KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A man has been charged by criminal complaint with one count of bank robbery and one count of attempted bank robbery, according to the United States's Attorney.

According to the complaint, Lucas John Royce Spies, 27, of Harrisonville, Missouri, allegedly used an intimidating note in an attempt to rob Bank Midwest on West 119th Street in Olathe, Kansas, on November 7.

 Spies is also accused of robbing U.S. Bank on West 119th Street in Olathe, Kansas, a short time later the same day.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Olathe Police Department are investigating the case.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a bank robbery and attempted bank robbery on Monday.

Just after 1p.m., police responded to the Bank Midwest in the 14700 block of 119th Street for an attempted bank robbery, according to a media release from Olathe Police.

Officers then responded to the U.S. Bank in the 15300 block of 119th Street after someone did rob a bank.

The Kansas Highway Patrol and the Olathe Police Department tried to stop the suspect vehicle, but a chase ensued.

The suspect's vehicle crashed in the 1400 block of West U.S. Highway 56. Police took the suspect into custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667874279023.png" alt="-Police on the scene of the chase and crash -photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>-Police on the scene of the chase and crash -photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A man has been charged by criminal complaint with one count of bank robbery and one count of attempted bank robbery, according to the United States's Attorney.According to the complaint, Lucas John Royce Spies, 27, of Harrisonville, Missouri, allegedly used an intimidating note in an attempt to rob Bank Midwest on West 119th Street in Olathe, Kansas, on November 7.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668092493000.png" alt="Spies photo FBI" />
 <figcaption>Spies photo FBI</figcaption>
 </figure> Spies is also accused of robbing U.S. Bank on West 119th Street in Olathe, Kansas, a short time later the same day.The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Olathe Police Department are investigating the case.---------JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a bank robbery and attempted bank robbery on Monday.Just after 1p.m., police responded to the Bank Midwest in the 14700 block of 119th Street for an attempted bank robbery, according to a media release from Olathe Police.Officers then responded to the U.S. Bank in the 15300 block of 119th Street after someone did rob a bank.The Kansas Highway Patrol and the Olathe Police Department tried to stop the suspect vehicle, but a chase ensued.The suspect's vehicle crashed in the 1400 block of West U.S. Highway 56. Police took the suspect into custody.

Man charged for bank robbery in Kansas 

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal accident that occurred&nbsp; just after 11a.m. Monday in Wyandotte County.

&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle was traveling on the off ramp from Interstate 35 Northbound to 7th Street.

The vehicle ran the red light, continued northbound to the on ramp of Interstate 35 northbound and struck a bicyclist who was crossing the on ramp.

The KHP has not identified the driver or the bicycle rider. Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal accident that occurred&nbsp; just after 11a.m. Monday in Wyandotte County.&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle was traveling on the off ramp from Interstate 35 Northbound to 7th Street.The vehicle ran the red light, continued northbound to the on ramp of Interstate 35 northbound and struck a bicyclist who was crossing the on ramp.The KHP has not identified the driver or the bicycle rider. Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

KHP still investigating crash that killed bicyclist 

NEW YORK (AP) — It took less than a week for FTX to go from the third-largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world to bankruptcy court.

The embattled cryptocurrency exchange, short billions of dollars, is seeking bankruptcy protection after the exchange experienced the crypto equivalent of a bank run. FTX, its affiliated hedge fund Alameda Research, and dozens of other companies filed a bankruptcy petition in Delaware on Friday morning.

CEO and founder Sam Bankman-Fried has resigned, the company said. Bankman-Fried was recently estimated to be worth $23 billion and has been a prominent political donor to Democrats. His net worth has all but evaporated, according to Forbes and Bloomberg, which closely track the net worth of the world's richest people.

Bankman-Fried has other problems as well. On Thursday, a person familiar with the matter said the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission were looking into FTX to determine whether any criminal activity or securities offenses were committed. The person could not discuss details of the investigations publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

The investigation is centered on the possibility that FTX may have used customers’ deposits to fund bets at Alameda Research. In traditional markets, brokers are expected to separate client funds from other company assets. Violations can be punished by regulators.

FTX had agreed earlier this week to sell itself to bigger rival Binance after experiencing the cryptocurrency equivalent of a bank run. Customers fled the exchange after becoming concerned about whether FTX had sufficient capital.

The crypto world had hoped that Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, might be able to rescue FTX and its depositors. However, after Binance had a chance to look at the books of FTX, it became clear that the smaller exchange’s problems were too big to solve and Binance backed out of the deal.

FTX is the latest in a series of cascading disasters that have shaken the crypto sector, now under intense pressure from collapsing prices and circling financial regulators. Its failure is also sending tsunami-like waves throughout the crypto universe.

Cryptocurrency lender BlockFi announced on Twitter late Thursday that it is “not able to do business as usual” and pausing client withdrawals as a result of FTX's implosion.

In a letter posted to its Twitter profile late Thursday, BlockFi — which was bailed out by Bankman-Fried’s FTX early last summer — said it was “shocked and dismayed by the news regarding FTX and Alameda.”

The company ended by saying any future communications about its status “will be less frequent that what our clients and other stakeholders are used to.”

Bitcoin tumbled immediately after the letter was posted, losing close to 5% before inching back above $17,000 overnight. The original cryptocurrency, bitcoin had been hovering around $20,000 for months before the FTX's problems became public this week, sending it briefly to around $15,500.

NEW YORK (AP) — The swift collapse of cryptocurrency exchange FTX sent more shockwaves through the crypto world on Thursday, with authorities now investigating the firm for potential securities violations and analysts bracing for a further downturn in crypto prices.

A person familiar with matter said that the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission are examining FTX to determine whether any criminal activity or securities offenses were committed. The person could not discuss details of the investigations publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

This week's developments marked a shocking turn of events for FTX CEO and founder Sam Bankman-Fried, who was hailed as somewhat of a savior earlier this year when he helped shore up a number of cryptocurrency companies that ran into financial trouble.

The investigation into Bankman-Fried and FTX by those in the crypto world as well as securities regulators is centering on the possibility that the firm may have used customers’ deposits to fund bets at Bankman-Fried’s hedge fund, Alameda Research. In traditional markets, brokers are expected to separate client funds from other company assets. Violations can be punished by regulators.

Meanwhile, investors in popular digital currencies got some relief from the latest crypto crisis Thursday after days of selling. Bitcoin rose to $17,691 after dropping as low as $15,512 on Wednesday. Ethereum rose 12%. The gains came after a government report showing inflation cooled a bit last month gave a lift to riskier assets.

The crypto world had hoped that Binance, the world's largest crypto exchange, might be able to rescue FTX and its depositors. However, after Binance had a chance to look at the books of FTX, it became clear that the smaller exchange's problems were too big to solve.

A person familiar with the dealings between FTX and Binance described the books as a “black hole” where it was impossible to differentiate between the assets and liabilities of FTX the exchange and those of Alameda Research. This person spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly about the matter.

This person said Bankman-Fried committed the “ultimate sin” by tapping into FTX's custodial assets to fund Alameda Research.

In a further illustration of FTX’s financial straits, Bankman-Fried asked his investors Wednesday for $8 billion to cover withdrawal requests, according to The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed sources.

In a series of Tweets on Thursday, the FTX founder and CEO said that he did not have enough liquidity to cover withdrawals and that he was more leveraged than he had thought.

“I f(asterisk)(asterisk)(asterisk)ed up, and should have done better,” he said.

The latest crisis in the crypto industry prompted renewed calls for stricter regulation. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the FTX developments "highlights why prudent regulation of cryptocurrencies is indeed needed. The White House, along with the relevant agencies, will again closely monitor the situation as it develops.”

The collapse of the cryptocurrency’s third largest exchange is likely to cause further disruption across the entire crypto world, analysts say, meaning Thursday's rally could be temporary.

"The unwinding of FTX, as well as its shock of confidence to the system, will cause crypto prices to fall even further leading to “a new cascade of margin calls,” said analysts at J.P. Morgan in a note to investors. This would be similar to the selloff that happened after the collapse of the stable coin Terra earlier this year, where prices continued to decline weeks after its failure.

“This deleveraging is likely to last for at least a few weeks unless a rescue for Alameda Research and FTX is agreed quickly,” J.P. Morgan analysts wrote.

