in her veto message that “the Legislature lacks the authority” to tell her how to use the money and that the state should wait for federal guidance.___

Some states plan big spending with Biden's aid, others wait

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — A jury has convicted a Colorado Springs man in a 2018 double-slaying in which a woman and man were shot and left in a burning car in a scheme to steal marijuana. 

The panel on Friday found Nashid Rayon Rivers guilty of of first-degree murder in the killings of Serena Garcia of Parker and Marcus Denton of Atchison, Kansas. 

Rivers also was convicted of aggravated robbery, tampering with human bodies and other counts. Fourth Judicial District Judge Frances Johnson imposed an automatic penalty of life in prison without parole. Rivers told the judge he was innocent.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620501970018.png" alt="Rivers is being held in El Paso County, according to online jail records" />
 <figcaption>Rivers is being held in El Paso County, according to online jail records</figcaption>
 </figure>COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — A jury has convicted a Colorado Springs man in a 2018 double-slaying in which a woman and man were shot and left in a burning car in a scheme to steal marijuana. The panel on Friday found Nashid Rayon Rivers guilty of of first-degree murder in the killings of Serena Garcia of Parker and Marcus Denton of Atchison, Kansas. Rivers also was convicted of aggravated robbery, tampering with human bodies and other counts. Fourth Judicial District Judge Frances Johnson imposed an automatic penalty of life in prison without parole. Rivers told the judge he was innocent.

Man sentenced for deaths of pair from Kansas, Colorado

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas says a Missouri law that prevents cities from enacting their own gun control measures hamstrings his efforts to address the city's shootings and killings.

&nbsp;Lucas said he would like to promote city ordinances to stop easy access to illegal firearms, but a 2014 state law prohibits such local rules.

“Let us find a way to try to save the babies who are dying on our streets, each and every day,” Lucas said.

A bill filed by Kansas City Democrat Richard Brown to repeal the state’s prohibition on cities passing their own gun measures has not been assigned to a committee, meaning it won’t get considered this year. Lawmakers face a May 17 deadline to pass bills.

A bill sought by Kansas City officials to increase penalties for randomly firing a weapon — named Blair’s Law after a child killed by a falling bullet a decade ago — has passed the House this year. But it was attached to legislation that also allows concealed carry into churches and onto public transit, lowers the age for a concealed carry permit from 19 to 18 and declares gun shops essential businesses during emergency orders.

A sponsor of Blair’s Law, Kansas City Democrat Mark Sharp, wrote in an April newsletter that combining the bill with the other measures was its best chance of passage.

A proposal that Republicans have pushed for nearly a decade would declare federal gun laws and regulations “invalid” in Missouri, restrict local police from assisting federal agents enforcing those laws, and allow those who believe their Second Amendment rights have been violated to sue local law enforcement for $50,000. The House has passed the bill.

“They live in a bubble,” Sen. Barbara Washington, a Kansas City Democrat, said of Republicans in the legislature. “They clearly don’t see the danger.”

Washington said she fully believes in the Second Amendment and her family members hunt. But she said she lives in the city where she hears gunshots three or four times a week. She does not let her grandchildren play on the first level of her home for fear of gunfire.

Sen. Eric Burlison, a Battlefield Republican, said the two sides are unlikely to ever agree. He said Missouri’s high rate of gun deaths was “not in any way” connected to the state’s loosening of gun restrictions.

