CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A growing number of U.S. colleges and universities are advising international students to return to campus before President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated, over concerns that he might impose travel bans like he did during his first administration.

More than a dozen schools have issued advisories, even though Trump's plans remain uncertain. At some schools, the spring semester begins before Trump will take office, so students may have to be back in class anyway. But for anyone whose ability to stay in the United States depends on an academic visa, they say it's best to reduce their risks and get back to campus before Jan. 20.

Here's a look at what Trump has said and done and how schools and students are preparing for his second term:

Trump issued an executive order in January 2017 banning travel to the U.S. by citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries — Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen. Travelers from those nations were either barred from getting on their flights or detained at U.S. airports after they landed. They included students and faculty as well as business people, tourists and visitors to friends and family.

Trump later removed some countries and added others to the list — 15 nations were affected at some point during his presidency. More than 40,000 people were ultimately refused visas because of the ban, according to the U.S. State Department. President Joe Biden rescinded the orders when he took office in 2021.

More than 1.1 million international students were enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities during the 2023-24 school year, according to Open Doors, a data project partially funded by the U.S. State Department. Students from India and China have accounted for more than half of all international students in the U.S., and about 43,800 come from the 15 countries affected by Trump's travel restrictions.

Jacky Li, a third-year environmental studies major at University of California, Berkeley, will be traveling home to China Dec. 21 and returning Jan. 16. Though he made his plans months before Berkeley officials sent the advisory, he said worry is growing among international students.

"There's a fear that this kind of restriction will enlarge into a wider community, considering the geopolitical tensions nowadays around the world, so the fear is definitely there," said Li, who urged Trump to support, rather than thwart, important academic research.

"If the U.S. is really a champion of academic freedom, what you should do is not restrict this kind of communications between different countries of the world," he said.

Trump's transition team did not respond to questions on the topic this week, but in the past he has said he'll revive the travel ban and expand it, pledging new "ideological screening" for non-U.S. citizens to bar "dangerous lunatics, haters, bigots and maniacs."

"We aren't bringing in anyone from Gaza, Syria, Somalia, Yemen or Libya or anywhere else that threatens our security," Trump said at an October 2023 campaign event in Iowa.

Trump also vowed to "revoke the student visas of radical anti-American and anti-Semitic foreigners at our colleges and universities" in response to campus protests.

School officials have advised international students heading home for winter break to return before Inauguration Day and to prepare for possible delays at immigration control.

The list includes Ivy League universities such as Harvard and Brown, Boston schools such as Northeastern University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and other schools around the country, from Johns Hopkins University to the University of Southern California. Some offer classes that begin the day after Inauguration Day.

Cornell University told its students that a travel ban involving the 13 nations Trump previously targeted "is likely to go into effect soon after inauguration," and that new countries could be added to the list, particularly China and India. It advised students, faculty and staff from those countries to return to campus before the semester starts Jan. 21.

Other schools didn't go so far as to say a ban is likely but instead advised students to plan ahead and prepare for delays.

By HOLLY RAMER &nbsp;Associated PressCONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A growing number of U.S. colleges and universities are advising international students to return to campus before President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated, over concerns that he might impose travel bans like he did during his first administration.More than a dozen schools have issued advisories, even though Trump's plans remain uncertain. At some schools, the spring semester begins before Trump will take office, so students may have to be back in class anyway. But for anyone whose ability to stay in the United States depends on an academic visa, they say it's best to reduce their risks and get back to campus before Jan. 20.Here's a look at what Trump has said and done and how schools and students are preparing for his second term:What did Trump do in the past?Trump issued an executive order in January 2017 banning travel to the U.S. by citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries — Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen. Travelers from those nations were either barred from getting on their flights or detained at U.S. airports after they landed. They included students and faculty as well as business people, tourists and visitors to friends and family.Trump later removed some countries and added others to the list — 15 nations were affected at some point during his presidency. More than 40,000 people were ultimately refused visas because of the ban, according to the U.S. State Department. President Joe Biden rescinded the orders when he took office in 2021.How are students being affected?More than 1.1 million international students were enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities during the 2023-24 school year, according to Open Doors, a data project partially funded by the U.S. State Department. Students from India and China have accounted for more than half of all international students in the U.S., and about 43,800 come from the 15 countries affected by Trump's travel restrictions.Jacky Li, a third-year environmental studies major at University of California, Berkeley, will be traveling home to China Dec. 21 and returning Jan. 16. Though he made his plans months before Berkeley officials sent the advisory, he said worry is growing among international students."There's a fear that this kind of restriction will enlarge into a wider community, considering the geopolitical tensions nowadays around the world, so the fear is definitely there," said Li, who urged Trump to support, rather than thwart, important academic research."If the U.S. is really a champion of academic freedom, what you should do is not restrict this kind of communications between different countries of the world," he said.What might Trump do now?Trump's transition team did not respond to questions on the topic this week, but in the past he has said he'll revive the travel ban and expand it, pledging new "ideological screening" for non-U.S. citizens to bar "dangerous lunatics, haters, bigots and maniacs.""We aren't bringing in anyone from Gaza, Syria, Somalia, Yemen or Libya or anywhere else that threatens our security," Trump said at an October 2023 campaign event in Iowa.Trump also vowed to "revoke the student visas of radical anti-American and anti-Semitic foreigners at our colleges and universities" in response to campus protests.What are schools telling students?School officials have advised international students heading home for winter break to return before Inauguration Day and to prepare for possible delays at immigration control.The list includes Ivy League universities such as Harvard and Brown, Boston schools such as Northeastern University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and other schools around the country, from Johns Hopkins University to the University of Southern California. Some offer classes that begin the day after Inauguration Day.Cornell University told its students that a travel ban involving the 13 nations Trump previously targeted "is likely to go into effect soon after inauguration," and that new countries could be added to the list, particularly China and India. It advised students, faculty and staff from those countries to return to campus before the semester starts Jan. 21.Other schools didn't go so far as to say a ban is likely but instead advised students to plan ahead and prepare for delays.

International students urged to return to US campuses before inauguration

ATCHISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Friday in Atchison.

 A 2020 Ford pick up truck driven by Paul Lueske, 85, Horton, was attempting to park on the north side of the street in front of 717 Commercial in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The pickup traveled over the curb onto the sidewalk and struck a metal trash can and then the building.

 The driver then put the vehicle in reverse and proceeded south across Commercial Street and struck a parked vehicle on the south side of the street.

EMS transported Lueske to Amberwell Hospital for treatment of injuries. The building at 717 Commercial sustained broken windows and damage to the front of the building

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735491706541.png" alt="-Photos Atchison Police" />
 <figcaption>-Photos Atchison Police</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Friday in Atchison. A 2020 Ford pick up truck driven by Paul Lueske, 85, Horton, was attempting to park on the north side of the street in front of 717 Commercial in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735491619057.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The pickup traveled over the curb onto the sidewalk and struck a metal trash can and then the building. The driver then put the vehicle in reverse and proceeded south across Commercial Street and struck a parked vehicle on the south side of the street.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735491772141.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>EMS transported Lueske to Amberwell Hospital for treatment of injuries. The building at 717 Commercial sustained broken windows and damage to the front of the building

Kan. man injured after crash into business, parked vehicle

BY&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/dee-ann-durbin">DEE-ANN DURBIN</a> Associated Press

The discount chain Big Lots, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-lots-bankruptcy-retail-consumer-4713b5436d17c7838a45fe5cd5c3fe8b">filed for bankruptcy protection</a>&nbsp;in September, has reached a deal that will keep hundreds of its stores and distribution centers open.

Big Lots said Friday it will be sold to Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, a firm that specializes in distressed companies. Gordon Brothers will then transfer Big Lots’ stores, distribution centers and other assets to other retailers.

Variety Wholesalers Inc., which owns more than 400 discount stores in the U.S. Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, plans to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots stores and operate them under the Big Lots brand. Variety Wholesalers will also acquire up to two distribution centers.