The crypto industry is waiting to see what other companies are impacted by the FTX collapse. The venture capital fund Sequoia Capital said Thursday it is writing down its total investment of nearly $215 million n FTX.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620732850317.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — It took less than a week for FTX to go from the third-largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world to bankruptcy court.The embattled cryptocurrency exchange, short billions of dollars, is seeking bankruptcy protection after the exchange experienced the crypto equivalent of a bank run. FTX, its affiliated hedge fund Alameda Research, and dozens of other companies filed a bankruptcy petition in Delaware on Friday morning.CEO and founder Sam Bankman-Fried has resigned, the company said. Bankman-Fried was recently estimated to be worth $23 billion and has been a prominent political donor to Democrats. His net worth has all but evaporated, according to Forbes and Bloomberg, which closely track the net worth of the world's richest people.Bankman-Fried has other problems as well. On Thursday, a person familiar with the matter said the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission were looking into FTX to determine whether any criminal activity or securities offenses were committed. The person could not discuss details of the investigations publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.The investigation is centered on the possibility that FTX may have used customers’ deposits to fund bets at Alameda Research. In traditional markets, brokers are expected to separate client funds from other company assets. Violations can be punished by regulators.FTX had agreed earlier this week to sell itself to bigger rival Binance after experiencing the cryptocurrency equivalent of a bank run. Customers fled the exchange after becoming concerned about whether FTX had sufficient capital.The crypto world had hoped that Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, might be able to rescue FTX and its depositors. However, after Binance had a chance to look at the books of FTX, it became clear that the smaller exchange’s problems were too big to solve and Binance backed out of the deal.FTX is the latest in a series of cascading disasters that have shaken the crypto sector, now under intense pressure from collapsing prices and circling financial regulators. Its failure is also sending tsunami-like waves throughout the crypto universe.Cryptocurrency lender BlockFi announced on Twitter late Thursday that it is “not able to do business as usual” and pausing client withdrawals as a result of FTX's implosion.In a letter posted to its Twitter profile late Thursday, BlockFi — which was bailed out by Bankman-Fried’s FTX early last summer — said it was “shocked and dismayed by the news regarding FTX and Alameda.”The company ended by saying any future communications about its status “will be less frequent that what our clients and other stakeholders are used to.”Bitcoin tumbled immediately after the letter was posted, losing close to 5% before inching back above $17,000 overnight. The original cryptocurrency, bitcoin had been hovering around $20,000 for months before the FTX's problems became public this week, sending it briefly to around $15,500.------------NEW YORK (AP) — The swift collapse of cryptocurrency exchange FTX sent more shockwaves through the crypto world on Thursday, with authorities now investigating the firm for potential securities violations and analysts bracing for a further downturn in crypto prices.FTX had agreed earlier this week to sell itself to bigger rival Binance after experiencing the cryptocurrency equivalent of a bank run. Customers fled the exchange after becoming concerned about whether FTX had sufficient capital.A person familiar with matter said that the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission are examining FTX to determine whether any criminal activity or securities offenses were committed. The person could not discuss details of the investigations publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.This week's developments marked a shocking turn of events for FTX CEO and founder Sam Bankman-Fried, who was hailed as somewhat of a savior earlier this year when he helped shore up a number of cryptocurrency companies that ran into financial trouble.The investigation into Bankman-Fried and FTX by those in the crypto world as well as securities regulators is centering on the possibility that the firm may have used customers’ deposits to fund bets at Bankman-Fried’s hedge fund, Alameda Research. In traditional markets, brokers are expected to separate client funds from other company assets. Violations can be punished by regulators.Meanwhile, investors in popular digital currencies got some relief from the latest crypto crisis Thursday after days of selling. Bitcoin rose to $17,691 after dropping as low as $15,512 on Wednesday. Ethereum rose 12%. The gains came after a government report showing inflation cooled a bit last month gave a lift to riskier assets.The crypto world had hoped that Binance, the world's largest crypto exchange, might be able to rescue FTX and its depositors. However, after Binance had a chance to look at the books of FTX, it became clear that the smaller exchange's problems were too big to solve.A person familiar with the dealings between FTX and Binance described the books as a “black hole” where it was impossible to differentiate between the assets and liabilities of FTX the exchange and those of Alameda Research. This person spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly about the matter.This person said Bankman-Fried committed the “ultimate sin” by tapping into FTX's custodial assets to fund Alameda Research.In a further illustration of FTX’s financial straits, Bankman-Fried asked his investors Wednesday for $8 billion to cover withdrawal requests, according to The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed sources.In a series of Tweets on Thursday, the FTX founder and CEO said that he did not have enough liquidity to cover withdrawals and that he was more leveraged than he had thought.“I f(asterisk)(asterisk)(asterisk)ed up, and should have done better,” he said.The latest crisis in the crypto industry prompted renewed calls for stricter regulation. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the FTX developments "highlights why prudent regulation of cryptocurrencies is indeed needed. The White House, along with the relevant agencies, will again closely monitor the situation as it develops.”The collapse of the cryptocurrency’s third largest exchange is likely to cause further disruption across the entire crypto world, analysts say, meaning Thursday's rally could be temporary."The unwinding of FTX, as well as its shock of confidence to the system, will cause crypto prices to fall even further leading to “a new cascade of margin calls,” said analysts at J.P. Morgan in a note to investors. This would be similar to the selloff that happened after the collapse of the stable coin Terra earlier this year, where prices continued to decline weeks after its failure.“This deleveraging is likely to last for at least a few weeks unless a rescue for Alameda Research and FTX is agreed quickly,” J.P. Morgan analysts wrote.The crypto industry is waiting to see what other companies are impacted by the FTX collapse. The venture capital fund Sequoia Capital said Thursday it is writing down its total investment of nearly $215 million n FTX.

Crypto exchange FTX, short billions of dollars, files for bankruptcy

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person was injured in an apartment building fire Thursday in Shawnee County.

Just after 8p.m., fire crews responded to a three-alarm fire at a three-story apartment building located at 115 NE Redbud Circle in Topeka, Kansas, according to Fire Marshal Alan Stahl.&nbsp;

Due to the advanced fire conditions, crews began a defensive fire attack in an attempt to keep the fire contained to the structure. A nearby building received heat damage to its exterior. Firefighters performed a primary search and found one victim with life-threatening injuries. 

That individual was transported to a local hospital to be treated.&nbsp; One other adult was also transported for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

There were ten occupied apartments and the total damage is estimated to be $1.5 million, with $1 million associated with structural loss and $500,000 associated with content loss.

Officials continue to investigate the cause of the fire.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668177955338.png" alt="Crews fighting the WIBW" />
 <figcaption>Crews fighting the WIBW</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person was injured in an apartment building fire Thursday in Shawnee County.Just after 8p.m., fire crews responded to a three-alarm fire at a three-story apartment building located at 115 NE Redbud Circle in Topeka, Kansas, according to Fire Marshal Alan Stahl.&nbsp;Due to the advanced fire conditions, crews began a defensive fire attack in an attempt to keep the fire contained to the structure. A nearby building received heat damage to its exterior. Firefighters performed a primary search and found one victim with life-threatening injuries. That individual was transported to a local hospital to be treated.&nbsp; One other adult was also transported for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;There were ten occupied apartments and the total damage is estimated to be $1.5 million, with $1 million associated with structural loss and $500,000 associated with content loss.Officials continue to investigate the cause of the fire.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

One in critical condition after Kan. apartment building fire

TOPEKA —Republican Kris Kobach won the Kansas attorney general’s race and revived his political career Tuesday by defeating Democrat candidate Chris Mann.&nbsp; The Associated Press called the race at 9:24 a.m. Wednesday.

On Thursday the ACLU of Kansas issued a statement to the Attorney General-elect.

On social media, the organization wrote, "We congratulate Mr. Kobach on his victory and encourage him not to pursue the unconstitutional policies he touted during his campaign. If he changes course, the ACLU and all those who care about civil rights will eagerly partner with him."

"But should Mr. Kobach decide to follow through on his campaign promises of attacking civil liberties, denigrating democracy, and undermining the rule of law—we will relentlessly challenge those policies."

"And, as Mr. Kobach well knows from his long history of defeats dealt by the ACLU of Kansas, when we have challenged his policies on behalf of the Constitution, the Constitution has won – and will win – every time."

Kobach built a national profile and created lasting political enemies before his election as Kansas secretary of state in 2010 by becoming the go-to adviser for state and local officials wanting to crack down on illegal immigration.

He also pushed the idea that lots of people could be voting illegally and championed a tough prove-your-citizenship rule for new Kansas voters, only to see the federal courts strike it down. An early Kansas supporter of Donald Trump’s presidential bid in 2016, he was co-chairman of Trump’s short-lived presidential advisory commission on voter fraud.