“One side ultimately believes the blame has to rest with the device,” he said. “The other side ultimately believes the device is useful and the blame rests with the individual.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620595284301.png" alt="Mayor Quinton Lucas said he would like to promote city ordinances to stop easy access to illegal firearms, but a 2014 state law prohibits such local rules." />
 <figcaption>Mayor Quinton Lucas said he would like to promote city ordinances to stop easy access to illegal firearms, but a 2014 state law prohibits such local rules.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas says a Missouri law that prevents cities from enacting their own gun control measures hamstrings his efforts to address the city's shootings and killings.&nbsp;Lucas said he would like to promote city ordinances to stop easy access to illegal firearms, but a 2014 state law prohibits such local rules.“Let us find a way to try to save the babies who are dying on our streets, each and every day,” Lucas said.A bill filed by Kansas City Democrat Richard Brown to repeal the state’s prohibition on cities passing their own gun measures has not been assigned to a committee, meaning it won’t get considered this year. Lawmakers face a May 17 deadline to pass bills.A bill sought by Kansas City officials to increase penalties for randomly firing a weapon — named Blair’s Law after a child killed by a falling bullet a decade ago — has passed the House this year. But it was attached to legislation that also allows concealed carry into churches and onto public transit, lowers the age for a concealed carry permit from 19 to 18 and declares gun shops essential businesses during emergency orders.A sponsor of Blair’s Law, Kansas City Democrat Mark Sharp, wrote in an April newsletter that combining the bill with the other measures was its best chance of passage.A proposal that Republicans have pushed for nearly a decade would declare federal gun laws and regulations “invalid” in Missouri, restrict local police from assisting federal agents enforcing those laws, and allow those who believe their Second Amendment rights have been violated to sue local law enforcement for $50,000. The House has passed the bill.“They live in a bubble,” Sen. Barbara Washington, a Kansas City Democrat, said of Republicans in the legislature. “They clearly don’t see the danger.”Washington said she fully believes in the Second Amendment and her family members hunt. But she said she lives in the city where she hears gunshots three or four times a week. She does not let her grandchildren play on the first level of her home for fear of gunfire.Sen. Eric Burlison, a Battlefield Republican, said the two sides are unlikely to ever agree. He said Missouri’s high rate of gun deaths was “not in any way” connected to the state’s loosening of gun restrictions.“One side ultimately believes the blame has to rest with the device,” he said. “The other side ultimately believes the device is useful and the blame rests with the individual.”

Kansas City Mayor: State should allow local gun rules

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before 7p.m. Sunday in Kansas City, Kansas.

An eastbound vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and ran the stop sign at North 38th and Parallel Parkway, according to a Nancy Chartrand with Kansas City Police.

The vehicle struck a vehicle that was northbound on 38th and had entered the intersection at a green light.&nbsp; The impact caused the northbound vehicle to roll several times before coming to rest in the eastbound lanes of Parallel Parkway.

The eastbound vehicle crossed the media and westbound lanes of Parallel Parkway and before coming to a stop when it struck a retaining wall.

The driver of the northbound vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. EMS transported the speeding vehicle to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.&nbsp;

Police did not release names of the drivers. The accident remains under investigation.

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before 7p.m. Sunday in Kansas City, Kansas.An eastbound vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and ran the stop sign at North 38th and Parallel Parkway, according to a Nancy Chartrand with Kansas City Police.The vehicle struck a vehicle that was northbound on 38th and had entered the intersection at a green light.&nbsp; The impact caused the northbound vehicle to roll several times before coming to rest in the eastbound lanes of Parallel Parkway.The eastbound vehicle crossed the media and westbound lanes of Parallel Parkway and before coming to a stop when it struck a retaining wall.The driver of the northbound vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. EMS transported the speeding vehicle to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.&nbsp;Police did not release names of the drivers. The accident remains under investigation.

Driver running red light blamed in fatal Kansas crash

DETROIT (AP) — The U.S. government’s auto safety agency is investigating multiple complaints about steering failures that could affect more than 1.1 million Honda Accord sedans. 

In documents posted Monday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it received 31 complaints about the problem. Honda has 77 more. 

Owners complained about the cars veering from their intended travel path. Two crashes and two injuries were reported. The probe covers Accords from 2013 through 2015. 

The agency opened the probe after getting a petition from an owner in October of last year. It will investigate how often the problem happens, how many vehicles are affected, and the safety consequences. 

The probe could lead to a recall. A message was left Monday seeking comment from Honda.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620660442885.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — The U.S. government’s auto safety agency is investigating multiple complaints about steering failures that could affect more than 1.1 million Honda Accord sedans. In documents posted Monday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it received 31 complaints about the problem. Honda has 77 more. Owners complained about the cars veering from their intended travel path. Two crashes and two injuries were reported. The probe covers Accords from 2013 through 2015. The agency opened the probe after getting a petition from an owner in October of last year. It will investigate how often the problem happens, how many vehicles are affected, and the safety consequences. The probe could lead to a recall. A message was left Monday seeking comment from Honda.

