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.

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.

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.

Mega Millions: Winning ticket for $1.22 billion lottery jackpot sold 

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—One person died in an accident during a police pursuit just after 5p.m. Thursday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy pickup driven by Brian Trober, 31, Kansas City, Kansas was&nbsp;eastbound on Interstate 70 exiting to Interstate 635 southbound. 

The driver lost control of the pickup. It entered the southwest ditch, struck a metal guardrail, overturned down a rock embankment and came to rest in the north ditch off Kaw Drive.

EMS transported Trober and a passenger 21-year-old Bradley Kirch of Kansas City, Kansas to KU Medical Center where Trober died.&nbsp; &nbsp; 

Trober had multiple previous convictions including for theft, aggravated battery, criminal possession of a firearm and three for Battery of a Juvenile Correctional Officer or Employee, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; The KHP did not report what prompted the chase. The pickup involved in the crash did not have a license plate displayed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735317543887.png" alt="Trober had multiple previous convictions including theft, aggravated battery, battery, criminal possession of a firearm and three for Battery Juvenile Correctional Officer or Employee, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.- photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Trober had multiple previous convictions including theft, aggravated battery, battery, criminal possession of a firearm and three for Battery Juvenile Correctional Officer or Employee, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.- photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY—One person died in an accident during a police pursuit just after 5p.m. Thursday in Wyandotte County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy pickup driven by Brian Trober, 31, Kansas City, Kansas was&nbsp;eastbound on Interstate 70 exiting to Interstate 635 southbound. The driver lost control of the pickup. It entered the southwest ditch, struck a metal guardrail, overturned down a rock embankment and came to rest in the north ditch off Kaw Drive.EMS transported Trober and a passenger 21-year-old Bradley Kirch of Kansas City, Kansas to KU Medical Center where Trober died.&nbsp; &nbsp; Trober had multiple previous convictions including for theft, aggravated battery, criminal possession of a firearm and three for Battery of a Juvenile Correctional Officer or Employee, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; The KHP did not report what prompted the chase. The pickup involved in the crash did not have a license plate displayed.

Kansas felon dies after crash during I-70 police chase

GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a bank robbery in Junction City.

Just after 4:30p.m. Friday, a man entered the Sunflower Bank, 510 North Jefferson Street in Junction City, according to a media release from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The suspect showed a firearm and demanded cash and ran from the bank with an undisclosed amount of money.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported.

Check the Post for additional details on the suspect as they are made available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735350419983.png" alt="Photo JC Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo JC Police</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a bank robbery in Junction City.Just after 4:30p.m. Friday, a man entered the Sunflower Bank, 510 North Jefferson Street in Junction City, according to a media release from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.The suspect showed a firearm and demanded cash and ran from the bank with an undisclosed amount of money.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported.Check the Post for additional details on the suspect as they are made available.

FBI: Suspect escaped with cash from Kansas bank robbery

NEW YORK (AP) — Greg Gumbel, a longtime CBS sportscaster who broke barriers during his career calling some of the biggest sporting events, has died from cancer, according to a statement from family released by&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/CBSSportsGang/status/1872770233074893078">the network</a>&nbsp;on Friday.

“He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten,” his wife Marcy Gumbel and daughter Michelle Gumbel said in a statement.

In March, Gumbel missed his first NCAA Tournament since 1997 due to what he said at the time were family health issues.

Gumbel was the studio&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/nfl-today-heads-into-50th-year-on-cbs-e71f178f53b44e808260ebe39af0be86">host for CBS</a>&nbsp;since returning to the network from NBC in 1998. Gumbel signed an extension with CBS last year that allowed him to continue hosting college basketball while stepping back from NFL announcing duties.

In 2001, he announced Super Bowl 35 for CBS, becoming the first Black announcer in the U.S. to call play-by-play of a major sports championship.

David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, described Gumbel as someone who broke barriers and set standards for others during his years as a voice for fans in sports, including in the NFL and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">March Madness.</a>

“A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time," said Berson.

Gumbel had two stints at CBS, leaving the network for NBC when it lost football in 1994 and returning when it regained the contract in 1998.

He hosted CBS’ coverage of the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics and called Major League Baseball games during its four-year run broadcasting the national pastime. In 1995, he hosted the World Figure Skating Championships and the following year hosted NBC’s daytime coverage of the Olympic Summer Games in Atlanta.

But it was football and basketball where he was best known and made his biggest impact. Gumbel hosted CBS’ NFL studio show, “The NFL Today” from 1990 to 1993 and again in 2004-05.

