FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects after a large drug investigation in southwest Kansas.

Just after 1a.m. Saturday, police and members of the Garden City/Finney County Joint Drug Task Force conducted a traffic stop in the 4100 block of E U.S. Highway 50 in Garden City, according to a media release.

After further investigation, a search of the vehicle was conducted, where officers located counterfeit oxycodone pills mixed with fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.

The driver, identified as 29-year-old Cheyenne McGahan and two passengers 53-year-old April Williams and&nbsp; 46-year-old Steven Calhoun both from Garden City were taken into custody following the traffic stop.  

The Garden City/Finney County Joint Drug Task Force served a search warrant at Calhoun’s residence at 2914 N Fleming Street #210.

Through the entire investigation, officers seized as evidence from the traffic stop and Calhoun’s residence 991 counterfeit oxycodone pills that contained fentanyl, 38.1 grams of Methamphetamine , 40 units of liquid Methamphetamine/Fentanyl, 22 units of Fentanyl&nbsp; and items indicative of the distribution and consumption of illegal narcotics

Calhoun and Williams were booking on requested charges of Distribution of Opiates/Fentanyl, Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession of Stimulant, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 

McGahan is being held on requested charges of Possession of Opiates, Possession of Stimulants, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and two out of County Warrants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664309962436.png" alt="Fentanyl pills seized in the bust- Photo Garden City Police" />
 <figcaption>Fentanyl pills seized in the bust- Photo Garden City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects after a large drug investigation in southwest Kansas.Just after 1a.m. Saturday, police and members of the Garden City/Finney County Joint Drug Task Force conducted a traffic stop in the 4100 block of E U.S. Highway 50 in Garden City, according to a media release.After further investigation, a search of the vehicle was conducted, where officers located counterfeit oxycodone pills mixed with fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664309676129.png" alt="McGahan-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>McGahan-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver, identified as 29-year-old Cheyenne McGahan and two passengers 53-year-old April Williams and&nbsp; 46-year-old Steven Calhoun both from Garden City were taken into custody following the traffic stop. The Garden City/Finney County Joint Drug Task Force served a search warrant at Calhoun’s residence at 2914 N Fleming Street #210.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664309625349.png" alt="Calhoun-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Calhoun-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Through the entire investigation, officers seized as evidence from the traffic stop and Calhoun’s residence 991 counterfeit oxycodone pills that contained fentanyl, 38.1 grams of Methamphetamine , 40 units of liquid Methamphetamine/Fentanyl, 22 units of Fentanyl&nbsp; and items indicative of the distribution and consumption of illegal narcotics<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664310254170.png" alt="Williams-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Williams-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Calhoun and Williams were booking on requested charges of Distribution of Opiates/Fentanyl, Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession of Stimulant, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. McGahan is being held on requested charges of Possession of Opiates, Possession of Stimulants, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and two out of County Warrants.

Police arrest 3, make large fentanyl bust in southwest Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting have a suspect in custody.

Just before 7:30a.m. Sept. 21, police&nbsp;responded to a shooting the 1600 Block of SW Lane in Topeka, according to Lt. Ronnie Connell.

At the scene, officers located a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.&nbsp;

Late Monday, police reported as a result of their investigation they arrested 31-year-old Bo Thomas Shipley of Topeka on requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated Battery and&nbsp;Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664274881357.png" alt="Shipley-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Shipley-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting have a suspect in custody.Just before 7:30a.m. Sept. 21, police&nbsp;responded to a shooting the 1600 Block of SW Lane in Topeka, according to Lt. Ronnie Connell.At the scene, officers located a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.&nbsp;Late Monday, police reported as a result of their investigation they arrested 31-year-old Bo Thomas Shipley of Topeka on requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated Battery and&nbsp;Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.

Police capture wanted Kansas shooting suspect

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly was in Salina Tuesday to speak to those attending the Kansas Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) annual fall conference.

Kelly told those assembled that since she took office in January 2019, her administration has worked with private sector businesses to create and retain more than 50,000 jobs. 

"That's a milestone worth celebrating. Fifty thousand jobs represent 50,000 opportunities for Kansans across state to achieve their dreams and provide greater futures for themselves and their families," she said. "This is on top of a 2.5 percent unemployment rate, one of the lowest in state history."

Kelly said that the jobs and unemployment rate, combined with record-setting levels of new private sector investment "underscore the strength of the Kansas economy now and into the future."

The governor praised the Kansas Department of Commerce, led by Lieutenant Governor David Toland, closing more than 750 economic development projects representing more than $14 billion in capital investment.

"Credit also goes to KEDA and other forward-thinking leaders here in Kansas who have made it their shared goal to strengthen the economic future of our state," Kelly said. 

"I can't thank you all enough for your partnership and your commitment to our state's success," she added.

Kelly also noted that Kansas also has become "a highly sought after destination for companies looking for a new location to grow their businesses."

"For the past two years, Kansas has won the prestigious Gold Shovel Award for excellence in attracting high-value investment projects that created a significant number of new jobs in our communities," Kelly said. "And, Kansas won the Governor's Cup for being the state with the most economic development investment per capita in the country. Kansas is No. 1 right now!"

Kelly talked about the largest private-sector investment in state history: Panasonic's $4 billion new electric vehicle battery facility in DeSoto, which was announced in July. The facility will employ 4,000 workers and create another 4,000 permanent jobs at suppliers and community businesses, she said. Additionally, 16,500 people will be hired for the construction phase.

"It's a resounding validation that we're on the right track and our future is as bright as it has ever been. Kansas is truly officially open for business," Kelly said.

The "thriving business climate" is due to the state following it's Framework for Growth Plan that was launched in 2021.

"It addressed current and future trends in our state and created a roadmap for developing several key Kansas industries, including aviation, agriculture, biotechnology, and animal health," she said.

Kelly said that none of the state's economic success has been possible without "the right people in place, sufficient housing, childcare, and quality education."

"We're working hard to recruit and retain the skilled workforce Kansas needs to compete at a global level. The main ways we're doing this are childcare expansion and affordable housing," she said. 

"This year, I signed a bipartisan bill expanding tax credits for businesses that provide childcare to employees, and I announced that my administration is giving a total of $53 million to eligible childcare staff at licensed facilities as a reward for their incredibly essential and hard work," Kelly said. 

"To reduce the price of housing, I worked to secure over $90 million in funding for housing throughout the state, and $100 million in incentives for communities to invest in diversifying and rehabilitating housing stock," she added.

Kelly noted that "without a strong education system in place, none of this is sustainable. That's why I am especially proud that we have achieved all of this while fully funding our schools."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664316359253.jpeg" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly speaks at the Kansas Economic Development Alliance annual conference in Salina Tuesday afternoon&nbsp;in the Great Plains Manufacturing Convention Hall at Tony's Pizza Events Center. Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly speaks at the Kansas Economic Development Alliance annual conference in Salina Tuesday afternoon&nbsp;in the Great Plains Manufacturing Convention Hall at Tony's Pizza Events Center. Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostKansas Governor Laura Kelly was in Salina Tuesday to speak to those attending the Kansas Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) annual fall conference.Kelly told those assembled that since she took office in January 2019, her administration has worked with private sector businesses to create and retain more than 50,000 jobs. "That's a milestone worth celebrating. Fifty thousand jobs represent 50,000 opportunities for Kansans across state to achieve their dreams and provide greater futures for themselves and their families," she said. "This is on top of a 2.5 percent unemployment rate, one of the lowest in state history."Kelly said that the jobs and unemployment rate, combined with record-setting levels of new private sector investment "underscore the strength of the Kansas economy now and into the future."The governor praised the Kansas Department of Commerce, led by Lieutenant Governor David Toland, closing more than 750 economic development projects representing more than $14 billion in capital investment."Credit also goes to KEDA and other forward-thinking leaders here in Kansas who have made it their shared goal to strengthen the economic future of our state," Kelly said. "I can't thank you all enough for your partnership and your commitment to our state's success," she added.Kelly also noted that Kansas also has become "a highly sought after destination for companies looking for a new location to grow their businesses.""For the past two years, Kansas has won the prestigious Gold Shovel Award for excellence in attracting high-value investment projects that created a significant number of new jobs in our communities," Kelly said. "And, Kansas won the Governor's Cup for being the state with the most economic development investment per capita in the country. Kansas is No. 1 right now!"Kelly talked about the largest private-sector investment in state history: Panasonic's $4 billion new electric vehicle battery facility in DeSoto, which was announced in July. The facility will employ 4,000 workers and create another 4,000 permanent jobs at suppliers and community businesses, she said. Additionally, 16,500 people will be hired for the construction phase."It's a resounding validation that we're on the right track and our future is as bright as it has ever been. Kansas is truly officially open for business," Kelly said.The "thriving business climate" is due to the state following it's Framework for Growth Plan that was launched in 2021."It addressed current and future trends in our state and created a roadmap for developing several key Kansas industries, including aviation, agriculture, biotechnology, and animal health," she said.Kelly said that none of the state's economic success has been possible without "the right people in place, sufficient housing, childcare, and quality education.""We're working hard to recruit and retain the skilled workforce Kansas needs to compete at a global level. The main ways we're doing this are childcare expansion and affordable housing," she said. "This year, I signed a bipartisan bill expanding tax credits for businesses that provide childcare to employees, and I announced that my administration is giving a total of $53 million to eligible childcare staff at licensed facilities as a reward for their incredibly essential and hard work," Kelly said. "To reduce the price of housing, I worked to secure over $90 million in funding for housing throughout the state, and $100 million in incentives for communities to invest in diversifying and rehabilitating housing stock," she added.Kelly noted that "without a strong education system in place, none of this is sustainable. That's why I am especially proud that we have achieved all of this while fully funding our schools."