Kobach told Republicans during his successful primary race this year that he would consider each morning over breakfast how as attorney general he could sue President Joe Biden's administration. But during his fall campaign, he tempered that rhetoric, saying that he'd challenge Biden actions that appeared to violate federal law or the U.S. Constitution.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668007762497.png" alt=" AG candidate Kris Kobach declared victory at midnight on Election Day.&nbsp; photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption> AG candidate Kris Kobach declared victory at midnight on Election Day.&nbsp; photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Republican Kris Kobach won the Kansas attorney general’s race and revived his political career Tuesday by defeating Democrat candidate Chris Mann.&nbsp; The Associated Press called the race at 9:24 a.m. Wednesday.On Thursday the ACLU of Kansas issued a statement to the Attorney General-elect.On social media, the organization wrote, "We congratulate Mr. Kobach on his victory and encourage him not to pursue the unconstitutional policies he touted during his campaign. If he changes course, the ACLU and all those who care about civil rights will eagerly partner with him.""But should Mr. Kobach decide to follow through on his campaign promises of attacking civil liberties, denigrating democracy, and undermining the rule of law—we will relentlessly challenge those policies.""And, as Mr. Kobach well knows from his long history of defeats dealt by the ACLU of Kansas, when we have challenged his policies on behalf of the Constitution, the Constitution has won – and will win – every time."Kobach built a national profile and created lasting political enemies before his election as Kansas secretary of state in 2010 by becoming the go-to adviser for state and local officials wanting to crack down on illegal immigration.He also pushed the idea that lots of people could be voting illegally and championed a tough prove-your-citizenship rule for new Kansas voters, only to see the federal courts strike it down. An early Kansas supporter of Donald Trump’s presidential bid in 2016, he was co-chairman of Trump’s short-lived presidential advisory commission on voter fraud.Kobach told Republicans during his successful primary race this year that he would consider each morning over breakfast how as attorney general he could sue President Joe Biden's administration. But during his fall campaign, he tempered that rhetoric, saying that he'd challenge Biden actions that appeared to violate federal law or the U.S. Constitution.-The AP contributed to the story

ACLU congratulates, issues challenge to Kan. AG-elect Kobach

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Two people died while changing a tire on an SUV just after 6:30p.m. Thursday in Sedgwick County. The man who hit them is in jail accused of DUI.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ram pickup driven by Travis L. Mock, 26, Wichita, was northbound on the ramp from Interstate 135 to eastbound Kansas 96 in north central Wichita.

The pickup left the roadway and struck and killed two people changing a driver side tire on a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer.

The victims were identified as 20-year-old&nbsp; Christian L.&nbsp;Evans of Elk City, Kansas and 18-year-old Emily M. Stein of Wichita. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18839050">Mock is being held </a>in the Sedgwick County Detention Center on requested charges of involuntary manslaughter under the influence, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, no proof of insurance and a laned roadway violation, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668129627770.png" alt="First responders on the scene of fatal crash -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of fatal crash -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Two people died while changing a tire on an SUV just after 6:30p.m. Thursday in Sedgwick County. The man who hit them is in jail accused of DUI.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ram pickup driven by Travis L. Mock, 26, Wichita, was northbound on the ramp from Interstate 135 to eastbound Kansas 96 in north central Wichita.The pickup left the roadway and struck and killed two people changing a driver side tire on a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer.The victims were identified as 20-year-old&nbsp; Christian L.&nbsp;Evans of Elk City, Kansas and 18-year-old Emily M. Stein of Wichita. They were pronounced dead at the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668171302512.png" alt="Mock-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Mock-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18839050">Mock is being held </a>in the Sedgwick County Detention Center on requested charges of involuntary manslaughter under the influence, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, no proof of insurance and a laned roadway violation, according to online jail records.

Kan. man accused of DUI  after 2 hit, killed while changing a tire 

FORT WORTH(AP) —A U.S. judge in Texas on Thursday blocked President Joe Biden's plan to provide millions of borrowers with up to $20,000 apiece in federal student-loan forgiveness — a program that was already on hold as a federal appeals court in St. Louis considers a separate lawsuit by six states challenging it.

District Court Judge Mark Pittman, an appointee of former President Donald Trump based in Fort Worth, said the program usurped Congress' power to make laws.

“In this country, we are not ruled by an all-powerful executive with a pen and a phone. Instead, we are ruled by a Constitution that provides for three distinct and independent branches of government,” Pittman wrote.

He added: “The Court is not blind to the current political division in our country. But it is fundamental to the survival of our Republic that the separation of powers as outlined in our Constitution be preserved.”

The debt forgiveness plan would cancel $10,000 in student loan debt for those making less than $125,000 or households with less than $250,000 in income. Pell Grant recipients, who typically demonstrate more financial need, would get an additional $10,000 in debt forgiven.

The cancellation applies to federal student loans used to attend undergraduate and graduate school, along with Parent Plus loans.

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had put the forgiveness plan on hold Oct. 21 while it considered an effort by the states of Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Arkansas and South Carolina to block the program.

While the stay temporarily stopped the administration from actually clearing debt, the White House has encouraged borrowers to continue applying for relief, saying the court order did not prevent applications or the review of applications.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the administration disagreed with Thursday’s ruling and the Department of Justice had filed an appeal. She said so far 26 million people had applied for debt relief, and 16 million people had already had their relief approved. The Department of Education would “quickly process their relief once we prevail in court," she said.

“The President and this Administration are determined to help working and middle-class Americans get back on their feet, while our opponents — backed by extreme Republican special interests — sued to block millions of Americans from getting much-needed relief,” she said in a statement.

The legal challenges have created confusion about whether borrowers who expected to have debt canceled will have to resume making payments come Jan. 1, when a pause prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic is set to expire.

Economists worry that many people have yet to rebound financially from the pandemic, saying that if borrowers who were expecting debt cancellation are asked to make payments instead, many could fall behind on the bills and default.

In his order Thursday, Pittman said the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003, commonly known as the HEROES Act, did not provide the authorization for the loan forgiveness program that the Biden administration claimed it did.

The law allows the secretary of education to “waive or modify any statutory or regulatory provision applicable to the student financial assistance programs ... as the Secretary deems necessary in connection with a war or other military operation or national emergency."

The administration argued that the student loan relief was thus authorized as a means of dealing with the national emergency of the pandemic. Pittman disagreed, finding that a program of such massive import required clear congressional authorization. The HEROES Act “does not provide the executive branch clear congressional authorization to create a $400 billion student loan forgiveness program,” he wrote.

Pittman also rejected the government's arguments that the plaintiffs who brought the lawsuit lacked standing. Plaintiffs Myra Brown and Alexander Taylor both have student loans, but Brown is ineligible for debt relief because her loans are commercially held, and Taylor is not eligible for the full $20,000 because he didn't receive a Pell grant.

The administration said they weren't harmed by the loan forgiveness program and their "unhappiness that some other borrowers are receiving a greater benefit than they are” did not give them grounds to sue.

Pittman said they were harmed, however, because the government did not take public comment on eligibility requirements for the program, meaning they had no chance to provide input on a program they would be at least be partially excluded from.

Reaction to the ruling was predictably mixed along political fault lines. The Student Borrower Protection Center blasted Pittman as a “right-wing federal judge,” saying "tens of millions of student loan borrowers across the country now have their vital debt relief blocked as a result of this farcical and fabricated legal claim.”

Rep. Virginia Foxx of North Carolina, the ranking Republican on the House education committee, celebrated it.

“Yet another nail has been added to the coffin of President Biden’s illegal student loan bailout, and hardworking taxpayers across the country are rightfully rejoicing," she said. “This administration continues to operate as if its own self-appointed authority in transferring billions of dollars in student loans is legitimate, but the rule of law says otherwise.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661367707782.png" alt="-resident Biden and Education Secretary Miguel Cardona during the August announcement of the student loan forgiveness plan.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>-resident Biden and Education Secretary Miguel Cardona during the August announcement of the student loan forgiveness plan.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FORT WORTH(AP) —A U.S. judge in Texas on Thursday blocked President Joe Biden's plan to provide millions of borrowers with up to $20,000 apiece in federal student-loan forgiveness — a program that was already on hold as a federal appeals court in St. Louis considers a separate lawsuit by six states challenging it.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668173936543.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668174034086.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>District Court Judge Mark Pittman, an appointee of former President Donald Trump based in Fort Worth, said the program usurped Congress' power to make laws.“In this country, we are not ruled by an all-powerful executive with a pen and a phone. Instead, we are ruled by a Constitution that provides for three distinct and independent branches of government,” Pittman wrote.He added: “The Court is not blind to the current political division in our country. But it is fundamental to the survival of our Republic that the separation of powers as outlined in our Constitution be preserved.”The debt forgiveness plan would cancel $10,000 in student loan debt for those making less than $125,000 or households with less than $250,000 in income. Pell Grant recipients, who typically demonstrate more financial need, would get an additional $10,000 in debt forgiven.The cancellation applies to federal student loans used to attend undergraduate and graduate school, along with Parent Plus loans.The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had put the forgiveness plan on hold Oct. 21 while it considered an effort by the states of Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Arkansas and South Carolina to block the program.While the stay temporarily stopped the administration from actually clearing debt, the White House has encouraged borrowers to continue applying for relief, saying the court order did not prevent applications or the review of applications.White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the administration disagreed with Thursday’s ruling and the Department of Justice had filed an appeal. She said so far 26 million people had applied for debt relief, and 16 million people had already had their relief approved. The Department of Education would “quickly process their relief once we prevail in court," she said.“The President and this Administration are determined to help working and middle-class Americans get back on their feet, while our opponents — backed by extreme Republican special interests — sued to block millions of Americans from getting much-needed relief,” she said in a statement.The legal challenges have created confusion about whether borrowers who expected to have debt canceled will have to resume making payments come Jan. 1, when a pause prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic is set to expire.Economists worry that many people have yet to rebound financially from the pandemic, saying that if borrowers who were expecting debt cancellation are asked to make payments instead, many could fall behind on the bills and default.In his order Thursday, Pittman said the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003, commonly known as the HEROES Act, did not provide the authorization for the loan forgiveness program that the Biden administration claimed it did.The law allows the secretary of education to “waive or modify any statutory or regulatory provision applicable to the student financial assistance programs ... as the Secretary deems necessary in connection with a war or other military operation or national emergency."The administration argued that the student loan relief was thus authorized as a means of dealing with the national emergency of the pandemic. Pittman disagreed, finding that a program of such massive import required clear congressional authorization. The HEROES Act “does not provide the executive branch clear congressional authorization to create a $400 billion student loan forgiveness program,” he wrote.Pittman also rejected the government's arguments that the plaintiffs who brought the lawsuit lacked standing. Plaintiffs Myra Brown and Alexander Taylor both have student loans, but Brown is ineligible for debt relief because her loans are commercially held, and Taylor is not eligible for the full $20,000 because he didn't receive a Pell grant.The administration said they weren't harmed by the loan forgiveness program and their "unhappiness that some other borrowers are receiving a greater benefit than they are” did not give them grounds to sue.Pittman said they were harmed, however, because the government did not take public comment on eligibility requirements for the program, meaning they had no chance to provide input on a program they would be at least be partially excluded from.Reaction to the ruling was predictably mixed along political fault lines. The Student Borrower Protection Center blasted Pittman as a “right-wing federal judge,” saying "tens of millions of student loan borrowers across the country now have their vital debt relief blocked as a result of this farcical and fabricated legal claim.”Rep. Virginia Foxx of North Carolina, the ranking Republican on the House education committee, celebrated it.“Yet another nail has been added to the coffin of President Biden’s illegal student loan bailout, and hardworking taxpayers across the country are rightfully rejoicing," she said. “This administration continues to operate as if its own self-appointed authority in transferring billions of dollars in student loans is legitimate, but the rule of law says otherwise.”