Earlier this year, Gumbel recalled replacing Brent Musburger as host of “The NFL Today” in 1990, describing it as intimidating and daunting.

“The fact that I got to sit in the same chair and do the same thing or try to do the same thing that he did was an incredible honor," he said.

Gumbel also called NFL games as the network’s lead play-by-play announcer from 1998 to 2003, including Super Bowl 35 and 38. He returned to the NFL booth in 2005, leaving that role after the 2022 season.

“Like all who knew and loved him, I too am saddened by his death, yet also so very grateful to have known him in my life,” Clark Kellogg, a CBS Sports college basketball game and studio analyst, said in a statement. “What a gift to be touched by such a good man and partner.”

Gumbel was the older brother of Bryant Gumbel, the host of NBC’s “Today” show and “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” on HBO. Bryant Gumbel received a lifetime achievement award at the Sports Emmys in 2003.

Greg Gumbel grew up in Chicago and graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1967 with a degree in English. He had plans to become an English teacher, but after his brother got into sportscasting, he auditioned at WMAQ-TV, an NBC affiliate in Chicago in 1973, according to the book "You Are Looking Live!: How The NFL Today Revolutionized Sports Broadcasting." He was soon offered a position as weekend sports anchor.

“I’m kind of surprised I got the job. I certainly wasn’t anyone who was polished," he said in the book. "By my own reckoning, it took me a good year to start to feel comfortable in front of a camera."

Gumbel also worked for ESPN and the Madison Square Garden network.

James Brown, who currently hosts “The NFL Today," described Gumbel on Friday as “Mr. Versatility and also very telegenic.”

“It was my pleasure to call him a friend and one who could do anything that was given to him in the wake of an assignment,” he added.

Gumbel won local Emmy Awards during his long career and was the recipient of the 2007 Pat Summerall Award for excellence in sports broadcasting.

Outside of his career as a sportscaster, he was affiliated with the March of Dimes for three decades, including as a member of its board of trustees. He also was a member of the Sports Council for St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital for 16 years.

Associated Press reporter Mike Sisak contributed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735340528556.png" alt="Greg Gumble photo courtesy The Harry Walker Agency" />
 <figcaption>Greg Gumble photo courtesy The Harry Walker Agency</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Greg Gumbel, a longtime CBS sportscaster who broke barriers during his career calling some of the biggest sporting events, has died from cancer, according to a statement from family released by&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/CBSSportsGang/status/1872770233074893078">the network</a>&nbsp;on Friday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A statement from the family of Greg Gumbel <a href="https://t.co/oAkSrW8EtJ">pic.twitter.com/oAkSrW8EtJ</a>&mdash; CBS Sports PR (@CBSSportsGang) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGang/status/1872770233074893078?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten,” his wife Marcy Gumbel and daughter Michelle Gumbel said in a statement.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A statement from CBS Sports on the passing of Greg Gumbel <a href="https://t.co/Bp4ixu7mWB">pic.twitter.com/Bp4ixu7mWB</a>&mdash; CBS Sports PR (@CBSSportsGang) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGang/status/1872770664077443439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In March, Gumbel missed his first NCAA Tournament since 1997 due to what he said at the time were family health issues.Gumbel was the studio&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/nfl-today-heads-into-50th-year-on-cbs-e71f178f53b44e808260ebe39af0be86">host for CBS</a>&nbsp;since returning to the network from NBC in 1998. Gumbel signed an extension with CBS last year that allowed him to continue hosting college basketball while stepping back from NFL announcing duties.In 2001, he announced Super Bowl 35 for CBS, becoming the first Black announcer in the U.S. to call play-by-play of a major sports championship.David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, described Gumbel as someone who broke barriers and set standards for others during his years as a voice for fans in sports, including in the NFL and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">March Madness.</a>“A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time," said Berson.Gumbel had two stints at CBS, leaving the network for NBC when it lost football in 1994 and returning when it regained the contract in 1998.He hosted CBS’ coverage of the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics and called Major League Baseball games during its four-year run broadcasting the national pastime. In 1995, he hosted the World Figure Skating Championships and the following year hosted NBC’s daytime coverage of the Olympic Summer Games in Atlanta.But it was football and basketball where he was best known and made his biggest impact. Gumbel hosted CBS’ NFL studio show, “The NFL Today” from 1990 to 1993 and again in 2004-05.Earlier this year, Gumbel recalled replacing Brent Musburger as host of “The NFL Today” in 1990, describing it as intimidating and daunting.“The fact that I got to sit in the same chair and do the same thing or try to do the same thing that he did was an incredible honor," he said.Gumbel also called NFL games as the network’s lead play-by-play announcer from 1998 to 2003, including Super Bowl 35 and 38. He returned to the NFL booth in 2005, leaving that role after the 2022 season.“Like all who knew and loved him, I too am saddened by his death, yet also so very grateful to have known him in my life,” Clark Kellogg, a CBS Sports college basketball game and studio analyst, said in a statement. “What a gift to be touched by such a good man and partner.”Gumbel was the older brother of Bryant Gumbel, the host of NBC’s “Today” show and “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” on HBO. Bryant Gumbel received a lifetime achievement award at the Sports Emmys in 2003.Greg Gumbel grew up in Chicago and graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1967 with a degree in English. He had plans to become an English teacher, but after his brother got into sportscasting, he auditioned at WMAQ-TV, an NBC affiliate in Chicago in 1973, according to the book "You Are Looking Live!: How The NFL Today Revolutionized Sports Broadcasting." He was soon offered a position as weekend sports anchor.“I’m kind of surprised I got the job. I certainly wasn’t anyone who was polished," he said in the book. "By my own reckoning, it took me a good year to start to feel comfortable in front of a camera."Gumbel also worked for ESPN and the Madison Square Garden network.James Brown, who currently hosts “The NFL Today," described Gumbel on Friday as “Mr. Versatility and also very telegenic.”“It was my pleasure to call him a friend and one who could do anything that was given to him in the wake of an assignment,” he added.Gumbel won local Emmy Awards during his long career and was the recipient of the 2007 Pat Summerall Award for excellence in sports broadcasting.Outside of his career as a sportscaster, he was affiliated with the March of Dimes for three decades, including as a member of its board of trustees. He also was a member of the Sports Council for St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital for 16 years.Associated Press reporter Mike Sisak contributed.