Governor lauds state's economic development during Salina speech

BUTLER COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on child sex crime accusations.

On Monday, police arrested 25-year-old Aaron Langley-Dunning of El Dorado, Kansas, after an investigation into a cyber-tip, from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), alleging the sexual exploitation of children, according to a media release from El Dorado Police. Aaron was arrested on requested charges that include 43 counts of aggravated internet trading in child pornography, one count electronic solicitation, one count indecent solicitation of a child, and one count sexual exploitation of a child.

Langley-Dunning was arrested in Sumner County in January, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664288906289.png" alt="Langley-Dunning-photo El Dorado Police" />
 <figcaption>Langley-Dunning-photo El Dorado Police</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on child sex crime accusations.On Monday, police arrested 25-year-old Aaron Langley-Dunning of El Dorado, Kansas, after an investigation into a cyber-tip, from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), alleging the sexual exploitation of children, according to a media release from El Dorado Police. Aaron was arrested on requested charges that include 43 counts of aggravated internet trading in child pornography, one count electronic solicitation, one count indecent solicitation of a child, and one count sexual exploitation of a child. Langley-Dunning was arrested in Sumner County in January, according to online jail records.

Cyber-tip leads to arrest of Kan. man for alleged child sex crimes

A Salina man was arrested after an aggravated burglary incident in southeast Salina early Monday evening.

Just after 6:30p.m., a 62-year-old Salina woman returned to her home on Red Fox Lane and heard a door at the back of the house slam shut, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

In her bedroom, she found items strewn about. The woman then went around to the front of the house and saw a skinny, balding white male who appeared to be in his late 20s or 30s. He was wearing a blue sweat suit. Other witnesses said he was wearing Adidas sweats with a white stripe down the side.

When the woman asked him what he was doing there, he told her he lived in the residence.

It appeared that approximately $20 worth of food had been eaten. Also, the woman's SIG Sauer 232 .380 caliber hand gun was missing. Additionally, a cellphone that did not belong to the woman was found in the residence.

Shortly after the woman's encounter with the alleged burglar, an officer located a person matching his description near the intersection of Manchester Road and E. Republic Avenue. Deputies arrested Christopher Garrison, 31, of Salina on requested charges of Aggravated burglary and Theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664294279665.png" alt="Garrison -photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Garrison -photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina man was arrested after an aggravated burglary incident in southeast Salina early Monday evening.Just after 6:30p.m., a 62-year-old Salina woman returned to her home on Red Fox Lane and heard a door at the back of the house slam shut, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.In her bedroom, she found items strewn about. The woman then went around to the front of the house and saw a skinny, balding white male who appeared to be in his late 20s or 30s. He was wearing a blue sweat suit. Other witnesses said he was wearing Adidas sweats with a white stripe down the side.When the woman asked him what he was doing there, he told her he lived in the residence.It appeared that approximately $20 worth of food had been eaten. Also, the woman's SIG Sauer 232 .380 caliber hand gun was missing. Additionally, a cellphone that did not belong to the woman was found in the residence.Shortly after the woman's encounter with the alleged burglar, an officer located a person matching his description near the intersection of Manchester Road and E. Republic Avenue. Deputies arrested Christopher Garrison, 31, of Salina on requested charges of Aggravated burglary and Theft.

Kansas woman finds burglary suspect outside her home

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities investigating a death during an incident at a Topeka area business on Saturday have identified the victim as 59-year-old Timothy Edward Cole, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. Just after 8a.m. Saturday, deputies were dispatched to a medical call at the Goodyear Plant in the 1900 block of NW U.S. 24 Highway, according to Christian.

First responders learned that a Cole sustained life threatening injuries while working. The Soldier Township Fire Department and American Medical Response (AMR - Topeka) responded to the scene as well. AMR transported the man to a local hospital where Cole was pronounced deceased.

He was employed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for 28 years, according to<a href="https://www.dovetopeka.com/Obituary/254646/Timothy-Cole/Dove-KS"> his obituary.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664064571829.png" alt="Goodyear Tire Plant -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Goodyear Tire Plant -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities investigating a death during an incident at a Topeka area business on Saturday have identified the victim as 59-year-old Timothy Edward Cole, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. Just after 8a.m. Saturday, deputies were dispatched to a medical call at the Goodyear Plant in the 1900 block of NW U.S. 24 Highway, according to Christian.First responders learned that a Cole sustained life threatening injuries while working. The Soldier Township Fire Department and American Medical Response (AMR - Topeka) responded to the scene as well. AMR transported the man to a local hospital where Cole was pronounced deceased.He was employed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for 28 years, according to<a href="https://www.dovetopeka.com/Obituary/254646/Timothy-Cole/Dove-KS"> his obituary.</a>

Sheriff IDs employee who died after incident at Kan. tire plant

WASHINGTON (AP) —A libertarian group in California filed a legal challenge to President Joe Biden’s plan for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-biden-plan-d9c8e18774a744187c9af634bf4eb728">student debt cancellation</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, calling it an illegal overreach that would increase state tax burdens for some Americans who get their debt forgiven.

(Click below to listen to&nbsp;White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre)

The lawsuit, believed to be the first targeting Biden’s plan, was filed by the Pacific Legal Foundation, a Sacramento legal advocacy group. It was filed in federal court in Indiana, one of several states that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-education-minnesota-mississippi-ffe9ed18bf0a434970ab09b1d89800e2">plan to tax</a>&nbsp;any student debt canceled by Biden’s plan.

“Congress did not authorize the executive branch to unilaterally cancel student debt,” said Caleb Kruckenberg, an attorney at the Pacific Legal Foundation. He said it’s illegal for the executive branch to create the policy “by press release, and without statutory authority.”

The suit’s plaintiff is Frank Garrison, described as a public interest attorney who lives in Indiana and is employed by the libertarian group.

Garrison is on track to get his student debt erased through a separate federal program for public servants. Although most borrowers will need to apply for Biden’s plan, Garrison and many others in that program will automatically get the relief because the Education Department has their income information on file.

Biden’s plan would automatically cancel up to $20,000 of Garrison’s debt, which in turn would trigger an “immediate tax liability” from the state of Indiana, according to the suit. Under the debt forgiveness program he’s enrolled in now, canceled debt cannot be taxed.

“Mr. Garrison and millions of others similarly situated in the six relevant states will receive no additional benefit from the cancellation — just a one-time additional penalty,” the suit argues.

Any student debt forgiven under Biden’s plan would also be subject to state taxes in Arkansas, California, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina and Wisconsin, unless lawmakers in those states change their current laws.

Asked about the suit, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said anyone will be able to opt out of the cancellation. She did not explain how that would work — the White House previously said roughly 8 million Americans would automatically get the debt relief without applying.

“The bottom line is this — no one who does not want debt relief will have to get that debt relief," Jean-Pierre said at a press briefing.

A separate statement from the White House called the lawsuit “baseless,” saying opponents “are trying anything they can to stop this program that will provide needed relief to working families.”

The Pacific Legal Foundation is a legal group that promotes individual liberties and the separation of powers. It was formed in the 1970s by staff members under Ronald Reagan when he was governor of California. The group says it has argued before the U.S. Supreme Court 16 times, prevailing in 14 cases.

Biden’s plan promises to cancel $10,000 in federal student debt for borrowers with incomes of less than $125,000 per year or households making less than $250,000. Those who received federal Pell Grants to attend college would get an additional $10,000 erased.

An application to receive the benefit is expected by early October.