“This sale agreement and transfer present the strongest opportunity to preserve jobs, maximize value for the estate and ensure continuity of the Big Lots brand,” Big Lots President and CEO Bruce Thorn said in a statement. “We are grateful to our associates nationwide for their grit and resilience throughout this process.”

Columbus, Ohio-based Big Lots sells furniture, home decor and other items. When it filed for bankruptcy in September, it said inflation and high interest rates caused consumers to pull back on their purchases of home and seasonal products, two categories the chain depends on for a significant part of its revenue.

At the time, Big Lots planned to sell its assets and ongoing business operations to private equity firm Nexus Capital Management.

BY&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/dee-ann-durbin">DEE-ANN DURBIN</a> Associated PressThe discount chain Big Lots, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-lots-bankruptcy-retail-consumer-4713b5436d17c7838a45fe5cd5c3fe8b">filed for bankruptcy protection</a>&nbsp;in September, has reached a deal that will keep hundreds of its stores and distribution centers open.Big Lots said Friday it will be sold to Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, a firm that specializes in distressed companies. Gordon Brothers will then transfer Big Lots’ stores, distribution centers and other assets to other retailers.Variety Wholesalers Inc., which owns more than 400 discount stores in the U.S. Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, plans to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots stores and operate them under the Big Lots brand. Variety Wholesalers will also acquire up to two distribution centers.“This sale agreement and transfer present the strongest opportunity to preserve jobs, maximize value for the estate and ensure continuity of the Big Lots brand,” Big Lots President and CEO Bruce Thorn said in a statement. “We are grateful to our associates nationwide for their grit and resilience throughout this process.”Columbus, Ohio-based Big Lots sells furniture, home decor and other items. When it filed for bankruptcy in September, it said inflation and high interest rates caused consumers to pull back on their purchases of home and seasonal products, two categories the chain depends on for a significant part of its revenue.At the time, Big Lots planned to sell its assets and ongoing business operations to private equity firm Nexus Capital Management.

Big Lots reaches deal to keep hundreds of US stores open

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump appears to be siding with Elon Musk and his other backers in the tech industry&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maga-immigration-visas-musk-40b78d2b413aa473e31ca063e4dd5fa8">as a dispute over immigration visas has divided his supporters.</a>

Trump,&nbsp;<a href="https://nypost.com/2024/12/28/us-news/donald-trump-backs-h-1b-visa-program-supported-by-elon-musk/">in an interview with the New York Post</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, praised the use of visas to bring skilled foreign workers to the U.S. The topic has become a flashpoint within his conservative base.

“I’ve always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. That’s why we have them," Trump said.

In fact, Trump has in the past criticized the H-1B visas, calling them “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. During his first term as president, he unveiled a “Hire American” policy that directed changes to the program to try to ensure the visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants.

Despite his criticism of them and attempts to curb their use, he has also used the visas at his businesses in the past, something he acknowledged in his interview Saturday.

“I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program," Trump told the newspaper.

He did not appear to address questions about whether he would pursue any changes to the number or use of the visas once he takes office Jan. 20.

Trump's hardline immigration policies, focused mostly on immigrants who are in the country illegally, were a cornerstone of his presidential campaign and a priority issue for his supporters.

But in recent days, his coalition has split in a public debate largely taking place online about the tech industry's hiring of foreign workers. Hard-right members of Trump's movement have accused Musk and others in Trump's new flank of tech-world supporters of pushing policies at odds with Trump's “America First" vision.

Software engineers and others in the tech industry have used H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers and say they are a critical tool for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735479725211.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump appears to be siding with Elon Musk and his other backers in the tech industry&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maga-immigration-visas-musk-40b78d2b413aa473e31ca063e4dd5fa8">as a dispute over immigration visas has divided his supporters.</a>Trump,&nbsp;<a href="https://nypost.com/2024/12/28/us-news/donald-trump-backs-h-1b-visa-program-supported-by-elon-musk/">in an interview with the New York Post</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, praised the use of visas to bring skilled foreign workers to the U.S. The topic has become a flashpoint within his conservative base.“I’ve always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. That’s why we have them," Trump said.In fact, Trump has in the past criticized the H-1B visas, calling them “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. During his first term as president, he unveiled a “Hire American” policy that directed changes to the program to try to ensure the visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants.Despite his criticism of them and attempts to curb their use, he has also used the visas at his businesses in the past, something he acknowledged in his interview Saturday.“I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program," Trump told the newspaper.He did not appear to address questions about whether he would pursue any changes to the number or use of the visas once he takes office Jan. 20.Trump's hardline immigration policies, focused mostly on immigrants who are in the country illegally, were a cornerstone of his presidential campaign and a priority issue for his supporters.But in recent days, his coalition has split in a public debate largely taking place online about the tech industry's hiring of foreign workers. Hard-right members of Trump's movement have accused Musk and others in Trump's new flank of tech-world supporters of pushing policies at odds with Trump's “America First" vision.Software engineers and others in the tech industry have used H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers and say they are a critical tool for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated.

Trump appears to side with Musk, tech allies in debate over foreign workers

ANDERSON COUNTY —A fire on Thursday destroyed the Colony Community Church,&nbsp;322 S. Garfield Street in Colony , according to a social media report from Colony City Marshal.

 Pastor Alex asked "for prayers for the congregation of this vibrant church community. On Friday evening the church family held a vigil and prayer service in the Crest USD 479 parking lot just north of the site of the fire.

&nbsp;"The church building is gone but our church family and faith is not."

The cause of the fire has not been released. There were no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735410031014.png" alt="Photo Colony Church" />
 <figcaption>Photo Colony Church</figcaption>
 </figure>ANDERSON COUNTY —A fire on Thursday destroyed the Colony Community Church,&nbsp;322 S. Garfield Street in Colony , according to a social media report from Colony City Marshal. Pastor Alex asked "for prayers for the congregation of this vibrant church community. On Friday evening the church family held a vigil and prayer service in the Crest USD 479 parking lot just north of the site of the fire.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735410052230.png" alt="Photo Colony City Marshal Angela Gardner" />
 <figcaption>Photo Colony City Marshal Angela Gardner</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;"The church building is gone but our church family and faith is not."The cause of the fire has not been released. There were no injuries reported.

Fire destroys church in rural Kansas community

ATLANTA (AP) — Nearly 3 million people could receive a boost in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/" target="_blank">Social Security</a>&nbsp;payments under legislation awaiting President Biden's signature.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-social-security-benefits-expanded-bbf18277e11ba5dba30f948c84b8d6bf">Social Security Fairness Act</a>&nbsp;would end longtime provisions that reduce the federal benefit for people who are also eligible for other pensions. The policies have&nbsp;<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/RL/RL32453/41" target="_blank">heavily affected people</a>&nbsp;who worked in state, local and federal government jobs, as well as teachers, firefighters and police officers, according to lawmakers and advocates.

The House approved the measure in November by a vote of 327-75. On December 21, in the Senate, all Democrats, as well as 27 Republicans, voted for the bill, giving it a final tally of 76-20.&nbsp;

Here is more on what the bill would mean:

The bill would repeal two provisions that limit Social Security benefits for certain recipients based on retirement payments they get from other sources — most often, but not exclusively, a public retirement program of a state or local government.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10045.pdf" target="_blank">Windfall Elimination Provision</a>&nbsp;modifies the usual benefit formula for retirees or disabled workers who are entitled to pension payments based on earnings from jobs that were not covered by Social Security.

<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/program-explainers/windfall-elimination-provision.html" target="_blank">The details vary</a>&nbsp;person to person but the idea, broadly, is that a monthly benefit is reduced by an amount tied to how much that person is receiving from a pension program in which they enrolled in lieu of paying Social Security payroll taxes.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10007.pdf" target="_blank">Government Pension Offset</a>&nbsp;follows a similar principle. It limits Social Security spousal benefits (those paid to a spouse based on their living spouse’s work and payroll tax history) and the widow’s or widower’s benefits (paid after a spouse’s death). Reductions are based on pension benefits for a retired federal, state or local government worker who opted out of some or all Social Security taxes and instead paid into another public retirement insurance program.