Read judge's ruling to block Biden's student loan-forgiveness plan

I don’t know about you, but personally, I have a love-hate relationship with Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

I mean, don’t get me wrong—it seems pretty great at first: belly full of stuffing, new fall trends on sale, Christmas shopping done early, decompressing after too much time with that one relative . . .&nbsp;

But what’s wrong with this picture? For one, you probably weren’t considering the obvious risks of holiday impulsive shopping, not to mention slick marketing tactics and bad spending habits. Half the time I feel like I’ve outsmarted this consumer-culture phenomenon, and the other half . . . Well, like a wise little league baseball coach once said: You can’t win ‘em all, kid.

We’ve all made our share of shopping mistakes on that fateful weekend after Thanksgiving, but not this year, my friends. Today, I’m sharing six money-saving tips that will make these sales work for&nbsp;you, not the other way around.&nbsp;

Boom! There you have it. Six steps that set you up for spending (and saving) success. Let’s make sure you and I both have no regrets (or “no ragrets” for fans of&nbsp;We’re the Millers) this shopping season. And if you’re looking for more Black Friday shopping tips, check out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/7-ways-to-stay-sane-black-friday">this article</a>&nbsp;from my friend Rachel Cruze.

Bonus Challenge:&nbsp;Make it a social affair! Send this article to someone you wouldn’t mind tackling Black Friday and Cyber Monday with. And who knows, maybe your chosen sidekick will have their own strategies to share. No gatekeeping here, folks!

George Kamel&nbsp;is a personal finance expert with a countercultural approach to money. He’s the host of The Fine Print podcast and The EntreLeadership Podcast on the Ramsey Network. Since 2013, George has served at Ramsey Solutions, where his goal is to help people spend less, save more, and avoid consumer traps so they can make the most of their money. Follow George on<a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgeKamel?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/georgekamel/?hl=en">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/OfficialGeorgeKamel">Facebook</a>&nbsp;or find out more about him online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/personalities">ramseysolutions.com/personalities</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636603961231.jpeg" alt="George Kamel&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>George Kamel&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By GEORGE KAMELI don’t know about you, but personally, I have a love-hate relationship with Black Friday and Cyber Monday.I mean, don’t get me wrong—it seems pretty great at first: belly full of stuffing, new fall trends on sale, Christmas shopping done early, decompressing after too much time with that one relative . . .&nbsp;But what’s wrong with this picture? For one, you probably weren’t considering the obvious risks of holiday impulsive shopping, not to mention slick marketing tactics and bad spending habits. Half the time I feel like I’ve outsmarted this consumer-culture phenomenon, and the other half . . . Well, like a wise little league baseball coach once said: You can’t win ‘em all, kid.We’ve all made our share of shopping mistakes on that fateful weekend after Thanksgiving, but not this year, my friends. Today, I’m sharing six money-saving tips that will make these sales work for&nbsp;you, not the other way around.&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Choose budgeting over browsing.&nbsp;Yep, you already knew this one was coming. And sure, this may seem like overkill for one tiny weekend of shopping, but the truth is: Structure sets us free. Just like your monthly budget puts you back in control of your money, making a Black Friday budget gives you the freedom to decide how much you spend on who and what (and when and where and why).</li><li>Map it out.&nbsp;Most of my Black Friday and Cyber Monday fails have happened because I didn’t have a strategy ahead of time. After you’ve listed your buying goals in the budget, decide which stores and sites should take priority. Will you shop for big-ticket items only? Will you buy gifts for others first, then make personal purchases second? Do what makes sense (and what you can afford), then stick to the plan.</li><li>Flag your favorite emails.&nbsp;We all know there are an obnoxious amount of ad emails coming your way as the big weekend approaches. That marketer’s mama didn’t raise no fool! But you can take the power back by starring the ones you’re interested in and deleting the ones you’re not. This way, you won’t be tempted to click, scroll and buy before the sales even begin. Take inventory now, and revisit your flagged favorites after you’ve had some turkey and time to process.</li><li>Shop for quality over quantity.&nbsp;On this iconic weekend of spending, lots of deals are going to seem epic. But before you buy into every offer you see, use “quality over quantity” as your centering mantra. Go ahead, take a cleansing breath and repeat after me: “Namaste&nbsp;away&nbsp;from pointless purchases.” You do not need 47 candles from Bath &amp; Body Works. You may, however, want to restock your fancy shampoo while it’s on mega sale.</li><li>Use the two-year rule.&nbsp;Buyer’s rush feels great in the moment, but you want to be wise about the future. Ask yourself,Two years from now, will I still be enjoying this purchase?&nbsp;If the answer is no, you may want to reconsider.</li><li>Debt is always a no.&nbsp;No matter where you find yourself in your financial journey, Black Friday and Cyber Monday shouldn’t reverse your progress. That cozy cashmere sweater is tempting as cooler temperatures creep in, but it’s going to get ugly real fast when the new year also brings with it a new credit card bill. Turns out you can still go broke while “saving” money. So, whatever you do, don’t convince yourself you’re saving if you’re actually spending and going into more debt.</li>
 </ol>Boom! There you have it. Six steps that set you up for spending (and saving) success. Let’s make sure you and I both have no regrets (or “no ragrets” for fans of&nbsp;We’re the Millers) this shopping season. And if you’re looking for more Black Friday shopping tips, check out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/7-ways-to-stay-sane-black-friday">this article</a>&nbsp;from my friend Rachel Cruze.Bonus Challenge:&nbsp;Make it a social affair! Send this article to someone you wouldn’t mind tackling Black Friday and Cyber Monday with. And who knows, maybe your chosen sidekick will have their own strategies to share. No gatekeeping here, folks!George Kamel&nbsp;is a personal finance expert with a countercultural approach to money. He’s the host of The Fine Print podcast and The EntreLeadership Podcast on the Ramsey Network. Since 2013, George has served at Ramsey Solutions, where his goal is to help people spend less, save more, and avoid consumer traps so they can make the most of their money. Follow George on<a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgeKamel?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/georgekamel/?hl=en">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/OfficialGeorgeKamel">Facebook</a>&nbsp;or find out more about him online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/personalities">ramseysolutions.com/personalities</a>.

KAMEL: Making the most out of Black Friday, Cyber Monday marketing schemes

WASHINGTON — Starting this week, the Internal Revenue Service is sending letters to more than 9 million individuals and families who appear to qualify for a variety of key tax benefits but did not claim them by filing a 2021 federal income tax return. Many in this group may be eligible to claim some or all of the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, the Child Tax Credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit and other tax credits depending on their personal and family situation.

The special reminder letters, which will be arriving in mailboxes over the next few weeks, are being sent to people who appear to qualify for the Child Tax Credit (CTC), Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) or Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) but haven't yet filed a 2021 return to claim them. The letter, printed in both English and Spanish, provides a brief overview of each of these three credits.