Conservative groups have been threatening to challenge debt cancellation since Biden first aired the idea, saying it’s legally questionable and unfairly cancels student debt at the expense of Americans who didn’t attend college. One of the main challenges has been finding someone who faces personal harm as a result of Biden’s plan, giving them legal standing to sue.

The Biden administration has repeatedly argued that the plan is on solid legal ground.

In its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-education-0fea030a0875c0e4e1a39b0c098bd48a">legal justification</a>&nbsp;for debt cancellation, the Biden administration invoked the HEROES Act of 2003, which aimed to provide help to members of the military. The law gives the administration “sweeping authority” to reduce or eliminate student debt during a national emergency, the Justice Department said in an August legal opinion.

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona has said he has the legal authority to cancel debt for people who faced hardship during the pandemic. Cardona says Biden’s plan will ensure borrowers aren’t worse off after the pandemic than they were before.

The suit challenges that rationale, saying Garrison and others will see their debt burdens increase as a result of Biden’s plan. It also contends that the plan doesn’t meet the requirements of the 2003 law, arguing that the problem of high student debt is not a “direct result” of the pandemic.

“Nothing about loan cancellation is lawful or appropriate,” the suit alleges. “In an end-run around Congress, the administration threatens to enact a profound and transformational policy that will have untold economic impacts.”

The legality of mass student debt cancellation has stirred debate since it became a popular idea among Democrats in recent years. After being elected, Biden himself questioned whether he had the authority to cancel debt without Congress, asking the Justice Department to study the question.

The Trump administration took steps to block broad debt cancellation during its final weeks in office, issuing an Education Department memo concluding that the secretary lacked the authority to provide such relief.

The lawsuit asks the court to overturn Biden’s plan and to temporarily halt it while legal questions are resolved.

By COLLIN BINKLEY&nbsp;WASHINGTON (AP) —A libertarian group in California filed a legal challenge to President Joe Biden’s plan for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-biden-plan-d9c8e18774a744187c9af634bf4eb728">student debt cancellation</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, calling it an illegal overreach that would increase state tax burdens for some Americans who get their debt forgiven.(Click below to listen to&nbsp;White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dc2HRDqXTNc?start=1722" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The lawsuit, believed to be the first targeting Biden’s plan, was filed by the Pacific Legal Foundation, a Sacramento legal advocacy group. It was filed in federal court in Indiana, one of several states that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-education-minnesota-mississippi-ffe9ed18bf0a434970ab09b1d89800e2">plan to tax</a>&nbsp;any student debt canceled by Biden’s plan.“Congress did not authorize the executive branch to unilaterally cancel student debt,” said Caleb Kruckenberg, an attorney at the Pacific Legal Foundation. He said it’s illegal for the executive branch to create the policy “by press release, and without statutory authority.”The suit’s plaintiff is Frank Garrison, described as a public interest attorney who lives in Indiana and is employed by the libertarian group.Garrison is on track to get his student debt erased through a separate federal program for public servants. Although most borrowers will need to apply for Biden’s plan, Garrison and many others in that program will automatically get the relief because the Education Department has their income information on file.Biden’s plan would automatically cancel up to $20,000 of Garrison’s debt, which in turn would trigger an “immediate tax liability” from the state of Indiana, according to the suit. Under the debt forgiveness program he’s enrolled in now, canceled debt cannot be taxed.“Mr. Garrison and millions of others similarly situated in the six relevant states will receive no additional benefit from the cancellation — just a one-time additional penalty,” the suit argues.Any student debt forgiven under Biden’s plan would also be subject to state taxes in Arkansas, California, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina and Wisconsin, unless lawmakers in those states change their current laws.Asked about the suit, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said anyone will be able to opt out of the cancellation. She did not explain how that would work — the White House previously said roughly 8 million Americans would automatically get the debt relief without applying.“The bottom line is this — no one who does not want debt relief will have to get that debt relief," Jean-Pierre said at a press briefing.A separate statement from the White House called the lawsuit “baseless,” saying opponents “are trying anything they can to stop this program that will provide needed relief to working families.”The Pacific Legal Foundation is a legal group that promotes individual liberties and the separation of powers. It was formed in the 1970s by staff members under Ronald Reagan when he was governor of California. The group says it has argued before the U.S. Supreme Court 16 times, prevailing in 14 cases.Biden’s plan promises to cancel $10,000 in federal student debt for borrowers with incomes of less than $125,000 per year or households making less than $250,000. Those who received federal Pell Grants to attend college would get an additional $10,000 erased.An application to receive the benefit is expected by early October.Conservative groups have been threatening to challenge debt cancellation since Biden first aired the idea, saying it’s legally questionable and unfairly cancels student debt at the expense of Americans who didn’t attend college. One of the main challenges has been finding someone who faces personal harm as a result of Biden’s plan, giving them legal standing to sue.The Biden administration has repeatedly argued that the plan is on solid legal ground.In its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-education-0fea030a0875c0e4e1a39b0c098bd48a">legal justification</a>&nbsp;for debt cancellation, the Biden administration invoked the HEROES Act of 2003, which aimed to provide help to members of the military. The law gives the administration “sweeping authority” to reduce or eliminate student debt during a national emergency, the Justice Department said in an August legal opinion.Education Secretary Miguel Cardona has said he has the legal authority to cancel debt for people who faced hardship during the pandemic. Cardona says Biden’s plan will ensure borrowers aren’t worse off after the pandemic than they were before.The suit challenges that rationale, saying Garrison and others will see their debt burdens increase as a result of Biden’s plan. It also contends that the plan doesn’t meet the requirements of the 2003 law, arguing that the problem of high student debt is not a “direct result” of the pandemic.“Nothing about loan cancellation is lawful or appropriate,” the suit alleges. “In an end-run around Congress, the administration threatens to enact a profound and transformational policy that will have untold economic impacts.”The legality of mass student debt cancellation has stirred debate since it became a popular idea among Democrats in recent years. After being elected, Biden himself questioned whether he had the authority to cancel debt without Congress, asking the Justice Department to study the question.The Trump administration took steps to block broad debt cancellation during its final weeks in office, issuing an Education Department memo concluding that the secretary lacked the authority to provide such relief.The lawsuit asks the court to overturn Biden’s plan and to temporarily halt it while legal questions are resolved.

🎥.White House responds to lawsuit against student debt cancellation

Law enforcement authorities have arrest a teen in connection to a threatening statement written on a women's bathroom wall at Salina South High School.

On Monday, a School Resource Officer was made aware of a threatening statement written on one of the women’s bathroom walls at Salina South High School. The statement indicated that a school shooting would take place on September 27, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. according to a statement from Salina Police.

USD 305 Staff notified parents of the threat via email correspondence. Please know that the Salina Police Department worked hand in hand with USD305 school officials to investigate this incident and ensure that local schools were safe. On September 27th, the police department had an increased law enforcement presence at Salina South High School.

On Tuesday, a citizen contacted the Police Department with information that led to the arrest of a 14-year-old female student of Salina South High School. The 14-year-old will be booked into juvenile detention, and the Salina Police Department is requesting charges of Criminal Threat and misdemeanor Criminal Damage to Property.

The Salina Police Department takes these threats seriously and will work to identify suspect(s) and make an arrest when probable cause exists. The Salina Police Department would like to remind the public that citizen tips are often instrumental in helping clear criminal cases.

SALINE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities and USD 305 Salina are investigating an alleged school threat written on a bathroom wall at Salina South High School. The threat has prompted an increase in police presence Tuesday.

In a text to parents and guardians Monday, Salina South Principal Charles Kipp wrote, "Increased conversations about school safety are occurring nationwide. Our goal is to partner with you to ensure our schools are safe.

&nbsp;There was a report of graffiti in a girl's restroom stall that included the statements, "School shooting tmrw 8:30 a.m." and "Get ready! Bring yo guns to school and let the fun begin!"

We have been working with the Salina Police Department on this matter. Unfortunately, in this instance we have been unable to identify the individual(s) who were responsible for the statements.

As always, our goal is to ensure the safety of students and staff. There will be increased police presence tomorrow morning at our school, and our staff will be monitoring the hallways and the school.

If your student shares any information with you about this threat, please let me know. Many times students have access to information that we do not.

It is a good time to remind your student to notify an adult if they hear or read information that could indicate a school safety issue. Open communication is the best way for us to maintain a safe learning environment."