Sportscaster Greg Gumbel has died at age 78

BARTON &amp; STAFFORD COUNTIES&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating after a homicide, police pursuit, and apparent suicide took place in Barton and Stafford counties.

The Barton County Sheriff’s Office requested the KBI investigate on Friday, Dec. 27, around 10 a.m. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded.

On Friday, at approximately 9:10 a.m., officers with the Great Bend Police Department were dispatched to 1516 7th&nbsp;St., in Great Bend on a disturbance call.

When officers arrived they learned from witnesses that Mario Martinez-Garcia, 32, entered the workplace of Esmeralda Torres-Lopez, 32, forcing her outside where he then shot her. EMS arrived on scene and transported Torres-Lopez to a local hospital. She sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at 9:55 a.m.

Preliminary information indicates that Martinez-Garcia fled the scene in a white 2021 Chevy Silverado. Nearby detectives from the Great Bend Police Department spotted the truck speeding away, and a vehicle pursuit ensued. Law enforcement from several additional agencies joined the pursuit. Law enforcement officers deployed a tire deflation device. Then a deputy from the Barton County Sheriff’s Office conducted a tactical vehicle intervention causing the pickup truck to leave the roadway and hit a barbed-wire fence. The truck came to rest in a field near mile marker 191 on Highway 50 in Stafford County.

 Officers carefully approached the truck to gain sight of the driver. Martinez-Garcia was found deceased inside the truck. He had a gunshot wound to his head, and was holding a handgun. The coroner pronounced him dead on scene at 9:45 a.m.

No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident. Autopsies will be conducted.

The KBI will conduct a thorough investigation into these incidents. Once completed, findings will be presented to the Stafford County Attorney for review. The investigation is ongoing

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a deadly domestic incident that left two dead.

Just after 9 a.m., Friday, police were dispatched to a disturbance in the 1500 block of 7th Street in Great Bend, according to a media release.

While responding to the scene, law enforcement dispatch updated the call and advised that it was a domestic situation. When officers arrived, they located a female victim on the ground with an apparent gunshot wound.  Officers also observed a white Chevrolet pickup leaving the scene at a high rate of speed.

Officers with the Great Bend Police Department and Deputies with the Barton County Sheriff's Office pursued the Chevrolet pickup southbound on U.S. 281 Hwy., into Stafford County. 

 Assisting Officers were able to successfully deploy stop sticks in Stafford County.  The Chevrolet pickup continued west on U.S. 50 Hwy. where the driver lost control of the vehicle and it rolled over into a field.