"The IRS wants to remind potentially eligible people, especially families, that they may qualify for these valuable tax credits," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "We encourage people who haven't filed a tax return yet for 2021 to review these options. Even if they aren't required to file a tax return, they may still qualify for several important credits. We don't want people to overlook these tax credits, and the letters will remind people of their potential eligibility and steps they can take."

These and other tax benefits were expanded under last year's American Rescue Plan Act and other recent legislation. Even so, the only way to get the valuable benefits is to file a 2021 tax return.

Often, individuals and families&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/does-my-childdependent-qualify-for-the-child-tax-credit-or-the-credit-for-other-dependents">can get these expanded tax benefits</a>, even if they have little or no income from a job, business or other source. This means that many people who don't normally need to file a tax return should do so this year, even if they haven't been required to file in recent years.

For this mailing, Treasury's Office of Tax Analysis identified individuals who don't typically have a tax return filing requirement because they appear to have very low incomes, based on Forms W-2, 1099s and other third-party statements available to the IRS.

The letters are similar to a special IRS mailing made in September 2020 encouraging 9 million potential non-filers to submit a tax return for the first Economic Impact Payment. This is part of an ongoing effort to encourage people who aren't normally required to file to look into possible benefits available to them under the tax law. Every year, people can overlook filing a tax return when they may be entitled tax credits and a refund.

People can file a tax return even if they haven't yet received their letter. The IRS reminds people that there's no penalty for a refund claimed on a tax return filed after the regular April 2022 tax deadline. The fastest and easiest way to get a refund is to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">file an accurate return electronically</a>&nbsp;and choose&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>.

To help people claim these benefits, without charge,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>&nbsp;will remain open for an extra month this year, until November 17, 2022. Available only at IRS.gov/FreeFile, Free File enables people whose incomes are $73,000 or less to file a return online for free using brand-name software. Free File is sponsored by the Free File Alliance, a partnership between the IRS and the tax-software industry.

People can also visit ChildTaxCredit.gov/file to file a 2021 income tax return. Individuals whose incomes are below $12,500 and couples whose incomes are below $25,000 may be able to file a simple tax return to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit—which covers any stimulus payment amounts from 2021 they may have missed—and the Child Tax Credit. Individuals do not need to have children in order to use ChildTaxCredit.gov/file to find the right filing solution for them.

Further details on these expanded tax benefits

Besides these three credits, many filers may also qualify for two other benefits with a tax return filed for 2021:

Further details on all these benefits are available in a fact sheet,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-expanded-credits-for-families-highlight-tax-changes-for-2021-many-people-who-dont-normally-file-should-file-this-year">FS-2022-10</a>, posted earlier this year on IRS.gov.

The IRS urges everyone to make sure they have all their year-end 2021 tax statements in hand before filing their 2021 return. Besides all W-2s and 1099s, this includes two statements issued by the IRS --&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-letter-6419">Letter 6419</a>, showing their total advance Child Tax Credit payments, and Letter 6475, showing their total EIP3 payments. People can also use IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>&nbsp;to see the total amounts of their third round of Economic Impact Payments or advance Child Tax Credit payments. For married couples who received joint payments, each spouse will need to sign into their own account to retrieve their separate amounts.

Whether or not they use Free File, anyone can find answers to their tax questions, forms and instructions and easy-to-use tools online at IRS.gov. They can use these resources to get help when they need it, at home, at work or on the go.

Claiming these credits has no effect on the ability of someone to be eligible for federal benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Claiming these credits also has no effect on an individual's immigration status or their ability to get a green card or immigration benefits.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — Starting this week, the Internal Revenue Service is sending letters to more than 9 million individuals and families who appear to qualify for a variety of key tax benefits but did not claim them by filing a 2021 federal income tax return. Many in this group may be eligible to claim some or all of the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, the Child Tax Credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit and other tax credits depending on their personal and family situation.The special reminder letters, which will be arriving in mailboxes over the next few weeks, are being sent to people who appear to qualify for the Child Tax Credit (CTC), Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) or Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) but haven't yet filed a 2021 return to claim them. The letter, printed in both English and Spanish, provides a brief overview of each of these three credits."The IRS wants to remind potentially eligible people, especially families, that they may qualify for these valuable tax credits," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "We encourage people who haven't filed a tax return yet for 2021 to review these options. Even if they aren't required to file a tax return, they may still qualify for several important credits. We don't want people to overlook these tax credits, and the letters will remind people of their potential eligibility and steps they can take."<h2>Claiming the credits</h2>These and other tax benefits were expanded under last year's American Rescue Plan Act and other recent legislation. Even so, the only way to get the valuable benefits is to file a 2021 tax return.Often, individuals and families&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/does-my-childdependent-qualify-for-the-child-tax-credit-or-the-credit-for-other-dependents">can get these expanded tax benefits</a>, even if they have little or no income from a job, business or other source. This means that many people who don't normally need to file a tax return should do so this year, even if they haven't been required to file in recent years.For this mailing, Treasury's Office of Tax Analysis identified individuals who don't typically have a tax return filing requirement because they appear to have very low incomes, based on Forms W-2, 1099s and other third-party statements available to the IRS.The letters are similar to a special IRS mailing made in September 2020 encouraging 9 million potential non-filers to submit a tax return for the first Economic Impact Payment. This is part of an ongoing effort to encourage people who aren't normally required to file to look into possible benefits available to them under the tax law. Every year, people can overlook filing a tax return when they may be entitled tax credits and a refund.People can file a tax return even if they haven't yet received their letter. The IRS reminds people that there's no penalty for a refund claimed on a tax return filed after the regular April 2022 tax deadline. The fastest and easiest way to get a refund is to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">file an accurate return electronically</a>&nbsp;and choose&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>.<h2>Free File to stay open until Nov. 17</h2>To help people claim these benefits, without charge,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>&nbsp;will remain open for an extra month this year, until November 17, 2022. Available only at IRS.gov/FreeFile, Free File enables people whose incomes are $73,000 or less to file a return online for free using brand-name software. Free File is sponsored by the Free File Alliance, a partnership between the IRS and the tax-software industry.People can also visit ChildTaxCredit.gov/file to file a 2021 income tax return. Individuals whose incomes are below $12,500 and couples whose incomes are below $25,000 may be able to file a simple tax return to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit—which covers any stimulus payment amounts from 2021 they may have missed—and the Child Tax Credit. Individuals do not need to have children in order to use ChildTaxCredit.gov/file to find the right filing solution for them.<h2>Further details on these expanded tax benefits</h2>The three credits include:<ol>
 <li>An expanded&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-frequently-asked-questions">Child Tax Credit</a>: Families can claim this credit, even if they received monthly advance payments during the last half of 2021. The total credit can be as much as $3,600 per child.</li><li>A more generous&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc">Earned Income Tax Credit</a>: The law boosted the EITC for childless workers. There are also changes that can help low- and moderate-income families with children. The credit can be as much as $1,502 for workers with no qualifying children, $3,618 for those with one child, $5,980 for those with two children and $6,728 for those with at least three children.</li><li>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a>: Those who missed out on last year's third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIP3) may be eligible to claim the RRC. Often referred to as stimulus payments, this credit can also help eligible people whose EIP3 was less than the full amount, including those who welcomed a child in 2021. The maximum credit is $1,400 for each qualifying adult, plus $1,400 for each eligible child or adult dependent.</li>
 </ol>Besides these three credits, many filers may also qualify for two other benefits with a tax return filed for 2021:<ol>
 <li>An increased&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/child-and-dependent-care-credit-information">Child and Dependent Care Credit</a>: Families who pay for daycare so they can work or look for work can get a tax credit worth up to $4,000 for one qualifying person and $8,000 for two or more qualifying persons.</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/expanded-tax-benefits-help-individuals-and-businesses-give-to-charity-during-2021-deductions-up-to-600-available-for-cash-donations-by-non-itemizers">A deduction for gifts to charity</a>: Most tax-filers who take the standard deduction can deduct eligible cash contributions they made during 2021. Married couples filing jointly can deduct up to $600 in cash donations and individuals can deduct up to $300 in donations. In addition, itemizers who make large cash donations often qualify to deduct the full amount in 2021.</li>
 </ol>Further details on all these benefits are available in a fact sheet,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-expanded-credits-for-families-highlight-tax-changes-for-2021-many-people-who-dont-normally-file-should-file-this-year">FS-2022-10</a>, posted earlier this year on IRS.gov.<h2>Helpful reminders</h2>The IRS urges everyone to make sure they have all their year-end 2021 tax statements in hand before filing their 2021 return. Besides all W-2s and 1099s, this includes two statements issued by the IRS --&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-letter-6419">Letter 6419</a>, showing their total advance Child Tax Credit payments, and Letter 6475, showing their total EIP3 payments. People can also use IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>&nbsp;to see the total amounts of their third round of Economic Impact Payments or advance Child Tax Credit payments. For married couples who received joint payments, each spouse will need to sign into their own account to retrieve their separate amounts.Whether or not they use Free File, anyone can find answers to their tax questions, forms and instructions and easy-to-use tools online at IRS.gov. They can use these resources to get help when they need it, at home, at work or on the go.Claiming these credits has no effect on the ability of someone to be eligible for federal benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Claiming these credits also has no effect on an individual's immigration status or their ability to get a green card or immigration benefits.