Current law establishes the offset at two-thirds of an alternative pension payment.

Under that standard, for example, a retired public health nurse might receive a $1,500 monthly disbursement from a state retirement system that does not participate in Social Security. Then, if that person becomes eligible to receive a spouse’s Social Security benefit after the spouse’s death, that survivor’s Social Security benefit would be reduced by $1,000 each month.

Social Security is commonly understood as a universal system in which everyone participates by paying Social Security payroll taxes and later getting benefits. But federal law has carved out exceptions. Generally, there are a few job categories that can be exempted and, thus, trigger benefit offsets:

— Civilian federal employees hired before 1984 are covered under the Civil Service Retirement System instead of Social Security. Federal workers hired since 1984 are covered under a different federal retirement structure that requires those employees participate in Social Security.

— State and local government employees who participate in their jurisdictions’ retirement systems that allow them to opt out of Social Security.

— Railroad workers who are covered under a separate federal insurance program.

The Congressional Research Service estimates that in December 2023, there were 745,679 people, about 1% of all Social Security beneficiaries, who had their benefits reduced by the Government Pension Offset. About 2.1 million people, or about 3% of all beneficiaries, were affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision.

The largest category of existing workers whose future benefits could be affected are the state and local government employees.

There are additional people still in the workforce whose future benefits would be affected. CRS estimated that in 2022, about 6.6 million, or 28% of the nation’s state and local government workers, were not covered in the Social Security system. So as those people retire they could become eligible to get money from Social Security that they would not receive without the changes.

The proposal calls for changes to payments for January 2024 and beyond. If Congress sticks to that timeline, that means the Social Security Administration would owe back-dated payments.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision would boost monthly payments to the affected beneficiaries by an average of $360 by December 2025.

The CBO estimates that ending the Government Pension Offset would increase monthly benefits in December 2025 by an average of $700 for 380,000 recipients getting benefits based on living spouses. The increase would be an average of $1,190 for 390,000 or surviving spouses getting a widow or widower benefit.

All those amounts would increase over time with Social Security’s regular cost-of-living adjustments.

For the Social Security program, the expected net spending increase from 2024-34 is about $198 billion. Separately, the changes would yield an estimated $2 billion in savings for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program because those food aid payments would be reduced for some households whose Social Security income increases.

That would mean added fiscal strain on the Social Security Trust funds, which already were estimated to be unable to pay full benefits beginning in 2035. The cost was a reason some House conservatives tried to block the bill. Supporters acknowledged the fiscal impact but said it was a matter of fairness.

Would a beneficiary have to take action to get increased benefits?

The proposals moving on Capitol Hill are straightforward: “The Commissioner of Social Security shall adjust primary insurance amounts to the extent necessary to take into account” changes in the law. And the Social Security Administration, through income tax filings, has everyone’s earnings history used to calculate monthly benefit payments under the laws and formulas that Congress sets.

But it’s not immediately clear how easily the Social Security Administration could adjust payments for a few million people — whether it could be managed mostly by automated systems recalculating or whether it would require federal employees individually reviewing individual cases with beneficiaries.

Additionally, the proposed changes to the spousal benefits could create newly eligible beneficiaries who are not currently getting such payments and could have to apply specifically for the benefit. The CBO estimates about 70,000 new beneficiaries by the end of 2033.

Also, recipients with complicated formulas – including those that change as Congress tinkers with the law – can sometimes see errors in their payments when they have been automatically recalculated. Backdated payments can be especially problematic.

The Social Security Administration has extensive Q&amp;As and recipient services on its website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/" target="_blank">ssa.gov.</a>&nbsp;For example, one can calculate how their additional pensions can affect their benefits under current law using&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/prepare/government-and-foreign-pensions" target="_blank">this tool</a>. But the agency has not yet addressed the pending legislation publicly.

The agency also operates a toll-free hotline — 1-800-772-1213 — and will schedule in-person meetings at one of hundreds of Social Security offices around the country.

The Social Security Administration has a diminished staff after Congress has for years declined to fund the agency at its requested levels, even as the baby boomer generation ages and adds to the workload. Complex changes from Congress could create or exacerbate backlogs for recipients trying to get the precise benefits required under the law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721180391047.png" alt="File photo White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — Nearly 3 million people could receive a boost in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/" target="_blank">Social Security</a>&nbsp;payments under legislation awaiting President Biden's signature.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-social-security-benefits-expanded-bbf18277e11ba5dba30f948c84b8d6bf">Social Security Fairness Act</a>&nbsp;would end longtime provisions that reduce the federal benefit for people who are also eligible for other pensions. The policies have&nbsp;<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/RL/RL32453/41" target="_blank">heavily affected people</a>&nbsp;who worked in state, local and federal government jobs, as well as teachers, firefighters and police officers, according to lawmakers and advocates.The House approved the measure in November by a vote of 327-75. On December 21, in the Senate, all Democrats, as well as 27 Republicans, voted for the bill, giving it a final tally of 76-20.&nbsp;Here is more on what the bill would mean:<h2>What would the measure do?</h2>The bill would repeal two provisions that limit Social Security benefits for certain recipients based on retirement payments they get from other sources — most often, but not exclusively, a public retirement program of a state or local government.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10045.pdf" target="_blank">Windfall Elimination Provision</a>&nbsp;modifies the usual benefit formula for retirees or disabled workers who are entitled to pension payments based on earnings from jobs that were not covered by Social Security.<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/program-explainers/windfall-elimination-provision.html" target="_blank">The details vary</a>&nbsp;person to person but the idea, broadly, is that a monthly benefit is reduced by an amount tied to how much that person is receiving from a pension program in which they enrolled in lieu of paying Social Security payroll taxes.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10007.pdf" target="_blank">Government Pension Offset</a>&nbsp;follows a similar principle. It limits Social Security spousal benefits (those paid to a spouse based on their living spouse’s work and payroll tax history) and the widow’s or widower’s benefits (paid after a spouse’s death). Reductions are based on pension benefits for a retired federal, state or local government worker who opted out of some or all Social Security taxes and instead paid into another public retirement insurance program.Current law establishes the offset at two-thirds of an alternative pension payment.Under that standard, for example, a retired public health nurse might receive a $1,500 monthly disbursement from a state retirement system that does not participate in Social Security. Then, if that person becomes eligible to receive a spouse’s Social Security benefit after the spouse’s death, that survivor’s Social Security benefit would be reduced by $1,000 each month.<h2>Who is affected?</h2>Social Security is commonly understood as a universal system in which everyone participates by paying Social Security payroll taxes and later getting benefits. But federal law has carved out exceptions. Generally, there are a few job categories that can be exempted and, thus, trigger benefit offsets:— Civilian federal employees hired before 1984 are covered under the Civil Service Retirement System instead of Social Security. Federal workers hired since 1984 are covered under a different federal retirement structure that requires those employees participate in Social Security.— State and local government employees who participate in their jurisdictions’ retirement systems that allow them to opt out of Social Security.— Railroad workers who are covered under a separate federal insurance program.— Some clergy who can opt out.The Congressional Research Service estimates that in December 2023, there were 745,679 people, about 1% of all Social Security beneficiaries, who had their benefits reduced by the Government Pension Offset. About 2.1 million people, or about 3% of all beneficiaries, were affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision.The largest category of existing workers whose future benefits could be affected are the state and local government employees.There are additional people still in the workforce whose future benefits would be affected. CRS estimated that in 2022, about 6.6 million, or 28% of the nation’s state and local government workers, were not covered in the Social Security system. So as those people retire they could become eligible to get money from Social Security that they would not receive without the changes.<h2>When would changes go into effect?</h2>The proposal calls for changes to payments for January 2024 and beyond. If Congress sticks to that timeline, that means the Social Security Administration would owe back-dated payments.<h2>How much money is involved?</h2>The Congressional Budget Office estimates that eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision would boost monthly payments to the affected beneficiaries by an average of $360 by December 2025.The CBO estimates that ending the Government Pension Offset would increase monthly benefits in December 2025 by an average of $700 for 380,000 recipients getting benefits based on living spouses. The increase would be an average of $1,190 for 390,000 or surviving spouses getting a widow or widower benefit.All those amounts would increase over time with Social Security’s regular cost-of-living adjustments.For the Social Security program, the expected net spending increase from 2024-34 is about $198 billion. Separately, the changes would yield an estimated $2 billion in savings for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program because those food aid payments would be reduced for some households whose Social Security income increases.That would mean added fiscal strain on the Social Security Trust funds, which already were estimated to be unable to pay full benefits beginning in 2035. The cost was a reason some House conservatives tried to block the bill. Supporters acknowledged the fiscal impact but said it was a matter of fairness.<h2>Would a beneficiary have to take action to get increased benefits?</h2>It depends.The proposals moving on Capitol Hill are straightforward: “The Commissioner of Social Security shall adjust primary insurance amounts to the extent necessary to take into account” changes in the law. And the Social Security Administration, through income tax filings, has everyone’s earnings history used to calculate monthly benefit payments under the laws and formulas that Congress sets.But it’s not immediately clear how easily the Social Security Administration could adjust payments for a few million people — whether it could be managed mostly by automated systems recalculating or whether it would require federal employees individually reviewing individual cases with beneficiaries.Additionally, the proposed changes to the spousal benefits could create newly eligible beneficiaries who are not currently getting such payments and could have to apply specifically for the benefit. The CBO estimates about 70,000 new beneficiaries by the end of 2033.Also, recipients with complicated formulas – including those that change as Congress tinkers with the law – can sometimes see errors in their payments when they have been automatically recalculated. Backdated payments can be especially problematic.The Social Security Administration has extensive Q&amp;As and recipient services on its website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/" target="_blank">ssa.gov.</a>&nbsp;For example, one can calculate how their additional pensions can affect their benefits under current law using&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/prepare/government-and-foreign-pensions" target="_blank">this tool</a>. But the agency has not yet addressed the pending legislation publicly.The agency also operates a toll-free hotline — 1-800-772-1213 — and will schedule in-person meetings at one of hundreds of Social Security offices around the country.The Social Security Administration has a diminished staff after Congress has for years declined to fund the agency at its requested levels, even as the baby boomer generation ages and adds to the workload. Complex changes from Congress could create or exacerbate backlogs for recipients trying to get the precise benefits required under the law.