Officers approached the Chevrolet pickup and located the driver and sole occupant deceased of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

Great Bend Fire Department Ambulance transported the female victim to University of Kansas Health Systems Great Bend Campus, where she was pronounced deceased.

The names of the victim and suspect are not being released at this time, pending notification of family members.

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

A shooting in Great Bend resulted in a high-speed chase through two counties early Friday morning. More information will be published as it becomes available.

Shortly after 9:15 a.m., Great Bend police were dispatched to an address in Great Bend. It was determined a victim at the address had been shot and a suspect vehicle fled the scene south out of Great Bend on U.S. 281 Highway.

The vehicle continued south, reaching speeds in excess of 90 miles an hour. In Stafford County, law enforcement deployed stopsticks to attempt to stop the vehicle. The driver continued south before turning west onto U.S. Highway 50. The vehicle crashed just west of Southwest 5th Avenue shortly before 9:40 a.m.

After a careful approach of the vehicle, law enforcement announced the driver of the vehicle was deceased.

Traffic on U.S. 50 Highway was opened to one lane just before 10 a.m.

This is a developing story. More details will be released as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735315087721.jpeg" alt="Photo by Mike Courson" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Mike Courson</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON &amp; STAFFORD COUNTIES&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating after a homicide, police pursuit, and apparent suicide took place in Barton and Stafford counties.The Barton County Sheriff’s Office requested the KBI investigate on Friday, Dec. 27, around 10 a.m. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded.On Friday, at approximately 9:10 a.m., officers with the Great Bend Police Department were dispatched to 1516 7th&nbsp;St., in Great Bend on a disturbance call.When officers arrived they learned from witnesses that Mario Martinez-Garcia, 32, entered the workplace of Esmeralda Torres-Lopez, 32, forcing her outside where he then shot her. EMS arrived on scene and transported Torres-Lopez to a local hospital. She sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at 9:55 a.m.Preliminary information indicates that Martinez-Garcia fled the scene in a white 2021 Chevy Silverado. Nearby detectives from the Great Bend Police Department spotted the truck speeding away, and a vehicle pursuit ensued. Law enforcement from several additional agencies joined the pursuit. Law enforcement officers deployed a tire deflation device. Then a deputy from the Barton County Sheriff’s Office conducted a tactical vehicle intervention causing the pickup truck to leave the roadway and hit a barbed-wire fence. The truck came to rest in a field near mile marker 191 on Highway 50 in Stafford County. Officers carefully approached the truck to gain sight of the driver. Martinez-Garcia was found deceased inside the truck. He had a gunshot wound to his head, and was holding a handgun. The coroner pronounced him dead on scene at 9:45 a.m.No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident. Autopsies will be conducted.The KBI will conduct a thorough investigation into these incidents. Once completed, findings will be presented to the Stafford County Attorney for review. The investigation is ongoing------------BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a deadly domestic incident that left two dead.Just after 9 a.m., Friday, police were dispatched to a disturbance in the 1500 block of 7th Street in Great Bend, according to a media release.While responding to the scene, law enforcement dispatch updated the call and advised that it was a domestic situation. When officers arrived, they located a female victim on the ground with an apparent gunshot wound. Officers also observed a white Chevrolet pickup leaving the scene at a high rate of speed.Officers with the Great Bend Police Department and Deputies with the Barton County Sheriff's Office pursued the Chevrolet pickup southbound on U.S. 281 Hwy., into Stafford County. Assisting Officers were able to successfully deploy stop sticks in Stafford County. The Chevrolet pickup continued west on U.S. 50 Hwy. where the driver lost control of the vehicle and it rolled over into a field.Officers approached the Chevrolet pickup and located the driver and sole occupant deceased of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Great Bend Fire Department Ambulance transported the female victim to University of Kansas Health Systems Great Bend Campus, where she was pronounced deceased.The names of the victim and suspect are not being released at this time, pending notification of family members.----------By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA shooting in Great Bend resulted in a high-speed chase through two counties early Friday morning. More information will be published as it becomes available.Shortly after 9:15 a.m., Great Bend police were dispatched to an address in Great Bend. It was determined a victim at the address had been shot and a suspect vehicle fled the scene south out of Great Bend on U.S. 281 Highway.The vehicle continued south, reaching speeds in excess of 90 miles an hour. In Stafford County, law enforcement deployed stopsticks to attempt to stop the vehicle. The driver continued south before turning west onto U.S. Highway 50. The vehicle crashed just west of Southwest 5th Avenue shortly before 9:40 a.m.After a careful approach of the vehicle, law enforcement announced the driver of the vehicle was deceased.Traffic on U.S. 50 Highway was opened to one lane just before 10 a.m.This is a developing story. More details will be released as they become available.