IRS: 9M families who did not claim free COVID money notified

RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting where a pregnant woman lost the baby and have made an arrest.

Just after 2:20 a.m. Nov. 4, police were sent to a residence in the 500 block of East Avenue B in reference to an accidental shooting, according to&nbsp;to Hutchinson Police Lt. Dustin Loepp.

A 30-year-old pregnant woman was wounded in her side. The woman was taken to a Wichita hospital for treatment. As police investigated, they learned that 23-year-old River Stokely of Hutchinson was investigating a noise near the front of his residence while armed.

When he turned back into the residence, the gun was fired and the woman was wounded. The baby was pronounced dead on November 8.

On Thursday, Stokely was arrested for involuntary manslaughter. Stokely is being held at the Reno County Correctional Facility with a $10,000 bond.

The woman with the gunshot wound was treated and released from the hospital.

We are asking anyone who has information of criminal activity to please call Crime Stoppers of Reno County at 1-800-222-TIPS, the Hutchinson Police Department at 620-694-2834, or use your P3Tips App on your smartphone.

RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting where a pregnant woman lost the baby and have made an arrest.Just after 2:20 a.m. Nov. 4, police were sent to a residence in the 500 block of East Avenue B in reference to an accidental shooting, according to&nbsp;to Hutchinson Police Lt. Dustin Loepp.A 30-year-old pregnant woman was wounded in her side. The woman was taken to a Wichita hospital for treatment. As police investigated, they learned that 23-year-old River Stokely of Hutchinson was investigating a noise near the front of his residence while armed.When he turned back into the residence, the gun was fired and the woman was wounded. The baby was pronounced dead on November 8.On Thursday, Stokely was arrested for involuntary manslaughter. Stokely is being held at the Reno County Correctional Facility with a $10,000 bond.The woman with the gunshot wound was treated and released from the hospital.We are asking anyone who has information of criminal activity to please call Crime Stoppers of Reno County at 1-800-222-TIPS, the Hutchinson Police Department at 620-694-2834, or use your P3Tips App on your smartphone.

Police: Pregnant Kansas woman shot, unborn baby has died 

KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City-area man and woman face child abuse charges after police responded to reports of a video showing the child's beating, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Terry L. Watson, 34, Independence, Mo., faces Domestic Assault 1st Degree or, in the alternative, Abuse or Neglect of a Child, as well as Abuse or Neglect of a Child, while Tiffnee Hockaday, 39, faces Child Abuse or Neglect of a Child.

According to court records, police responded to reports of a child's beating captured on video. A police investigation revealed a ring camera video showed Hockaday throwing the victim by a his arm to Watson who punches the child's back with a closed fist as hard as he can four times. Then he covers his nose and mouth with one hand while he continues to punch the child in the chest and stomach multiple times. He then holds his hand over the victim's mouth and telling him to "shut up."

Prosecutors requested a $50,000 bond for Hockaday and $75,000 for Watson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668081218326.png" alt="Watson-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Watson-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City-area man and woman face child abuse charges after police responded to reports of a video showing the child's beating, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Terry L. Watson, 34, Independence, Mo., faces Domestic Assault 1st Degree or, in the alternative, Abuse or Neglect of a Child, as well as Abuse or Neglect of a Child, while Tiffnee Hockaday, 39, faces Child Abuse or Neglect of a Child.According to court records, police responded to reports of a child's beating captured on video. A police investigation revealed a ring camera video showed Hockaday throwing the victim by a his arm to Watson who punches the child's back with a closed fist as hard as he can four times. Then he covers his nose and mouth with one hand while he continues to punch the child in the chest and stomach multiple times. He then holds his hand over the victim's mouth and telling him to "shut up."Prosecutors requested a $50,000 bond for Hockaday and $75,000 for Watson.

2 jailed after video records Kansas City-area child being beaten 

Bonne Terre, Missouri (AP)—A man sentenced to death for killing a police officer in a fit of rage over his brother's death is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to halt the execution planned for later this month, in part because the man was a teenager at the time of the killing.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/executions-st-louis-missouri-28a8b7df535ee880ae95ae0f1fc9aeea">Kevin Johnson is scheduled to die</a>&nbsp;by injection Nov. 29 at the state prison in Bonne Terre, Missouri. Johnson, now 37, killed Kirkwood, Missouri, Police Officer William McEntee in 2005. It would be just the 14th execution in the U.S., but the first of three planned in Missouri in upcoming months. The other two in Missouri are set for early 2023.

An appeal was filed to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, a day after the Missouri Supreme Court declined to grant a stay.

Johnson's lawyer cites concerns about racial bias. The court petition states that if not for racial comments by two white jurors at his trial, Johnson, who is Black, could have been convicted of second-degree murder instead of first-degree, and been spared the death penalty.

The petition also cited Johnson's age. He was 19 at the time of the killing.

"A late adolescent of 18 to 20 years has the intellectual maturity of an adult but the emotional maturity and response inhibition of a younger teenager," the court filing states. “Those limitations are all the more important in Johnson’s case. Johnson has a history of psychiatric hospitalization, a suicide attempt at the age of 14, a major depressive disorder, and auditory hallucinations.”

<a href="https://www.ap.org/explore/locked-up-for-life/Roper-v-Simmons">The Supreme Court in 2005</a>&nbsp;banned the execution of offenders who were younger than 18 when they commited crimes. While that didn't directly apply to Johnson's case, local courts have increasingly moved away from sentencing teen offenders to death. Johnson's petition states that nationally, death sentences for those ages 18-20 at the time of the crime were imposed just once in 2018, twice in 2019, and not at all in 2020 or 2021.

A spokesman for the Missouri Attorney General's office didn't immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

McEntee, a husband and father of three, was among the police officers sent to Johnson's home on July 5, 2005, to serve a warrant for his arrest. Johnson was on probation for assaulting his girlfriend, and police believed he had violated probation.

Johnson saw officers arrive and awoke his 12-year-old brother, Joseph “Bam Bam” Long, who ran next door to their grandmother’s house. Once there, the boy — who suffered from a congenital heart defect — collapsed and began having a seizure.

Johnson testified at trial that McEntee kept his mother from entering the house to aid Bam Bam, who died a short time later at a hospital.

In an interview earlier this month with&nbsp;<a href="https://news.stlpublicradio.org/law-order/2022-11-02/kevin-johnsons-date-with-the-executioner">St. Louis Public Radio</a>, Johnson recalled kicking his bedroom door off its hinges and then roaming the neighborhood angry at McEntee for holding back his mom as Bam Bam convulsed, screaming “He killed my brother!”

Later that evening, McEntee returned to the neighborhood to check on unrelated reports of fireworks being shot off. That’s when he encountered Johnson.

Johnson pulled a gun and shot the officer, killing him.

In the interview with St. Louis Public Radio, Johnson took responsibility for the killing.

“I think as humans, we tend to shift the blame,” Johnson said. “I don’t think (McEntee) did anything that was wrong that day that I can even blame him for.”