New details on law that expands Social Security benefits

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest.

On Christmas Eve, police were dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of Kenneth Lane in Belton regarding shots fired.  Upon their arrival, officers found that a residence had been shot several times, but no injuries occurred. 

 This was the third such incident involving this residence within the last week. Officers began their investigation and were able to determine a suspect and suspect vehicle description which was broadcast to surrounding agencies. 

 A short time later, officers were notified that the suspect vehicle had been located at a nursing facility in Raymore.  Belton officers responded to the facility and, with the assistance of Raymore officers, were able to identify and locate the driver of the suspect vehicle. 

 This individual was taken into custody for further investigation.  Officers were also able to locate and recover a weapon of the same caliber used in the shooting at the scene.

On Wednesday, the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office charged 21-year-old Pharrell Canady of Belton with three counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon and three counts of Armed Criminal Action in relation to these incidents.  Pharrell is currently being held in the Cass County Jail on no bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735300274840.png" alt="Canady- photo Cass County" />
 <figcaption>Canady- photo Cass County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest.On Christmas Eve, police were dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of Kenneth Lane in Belton regarding shots fired. Upon their arrival, officers found that a residence had been shot several times, but no injuries occurred. This was the third such incident involving this residence within the last week. Officers began their investigation and were able to determine a suspect and suspect vehicle description which was broadcast to surrounding agencies. A short time later, officers were notified that the suspect vehicle had been located at a nursing facility in Raymore. Belton officers responded to the facility and, with the assistance of Raymore officers, were able to identify and locate the driver of the suspect vehicle. This individual was taken into custody for further investigation. Officers were also able to locate and recover a weapon of the same caliber used in the shooting at the scene.On Wednesday, the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office charged 21-year-old Pharrell Canady of Belton with three counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon and three counts of Armed Criminal Action in relation to these incidents. Pharrell is currently being held in the Cass County Jail on no bond.

Man accused of shooting at KC area home Christmas Eve

DAYTON, Ohio – A former Kansas doctor was arrested by federal agents this week and charged with making false statements related to a 1989 rape, according to the United State's Attorney.

 Officials ask anyone with information regarding this or any other similar rape to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

It is alleged that Frederick Louis Tanzer, 66, knowingly made a false statement to FBI agents. His current home on Kenwood Road in&nbsp;Sycamore Township, Ohio and vehicles were searched and Tanzer appeared in federal court in Dayton following his arrest.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Tanzer was recently identified as the prime suspect in the cold-case rape. In recent months, agents collected DNA evidence from a Starbucks cup that Tanzer discarded at a local BMV. The DNA extracted from Tanzer’s coffee cup was confirmed by a forensic laboratory as a match to the DNA the rapist had left at the 1989 crime scene.

It is alleged that Tanzer made several materially false statements to federal investigators when approached today, including denying having seen or interacted with the victim on the date she was raped.

Tanzer is a medical doctor who has lived and practiced medicine in Kansas, Colorado and Ohio.

The affidavit details that on Aug. 1, 1989, the victim was violently raped in her condominium on Creighton Place in Cincinnati after arriving home from work.

Federal law enforcement officials ask the public to consider these circumstances of the rape and to contact the FBI with any similar information:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734724913138.png" alt="Tanzer photo Shelby County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Tanzer photo Shelby County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>DAYTON, Ohio – A former Kansas doctor was arrested by federal agents this week and charged with making false statements related to a 1989 rape, according to the United State's Attorney. Officials ask anyone with information regarding this or any other similar rape to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.It is alleged that Frederick Louis Tanzer, 66, knowingly made a false statement to FBI agents. His current home on Kenwood Road in&nbsp;Sycamore Township, Ohio and vehicles were searched and Tanzer appeared in federal court in Dayton following his arrest.According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Tanzer was recently identified as the prime suspect in the cold-case rape. In recent months, agents collected DNA evidence from a Starbucks cup that Tanzer discarded at a local BMV. The DNA extracted from Tanzer’s coffee cup was confirmed by a forensic laboratory as a match to the DNA the rapist had left at the 1989 crime scene.It is alleged that Tanzer made several materially false statements to federal investigators when approached today, including denying having seen or interacted with the victim on the date she was raped.Tanzer is a medical doctor who has lived and practiced medicine in Kansas, Colorado and Ohio.The affidavit details that on Aug. 1, 1989, the victim was violently raped in her condominium on Creighton Place in Cincinnati after arriving home from work.Federal law enforcement officials ask the public to consider these circumstances of the rape and to contact the FBI with any similar information:<ul>
 <li>When the victim arrived home, she noticed an odor that smelled to her like brewed tea or burnt marijuana.</li><li>The rapist was dressed from head to toe in black Lycra, including black gloves and a face mask. He had a black gym bag with him.</li><li>The assailant held a knife to the victim’s throat.</li><li>The rapist used white surgical tape from the gym bag to wrap around the victim’s eyes and head. He used stockings and panty hose from the victim’s dresser to bind her hands and feet to the headboard and footboard of her bed.</li><li>The rapist cut or tore the victim’s clothing and used Vaseline.</li><li>The rapist assaulted the victim vaginally, orally and anally. In between bouts of sexual conduct, the assailant used a cloth to wipe the victim’s mouth and genital areas.</li><li>The rapist said nothing during the entire encounter. He occasionally took breaks from sexually assaulting the victim while the victim remained tied to her bed.</li><li>The rapist listened to and erased answering machine messages. He looked through papers in the victim’s living room and rummaged through her purse. He unplugged and/or disconnected telephones.</li><li>On the handset of the telephone in the bedroom, the rapist taped a piece of newspaper that had been cut from the paper on the couch in the victim’s living room and wrote, “No police or I’ll be back Mis [sic] [name of victim’s employer]”</li><li>The victim described the rapist as white, with dark brown hair, approximately six feet tall with a thin or athletic build.</li><li>The assault took place over the course of more than five and a half hours.</li>
 </ul>

Search continues for victims of former Kan. doctor accused of rape

LABETTE COUNTY—One person was injured in a small plane accident just before 1:30p.m. Saturday in Labette County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1992 Cozy Club Fixed Wing Aircraft piloted by Michael R.&nbsp; Ribordy, 26, New Strawn, Kansas, was attempting a landing at a private grass strip at 1502 21000 Road in Parsons.