Police ID two who died after shooting in Great Bend, high-speed chase

KANSAS CITY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a house fire in Kansas City.

Just before 7:30a.m. crews&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire in the 1700 block of E. 79th&nbsp;Street, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

First arriving crews reported heavy smoke and fire showing from a two-story vacant structure and site of a previous burn. Offensive interior operations were initiated using multiple handlines and searches were conducted. 

As the fire progressed the decision to evacuate was made and defensive operations initiated.&nbsp; No injuries were reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735312911376.png" alt="Photos KCFD" />
 <figcaption>Photos KCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a house fire in Kansas City.Just before 7:30a.m. crews&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire in the 1700 block of E. 79th&nbsp;Street, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735312890993.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First arriving crews reported heavy smoke and fire showing from a two-story vacant structure and site of a previous burn. Offensive interior operations were initiated using multiple handlines and searches were conducted. As the fire progressed the decision to evacuate was made and defensive operations initiated.&nbsp; No injuries were reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cause of Kansas City house fire under investigation

The former Missouri Congressman and auctioneer advertises his credential as a certified tax and business advisor

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jeremy-kohler/">JEREMY KOHLER</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/alexmierjeski/">ALEX MIERJESKI</a>&nbsp;

ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.propublica.org/newsletters/the-big-story?source=reprint&amp;placement=top-note" target="_blank">The Big Story newsletter</a>&nbsp;to receive stories like this one in your inbox.

Former U.S. Rep. Billy Long of Missouri, whom President-elect Donald Trump has named his nominee to head the IRS, touts his expertise in tax matters.

He advertises his credential as a certified tax and business advisor, and he adds CTBA to his name on his X profile. That profile encourages people to message him to “save 40% on your taxes.”

But tax experts told ProPublica that they have never heard of CTBA as a credential in the tax profession. The designation is offered by a small Florida firm, Excel Empire, which was established just two years ago and only requires attendance at a three-day seminar. That is in stark contrast to the 150 credit hours and the rigorous exams required to become a certified public accountant, a standard certification for tax accountants.

In most tax cases, only lawyers, CPAs and enrolled agents — federally authorized tax practitioners — can represent taxpayers at the IRS.

“The cost of relying on tax advice from somebody that is solely focused on minimizing the tax liabilities that you have — as opposed to somebody that’s focused on both minimizing the tax liabilities and complying with the tax law — can be extraordinarily high if you are found to be in violation of the standards,” said Nathan Goldman, an associate professor of accounting at North Carolina State University.

Excel Empire’s three-day certification course has been advertised for as much as $30,000;&nbsp;<a href="https://ctba.excelempire.com/live-sales" target="_blank">its upcoming session is advertised at $4,997</a>. Matthew Pearson, one of its founders,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUy-3pcse8I" target="_blank">said this summer in a podcast</a>&nbsp;that about 135 people have earned the CTBA designation, which the firm designed to help people without tax backgrounds to become advisors.

Nina Olson, a prominent taxpayer advocate, said that the modern tax industry has seen “a proliferation of different groups and entities that are providing tax advice” and that consumers have no way of knowing who is competent.

“It could just be that you’ve taken a very short course, and paid a large fee for that course, and that gives you the ability to put some initials after your name,” said Olson, who served as the IRS’ national taxpayer advocate from 2001 to 2019. She is now executive director of the Center for Taxpayer Rights, a Washington-based nonprofit that promotes fairness and access to justice in tax systems.

Tax experts said that Long’s years of experience as a real estate agent and as an auctioneer — before spending a dozen years in Congress — pales next to the deep experience in tax policy or management of the people who have held the job. For instance, the current IRS commissioner, Danny Werfel, previously served as acting IRS commissioner and held leadership roles at the Office of Management and Budget. He also worked in the private sector as a managing director at Boston Consulting Group.

Long’s experience in the tax world has been more narrowly focused. In the two years since he left Congress, he worked to bring in customers for at least two firms that marketed the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/employee-retention-credit" target="_blank">employee retention credit</a>&nbsp;— a pandemic-era benefit designed to support businesses that kept workers despite revenue losses or disruptions caused by COVID-19.

The credit also attracted fraud, eventually landing on the IRS’ “<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen" target="_blank">worst of the worst</a>” list for tax scams. Two Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday announced an investigation into the firms, noting Long had neither a “background in tax preparation nor any credential as a licensed accountant, attorney or enrolled agent.”