The Missouri Supreme Court also has set execution dates of Jan. 3 for Scott McLaughlin, and Feb. 7 for Leonard Taylor.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/executions-st-louis-missouri-c48d50ee59b4ed668193c6778bc57eb4">McLaughlin was convicted</a>&nbsp;of killing 45-year-old Beverly Guenther in 2003. She was raped and stabbed to death outside of her workplace in St. Louis County.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-executions-st-louis-missouri-2e5d771c48604b2ee62e328275b027ff">Taylor fatally shot</a>&nbsp;28-year-old Angela Rowe and her three young children in the St. Louis area in 2004.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661445268889.png" alt="Johnson-photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonne Terre, Missouri (AP)—A man sentenced to death for killing a police officer in a fit of rage over his brother's death is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to halt the execution planned for later this month, in part because the man was a teenager at the time of the killing.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/executions-st-louis-missouri-28a8b7df535ee880ae95ae0f1fc9aeea">Kevin Johnson is scheduled to die</a>&nbsp;by injection Nov. 29 at the state prison in Bonne Terre, Missouri. Johnson, now 37, killed Kirkwood, Missouri, Police Officer William McEntee in 2005. It would be just the 14th execution in the U.S., but the first of three planned in Missouri in upcoming months. The other two in Missouri are set for early 2023.An appeal was filed to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, a day after the Missouri Supreme Court declined to grant a stay.Johnson's lawyer cites concerns about racial bias. The court petition states that if not for racial comments by two white jurors at his trial, Johnson, who is Black, could have been convicted of second-degree murder instead of first-degree, and been spared the death penalty.The petition also cited Johnson's age. He was 19 at the time of the killing."A late adolescent of 18 to 20 years has the intellectual maturity of an adult but the emotional maturity and response inhibition of a younger teenager," the court filing states. “Those limitations are all the more important in Johnson’s case. Johnson has a history of psychiatric hospitalization, a suicide attempt at the age of 14, a major depressive disorder, and auditory hallucinations.”<a href="https://www.ap.org/explore/locked-up-for-life/Roper-v-Simmons">The Supreme Court in 2005</a>&nbsp;banned the execution of offenders who were younger than 18 when they commited crimes. While that didn't directly apply to Johnson's case, local courts have increasingly moved away from sentencing teen offenders to death. Johnson's petition states that nationally, death sentences for those ages 18-20 at the time of the crime were imposed just once in 2018, twice in 2019, and not at all in 2020 or 2021.A spokesman for the Missouri Attorney General's office didn't immediately respond to messages seeking comment.McEntee, a husband and father of three, was among the police officers sent to Johnson's home on July 5, 2005, to serve a warrant for his arrest. Johnson was on probation for assaulting his girlfriend, and police believed he had violated probation.Johnson saw officers arrive and awoke his 12-year-old brother, Joseph “Bam Bam” Long, who ran next door to their grandmother’s house. Once there, the boy — who suffered from a congenital heart defect — collapsed and began having a seizure.Johnson testified at trial that McEntee kept his mother from entering the house to aid Bam Bam, who died a short time later at a hospital.In an interview earlier this month with&nbsp;<a href="https://news.stlpublicradio.org/law-order/2022-11-02/kevin-johnsons-date-with-the-executioner">St. Louis Public Radio</a>, Johnson recalled kicking his bedroom door off its hinges and then roaming the neighborhood angry at McEntee for holding back his mom as Bam Bam convulsed, screaming “He killed my brother!”Later that evening, McEntee returned to the neighborhood to check on unrelated reports of fireworks being shot off. That’s when he encountered Johnson.Johnson pulled a gun and shot the officer, killing him.In the interview with St. Louis Public Radio, Johnson took responsibility for the killing.“I think as humans, we tend to shift the blame,” Johnson said. “I don’t think (McEntee) did anything that was wrong that day that I can even blame him for.”The Missouri Supreme Court also has set execution dates of Jan. 3 for Scott McLaughlin, and Feb. 7 for Leonard Taylor.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/executions-st-louis-missouri-c48d50ee59b4ed668193c6778bc57eb4">McLaughlin was convicted</a>&nbsp;of killing 45-year-old Beverly Guenther in 2003. She was raped and stabbed to death outside of her workplace in St. Louis County.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-executions-st-louis-missouri-2e5d771c48604b2ee62e328275b027ff">Taylor fatally shot</a>&nbsp;28-year-old Angela Rowe and her three young children in the St. Louis area in 2004.

Condemned cop killer asks Supreme Court to intervene

ATCHISON COUNTY—The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Law Enforcement Division is seeking information on an 8 point buck deer that was poached November 8, according to a social media report from the KDW&amp;P Game Wardens.

 The deer was illegally shot using a small caliber rifle. The incident occurred on McPherson Road near 214th, in Atchison County

If you have information about this incident, please contact Game Warden Porterfield at (785) 230-8466.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668115334861.png" alt="Photo courtesy KDW&amp;P Game Wardens" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KDW&amp;P Game Wardens</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Law Enforcement Division is seeking information on an 8 point buck deer that was poached November 8, according to a social media report from the KDW&amp;P Game Wardens. The deer was illegally shot using a small caliber rifle. The incident occurred on McPherson Road near 214th, in Atchison CountyIf you have information about this incident, please contact Game Warden Porterfield at (785) 230-8466.

Kan. game warden: Hunter responsible for poaching 8-point buck

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating after a gun was fired inside the pediatric unit at a Wichita hospital asked the public for help to identify the women seen on security cameras.

On Thursday afternoon, Wichita Police reported they had been able to learn the identity of all three. They thanked "all who messaged and shared the images of the suspects. Police have not released the names of the suspects or possible charges.

Just after 7p.m, Monday, police were dispatched to a vandalism report at&nbsp;Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, 929 N. St. Francis in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

 Officers arrived on the scene and learned a single gunshot had been fired from inside the secured pediatric unit.

The investigation revealed that a child was brought to the hospital by a female caretaker. While in the pediatric unit the mother arrived. While the mother was out of the room, the caretaker and two other women remained in the room.&nbsp;

Staff heard a gunshot then the women exited the hospital. No one was injured. 

“On Monday evening, staff reported what appears to be a negligent discharge of a firearm to hospital security, who responded within minutes and immediately contacted police,"&nbsp; according to a statement from&nbsp;Ascension Via Christi St. Francis President Joy Scott.

"Police determined there was no immediate threat to staff, patients or their families. We are implementing steps to continue communicating with staff and provide an additional layer of security in our locked Pediatrics unit."

"We are currently assessing whether additional security measures are needed throughout our hospitals and clinics as the safety of our patients, staff and visitors is our top priority.”

Police ask that anyone know who knows the three woman or know anything about this case is asked to call investigators at 316-268-4407, Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111, or the See Something Say Something hotline at 316-519-2282.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668118206561.png" alt="On Thursday, police released an additional photo of one of the suspects without a mask" />
 <figcaption>On Thursday, police released an additional photo of one of the suspects without a mask</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating after a gun was fired inside the pediatric unit at a Wichita hospital asked the public for help to identify the women seen on security cameras.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668034115626.png" alt="Photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>On Thursday afternoon, Wichita Police reported they had been able to learn the identity of all three. They thanked "all who messaged and shared the images of the suspects. Police have not released the names of the suspects or possible charges.Just after 7p.m, Monday, police were dispatched to a vandalism report at&nbsp;Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, 929 N. St. Francis in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch. Officers arrived on the scene and learned a single gunshot had been fired from inside the secured pediatric unit.The investigation revealed that a child was brought to the hospital by a female caretaker. While in the pediatric unit the mother arrived. While the mother was out of the room, the caretaker and two other women remained in the room.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668034098453.png" alt="Photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Staff heard a gunshot then the women exited the hospital. No one was injured. “On Monday evening, staff reported what appears to be a negligent discharge of a firearm to hospital security, who responded within minutes and immediately contacted police,"&nbsp; according to a statement from&nbsp;Ascension Via Christi St. Francis President Joy Scott."Police determined there was no immediate threat to staff, patients or their families. We are implementing steps to continue communicating with staff and provide an additional layer of security in our locked Pediatrics unit.""We are currently assessing whether additional security measures are needed throughout our hospitals and clinics as the safety of our patients, staff and visitors is our top priority.”Police ask that anyone know who knows the three woman or know anything about this case is asked to call investigators at 316-268-4407, Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111, or the See Something Say Something hotline at 316-519-2282.

Police ID women in Kan. hospital gun discharge incident

WASHINGTON (AP) — Just as Republicans had hoped, high inflation was the top consideration for voters in the midterm elections, AP VoteCast shows. But the survey reveals that a core issue for President Joe Biden, the survival of democracy, also weighed heavily on voters’ minds, as control of Congress -- and a choice between sharply contrasting visions of America — hung in the balance.

The result, as of early Wednesday, was an election in which Democrats displayed strength, appearing to avoid the massive losses that often beset the party in power during a midterm vote. With ballots still being counted, though, it was unclear if they would retain control of at least one chamber of Congress.

The survey depicts a country mired in pessimism about America’s future and its political leadership, with lingering tensions in how people feel about Biden and his predecessor, Donald Trump, shaping choices at the ballot box.

The detailed portrait of the American electorate is based on results from VoteCast, an extensive survey of more than 94,000 voters nationwide conducted for The Associated Press by NORC at the University of Chicago.

About half of voters say inflation factored significantly in their vote, as groceries, gasoline, housing, food and other costs have shot up in the past year and raised the specter of inflation. The economy was an overarching concern for voters, about 8 in 10 of whom say it was in bad shape. A slim majority of voters say Biden's policies caused inflation to be near 40-year highs, while just under half are blaming factors beyond his control, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Slightly fewer voters — 44% — say the future of democracy was their primary consideration. On the campaign trail, Biden warned that Republicans are posing a threat to democracy. Many GOP leaders continue to cast doubt on the U.S. electoral system, falsely claiming that the 2020 presidential election, which Trump lost, was rigged.

Yet the “Make America Great Again,” or MAGA, movement sparked by Trump appears to have tightened its grip on Republicans. Nearly two-thirds of GOP voters say they support the MAGA movement, a sign of the potential gridlock with Biden's White House should Republicans win majorities in the House or Senate.

Republicans bet on voter dissatisfaction with inflation, crime and immigration to help them win. Biden and his fellow Democrats countered that the U.S. middle class is poised for a renaissance because of their investments on infrastructure, computer chip production and clean energy projects.