Law enforcement authorities have arrest a teen in connection to a threatening statement written on a women's bathroom wall at Salina South High School.On Monday, a School Resource Officer was made aware of a threatening statement written on one of the women’s bathroom walls at Salina South High School. The statement indicated that a school shooting would take place on September 27, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. according to a statement from Salina Police.USD 305 Staff notified parents of the threat via email correspondence. Please know that the Salina Police Department worked hand in hand with USD305 school officials to investigate this incident and ensure that local schools were safe. On September 27th, the police department had an increased law enforcement presence at Salina South High School.On Tuesday, a citizen contacted the Police Department with information that led to the arrest of a 14-year-old female student of Salina South High School. The 14-year-old will be booked into juvenile detention, and the Salina Police Department is requesting charges of Criminal Threat and misdemeanor Criminal Damage to Property.The Salina Police Department takes these threats seriously and will work to identify suspect(s) and make an arrest when probable cause exists. The Salina Police Department would like to remind the public that citizen tips are often instrumental in helping clear criminal cases.----------SALINE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities and USD 305 Salina are investigating an alleged school threat written on a bathroom wall at Salina South High School. The threat has prompted an increase in police presence Tuesday.In a text to parents and guardians Monday, Salina South Principal Charles Kipp wrote, "Increased conversations about school safety are occurring nationwide. Our goal is to partner with you to ensure our schools are safe.&nbsp;There was a report of graffiti in a girl's restroom stall that included the statements, "School shooting tmrw 8:30 a.m." and "Get ready! Bring yo guns to school and let the fun begin!"We have been working with the Salina Police Department on this matter. Unfortunately, in this instance we have been unable to identify the individual(s) who were responsible for the statements.As always, our goal is to ensure the safety of students and staff. There will be increased police presence tomorrow morning at our school, and our staff will be monitoring the hallways and the school.If your student shares any information with you about this threat, please let me know. Many times students have access to information that we do not.It is a good time to remind your student to notify an adult if they hear or read information that could indicate a school safety issue. Open communication is the best way for us to maintain a safe learning environment."

Police arrest 14-year-old for alleged threat at Kansas high school

TOPEKA—The Kansas Department of Heath reports a total of 12 cases of monkeypox in Kansas including now four cases in the Wichita-area, according to the Sedgwick County Health Department.

The CDC reports there are more than 24,000 confirmed monkeypox cases in the United States. The risk of monkeypox spreading in Kansas remains low.&nbsp; For more case information, visit CDC's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/us-map.html">U.S. Monkeypox Map &amp; Case Coun</a><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/us-map.html">t</a>.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend widespread monkeypox vaccination at this time; however, vaccination may be recommended for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/vaccines/vaccine-basics.html">people who may be at higher risk</a>. Some county health departments and health care providers in Kansas have vaccine available.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1952/Monkeypox-Vaccine">Find a monkeypox vaccine provider</a>.

Monkeypox is a rare disease from the smallpox virus family. Symptoms are similar to but milder than smallpox. Monkeypox is rarely fatal; however,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/symptoms.html">symptoms can be painful and can leave permanent scarring</a>. The following populations are most susceptible to serious illness from monkeypox:

<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/prevention.html">Learn steps you can take to prevent monkeypox</a>. If someone in your household is sick with monkeypox, they should isolate at home. If they have an active rash or other symptoms, they should be in a separate room away from people and pets when possible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655678482994.png" alt="Monkeypox Photo Credit: NHS England High Consequence Infectious Diseases Network-CDC" />
 <figcaption>Monkeypox Photo Credit: NHS England High Consequence Infectious Diseases Network-CDC</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—The Kansas Department of Heath reports a total of 12 cases of monkeypox in Kansas including now four cases in the Wichita-area, according to the Sedgwick County Health Department.The CDC reports there are more than 24,000 confirmed monkeypox cases in the United States. The risk of monkeypox spreading in Kansas remains low.&nbsp; For more case information, visit CDC's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/us-map.html">U.S. Monkeypox Map &amp; Case Coun</a><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/us-map.html">t</a>.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend widespread monkeypox vaccination at this time; however, vaccination may be recommended for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/vaccines/vaccine-basics.html">people who may be at higher risk</a>. Some county health departments and health care providers in Kansas have vaccine available.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1952/Monkeypox-Vaccine">Find a monkeypox vaccine provider</a>.Monkeypox is a rare disease from the smallpox virus family. Symptoms are similar to but milder than smallpox. Monkeypox is rarely fatal; however,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/symptoms.html">symptoms can be painful and can leave permanent scarring</a>. The following populations are most susceptible to serious illness from monkeypox:<ul>
 <li>People with weakened immune systems</li><li>Children under 8 years</li><li>People who are pregnant or breastfeeding</li><li>People with a history of eczema</li>
 </ul><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/prevention.html">Learn steps you can take to prevent monkeypox</a>. If someone in your household is sick with monkeypox, they should isolate at home. If they have an active rash or other symptoms, they should be in a separate room away from people and pets when possible.

KDHE reports a dozen cases of monkeypox in Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY—A child was injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Monday in Shawnee County.

According to Deputy Abigail Christian. A Kia Optima driven by 64-year-old was westbound&nbsp;in the 8100 block of SE U.S 40 and struck a 12-year-old child in the road.

&nbsp;American Medical Response transported the child to a local hospital and&nbsp; later was flown to a hospital in Kansas City with serious injuries, according to Christian. 

The driver and single occupant of the Kia was not injured and is cooperating with the investigation. The accident is still under investigation.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—A child was injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Monday in Shawnee County.According to Deputy Abigail Christian. A Kia Optima driven by 64-year-old was westbound&nbsp;in the 8100 block of SE U.S 40 and struck a 12-year-old child in the road.&nbsp;American Medical Response transported the child to a local hospital and&nbsp; later was flown to a hospital in Kansas City with serious injuries, according to Christian. The driver and single occupant of the Kia was not injured and is cooperating with the investigation. The accident is still under investigation.

Sheriff: 12-year-old Kan. child injured in pedestrian accident

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;A constitutional question is on the ballot in November that, if approved, would give the Kansas Legislature the power to overturn administrative regulations.

"Right now, in Kansas, there is a missing puzzle piece to making sure that Kansas is as efficient as possible when it comes to regulation," said Elizabeth Patton with AFP-Kansas. "We all know that when there are too many regulations, or there's unneccessary red tape, it can raise costs. It can make things harder for farmers, for business owners, for individuals. That's not always on purpose, but there's a missing piece in the legislative process that would allow state legislators, on their committee, to say, pause, maybe this isn't what we want to do, where the state agencies have created a law, just by making a rule."

There is a committee that would already do this, if it had the power to do so, called the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and Regulations. Hutchinson Republican Rep. Paul Waggoner has been assigned to that committee in previous legislative sessions.

"Right now, it doesn't matter," Patton said. "I'm not even sure why that committee exists. What they would be able to do is say, pause, this might not be matching up with legislative intent. This might be overreach, this might be too costly, etc., and they get to do their jobs."

This is something pro-business groups have been working on for years, but the COVID pandemic brought forward just how much power the administrative state in Kansas now has.

"This was a bipartisan piece of legislation in the house," Patton said. "It passed two-thirds in both chambers, because it makes a lot of sense."

Both parties have reason to want regulations to have legislative oversight, so that there is an opportunity for opposition, even when the opposing party wins the governorship.

Below is the explanatory statement, as it will be on the Nov. 8 ballot and the question, as it will appear on the ballot.

The purpose of this amendment is to provide the legislature with oversight of state executive branch agencies and officials by providing the legislature authority to establish procedures to revoke or suspend rules and regulations.

A vote for this proposition would allow the legislature to establish procedures to revoke or suspend rules and regulations that are adopted by state executive branch agencies and officials that have the force and effect of law.

A vote against this proposition would allow state executive branch agencies and officials to continue adopting rules and regulations that have the force and effect of law without any opportunity for the legislature to directly revoke or suspend such rules and regulations.”

§ 17. Legislative oversight of administrative rules and regulations.