Upon approach, the aircraft struck a power line causing it to nose the ground.

&nbsp;EMS transported Ribordy to the Labette County Health for treatment of a suspected serious injury, according to the KHP.

LABETTE COUNTY—One person was injured in a small plane accident just before 1:30p.m. Saturday in Labette County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1992 Cozy Club Fixed Wing Aircraft piloted by Michael R.&nbsp; Ribordy, 26, New Strawn, Kansas, was attempting a landing at a private grass strip at 1502 21000 Road in Parsons.Upon approach, the aircraft struck a power line causing it to nose the ground.&nbsp;EMS transported Ribordy to the Labette County Health for treatment of a suspected serious injury, according to the KHP.

Kan. pilot injured after small plane strikes power line

SCOTTSBLUFF (AP) —A Nebraska man is getting title to his home back, years after losing it over a $588 tax debt, one of his lawyers said Thursday.

Kevin Fair of Scottsbluff has been involved in a legal dispute since 2018, when he lost title to the home he had owned for nearly three decades for failing to pay $588 in overdue property taxes. Scotts Bluff County sold the lien to a private investor, as allowed by Nebraska law at the time.

When Fair couldn't repay the money along with interest and fees, the title went to the investor, though Fair was allowed to stay in the home while the legal dispute played out.

The Nebraska Supreme Court ruled against Fair in 2022, but a year later, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the state court to reconsider. In August, the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled that Fair should retain title to the house.

Fair's appellate law firm, Pacific Legal Foundation, said Fair and the investor have amicably resolved their dispute, ending the legal battle.

The case confirmed that home equity “is protected by the Constitution," said Christina Martin, senior attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation. As for Fair, the ruling “is protecting him from, in all likelihood, homelessness,” she said.

A message seeking comment was left Thursday with an attorney for Scotts Bluff County.

Fair and his wife, Terry, had already paid off the mortgage for their home in Scottsbluff, a town of 14,300 people in far western Nebraska, by the early 2010s. But in 2013, Terry was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and Kevin quit his job to care for her. The couple fell behind on their property taxes, owing $588.

The county placed a lien on the home and listed the delinquency in the newspaper. In 2015, the county sold the tax lien to the private investor, which paid the home's taxes for three years.

When the investor called for the Fairs to pay the accrued $5,268 in taxes, interest and fees, they couldn't. Scotts Bluff County turned the title and equity over to the investor in 2018.

Kevin Fair's lawsuit contended that while the state should be allowed to collect its debt, it should not be allowed to seize the home or the equity in it above the debt amount — $54,000 in this case.

The court victory is bittersweet for Kevin Fair. His wife died in 2019, and he suffered a stroke last month. Martin said he'll need a ramp built at the home to accommodate him. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/xrn23-help-kevin-keep-his-home">GoFundMe</a>&nbsp;account had raised nearly $10,000 by Thursday afternoon.

Nebraska changed its law in 2023 so that homeowners are no longer at risk of losing their equity over unpaid property taxes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735244211799.png" alt="Kevin Fair photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Kevin Fair photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>SCOTTSBLUFF (AP) —A Nebraska man is getting title to his home back, years after losing it over a $588 tax debt, one of his lawyers said Thursday.Kevin Fair of Scottsbluff has been involved in a legal dispute since 2018, when he lost title to the home he had owned for nearly three decades for failing to pay $588 in overdue property taxes. Scotts Bluff County sold the lien to a private investor, as allowed by Nebraska law at the time.When Fair couldn't repay the money along with interest and fees, the title went to the investor, though Fair was allowed to stay in the home while the legal dispute played out.The Nebraska Supreme Court ruled against Fair in 2022, but a year later, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the state court to reconsider. In August, the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled that Fair should retain title to the house.Fair's appellate law firm, Pacific Legal Foundation, said Fair and the investor have amicably resolved their dispute, ending the legal battle.The case confirmed that home equity “is protected by the Constitution," said Christina Martin, senior attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation. As for Fair, the ruling “is protecting him from, in all likelihood, homelessness,” she said.A message seeking comment was left Thursday with an attorney for Scotts Bluff County.Fair and his wife, Terry, had already paid off the mortgage for their home in Scottsbluff, a town of 14,300 people in far western Nebraska, by the early 2010s. But in 2013, Terry was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and Kevin quit his job to care for her. The couple fell behind on their property taxes, owing $588.The county placed a lien on the home and listed the delinquency in the newspaper. In 2015, the county sold the tax lien to the private investor, which paid the home's taxes for three years.When the investor called for the Fairs to pay the accrued $5,268 in taxes, interest and fees, they couldn't. Scotts Bluff County turned the title and equity over to the investor in 2018.Kevin Fair's lawsuit contended that while the state should be allowed to collect its debt, it should not be allowed to seize the home or the equity in it above the debt amount — $54,000 in this case.The court victory is bittersweet for Kevin Fair. His wife died in 2019, and he suffered a stroke last month. Martin said he'll need a ramp built at the home to accommodate him. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/xrn23-help-kevin-keep-his-home">GoFundMe</a>&nbsp;account had raised nearly $10,000 by Thursday afternoon.Nebraska changed its law in 2023 so that homeowners are no longer at risk of losing their equity over unpaid property taxes.

Nebraska man who lost his home over $588 debt is getting it back

Draft legislation removes HINU from BIA control while retaining federal funding

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Two Republicans in the Kansas congressional delegation propose Haskell Indian Nations University be granted a federal charter to operate under authority of the Haskell Board of Regents rather than the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Sen. Jerry Moran and Rep. Tracey Mann said the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/a/f/afc91de5-4583-4567-b4a3-472b85f142a7/A666B8649CA691F7F70C435298D0BA130CED3B020FC81FE1F0969E49A8205BA2.12.10.24-haskell-charter-section-by-section.pdf" target="_blank">legislation transferring control of HINU</a>&nbsp;while maintaining federal funding to the university was drafted in response to BIA incompetence that damaged educational opportunities for Native Americans on the Lawrence campus.

Brittany Hall, president of the Haskell Board of Regents, said the university encountered barriers to progress and innovation that stemmed from operational constraints within BIA and its parent agency the U.S. Department of Interior.

“These challenges, while not unique to Haskell, underscore the critical need for a more tailored governance model empowered by a U.S. congressional charter — one that enables the university to thrive while better serving its students and communities,” Hall said.

Moran said HINU previously provided students from federally recognized tribes a tuition-free education in an environment that prioritized indigenous culture, but the Bureau of Indian Affairs for years had “neglected and mismanaged” the university.

“The bureau has failed to protect students, respond to my congressional inquiries or meet the basic infrastructure needs of the school,” Moran said. “It is clear that the best path forward is for the university to be led by an independent Board of Regents nominated by the tribal community.”

There has been frustration the BIA was unwilling to address concerns raised by the tribal community, including reports of sexual harassment on campus. The university has operated without sufficient financial support of essential programs and has grappled with a high dropout rate. Campus infrastructure is outdated and technology is obsolete.