US opens probe of steering problems in Honda Accord sedans

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Six people including a small child were injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Sunday in Topeka.

A silver passenger vehicle was northbound in the 3000 Block of SE California Avenue and collided head-on with a gray SUV, according to Police Lt. Ron Ekis.

EMS transported one adult and a toddler from the silver car and four in the SUV to an area hospital. The child had life-threatening injuries, according to Ekis.&nbsp;

The Topeka Police Department’s Accident Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene to investigate the accident. SE California Avenue was closed from SE 29th Terrace to SE 32nd Street. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620642086517.png" alt="6 people were hospitalized after Sunday head-on crash-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>6 people were hospitalized after Sunday head-on crash-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Six people including a small child were injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Sunday in Topeka.A silver passenger vehicle was northbound in the 3000 Block of SE California Avenue and collided head-on with a gray SUV, according to Police Lt. Ron Ekis.EMS transported one adult and a toddler from the silver car and four in the SUV to an area hospital. The child had life-threatening injuries, according to Ekis.&nbsp;The Topeka Police Department’s Accident Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene to investigate the accident. SE California Avenue was closed from SE 29th Terrace to SE 32nd Street. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Police: Toddler with life-threatening injuries after head-on crash

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an attempted robbery.

Just after 1a.m. Sunday, police responded to report of an aggravated robbery attempt at the Dominos Pizza at 2835 SE California in Topeka, according to Lt. Matt Danielson.

The victim in this case reported that an unknown man with a face mask, blue hoodie and dark colored jeans entered the store and demanded money. The suspect was reportedly armed with a black rifle or shotgun. The suspect left the store before taking anything.&nbsp;

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an attempted robbery.Just after 1a.m. Sunday, police responded to report of an aggravated robbery attempt at the Dominos Pizza at 2835 SE California in Topeka, according to Lt. Matt Danielson.The victim in this case reported that an unknown man with a face mask, blue hoodie and dark colored jeans entered the store and demanded money. The suspect was reportedly armed with a black rifle or shotgun. The suspect left the store before taking anything.&nbsp;

Kan. attempted-robbery suspect was armed with shotgun

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — A Kansas City man has been convicted in federal court of conspiring to steal more than 1,400 cell phones in burglaries in several states, and then reselling them.

Bryan C. Kirkendoll II, 31, was found guilty May 5, for helping to steal electronic devices — primarily cell phones — during 48 burglaries in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, and Oklahoma, federal prosecutors said. The loss was estimated at more than $1 million.

Kirkendoll was convicted for participating in a conspiracy, three counts of transporting stolen property across state lines, two counts of witness tampering, one count of transmitting threats in interstate commerce and obstruction of justice.

A co-defendant, Viktor Chernetskiy, 31, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty last summer to his role in the conspiracy and to one count of transporting stolen property across state lines. He is scheduled to be sentenced June 3.

The burglaries occurred between Nov. 21, 2018, and June 14, 2019.

Kirkendoll was also convicted of intimidating and threatening a victim/witness in the case to dissuade him from testifying at the trial.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620329953392.png" alt="Kirkendoll photo Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Kirkendoll photo Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — A Kansas City man has been convicted in federal court of conspiring to steal more than 1,400 cell phones in burglaries in several states, and then reselling them.Bryan C. Kirkendoll II, 31, was found guilty May 5, for helping to steal electronic devices — primarily cell phones — during 48 burglaries in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, and Oklahoma, federal prosecutors said. The loss was estimated at more than $1 million.Kirkendoll was convicted for participating in a conspiracy, three counts of transporting stolen property across state lines, two counts of witness tampering, one count of transmitting threats in interstate commerce and obstruction of justice.A co-defendant, Viktor Chernetskiy, 31, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty last summer to his role in the conspiracy and to one count of transporting stolen property across state lines. He is scheduled to be sentenced June 3.The burglaries occurred between Nov. 21, 2018, and June 14, 2019.Kirkendoll was also convicted of intimidating and threatening a victim/witness in the case to dissuade him from testifying at the trial.