Whenever the legislature by law has authorized any officer or agency within the executive branch of government to adopt rules and regulations that have the force and effect of law, the legislature may provide by law for the revocation or suspension of any such rule and regulation, or any portion thereof, upon a vote of a majority of the members then elected or appointed and qualified in each house.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664292772417.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;A constitutional question is on the ballot in November that, if approved, would give the Kansas Legislature the power to overturn administrative regulations."Right now, in Kansas, there is a missing puzzle piece to making sure that Kansas is as efficient as possible when it comes to regulation," said Elizabeth Patton with AFP-Kansas. "We all know that when there are too many regulations, or there's unneccessary red tape, it can raise costs. It can make things harder for farmers, for business owners, for individuals. That's not always on purpose, but there's a missing piece in the legislative process that would allow state legislators, on their committee, to say, pause, maybe this isn't what we want to do, where the state agencies have created a law, just by making a rule."There is a committee that would already do this, if it had the power to do so, called the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and Regulations. Hutchinson Republican Rep. Paul Waggoner has been assigned to that committee in previous legislative sessions."Right now, it doesn't matter," Patton said. "I'm not even sure why that committee exists. What they would be able to do is say, pause, this might not be matching up with legislative intent. This might be overreach, this might be too costly, etc., and they get to do their jobs."This is something pro-business groups have been working on for years, but the COVID pandemic brought forward just how much power the administrative state in Kansas now has."This was a bipartisan piece of legislation in the house," Patton said. "It passed two-thirds in both chambers, because it makes a lot of sense."Both parties have reason to want regulations to have legislative oversight, so that there is an opportunity for opposition, even when the opposing party wins the governorship.Below is the explanatory statement, as it will be on the Nov. 8 ballot and the question, as it will appear on the ballot.Explanatory statement:The purpose of this amendment is to provide the legislature with oversight of state executive branch agencies and officials by providing the legislature authority to establish procedures to revoke or suspend rules and regulations.A vote for this proposition would allow the legislature to establish procedures to revoke or suspend rules and regulations that are adopted by state executive branch agencies and officials that have the force and effect of law.A vote against this proposition would allow state executive branch agencies and officials to continue adopting rules and regulations that have the force and effect of law without any opportunity for the legislature to directly revoke or suspend such rules and regulations.”Ballot Question: Shall the following be adopted?§ 17. Legislative oversight of administrative rules and regulations.Whenever the legislature by law has authorized any officer or agency within the executive branch of government to adopt rules and regulations that have the force and effect of law, the legislature may provide by law for the revocation or suspension of any such rule and regulation, or any portion thereof, upon a vote of a majority of the members then elected or appointed and qualified in each house.

Amendment for regulatory oversight by Kan. legislature on Nov. ballot

SEDGWICK&nbsp; —A jury on Friday convicted a Kansas felon for the murder of a woman at a Wichita motel.&nbsp;

The jury found 42-year-old Ricky Hollins guilty of first-degree murder in the death of 33-year-old Stephanie Duran, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s office. Hollins was also originally charged with buying sexual relations, according the district attorney's office.

Just after 10a.m. October 22, 2020, police responded to a call of an unresponsive woman in a room at the Budget Motel in the 1300 Block of South Broad in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;A staff member of the motel located Duran in the room and called the police.

She was pronounced dead at the scene. The following evening, police arrested and booked Hollins into the Sedgwick County Jail, according to online jail records. He remains jailed on $200,000 bond.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Hollins has two previous drug convictions in Sedgwick County, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603833413290.png" alt="Hollins-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Hollins-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK&nbsp; —A jury on Friday convicted a Kansas felon for the murder of a woman at a Wichita motel.&nbsp;The jury found 42-year-old Ricky Hollins guilty of first-degree murder in the death of 33-year-old Stephanie Duran, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s office. Hollins was also originally charged with buying sexual relations, according the district attorney's office.Just after 10a.m. October 22, 2020, police responded to a call of an unresponsive woman in a room at the Budget Motel in the 1300 Block of South Broad in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;A staff member of the motel located Duran in the room and called the police.She was pronounced dead at the scene. The following evening, police arrested and booked Hollins into the Sedgwick County Jail, according to online jail records. He remains jailed on $200,000 bond.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hollins has two previous drug convictions in Sedgwick County, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Jury: Kansas felon guilty of murder while buying sex

I need your advice. I just accepted a new job in a field I love three weeks ago. Yesterday, I was recruited and offered a position by a huge company for the same kind of position, and they pay more than twice what I’m making now. I did not send in a resume, or fill out an application for the job that was just offered. They came directly to me, and it was a huge surprise. I don’t have a contract with my current employer, but they are good people and I want to handle things well and do the right thing. Can you help?

Long story short, I think you take the new job. Now, how do you handle this with your present employer? With total honesty, respect and&nbsp;a lot&nbsp;of gratitude. Walk into your boss’s office, and lay out the whole situation truthfully. Let them know what has happened, how it happened, and while you feel awful about how things worked out, you had no intention of misleading them or causing problems. On top of all that, promise to do everything possible to make the transition as easy as you can.

In uncomfortable scenarios, it’s always a good idea to try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Let’s pretend you own a business, and you just hired a young lady. A few weeks later, someone comes in, completely out of the blue, and offers her more than double what she’s making with you. I can tell you what would happen at my company. I’d tell her to take it. I’m serious. I mean, as an employer I’m certainly not going to double her income&nbsp;that&nbsp;quickly. And while I’d be surprised, and a little disappointed, I’d be happy she has the chance to take such a big step up.

If an organization cares about its people, and one of those team members has the opportunity to significantly increase their income—and&nbsp;they’re not breaking a contract or promise in the process—this type of scenario is perfectly reasonable, even if it’s a little inconvenient for the current employer in the short term. I know it’ll be uncomfortable for you, Jenny, but they can’t realistically expect you to pass up a chance to do what you love at double-plus what you’re making now.

Dave Ramsey&nbsp;is an eight-time national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648177011035.png" alt="Dave Ramsey&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Dear Dave,I need your advice. I just accepted a new job in a field I love three weeks ago. Yesterday, I was recruited and offered a position by a huge company for the same kind of position, and they pay more than twice what I’m making now. I did not send in a resume, or fill out an application for the job that was just offered. They came directly to me, and it was a huge surprise. I don’t have a contract with my current employer, but they are good people and I want to handle things well and do the right thing. Can you help?JennyDear Jenny,Long story short, I think you take the new job. Now, how do you handle this with your present employer? With total honesty, respect and&nbsp;a lot&nbsp;of gratitude. Walk into your boss’s office, and lay out the whole situation truthfully. Let them know what has happened, how it happened, and while you feel awful about how things worked out, you had no intention of misleading them or causing problems. On top of all that, promise to do everything possible to make the transition as easy as you can.In uncomfortable scenarios, it’s always a good idea to try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Let’s pretend you own a business, and you just hired a young lady. A few weeks later, someone comes in, completely out of the blue, and offers her more than double what she’s making with you. I can tell you what would happen at my company. I’d tell her to take it. I’m serious. I mean, as an employer I’m certainly not going to double her income&nbsp;that&nbsp;quickly. And while I’d be surprised, and a little disappointed, I’d be happy she has the chance to take such a big step up.If an organization cares about its people, and one of those team members has the opportunity to significantly increase their income—and&nbsp;they’re not breaking a contract or promise in the process—this type of scenario is perfectly reasonable, even if it’s a little inconvenient for the current employer in the short term. I know it’ll be uncomfortable for you, Jenny, but they can’t realistically expect you to pass up a chance to do what you love at double-plus what you’re making now.Congratulations!— DaveDave Ramsey&nbsp;is an eight-time national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

DAVE SAYS: An uncomfortable situation

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday announced that&nbsp;her administration has begun the process of distributing&nbsp;$51 million in bonuses&nbsp;for&nbsp;direct care workers&nbsp;at&nbsp;Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) providers, according to a statement from her office.

Governor Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjcuNjQyOTE2MDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tkYWRzLmtzLmdvdi9tZWRpYS1jZW50ZXIvbmV3cy1yZWxlYXNlcy8yMDIyLzA0LzA2L2dvdmVybm9yLWxhdXJhLWtlbGx5LWFubm91bmNlcy01MS1taWxsaW9uLWluLWJvbnVzLXBheW1lbnRzLXRvLWRpcmVjdC1zdXBwb3J0LXdvcmtlcnMifQ.-2On0ixPmaG8v9Ulao1-ZeyXYyqHFwLpUrui_OKbBhw/s/1303160919/br/144770976152-l" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;the bonus payments early this year.&nbsp;

"I applaud the efforts we've made to get these bonuses into the hands of direct care workers&nbsp;who’ve provided&nbsp;excellent care to vulnerable Kansans over the past few years," Governor Kelly said. "I thank the&nbsp;many Kansans who do this important work&nbsp;–&nbsp;and hope that&nbsp;these bonuses&nbsp;encourage&nbsp;other qualified Kansans&nbsp;to join this essential field.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas Department for Aging ad Disability Services (KDADS) is disbursing&nbsp;the&nbsp;funds as one-time payments to the state's three Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). MCOs&nbsp;will&nbsp;then disburse the funds to providers who will pay directly to their direct support staff by no later than March 30, 2023. &nbsp;

"Since the announcement of funding being made available to provide bouses to the essential front line health care workers who saw us through the COVID-19 pandemic, our staff has worked tirelessly to implement a process that would facilitate disbursement of that money as quickly as possible," KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. "I am so pleased with their effort and am proud to say we are in the final phase of implementation, and those workers are now receiving the bonuses they deserve."&nbsp;