Mann, who serves the 1st District that includes Lawrence, said HINU should be the jewel of Native American education. That goal hasn’t been attained, he said, because the university “for far too long has been failed by the federal government.”

“It is obvious that the best way to protect Haskell’s rich heritage and culture is to charter the university and remove its governance from the federal bureaucrats to a Board of Regents nominated by tribal communities,” Mann said. “This new chapter for Haskell is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it’s imperative that those most directly impacted have a welcome, active voice in helping us enact this change.”

Initial conversations about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/f/d/fda05538-4849-42ce-b74a-511fab1623b2/1D3AC39B28AD7071F393D2B6F2B91D1870BC3300599871079963795D4193035A.12.12.24---haskell-indian-nations-university-improvement-act.pdf" target="_blank">the draft of reform legislation</a>&nbsp;have occurred with the Haskell Board of Regents, tribal members and students and staff at the university. Moran and Mann requested public comment on the concept be sent to&nbsp;feedback@moran.senate.gov&nbsp;by Feb. 1.

Joseph Rupnick, chairman of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, said he appreciated work by members of the Kansas congressional delegation on legislation furthering the federal government’s treaty and trust responsibilities to Indian people.

“I look forward to discussions in the new year with tribal leaders and Haskell alums, faculty and students so that this bill can safeguard Haskell’s future and its funding,” Rupnick said.

The four-year university enrolls about 1,000 students. Students are drawn from more than 130 federally recognized tribes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735234698024.jpeg" alt=" U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, both Kansas Republicans, support draft legislation that would grant a federal charter to place control of Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence under the Haskell Board of Regents rather than the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, both Kansas Republicans, support draft legislation that would grant a federal charter to place control of Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence under the Haskell Board of Regents rather than the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Draft legislation removes HINU from BIA control while retaining federal funding</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Two Republicans in the Kansas congressional delegation propose Haskell Indian Nations University be granted a federal charter to operate under authority of the Haskell Board of Regents rather than the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.Sen. Jerry Moran and Rep. Tracey Mann said the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/a/f/afc91de5-4583-4567-b4a3-472b85f142a7/A666B8649CA691F7F70C435298D0BA130CED3B020FC81FE1F0969E49A8205BA2.12.10.24-haskell-charter-section-by-section.pdf" target="_blank">legislation transferring control of HINU</a>&nbsp;while maintaining federal funding to the university was drafted in response to BIA incompetence that damaged educational opportunities for Native Americans on the Lawrence campus.Brittany Hall, president of the Haskell Board of Regents, said the university encountered barriers to progress and innovation that stemmed from operational constraints within BIA and its parent agency the U.S. Department of Interior.“These challenges, while not unique to Haskell, underscore the critical need for a more tailored governance model empowered by a U.S. congressional charter — one that enables the university to thrive while better serving its students and communities,” Hall said.Moran said HINU previously provided students from federally recognized tribes a tuition-free education in an environment that prioritized indigenous culture, but the Bureau of Indian Affairs for years had “neglected and mismanaged” the university.“The bureau has failed to protect students, respond to my congressional inquiries or meet the basic infrastructure needs of the school,” Moran said. “It is clear that the best path forward is for the university to be led by an independent Board of Regents nominated by the tribal community.”There has been frustration the BIA was unwilling to address concerns raised by the tribal community, including reports of sexual harassment on campus. The university has operated without sufficient financial support of essential programs and has grappled with a high dropout rate. Campus infrastructure is outdated and technology is obsolete.Mann, who serves the 1st District that includes Lawrence, said HINU should be the jewel of Native American education. That goal hasn’t been attained, he said, because the university “for far too long has been failed by the federal government.”“It is obvious that the best way to protect Haskell’s rich heritage and culture is to charter the university and remove its governance from the federal bureaucrats to a Board of Regents nominated by tribal communities,” Mann said. “This new chapter for Haskell is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it’s imperative that those most directly impacted have a welcome, active voice in helping us enact this change.”Initial conversations about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/f/d/fda05538-4849-42ce-b74a-511fab1623b2/1D3AC39B28AD7071F393D2B6F2B91D1870BC3300599871079963795D4193035A.12.12.24---haskell-indian-nations-university-improvement-act.pdf" target="_blank">the draft of reform legislation</a>&nbsp;have occurred with the Haskell Board of Regents, tribal members and students and staff at the university. Moran and Mann requested public comment on the concept be sent to&nbsp;feedback@moran.senate.gov&nbsp;by Feb. 1.Joseph Rupnick, chairman of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, said he appreciated work by members of the Kansas congressional delegation on legislation furthering the federal government’s treaty and trust responsibilities to Indian people.“I look forward to discussions in the new year with tribal leaders and Haskell alums, faculty and students so that this bill can safeguard Haskell’s future and its funding,” Rupnick said.The four-year university enrolls about 1,000 students. Students are drawn from more than 130 federally recognized tribes.

Moran, Mann work to place Native American university under Haskell Board of Regents

LONDON (AP) — Olivia Hussey, the actor who starred as a teenage Juliet in the 1968 film “Romeo and Juliet,” has died, her family said on social media Saturday. She was 73.

Hussey died on Friday, “peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones,” a statement posted to her Instagram account said.

Hussey was 15 when director Franco Zeffirelli cast her in his adaptation of the William Shakespeare tragedy after spotting her onstage in the play “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie," which also starred Vanessa Redgrave.

“Romeo and Juliet” won two Oscars and Hussey won a Golden Globe for best new actress for her part as Juliet, opposite British actor Leonard Whiting, who was 16 at the time.

Decades later Hussey and Whiting&nbsp;<a href="https://alleging%20sexual%20abuse,%20sexual%20harassment%20and%20fraud./">brought a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures</a>&nbsp;alleging sexual abuse, sexual harassment and fraud over nude scenes in the film.

They alleged that they were initially told they would wear flesh-colored undergarments in a bedroom scene, but on the day of the shoot Zeffirelli told the pair they would wear only body makeup and that the camera would be positioned in a way that would not show nudity. They alleged they were filmed in the nude without their knowledge.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/romeo-juliet-lawsuit-zeffirelli-hussey-whiting-63721d4dd5552932d8c23b8c646de947">case was dismissed</a>&nbsp;by a Los Angeles County judge in 2023, who found their depiction could not be considered child pornography and the pair filed their claim too late.

Whiting was among those paying tribute to Hussey on Saturday. “Rest now my beautiful Juliet no injustices can hurt you now. And the world will remember your beauty inside and out forever," he wrote.

Hussey was born on April 17, 1951, in Bueno Aires, Argentina, and moved to London as a child. She studied at the Italia Conti Academy drama school.

She also starred as Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the 1977 television series “Jesus of Nazareth," as well as the 1978 adaptation of Agatha Christie’s “Death on the Nile" and horror movies “Black Christmas” and “Psycho IV: The Beginning.”

She is survived by her husband, David Glen Eisley, her three children and a grandson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735408705869.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) — Olivia Hussey, the actor who starred as a teenage Juliet in the 1968 film “Romeo and Juliet,” has died, her family said on social media Saturday. She was 73.Hussey died on Friday, “peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones,” a statement posted to her Instagram account said.Hussey was 15 when director Franco Zeffirelli cast her in his adaptation of the William Shakespeare tragedy after spotting her onstage in the play “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie," which also starred Vanessa Redgrave.“Romeo and Juliet” won two Oscars and Hussey won a Golden Globe for best new actress for her part as Juliet, opposite British actor Leonard Whiting, who was 16 at the time.Decades later Hussey and Whiting&nbsp;<a href="https://alleging%20sexual%20abuse,%20sexual%20harassment%20and%20fraud./">brought a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures</a>&nbsp;alleging sexual abuse, sexual harassment and fraud over nude scenes in the film.They alleged that they were initially told they would wear flesh-colored undergarments in a bedroom scene, but on the day of the shoot Zeffirelli told the pair they would wear only body makeup and that the camera would be positioned in a way that would not show nudity. They alleged they were filmed in the nude without their knowledge.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/romeo-juliet-lawsuit-zeffirelli-hussey-whiting-63721d4dd5552932d8c23b8c646de947">case was dismissed</a>&nbsp;by a Los Angeles County judge in 2023, who found their depiction could not be considered child pornography and the pair filed their claim too late.Whiting was among those paying tribute to Hussey on Saturday. “Rest now my beautiful Juliet no injustices can hurt you now. And the world will remember your beauty inside and out forever," he wrote.Hussey was born on April 17, 1951, in Bueno Aires, Argentina, and moved to London as a child. She studied at the Italia Conti Academy drama school.She also starred as Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the 1977 television series “Jesus of Nazareth," as well as the 1978 adaptation of Agatha Christie’s “Death on the Nile" and horror movies “Black Christmas” and “Psycho IV: The Beginning.”She is survived by her husband, David Glen Eisley, her three children and a grandson.