Man convicted in scheme to steal 1,400 phones in Kan., other states

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — A gunman opened fire at a birthday party in Colorado, slaying six adults before killing himself Sunday, police said.

The shooting happened just after midnight in a mobile home park on the east side of Colorado Springs, police said.

Officers arrived at a trailer to find six dead adults and a man with serious injuries who died later at a hospital,&nbsp;<a href="https://gazette.com/news/local/7-dead-including-suspect-in-overnight-birthday-party-shooting-at-colorado-springs-mobile-home-police/article_4186ea1a-b0cc-11eb-b3e5-9f195dc56ec0.html" target="_blank">the Colorado Springs Gazette reported.</a>

The suspected shooter was the boyfriend of a female victim at the party attended by friends, family and children. He walked inside and opened fire before shooting himself, police said. Children at the attack weren’t hurt and were placed with relatives.

The birthday party was for one of the people killed, police said.

Police on Sunday hadn’t released the identities of the shooter or victims. Authorities say a motive wasn’t immediately known.

“My heart breaks for the families who have lost someone they love and for the children who have lost their parents,” Colorado Springs Police Chief Vince Niski said in a statement.

It was Colorado’s worst mass shooting since a gunman killed 10 people at a Boulder supermarket March 22.

“The tragic shooting in Colorado Springs is devastating,” Gov. Jared Polis said Sunday, “especially as many of us are spending the day celebrating the women in our lives who have made us the people we are today.”

Colorado Springs, population 465,000, is Colorado’s second-biggest city after Denver.

In 2015, a man shot three people to death at random before dying in a shootout with police in Colorado Springs on Halloween. Less than a month later, a man killed three people, including a police officer, and injured eight others in a shooting at a Planned Parenthood clinic in the city.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — Seven people are dead after a man opened fire at a birthday party in Colorado.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620594883726.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation on Sunday -photo courtesy KCNC TV" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation on Sunday -photo courtesy KCNC TV</figcaption>
 </figure>COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — A gunman opened fire at a birthday party in Colorado, slaying six adults before killing himself Sunday, police said.The shooting happened just after midnight in a mobile home park on the east side of Colorado Springs, police said.Officers arrived at a trailer to find six dead adults and a man with serious injuries who died later at a hospital,&nbsp;<a href="https://gazette.com/news/local/7-dead-including-suspect-in-overnight-birthday-party-shooting-at-colorado-springs-mobile-home-police/article_4186ea1a-b0cc-11eb-b3e5-9f195dc56ec0.html" target="_blank">the Colorado Springs Gazette reported.</a>The suspected shooter was the boyfriend of a female victim at the party attended by friends, family and children. He walked inside and opened fire before shooting himself, police said. Children at the attack weren’t hurt and were placed with relatives.The birthday party was for one of the people killed, police said.Police on Sunday hadn’t released the identities of the shooter or victims. Authorities say a motive wasn’t immediately known.“My heart breaks for the families who have lost someone they love and for the children who have lost their parents,” Colorado Springs Police Chief Vince Niski said in a statement.It was Colorado’s worst mass shooting since a gunman killed 10 people at a Boulder supermarket March 22.“The tragic shooting in Colorado Springs is devastating,” Gov. Jared Polis said Sunday, “especially as many of us are spending the day celebrating the women in our lives who have made us the people we are today.”Colorado Springs, population 465,000, is Colorado’s second-biggest city after Denver.In 2015, a man shot three people to death at random before dying in a shootout with police in Colorado Springs on Halloween. Less than a month later, a man killed three people, including a police officer, and injured eight others in a shooting at a Planned Parenthood clinic in the city.---------COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — Seven people are dead after a man opened fire at a birthday party in Colorado.The shooting happened just after midnight Sunday in a mobile home park on the east side of <a href="https://coloradosprings.gov/police-department/article/news/update-homicide-investigation-2800-block">Colorado Springs, police said.</a>Officers arrived at a trailer to find six dead adults and a man with serious injuries who died later at a hospital.The suspected shooter was the boyfriend of a female victim at the party attended by friends, family and children. He walked inside and began shooting before killing himself, police said.Police on Sunday hadn’t identified the shooter or victims. Children at the shooting were placed with relatives.