The distribution plan aims to&nbsp;serve as&nbsp;a tool to help recruit and retain workers; to&nbsp;improve access to quality services;&nbsp;and to&nbsp;increase capacity for Kansans, including those with disabilities and behavioral health challenges, to receive care in their homes and communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Kansas IDD service providers have struggled to retain workers for critical direct care positions during the past several months," InterHab&nbsp;Executive Director Matt Fletcher said. "The workforce bonus initiative offered through KDADS is a vital new tool for providers in attracting workers, and the IDD service system is appreciative of KDADS's efforts to make these resources available."&nbsp;

KDADS received&nbsp;213 applications&nbsp;that&nbsp;will provide bonuses to 28,574 direct support workers:&nbsp;

Jerry Michaud is President/CEO for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, Inc., a nonprofit&nbsp;that provides&nbsp;services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the 18 northwestern-most counties of Kansas, and one of the providers who applied for bonuses for their staff. He shared examples of how the extra pay has made a difference.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The resources available through these workforce incentive dollars were helpful for our staff," Michaud said. "This is challenging and meaningful work, and these resources have allowed us to thank these designated staff for their ongoing commitment to serving others every day in the community. Upon receipt, one staff teared up and said, 'You have no idea how glad I am to hear this,' and when the news was shared with another, 'That will come in handy right now so I can get my house done!' This employee and her family are living with her mom until she can make needed repairs to her home."&nbsp;

Provider agencies are receiving payments based on the number of current direct care workers and immediate supervisors they employ. All funds go directly to direct service workers and their immediate supervisors. Providers are being compensated for all payroll and tax costs associated with the bonuses and $150 toward onboarding costs of new staff. Additionally, as an incentive to bring more direct support workers to the field, agencies will receive $1,500 per new staff as a recruitment bonus.&nbsp;

The bonus payments were made available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), signed into law in March 2021 to provide enhanced federal funding for Medicaid HCBS through a one-year 10 percent increase to the state's Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAPs). FMAPs are the percentage rates used to determine the matching federal funds allocated annually for state expenditures to social services and state and medical insurance programs.&nbsp;

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday announced that&nbsp;her administration has begun the process of distributing&nbsp;$51 million in bonuses&nbsp;for&nbsp;direct care workers&nbsp;at&nbsp;Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) providers, according to a statement from her office.Governor Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjcuNjQyOTE2MDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tkYWRzLmtzLmdvdi9tZWRpYS1jZW50ZXIvbmV3cy1yZWxlYXNlcy8yMDIyLzA0LzA2L2dvdmVybm9yLWxhdXJhLWtlbGx5LWFubm91bmNlcy01MS1taWxsaW9uLWluLWJvbnVzLXBheW1lbnRzLXRvLWRpcmVjdC1zdXBwb3J0LXdvcmtlcnMifQ.-2On0ixPmaG8v9Ulao1-ZeyXYyqHFwLpUrui_OKbBhw/s/1303160919/br/144770976152-l" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;the bonus payments early this year.&nbsp;"I applaud the efforts we've made to get these bonuses into the hands of direct care workers&nbsp;who’ve provided&nbsp;excellent care to vulnerable Kansans over the past few years," Governor Kelly said. "I thank the&nbsp;many Kansans who do this important work&nbsp;–&nbsp;and hope that&nbsp;these bonuses&nbsp;encourage&nbsp;other qualified Kansans&nbsp;to join this essential field.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Department for Aging ad Disability Services (KDADS) is disbursing&nbsp;the&nbsp;funds as one-time payments to the state's three Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). MCOs&nbsp;will&nbsp;then disburse the funds to providers who will pay directly to their direct support staff by no later than March 30, 2023. &nbsp;"Since the announcement of funding being made available to provide bouses to the essential front line health care workers who saw us through the COVID-19 pandemic, our staff has worked tirelessly to implement a process that would facilitate disbursement of that money as quickly as possible," KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. "I am so pleased with their effort and am proud to say we are in the final phase of implementation, and those workers are now receiving the bonuses they deserve."&nbsp;The distribution plan aims to&nbsp;serve as&nbsp;a tool to help recruit and retain workers; to&nbsp;improve access to quality services;&nbsp;and to&nbsp;increase capacity for Kansans, including those with disabilities and behavioral health challenges, to receive care in their homes and communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Kansas IDD service providers have struggled to retain workers for critical direct care positions during the past several months," InterHab&nbsp;Executive Director Matt Fletcher said. "The workforce bonus initiative offered through KDADS is a vital new tool for providers in attracting workers, and the IDD service system is appreciative of KDADS's efforts to make these resources available."&nbsp;KDADS received&nbsp;213 applications&nbsp;that&nbsp;will provide bonuses to 28,574 direct support workers:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>19,067 will receive a retention bonus&nbsp;12,361 full&nbsp;time&nbsp;6,706 part-time&nbsp;</li><li>12,361 full&nbsp;time&nbsp;</li><li>6,706 part-time&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>9,507 will receive a recruitment bonus&nbsp;6,030 full time&nbsp;3,477 part-time&nbsp;</li><li>6,030 full time&nbsp;</li><li>3,477 part-time&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Jerry Michaud is President/CEO for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, Inc., a nonprofit&nbsp;that provides&nbsp;services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the 18 northwestern-most counties of Kansas, and one of the providers who applied for bonuses for their staff. He shared examples of how the extra pay has made a difference.&nbsp;&nbsp;"The resources available through these workforce incentive dollars were helpful for our staff," Michaud said. "This is challenging and meaningful work, and these resources have allowed us to thank these designated staff for their ongoing commitment to serving others every day in the community. Upon receipt, one staff teared up and said, 'You have no idea how glad I am to hear this,' and when the news was shared with another, 'That will come in handy right now so I can get my house done!' This employee and her family are living with her mom until she can make needed repairs to her home."&nbsp;Provider agencies are receiving payments based on the number of current direct care workers and immediate supervisors they employ. All funds go directly to direct service workers and their immediate supervisors. Providers are being compensated for all payroll and tax costs associated with the bonuses and $150 toward onboarding costs of new staff. Additionally, as an incentive to bring more direct support workers to the field, agencies will receive $1,500 per new staff as a recruitment bonus.&nbsp;The bonus payments were made available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), signed into law in March 2021 to provide enhanced federal funding for Medicaid HCBS through a one-year 10 percent increase to the state's Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAPs). FMAPs are the percentage rates used to determine the matching federal funds allocated annually for state expenditures to social services and state and medical insurance programs.&nbsp;

$51M in bonuses being distributed in Kan. to direct care workers

By NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Pieter Miller with the Hutchinson Airport told Hutch Post Tuesday they are going to apply again for federal dollars to get the air traffic control tower replaced.

"There was money specifically set aside to update federal contract control towers," Miller said. "Towers that were built by the federal government back in the 1950s and the 1960s that are staffed by private companies, which is exactly what Hutchinson has."

The current tower was built in 1951. This would be the second application for that money. Their first try was to do the project in phases, but they noted that the ones approved in the first round were full projects, so they are going to try that approach when they apply again. That application is due by the end of October. The internal workings in the tower are updated by the contractor and the FAA, but the actual bricks and mortar are city property.

"Most of the buttons and switches and radios in the tower now have been updated over the last 10 years," Miller said. "What is old is the actual facility itself. The stairways, the access, the break rooms, the restrooms, all the accoutrements that the controllers use to get their job done."

The tower has been staffed by a private contractor since 1992.

"They are in operation from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, 365 days a year," Miller said. "A couple of the controllers live in Wichita. Most of them are local controllers here, or retired FAA controllers. The company they work for is called Midwest ATC."

Midwest ATC is currently operating nearly 100 air traffic control towers globally. In addition to Hutchinson, they operate towers in Garden City, Salina, Manhattan, both airports in Topeka and the Johnson County Aircenter and New Century Airport in the Kansas City area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664289046719.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Pieter Miller with the Hutchinson Airport told Hutch Post Tuesday they are going to apply again for federal dollars to get the air traffic control tower replaced."There was money specifically set aside to update federal contract control towers," Miller said. "Towers that were built by the federal government back in the 1950s and the 1960s that are staffed by private companies, which is exactly what Hutchinson has."The current tower was built in 1951. This would be the second application for that money. Their first try was to do the project in phases, but they noted that the ones approved in the first round were full projects, so they are going to try that approach when they apply again. That application is due by the end of October. The internal workings in the tower are updated by the contractor and the FAA, but the actual bricks and mortar are city property."Most of the buttons and switches and radios in the tower now have been updated over the last 10 years," Miller said. "What is old is the actual facility itself. The stairways, the access, the break rooms, the restrooms, all the accoutrements that the controllers use to get their job done."The tower has been staffed by a private contractor since 1992."They are in operation from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, 365 days a year," Miller said. "A couple of the controllers live in Wichita. Most of them are local controllers here, or retired FAA controllers. The company they work for is called Midwest ATC."Midwest ATC is currently operating nearly 100 air traffic control towers globally. In addition to Hutchinson, they operate towers in Garden City, Salina, Manhattan, both airports in Topeka and the Johnson County Aircenter and New Century Airport in the Kansas City area.