<a href="https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/ERC-COVID-Snapshot-5.7.21_full-text.pdf" target="_blank">Worth up to $28,000 per employee</a>, the credit was available for the 2020 and 2021 tax years and has been widely used by both for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations across the country. However, the IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-beware-of-aggressive-promoters-who-dupe-taxpayers-into-making-questionable-employee-retention-credit-claims-risks-continue-for-small-businesses-special-withdrawal-program-remains-available" target="_blank">raised significant concerns</a>&nbsp;about aggressive promoters pushing ineligible businesses to file questionable claims. Red flags included inflated payroll numbers, claims for all quarters without proper eligibility or citing minor government orders that did not directly impact business operations.

The IRS says it has recovered over $1 billion from businesses that voluntarily reported improper claims. And it has launched hundreds of criminal investigations to try to recoup what it says could be billions of dollars more.

In a prepared statement in November, Werfel said businesses should review their claims and see if they were misled by firms marketing the tax credit.

“They should listen to trusted tax professionals, not promoters,” he said.

In a 2023 podcast discussing his work for the two firms, Long joked that he had a hat bearing the name of the credit glued to his head. He said his work marketing the tax credit had caused some clients to question their CPAs’ advice.

“Hey, this auctioneer, real estate broker, former congressman told me I’m going to get $1.2 million back,” he said. “Uh, you’re my CPA. Why didn’t you tell me that?” And he said the response of CPAs would be: “That’s a joke. That’s a fake deal. That’s not true. You’re going to have to pay all that money back. You’ll get audited.”

But he said the firms he worked for had never seen the IRS turn down one of their claims.

There is no evidence that either Excel Empire, Long or the firms that he worked for — Lifetime Advisors of Hudson, Wisconsin, and Commerce Terrace Consulting of Springfield, Missouri — engaged in wrongdoing. In the same 2023 podcast, Long emphasized he and his colleagues had helped only taxpayers who were entitled to the benefit.

Neither Long, Lifetime Advisors nor Commerce Terrace Consulting responded to requests for comment.

If Long is confirmed and succeeds Werfel, he’ll have the power to influence how Americans pay their taxes and how the federal government collects revenue. Trump has promised to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/what-trumps-plan-to-end-irs-overstepping-could-mean-for-audits-of-rich-people-and-call-hold-times-for-everyone-else-67e4231e?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">end IRS “overstepping,”</a>&nbsp;while Republicans have said that they would slash billions of dollars in funding passed under the Biden administration to modernize the IRS and enhance tax enforcement.

The IRS and the Trump transition team did not respond to requests for comment.

During his time representing Southwest Missouri in Congress, Long pursued legislation to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/volume-159/issue-78/house-section/article/H3106-4?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22%5C%22billy+long%5C%22+%5C%22fair+tax%5C%22%22%7D&amp;s=3&amp;r=3" target="_blank">abolish the IRS</a>&nbsp;and establish a national sales tax. Billionaire Elon Musk, a Trump advisor, recently asked on X&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsweek.com/elon-musk-its-funding-deleted-poll-1992953" target="_blank">if the agency’s budget should be “deleted.”</a>

Like Long, members of Excel Empire suggest that accountants don’t feel it is their role to save their clients money because they prioritize compliance over planning and are too busy during tax season to discuss strategies. The company’s website claims the firm has saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.

Edward Lyon, who is listed on Excel Empire’s website as chief tax planner and tax attorney, writes on his personal website that the seven most expensive words in the English language are “<a href="https://edwardalyon.com/about" target="_blank">My CPA takes care of my taxes</a>.”