Olivia Hussey, star of the 1968 film 'Romeo and Juliet,' dies at 73

UPU Industries closed their Junction City operation earlier this month. The closure was confirmed by HR Manager Suzanne Deegan.

UPU has been providing net wrap for round hay bales. According to the company social media page "UPU is the only manufacturer of premium range bale netting and pallet wrapping in the United States, perfect for agricultural and industrial use – from Patriot Netwrap to Baler Twine"

There were 30 employees at the plant, which began its operation in Junction City in 2003. Deegan noted that about 85% of those employees have located other work.

The UPU Industries parent company will remain in business. They are headquartered in Northern Ireland.

By Dewey Terrill JC PostUPU Industries closed their Junction City operation earlier this month. The closure was confirmed by HR Manager Suzanne Deegan.UPU has been providing net wrap for round hay bales. According to the company social media page "UPU is the only manufacturer of premium range bale netting and pallet wrapping in the United States, perfect for agricultural and industrial use – from Patriot Netwrap to Baler Twine" There were 30 employees at the plant, which began its operation in Junction City in 2003. Deegan noted that about 85% of those employees have located other work.The UPU Industries parent company will remain in business. They are headquartered in Northern Ireland.

Kansas manufacturer with 30 employees is closed

WASHINGTON (AP) —President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/24/24-656/336151/20241227163400981_2024-12-27%20-%20TikTok%20v.%20Garland%20-%20Amicus%20Brief%20of%20President%20Donald%20J.%20Trump.pdf">Click here to read</a> the full amicus brief filed with the court

The request came as TikTok and the Biden administration filed opposing briefs to the court, in which the company argued the court should strike down a law that could ban the platform by Jan. 19 while the government emphasized its position that the statute is needed to eliminate a national security risk.

“President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute. Instead, he respectfully requests that the Court consider staying the Act’s deadline for divestment of January 19, 2025, while it considers the merits of this case,” said Trump’s amicus brief, which supported neither party in the case and was written by D. John Sauer, Trump’s choice for solicitor general.

The argument submitted to the court is the latest example of Trump inserting himself in national issues before he takes office. The Republican president-elect has already begun negotiating with other countries over his plans to impose tariffs, and he intervened earlier this month in a plan to fund the federal government, calling for a bipartisan plan to be rejected and sending Republicans back to the negotiating table.

He has been holding meetings with foreign leaders and business officials at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida while he assembles his administration, including a meeting last week with TikTok CEO Shou Chew.

Trump has reversed his position on the popular app, having tried to ban it during his first term in office over national security concerns. He joined the TikTok during his 2024 presidential campaign and his team used it to connect with younger voters, especially male voters, by pushing content that was often macho and aimed at going viral.

He said earlier this year that he still believed there were national security risks with TikTok, but that he opposed banning it.

The filings Friday come ahead of oral arguments&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-tiktok-china-us-ban-08d6fffdcd2dde5100fcdf8a452dd5cc">scheduled for Jan. 10</a>&nbsp;on whether the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban, unlawfully restricts speech in violation of the First Amendment. The law was was signed by President Joe Biden in April after it passed Congress with broad bipartisan support. TikTok and ByteDance filed a legal challenge afterwards.

Earlier this month, a panel of three federal judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-court-ruling-china-6bfd505295ad44126df0544fc083d6a6">unanimously upheld the statute</a>, leading TikTok to appeal the case to the Supreme Court.

The brief from Trump said he opposes banning TikTok at this junction and “seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office.”

In their brief to the Supreme Court on Friday, attorneys for TikTok and its parent company ByteDance argued the federal appeals court erred in its ruling and based its decision on “alleged ‘risks’ that China could exercise control” over TikTok’s U.S. platform by pressuring its foreign affiliates.

The Biden administration has argued in court that TikTok poses a national security risk due to its connections to China. Officials say Chinese authorities can compel ByteDance to hand over information on TikTok’s U.S. patrons or use the platform to spread or suppress information.

But the government “concedes that it has no evidence China has ever attempted to do so,” TikTok’s legal filing said, adding that the U.S. fears are predicated on future risks.

In its filing Friday, the Biden administration said because TikTok “is integrated with ByteDance and relies on its propriety engine developed and maintained in China,” its corporate structure carries with it risk.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735344702460.png" alt="\" />
 <figcaption>\</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue.<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/24/24-656/336151/20241227163400981_2024-12-27%20-%20TikTok%20v.%20Garland%20-%20Amicus%20Brief%20of%20President%20Donald%20J.%20Trump.pdf">Click here to read</a> the full amicus brief filed with the courtThe request came as TikTok and the Biden administration filed opposing briefs to the court, in which the company argued the court should strike down a law that could ban the platform by Jan. 19 while the government emphasized its position that the statute is needed to eliminate a national security risk.“President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute. Instead, he respectfully requests that the Court consider staying the Act’s deadline for divestment of January 19, 2025, while it considers the merits of this case,” said Trump’s amicus brief, which supported neither party in the case and was written by D. John Sauer, Trump’s choice for solicitor general.The argument submitted to the court is the latest example of Trump inserting himself in national issues before he takes office. The Republican president-elect has already begun negotiating with other countries over his plans to impose tariffs, and he intervened earlier this month in a plan to fund the federal government, calling for a bipartisan plan to be rejected and sending Republicans back to the negotiating table.He has been holding meetings with foreign leaders and business officials at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida while he assembles his administration, including a meeting last week with TikTok CEO Shou Chew.Trump has reversed his position on the popular app, having tried to ban it during his first term in office over national security concerns. He joined the TikTok during his 2024 presidential campaign and his team used it to connect with younger voters, especially male voters, by pushing content that was often macho and aimed at going viral.He said earlier this year that he still believed there were national security risks with TikTok, but that he opposed banning it.The filings Friday come ahead of oral arguments&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-tiktok-china-us-ban-08d6fffdcd2dde5100fcdf8a452dd5cc">scheduled for Jan. 10</a>&nbsp;on whether the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban, unlawfully restricts speech in violation of the First Amendment. The law was was signed by President Joe Biden in April after it passed Congress with broad bipartisan support. TikTok and ByteDance filed a legal challenge afterwards.Earlier this month, a panel of three federal judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-court-ruling-china-6bfd505295ad44126df0544fc083d6a6">unanimously upheld the statute</a>, leading TikTok to appeal the case to the Supreme Court.The brief from Trump said he opposes banning TikTok at this junction and “seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office.”In their brief to the Supreme Court on Friday, attorneys for TikTok and its parent company ByteDance argued the federal appeals court erred in its ruling and based its decision on “alleged ‘risks’ that China could exercise control” over TikTok’s U.S. platform by pressuring its foreign affiliates.The Biden administration has argued in court that TikTok poses a national security risk due to its connections to China. Officials say Chinese authorities can compel ByteDance to hand over information on TikTok’s U.S. patrons or use the platform to spread or suppress information.But the government “concedes that it has no evidence China has ever attempted to do so,” TikTok’s legal filing said, adding that the U.S. fears are predicated on future risks.In its filing Friday, the Biden administration said because TikTok “is integrated with ByteDance and relies on its propriety engine developed and maintained in China,” its corporate structure carries with it risk.