Hutchinson Airport to seek control tower replacement

KANSAS CITY —A child wounded in a shooting in Kansas City on Monday remains in critical condition, according to police spokesperson Adrianne Ortega.

Just before 2p.m., officers were called to a home in the 2500 block of Hardesty Avenue in Kansas City after a report of sounds of gunshots in the area.&nbsp; &nbsp; 

Upon arrival, officers located three victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds inside a residence, two adults and one juvenile.&nbsp;&nbsp; EMS responded to the scene.&nbsp; One adult victim was declared deceased at the scene.&nbsp; The second adult victim was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. &nbsp;The juvenile victim, under 5 years old, was transported to the hospital in critical condition.&nbsp; There was a second juvenile inside the residence who did not suffer any injuries.&nbsp;

Detectives and Crime Scene Personnel responded to process the scene for evidence and speak to any potential witnesses.&nbsp; &nbsp;They also canvassed the area for anyone who saw or heard anything and are looking for any video evidence.

Police have not released names of the victim or additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664286068799.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation Monday afternoon -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation Monday afternoon -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A child wounded in a shooting in Kansas City on Monday remains in critical condition, according to police spokesperson Adrianne Ortega.Just before 2p.m., officers were called to a home in the 2500 block of Hardesty Avenue in Kansas City after a report of sounds of gunshots in the area.&nbsp; &nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located three victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds inside a residence, two adults and one juvenile.&nbsp;&nbsp; EMS responded to the scene.&nbsp; One adult victim was declared deceased at the scene.&nbsp; The second adult victim was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. &nbsp;The juvenile victim, under 5 years old, was transported to the hospital in critical condition.&nbsp; There was a second juvenile inside the residence who did not suffer any injuries.&nbsp;Detectives and Crime Scene Personnel responded to process the scene for evidence and speak to any potential witnesses.&nbsp; &nbsp;They also canvassed the area for anyone who saw or heard anything and are looking for any video evidence.Police have not released names of the victim or additional details.

Police: Child wounded in fatal shooting at Kansas City home

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden announced a new initiative Monday that would eventually allow consumers to see a more complete price on airline tickets — including baggage and change fees — before they buy, as the White House continues to search for ways to lower costs for Americans amid persistently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-prices-f2270f4c6ac55c084108d57cc1aec53a">high inflation</a>.

The White House says&nbsp;<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/AirlineAncillaryFeeNPRM" target="_blank">the proposed rule</a>&nbsp;from the Transportation Department will prevent airlines from hiding the “true cost” of airline tickets, which would help consumers save money up front and encourage more competition among airlines to offer better fares. The requirement will apply not only to airlines directly but also to third-party search sites such as Kayak and Expedia.

“You should know the full cost of your ticket right when you’re comparison shopping,” Biden said Monday, citing fees charged by airlines to check luggage or to seat families together. The new rule, the president said, will help consumers “pick the ticket that actually is the best deal for you.”

Airlines made nearly $5.3 billion in baggage fees and nearly $700 million on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-travel-transportation-pete-buttigieg-ef15613d7b2eeedf72b4494a6d3a0255">cancellation</a>&nbsp;and change fees last year, according to Transportation Department figures. Airlines charge a variety of other fees for extra legroom and other perks that are not tracked by the government.

A trade group for the largest U.S. airlines said carriers already disclose terms and the total cost of a ticket. “This includes transparency regarding taxes and government fees on airline tickets, which account for more than 20% of many domestic one-stop, roundtrip tickets,” said Katherine Estep, a spokeswoman for Airlines for America.

The proposed rule seeks to target a typical situation faced by consumers where a ticket price is listed on an airline or search website, but with information often listed elsewhere about any additional airline fees, such as for checking or carrying on a bag, getting a guaranteed seat next to your child or changing or canceling a flight — fees that vary widely by airline and could quickly tack on up to hundreds of dollars more to a price of a ticket after the initial purchase. Under the proposal, that information would be made available upfront when the quoted airfare is first displayed.

The fare information would be required for all commercial flights to, within, and from the United States.

The proposal dates back to the Obama administration and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2b0d800ccd7641ea9f448fd93006c7be">was scrapped in 2017</a>&nbsp;by then-President Donald Trump after airlines complained that it was unnecessary and would incur significant costs. It must now go through a 60-day comment period before final approval.

The proposed rule comes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-buttigieg-government-and-politics-airlines-transportation-c3ebc7fbe4bcfb6402e67e0d626365a0">as tension grows between the Biden administration and the airlines</a>, with each blaming the other for an increase in canceled and delayed flights this summer.

The Transportation Department also began posting information to help consumers learn what each airline provides when flights are canceled or delayed for reasons within the airline’s control. That prompted several airlines to update policies around finding a new flight and covering hotel and meal expenses for stranded travelers.

Biden made the announcement on Monday afternoon at a meeting of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-economy-prices-consumer-prices-7ea68c9157a0c72403a8e3da5fae8bcc">White House Competition Council</a>, established last year as a way for his administration to find cost-saving measures for consumers. It was the third meeting of the group, chaired by National Economic Council director Brian Deese.

“Capitalism without competition isn’t capitalism,” Biden said at the event, held in the State Dining Room at the White House. “It’s exploitation.”

At the meeting, Biden also pushed other federal agencies to take similar cost-saving actions, particularly by increasing transparency on hidden fees that can balloon the true cost of goods and services.

One example is a proposal from the Federal Communications Commission that would require internet service providers to better outline fees and charges on what the administration calls a “broadband nutrition label.” And the Agriculture Department on Monday will also unveil new actions meant to encourage competition in various agricultural markets.

The administration has taken similar actions when it comes to bank and credit card fees, which the White House says have saved consumers $3 billion annually compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden announced a new initiative Monday that would eventually allow consumers to see a more complete price on airline tickets — including baggage and change fees — before they buy, as the White House continues to search for ways to lower costs for Americans amid persistently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-prices-f2270f4c6ac55c084108d57cc1aec53a">high inflation</a>.The White House says&nbsp;<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/AirlineAncillaryFeeNPRM" target="_blank">the proposed rule</a>&nbsp;from the Transportation Department will prevent airlines from hiding the “true cost” of airline tickets, which would help consumers save money up front and encourage more competition among airlines to offer better fares. The requirement will apply not only to airlines directly but also to third-party search sites such as Kayak and Expedia.“You should know the full cost of your ticket right when you’re comparison shopping,” Biden said Monday, citing fees charged by airlines to check luggage or to seat families together. The new rule, the president said, will help consumers “pick the ticket that actually is the best deal for you.”Airlines made nearly $5.3 billion in baggage fees and nearly $700 million on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-travel-transportation-pete-buttigieg-ef15613d7b2eeedf72b4494a6d3a0255">cancellation</a>&nbsp;and change fees last year, according to Transportation Department figures. Airlines charge a variety of other fees for extra legroom and other perks that are not tracked by the government.A trade group for the largest U.S. airlines said carriers already disclose terms and the total cost of a ticket. “This includes transparency regarding taxes and government fees on airline tickets, which account for more than 20% of many domestic one-stop, roundtrip tickets,” said Katherine Estep, a spokeswoman for Airlines for America.The proposed rule seeks to target a typical situation faced by consumers where a ticket price is listed on an airline or search website, but with information often listed elsewhere about any additional airline fees, such as for checking or carrying on a bag, getting a guaranteed seat next to your child or changing or canceling a flight — fees that vary widely by airline and could quickly tack on up to hundreds of dollars more to a price of a ticket after the initial purchase. Under the proposal, that information would be made available upfront when the quoted airfare is first displayed.The fare information would be required for all commercial flights to, within, and from the United States.The proposal dates back to the Obama administration and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2b0d800ccd7641ea9f448fd93006c7be">was scrapped in 2017</a>&nbsp;by then-President Donald Trump after airlines complained that it was unnecessary and would incur significant costs. It must now go through a 60-day comment period before final approval.The proposed rule comes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-buttigieg-government-and-politics-airlines-transportation-c3ebc7fbe4bcfb6402e67e0d626365a0">as tension grows between the Biden administration and the airlines</a>, with each blaming the other for an increase in canceled and delayed flights this summer.The Transportation Department also began posting information to help consumers learn what each airline provides when flights are canceled or delayed for reasons within the airline’s control. That prompted several airlines to update policies around finding a new flight and covering hotel and meal expenses for stranded travelers.Biden made the announcement on Monday afternoon at a meeting of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-economy-prices-consumer-prices-7ea68c9157a0c72403a8e3da5fae8bcc">White House Competition Council</a>, established last year as a way for his administration to find cost-saving measures for consumers. It was the third meeting of the group, chaired by National Economic Council director Brian Deese.“Capitalism without competition isn’t capitalism,” Biden said at the event, held in the State Dining Room at the White House. “It’s exploitation.”At the meeting, Biden also pushed other federal agencies to take similar cost-saving actions, particularly by increasing transparency on hidden fees that can balloon the true cost of goods and services.One example is a proposal from the Federal Communications Commission that would require internet service providers to better outline fees and charges on what the administration calls a “broadband nutrition label.” And the Agriculture Department on Monday will also unveil new actions meant to encourage competition in various agricultural markets.The administration has taken similar actions when it comes to bank and credit card fees, which the White House says have saved consumers $3 billion annually compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic.___