Lyon elaborated on a podcast last year, noting that accountants “generally are rule followers,” but when it comes to lawyers, “we are trained to understand the rules but we’re trained to stretch the rules and bend the rules and poke at the rules and do an end run around the rules. It’s a much more proactive focus.” Still, he has consistently emphasized that his company acts “legally, ethically and morally.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734986359615.png" alt=" Billy Long speaks during a press conference before filing for election during the Missouri Senate primary on Feb. 22, 2022, in Jefferson City (Madeline Carter/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Billy Long speaks during a press conference before filing for election during the Missouri Senate primary on Feb. 22, 2022, in Jefferson City (Madeline Carter/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The former Missouri Congressman and auctioneer advertises his credential as a certified tax and business advisor</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jeremy-kohler/">JEREMY KOHLER</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/alexmierjeski/">ALEX MIERJESKI</a>&nbsp;ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.propublica.org/newsletters/the-big-story?source=reprint&amp;placement=top-note" target="_blank">The Big Story newsletter</a>&nbsp;to receive stories like this one in your inbox.Former U.S. Rep. Billy Long of Missouri, whom President-elect Donald Trump has named his nominee to head the IRS, touts his expertise in tax matters.He advertises his credential as a certified tax and business advisor, and he adds CTBA to his name on his X profile. That profile encourages people to message him to “save 40% on your taxes.”But tax experts told ProPublica that they have never heard of CTBA as a credential in the tax profession. The designation is offered by a small Florida firm, Excel Empire, which was established just two years ago and only requires attendance at a three-day seminar. That is in stark contrast to the 150 credit hours and the rigorous exams required to become a certified public accountant, a standard certification for tax accountants.In most tax cases, only lawyers, CPAs and enrolled agents — federally authorized tax practitioners — can represent taxpayers at the IRS.“The cost of relying on tax advice from somebody that is solely focused on minimizing the tax liabilities that you have — as opposed to somebody that’s focused on both minimizing the tax liabilities and complying with the tax law — can be extraordinarily high if you are found to be in violation of the standards,” said Nathan Goldman, an associate professor of accounting at North Carolina State University.Excel Empire’s three-day certification course has been advertised for as much as $30,000;&nbsp;<a href="https://ctba.excelempire.com/live-sales" target="_blank">its upcoming session is advertised at $4,997</a>. Matthew Pearson, one of its founders,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUy-3pcse8I" target="_blank">said this summer in a podcast</a>&nbsp;that about 135 people have earned the CTBA designation, which the firm designed to help people without tax backgrounds to become advisors.Nina Olson, a prominent taxpayer advocate, said that the modern tax industry has seen “a proliferation of different groups and entities that are providing tax advice” and that consumers have no way of knowing who is competent.“It could just be that you’ve taken a very short course, and paid a large fee for that course, and that gives you the ability to put some initials after your name,” said Olson, who served as the IRS’ national taxpayer advocate from 2001 to 2019. She is now executive director of the Center for Taxpayer Rights, a Washington-based nonprofit that promotes fairness and access to justice in tax systems.Tax experts said that Long’s years of experience as a real estate agent and as an auctioneer — before spending a dozen years in Congress — pales next to the deep experience in tax policy or management of the people who have held the job. For instance, the current IRS commissioner, Danny Werfel, previously served as acting IRS commissioner and held leadership roles at the Office of Management and Budget. He also worked in the private sector as a managing director at Boston Consulting Group.Long’s experience in the tax world has been more narrowly focused. In the two years since he left Congress, he worked to bring in customers for at least two firms that marketed the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/employee-retention-credit" target="_blank">employee retention credit</a>&nbsp;— a pandemic-era benefit designed to support businesses that kept workers despite revenue losses or disruptions caused by COVID-19.The credit also attracted fraud, eventually landing on the IRS’ “<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen" target="_blank">worst of the worst</a>” list for tax scams. Two Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday announced an investigation into the firms, noting Long had neither a “background in tax preparation nor any credential as a licensed accountant, attorney or enrolled agent.”<a href="https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/ERC-COVID-Snapshot-5.7.21_full-text.pdf" target="_blank">Worth up to $28,000 per employee</a>, the credit was available for the 2020 and 2021 tax years and has been widely used by both for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations across the country. However, the IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-beware-of-aggressive-promoters-who-dupe-taxpayers-into-making-questionable-employee-retention-credit-claims-risks-continue-for-small-businesses-special-withdrawal-program-remains-available" target="_blank">raised significant concerns</a>&nbsp;about aggressive promoters pushing ineligible businesses to file questionable claims. Red flags included inflated payroll numbers, claims for all quarters without proper eligibility or citing minor government orders that did not directly impact business operations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734986435081.png" alt=" A photo hanging up in U.S. Rep. Billy Long’s former office in Washington, D.C., shows him departing Air Force One with former President Donald Trump (photo submitted)." />