Read Trump's brief filed with Supreme Court to stop TikTok ban 

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Two people were injured in a fire Friday in Topeka.

Just after 4 a.m., firefighters&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire at 1412 SE Lott Street in Topeka, according to a media release.

 Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke and fire coming from the home and extinguished the fire. Multiple occupants escaped prior to crews arrival. Two occupants were treated and transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Investigators determined the cause of the fire as accidental, associated with a space heater.

The loss associated with the fire is approximately $83,000. $78,000 to the house and $5,000 to a car parked next to the house.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735325341121.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Two people were injured in a fire Friday in Topeka.Just after 4 a.m., firefighters&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire at 1412 SE Lott Street in Topeka, according to a media release. Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke and fire coming from the home and extinguished the fire. Multiple occupants escaped prior to crews arrival. Two occupants were treated and transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.Investigators determined the cause of the fire as accidental, associated with a space heater.The loss associated with the fire is approximately $83,000. $78,000 to the house and $5,000 to a car parked next to the house.

Two hospitalized after fire caused by space heater at Kansas home

BY&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/laura-ungar">LAURA UNGAR</a> Associated Press

A genetic analysis suggests the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cats-dogs-bird-flu-pets-raw-food-7a57b3047164676a7d237bcd05a5b9db">bird flu</a>&nbsp;virus mutated inside a Louisiana patient who contracted the nation’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-severe-louisiana-2b4a5f55a05cf8be9b169c15e8b9582d">first severe case</a>&nbsp;of the illness,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/spotlights/h5n1-response-12232024.html" target="_blank">the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said this week.</a>

Scientists believe the mutations may allow the virus to better bind to receptors in the upper airways of humans — something they say is concerning but not a cause for alarm.

Michael Osterholm, a University of Minnesota infectious disease researcher, likened this binding interaction to a lock and key. To enter a cell, the virus needs to have a key that turns the lock, and this finding means the virus may be changing to have a key that might work.

“Is this an indication that we may be closer to seeing a readily transmitted virus between people? No,” Osterholm said. “Right now, this is a key that sits in the lock, but it doesn’t open the door.”

The virus has been causing sporadic, mostly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-severe-louisiana-2b4a5f55a05cf8be9b169c15e8b9582d">mild illnesses in people</a>&nbsp;in the U.S., and nearly all of those infected worked on dairy or poultry farms.

The Louisiana patient was hospitalized in critical condition with severe respiratory symptoms from bird flu after coming in contact with sick and dead birds in a backyard flock. The person, who has not been identified, is older than 65 and has underlying medical problems, officials said earlier this month.

The CDC stressed there has been no known transmission of the virus from the Louisiana patient to anyone else. The agency said its findings about the mutations were “concerning,” but the risk to the general public from the outbreak “has not changed and remains low.”

Still, Osterholm said, scientists should continue to follow what’s happening with mutations carefully.

“There will be additional influenza pandemics and they could be much worse than we saw with COVID,” he said. “We know that the pandemic clock is ticking. We just don’t know what time it is.”

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733747978622.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/laura-ungar">LAURA UNGAR</a> Associated PressA genetic analysis suggests the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cats-dogs-bird-flu-pets-raw-food-7a57b3047164676a7d237bcd05a5b9db">bird flu</a>&nbsp;virus mutated inside a Louisiana patient who contracted the nation’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-severe-louisiana-2b4a5f55a05cf8be9b169c15e8b9582d">first severe case</a>&nbsp;of the illness,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/spotlights/h5n1-response-12232024.html" target="_blank">the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said this week.</a>Scientists believe the mutations may allow the virus to better bind to receptors in the upper airways of humans — something they say is concerning but not a cause for alarm.Michael Osterholm, a University of Minnesota infectious disease researcher, likened this binding interaction to a lock and key. To enter a cell, the virus needs to have a key that turns the lock, and this finding means the virus may be changing to have a key that might work.“Is this an indication that we may be closer to seeing a readily transmitted virus between people? No,” Osterholm said. “Right now, this is a key that sits in the lock, but it doesn’t open the door.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725718440042.png" alt="CDC image" />
 <figcaption>CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure>The virus has been causing sporadic, mostly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-severe-louisiana-2b4a5f55a05cf8be9b169c15e8b9582d">mild illnesses in people</a>&nbsp;in the U.S., and nearly all of those infected worked on dairy or poultry farms.The Louisiana patient was hospitalized in critical condition with severe respiratory symptoms from bird flu after coming in contact with sick and dead birds in a backyard flock. The person, who has not been identified, is older than 65 and has underlying medical problems, officials said earlier this month.The CDC stressed there has been no known transmission of the virus from the Louisiana patient to anyone else. The agency said its findings about the mutations were “concerning,” but the risk to the general public from the outbreak “has not changed and remains low.”Still, Osterholm said, scientists should continue to follow what’s happening with mutations carefully.“There will be additional influenza pandemics and they could be much worse than we saw with COVID,” he said. “We know that the pandemic clock is ticking. We just don’t know what time it is.”<h2>______</h2>The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

CDC: Bird flu mutations in first human case

ATLANTA (AP) — At least one Mega Millions player has plenty of dough to ring in the New Year after drawing the winning number. After three months without anyone winning the top prize in the lottery, a ticket worth an estimated $1.22 billion was sold in California for the drawing Friday night, according to the Mega Millions website.

The winning ticket matched the white balls 3, 7, 37, 49, 55 and the gold Mega Ball 6. The identity of the winner or winners was not immediately known.

The total amount of the Mega Millions jackpot would only be distributed to a winner who chooses an annuity paid over 29 years. Nearly all grand prize winners opt to take a cash payout, which for Friday night’s drawing is an estimated $549.7 million.

Despite the game’s long odds of 1 in 302.6 million, players continued to purchase tickets as the size of the grand prize grew. Until Friday, the last time a Mega Millions player hit the top prize was Sept. 10.

ATLANTA (AP) — At least one Mega Millions player has plenty of dough to ring in the New Year after drawing the winning number. After three months without anyone winning the top prize in the lottery, a ticket worth an estimated $1.22 billion was sold in California for the drawing Friday night, according to the Mega Millions website.The winning ticket matched the white balls 3, 7, 37, 49, 55 and the gold Mega Ball 6. The identity of the winner or winners was not immediately known.The total amount of the Mega Millions jackpot would only be distributed to a winner who chooses an annuity paid over 29 years. Nearly all grand prize winners opt to take a cash payout, which for Friday night’s drawing is an estimated $549.7 million.Despite the game’s long odds of 1 in 302.6 million, players continued to purchase tickets as the size of the grand prize grew. Until Friday, the last time a Mega Millions player hit the top prize was Sept. 10.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3b010e2633d3231cca0d6b9d34ebe5b7">largest-ever</a>&nbsp;Mega Millions jackpot ticket worth $1.6 billion was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mega-millions-jackpot-claimed-florida-8c86594edcd16cdcda7521059ef7c7ed">sold</a>&nbsp;in Florida in August 2023. Two prizes for its compatriot Powerball lottery have been larger.Mega Millions and Powerball are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-alabama-alaska-lotteries-business-86424cf8e2b7cccf8ae9d06f6652d559">sold in 45 states</a>, as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Powerball also is sold in Puerto Rico.Mega Millions ticket prices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mega-millions-powerball-lottery-price-6d07dbc300b42565f3d87c058841b816">are set to rise from $2 to $5 in April</a>. The increase will be one of many changes that officials say will result in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mega-millions-jackpot-lottery-powerball-winner-1b2ab74a356187cafccda905a5936cad">improved jackpot odds</a>, more frequent giant prizes and even larger payouts.