White House: New rule will show ‘true cost’ of plane tickets

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays school board heard a report on the progress of the bond issues projects at its meeting Monday.

Preston Moore of Nabholz Construction, which is the district's construction manager at risk, discussed his company's role in bidding and managing subcontractors and vendors on the project.

The designs for the new high school, as well as the renovation projects for the current high school, middle school, Roosevelt and O'Loughlin have not been completed.

DLR, the district's architect, is meeting regularly with district staff to define schematics. Superintendent Ron Wilson said district staff members are having several discussions a day with the architects as the designs progress.

Moore said schematics will give the district a better idea of what the buildings will look like but are not the drawings from which contractors build.

As the designs are finalized for the project, Nabholz will send specifications to the local vendors and contractors and come back with a guaranteed price.

It's Nabholz's responsibility as the construction manager at risk to manage the project's budget and stay within that guaranteed price for both individual building work and the project as a whole.

Moore said local contractors have expressed excitement about the project. Local contractors will be given invitations to a summit to get the first look at the specifications for the projects.

Nabholz will write a contractor manager's manual to clarify the specifications of the bids, and they will work to further ensure that no work is duplicated in the bidding process.

Once the bids are opened, Nabholz will bring a list of preferred contractors back to the school district. This is a combination of both the low bidders and those that best meet the full specifications of the projects, Moore said.

Because multiple buildings are involved in the larger bond project, Nabholz will be bidding the projects in phases. Nabholz will come back to the district with regular reports on the budget as the projects reach design milestones, Moore said.

Moore said no final budgets have been determined at this time, but he estimates his company will be ready to start releasing numbers by late October or early November.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board heard a report on the progress of the bond issues projects at its meeting Monday.Preston Moore of Nabholz Construction, which is the district's construction manager at risk, discussed his company's role in bidding and managing subcontractors and vendors on the project.The designs for the new high school, as well as the renovation projects for the current high school, middle school, Roosevelt and O'Loughlin have not been completed.DLR, the district's architect, is meeting regularly with district staff to define schematics. Superintendent Ron Wilson said district staff members are having several discussions a day with the architects as the designs progress. Moore said schematics will give the district a better idea of what the buildings will look like but are not the drawings from which contractors build.As the designs are finalized for the project, Nabholz will send specifications to the local vendors and contractors and come back with a guaranteed price.It's Nabholz's responsibility as the construction manager at risk to manage the project's budget and stay within that guaranteed price for both individual building work and the project as a whole.Moore said local contractors have expressed excitement about the project. Local contractors will be given invitations to a summit to get the first look at the specifications for the projects.Nabholz will write a contractor manager's manual to clarify the specifications of the bids, and they will work to further ensure that no work is duplicated in the bidding process.Once the bids are opened, Nabholz will bring a list of preferred contractors back to the school district. This is a combination of both the low bidders and those that best meet the full specifications of the projects, Moore said.Because multiple buildings are involved in the larger bond project, Nabholz will be bidding the projects in phases. Nabholz will come back to the district with regular reports on the budget as the projects reach design milestones, Moore said.Moore said no final budgets have been determined at this time, but he estimates his company will be ready to start releasing numbers by late October or early November.

Local bidders will be given first look at specs on Hays USD 489 bond

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s plan for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-biden-plan-d9c8e18774a744187c9af634bf4eb728">student debt cancellation</a>&nbsp;will cost the federal government about $400 billion over the next 30 years, according to new estimates from the Congressional Budget Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660739578417.png" alt="The Biden administration previously estimated the plan would cost about $24 billion a year over the next 10 years -White House photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The Biden administration previously estimated the plan would cost about $24 billion a year over the next 10 years -White House photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s plan for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-biden-plan-d9c8e18774a744187c9af634bf4eb728">student debt cancellation</a>&nbsp;will cost the federal government about $400 billion over the next 30 years, according to new estimates from the Congressional Budget Office.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden’s $300 billion student loan handout will fuel inflation and do nothing to actually lower the cost of higher education. My full statement below. <a href="https://t.co/NYRuDheaCL">pic.twitter.com/NYRuDheaCL</a>&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1562547995228266496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The figures were released Monday in response to a request from Republican lawmakers who oppose Biden’s plan in large part because of its costs. They were quick to cite the estimates as evidence that the plan will “bury” taxpayers, passing along the costs to huge numbers of Americans who never went to college.The Biden administration previously estimated the plan would cost about $24 billion a year over the next 10 years — about $240 billion for the decade — while other estimates put the total cost at $500 billion or more over the decade.On Monday, the White House noted that the CBO’s estimated cost in the first year — $21 billion — is actually lower than the administration’s early estimate of $24 billion.To reach the CBO’s $400 billion figure, officials looked at the immediate cost of cancellation along with the longer-term impact, including lower monthly repayments that would have been higher if not for the cancellation.The office separately estimated that Biden’s latest extension of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-payment-moratorium-extended-d54907ea99a6745dc9f832435beda751">student loan pause</a>&nbsp;will cost an additional $20 billion. Monthly payments on federal student loans have been frozen since the first weeks of the pandemic. Biden in August continued the pause through the end of the year, calling that the final extension.Biden has played down the cost of the cancellation plan, saying it would be offset by other measures to reduce the federal deficit, including his landmark&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-biden-health-congress-climate-and-environment-63df07e15002c01fb560a6f0e69fcb03">Inflation Reduction Act</a>. On Monday, the White House defended the plan, saying it will provide relief to struggling borrowers, allowing them to start businesses, buy homes or just pay their bills.“It’s a stark contrast to the Trump tax bill, which ballooned the deficit by nearly $2 trillion and provided the vast majority of benefits to big corporations and the wealthiest individuals,” White House spokesman Abdullah Hasan said.The administration is expected to release its own detailed cost estimates in coming weeks.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., who supported debt cancellation, said they don’t agree with some of the assumptions underpinning the CBO estimates. But a joint statement from the senators said the estimates show that “millions of middle class Americans have more breathing room” thanks to Biden’s plan.Republicans didn’t see it that way.“Rather than working with Congress to bring down college costs, President Biden has opted to bury the American people under our unsustainable debt,” said Rep. Virginia Foxx, the top Republican on the House education committee.Biden’s plan promises to cancel $10,000 in federal student debt for borrowers with incomes of less than $125,000 per year or households making less than $250,000. Those who received federal Pell Grants to attend college would get an additional $10,000 erased.An application to receive the benefit is expected by early October. The fate of the plan largely depends on whether it can survive legal challenges that conservatives have promised to bring.The Congressional Budget Office estimates that, out of 37 million Americans who have federal student loans, about 95% meet the income limit for $10,000 in relief. About 65% also received a Pell Grant, making them eligible for a $20,000 cancellation.The office warned that its estimates are “highly uncertain” because it’s hard to know exactly how much borrowers would have paid in the future without Biden’s action. Some borrowers probably would have gotten their debt canceled anyway using payment plans that promise to cancel remaining debt after 10 or 20 years.The estimates are based on everything that’s known about Biden’s plan now, but some details have yet to be hashed out. The office said it may revise its estimates as details emerge.The $400 billion total notably does not include a separate loan payment plan that Biden proposed to help lower-income borrowers in the future. The new plan would be similar to existing plans that limit monthly bills based on a borrower’s income, but with more generous terms.It would limit borrowers’ payments to 5% of their discretionary income, down from 10% now, and it would forgive any remaining balance after 10 years, down from 20 years now.___