 <figcaption> A photo hanging up in U.S. Rep. Billy Long’s former office in Washington, D.C., shows him departing Air Force One with former President Donald Trump (photo submitted).</figcaption>
 </figure>The IRS says it has recovered over $1 billion from businesses that voluntarily reported improper claims. And it has launched hundreds of criminal investigations to try to recoup what it says could be billions of dollars more.In a prepared statement in November, Werfel said businesses should review their claims and see if they were misled by firms marketing the tax credit.“They should listen to trusted tax professionals, not promoters,” he said.In a 2023 podcast discussing his work for the two firms, Long joked that he had a hat bearing the name of the credit glued to his head. He said his work marketing the tax credit had caused some clients to question their CPAs’ advice.“Hey, this auctioneer, real estate broker, former congressman told me I’m going to get $1.2 million back,” he said. “Uh, you’re my CPA. Why didn’t you tell me that?” And he said the response of CPAs would be: “That’s a joke. That’s a fake deal. That’s not true. You’re going to have to pay all that money back. You’ll get audited.”But he said the firms he worked for had never seen the IRS turn down one of their claims.There is no evidence that either Excel Empire, Long or the firms that he worked for — Lifetime Advisors of Hudson, Wisconsin, and Commerce Terrace Consulting of Springfield, Missouri — engaged in wrongdoing. In the same 2023 podcast, Long emphasized he and his colleagues had helped only taxpayers who were entitled to the benefit.Neither Long, Lifetime Advisors nor Commerce Terrace Consulting responded to requests for comment.If Long is confirmed and succeeds Werfel, he’ll have the power to influence how Americans pay their taxes and how the federal government collects revenue. Trump has promised to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/what-trumps-plan-to-end-irs-overstepping-could-mean-for-audits-of-rich-people-and-call-hold-times-for-everyone-else-67e4231e?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">end IRS “overstepping,”</a>&nbsp;while Republicans have said that they would slash billions of dollars in funding passed under the Biden administration to modernize the IRS and enhance tax enforcement.The IRS and the Trump transition team did not respond to requests for comment.During his time representing Southwest Missouri in Congress, Long pursued legislation to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/volume-159/issue-78/house-section/article/H3106-4?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22%5C%22billy+long%5C%22+%5C%22fair+tax%5C%22%22%7D&amp;s=3&amp;r=3" target="_blank">abolish the IRS</a>&nbsp;and establish a national sales tax. Billionaire Elon Musk, a Trump advisor, recently asked on X&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsweek.com/elon-musk-its-funding-deleted-poll-1992953" target="_blank">if the agency’s budget should be “deleted.”</a>Like Long, members of Excel Empire suggest that accountants don’t feel it is their role to save their clients money because they prioritize compliance over planning and are too busy during tax season to discuss strategies. The company’s website claims the firm has saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.Edward Lyon, who is listed on Excel Empire’s website as chief tax planner and tax attorney, writes on his personal website that the seven most expensive words in the English language are “<a href="https://edwardalyon.com/about" target="_blank">My CPA takes care of my taxes</a>.”Lyon elaborated on a podcast last year, noting that accountants “generally are rule followers,” but when it comes to lawyers, “we are trained to understand the rules but we’re trained to stretch the rules and bend the rules and poke at the rules and do an end run around the rules. It’s a much more proactive focus.” Still, he has consistently emphasized that his company acts “legally, ethically and morally.”The company’s co-founder, Pearson, once described Lyon on a podcast as the “preeminent proactive tax attorney in the country.” Lyon and Pearson declined to comment.The Ohio Supreme Court suspended Lyon’s law license in 2005 for failing to meet registration and fee requirements on time, and he hasn’t regained it. He also does not appear to be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment advisor.Despite this, Lyon says he has trained tens of thousands of tax and finance professionals. As the author of several books and a column, he claims to be one of the country’s most widely read tax strategists and commands speaking fees of $15,000 and first-class travel arrangements.Lyon has also developed several tax certification programs. On the Excel Empire website, some officers, including Pearson, use a title created by Lyon: tax master.Appearing on another podcast, Lyon discussed how small businesses can be used as tax shelters. As an example, he asked the host,&nbsp;<a href="https://excelempire.com/our-leadership-team-2/" target="_blank">Heather Wagenhals</a>&nbsp;— who also carries the CTBA title — if she had a swimming pool at her home, where she records her show.“I do,” Wagenhals said. “That’s why I picked this one.”Lyon responded: “All right, so I’m gonna rock your world in five words, ready? On-premises employee athletic facility.”“Oh my God!” Wagenhals said.Lyon added: “It’s really there in the tax code, and nobody’s told you that.”In another podcast, Pearson brags about firing an accountant who balked at his request for advice about how to use a new Corvette “to keep from paying taxes.”Olson said that attitude was disturbing and that simplistic answers can create problems for taxpayers in IRS audits and in the courts. “A swimming pool in someone’s home, even if employees are working in the home and using it, still would require the court to look at the percentage of employee use versus personal use — and they would look really closely at that,” she said.