Nearly half of voters name the economy the top issue facing the country, and those voters back Republicans more than Democrats. No other issue comes close, but many other issues are named most important by about 1 in 10 voters. That includes abortion, health care, climate change and gun policy, where Democrats outpace Republicans by at least three to one.

Voters have become increasingly demoralized as the country’s political divisions have hardened. Roughly three-quarters say the country is headed in the wrong direction. That figure is higher than it was in the VoteCast survey of voters in 2020, at the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

Two years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic was considered the country’s top issue; now just 2% of voters name it the top priority as other issues have taken center stage.

Biden's election was in part because of views that the pandemic was out of control under Trump's leadership, VoteCast showed two years ago. A majority of voters said they thought he “cares about people like them.” A smaller percentage of 2022 voters say that.

Even Democrats harbor doubts about Biden, who has said he plans to seek reelection in 2024, though they showed up for Democratic candidates anyway. Nearly a third of voters for Democratic congressional candidates say Biden is not a strong leader. One in five Democrats says he lacks the mental capability to serve effectively as president. And about 3 in 10 disapprove of his economic leadership.

The 2020 presidential election still hangs over these congressional, state and local races. Almost two-thirds of Democratic voters say they cast ballots to show opposition to Trump, while about 7 in 10 Republican voters say their votes were about defying Biden.

Inflation has been a clear blow to the well-being of many Americans. A third of voters describe their families as falling behind financially. That’s nearly double the percentage of the electorate that said the same two years ago.

About half of voters in the suburbs backed Democrats nationally, slightly less than in 2020 and 2018. Democrats still fare better with women, while men are more likely to prefer Republicans. Voters under 45 tend to favor Democrats; older voters generally lean Republican.

Facing headwinds on the economy, Biden and many Democratic candidates sought to tap their base’s outrage after the Supreme Court overturned the abortion protections in Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision enshrining the right to abortion.

VoteCast also shows the reversal was broadly unpopular. About 6 in 10 say they are angry or dissatisfied by it, while about 4 in 10 were pleased. Among Democratic voters, about 6 in 10 say the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe made them angry.

Most voters also were at least somewhat concerned about crime in their communities, and half say the Biden administration has made the U.S. less safe from crime.

Despite concerns about democracy, about 4 in 10 voters say they are “very” confident that votes in the midterm elections will be counted accurately, an improvement from the percentage of the 2020 electorate that said so.

Many voters came into the election with entrenched views. About half say they knew all along how they would vote, while a third decided over the course of the campaign, and roughly 1 in 10 say they made their choice in the last few days.

AP VoteCast is a survey of the American electorate conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago for Fox News and The Associated Press. The survey of 94,293 voters was conducted for nine days, concluding as polls closed. Interviews were conducted in English and Spanish. The survey combines a random sample of registered voters drawn from state voter files; self-identified registered voters using NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population; and self-identified registered voters selected from nonprobability online panels. The margin of sampling error for voters is estimated to be plus or minus 0.5 percentage points. Find more details about AP VoteCast’s methodology at https://ap.org/votecast.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Just as Republicans had hoped, high inflation was the top consideration for voters in the midterm elections, AP VoteCast shows. But the survey reveals that a core issue for President Joe Biden, the survival of democracy, also weighed heavily on voters’ minds, as control of Congress -- and a choice between sharply contrasting visions of America — hung in the balance.The result, as of early Wednesday, was an election in which Democrats displayed strength, appearing to avoid the massive losses that often beset the party in power during a midterm vote. With ballots still being counted, though, it was unclear if they would retain control of at least one chamber of Congress.The survey depicts a country mired in pessimism about America’s future and its political leadership, with lingering tensions in how people feel about Biden and his predecessor, Donald Trump, shaping choices at the ballot box.The detailed portrait of the American electorate is based on results from VoteCast, an extensive survey of more than 94,000 voters nationwide conducted for The Associated Press by NORC at the University of Chicago.About half of voters say inflation factored significantly in their vote, as groceries, gasoline, housing, food and other costs have shot up in the past year and raised the specter of inflation. The economy was an overarching concern for voters, about 8 in 10 of whom say it was in bad shape. A slim majority of voters say Biden's policies caused inflation to be near 40-year highs, while just under half are blaming factors beyond his control, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine.Slightly fewer voters — 44% — say the future of democracy was their primary consideration. On the campaign trail, Biden warned that Republicans are posing a threat to democracy. Many GOP leaders continue to cast doubt on the U.S. electoral system, falsely claiming that the 2020 presidential election, which Trump lost, was rigged.Yet the “Make America Great Again,” or MAGA, movement sparked by Trump appears to have tightened its grip on Republicans. Nearly two-thirds of GOP voters say they support the MAGA movement, a sign of the potential gridlock with Biden's White House should Republicans win majorities in the House or Senate.Republicans bet on voter dissatisfaction with inflation, crime and immigration to help them win. Biden and his fellow Democrats countered that the U.S. middle class is poised for a renaissance because of their investments on infrastructure, computer chip production and clean energy projects.Nearly half of voters name the economy the top issue facing the country, and those voters back Republicans more than Democrats. No other issue comes close, but many other issues are named most important by about 1 in 10 voters. That includes abortion, health care, climate change and gun policy, where Democrats outpace Republicans by at least three to one.Voters have become increasingly demoralized as the country’s political divisions have hardened. Roughly three-quarters say the country is headed in the wrong direction. That figure is higher than it was in the VoteCast survey of voters in 2020, at the height of the coronavirus pandemic.Two years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic was considered the country’s top issue; now just 2% of voters name it the top priority as other issues have taken center stage.Biden's election was in part because of views that the pandemic was out of control under Trump's leadership, VoteCast showed two years ago. A majority of voters said they thought he “cares about people like them.” A smaller percentage of 2022 voters say that.Even Democrats harbor doubts about Biden, who has said he plans to seek reelection in 2024, though they showed up for Democratic candidates anyway. Nearly a third of voters for Democratic congressional candidates say Biden is not a strong leader. One in five Democrats says he lacks the mental capability to serve effectively as president. And about 3 in 10 disapprove of his economic leadership.The 2020 presidential election still hangs over these congressional, state and local races. Almost two-thirds of Democratic voters say they cast ballots to show opposition to Trump, while about 7 in 10 Republican voters say their votes were about defying Biden.Inflation has been a clear blow to the well-being of many Americans. A third of voters describe their families as falling behind financially. That’s nearly double the percentage of the electorate that said the same two years ago.About half of voters in the suburbs backed Democrats nationally, slightly less than in 2020 and 2018. Democrats still fare better with women, while men are more likely to prefer Republicans. Voters under 45 tend to favor Democrats; older voters generally lean Republican.Facing headwinds on the economy, Biden and many Democratic candidates sought to tap their base’s outrage after the Supreme Court overturned the abortion protections in Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision enshrining the right to abortion.VoteCast also shows the reversal was broadly unpopular. About 6 in 10 say they are angry or dissatisfied by it, while about 4 in 10 were pleased. Among Democratic voters, about 6 in 10 say the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe made them angry.Most voters also were at least somewhat concerned about crime in their communities, and half say the Biden administration has made the U.S. less safe from crime.Despite concerns about democracy, about 4 in 10 voters say they are “very” confident that votes in the midterm elections will be counted accurately, an improvement from the percentage of the 2020 electorate that said so.Many voters came into the election with entrenched views. About half say they knew all along how they would vote, while a third decided over the course of the campaign, and roughly 1 in 10 say they made their choice in the last few days.___AP VoteCast is a survey of the American electorate conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago for Fox News and The Associated Press. The survey of 94,293 voters was conducted for nine days, concluding as polls closed. Interviews were conducted in English and Spanish. The survey combines a random sample of registered voters drawn from state voter files; self-identified registered voters using NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population; and self-identified registered voters selected from nonprobability online panels. The margin of sampling error for voters is estimated to be plus or minus 0.5 percentage points. Find more details about AP VoteCast’s methodology at https://ap.org/votecast.

VoteCast: Inflation top concern, but democracy a worry too

HUTCHINSON — Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas notes that the price of gas is still tough to predict from week to week.

HUTCHINSON — Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas notes that the price of gas is still tough to predict from week to week."This week in Kansas, we are at $3.41 a gallon," Steward said. "That's up slightly, about five cents from where we were a week ago, but ten cents lower than where we were a month ago. I think this week is just indicative of what we've seen throughout basically the entire year for 2022. That's lots of fluctuations, market volatility is still the name of the game.""Right now, there's some concerns over Russian oil production cuts and what that can mean for global supplies of oil, and thus gasoline," Steward said. "The rise could be short-lived, as there's reports of new COVID-19 restrictions in China, that could signal a potential economic slowdown for the world's top oil consuming nation."In a pre-COVID winter, prices would have been expected to drop anyway."Winter months are lower demand periods for gasoline, just fewer people out driving, as the weather starts getting cold and we start dealing with winter weather, typically that's going to bring less demand for gas."Also, the winter blend of gasoline is usually a little less expensive to refine than the cleaner burning summer blend.