KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced for the attempted robbery of a Kansas City, Kansas convenience store in which a clerk was shot in the face. Jakel Webster, 26, of Kansas City was sentenced to 212 months in prison, according to the United State's Attorney.

On April 28, 2020, Webster and Jorden Brownlee, 22, of Lenexa entered a Quick Shop on Metropolitan Avenue. After Brownlee unsuccessfully tried to breech the enclosed cashier area with a baseball bat, Webster fired an apparent SKS-style rifle, striking the clerk. 

Webster admitted he fired a second shot at the clerk before he and Brownlee fled the scene without any stolen goods and leaving the clerk bleeding on the floor.

The injured clerk was taken to the hospital in critical condition. He has had multiple surgeries due to problems stemming from his gunshot wounds. 

As part of sentencing, a federal judge ordered Webster to pay approximately $318,000 in restitution, primarily for injuries sustained by the clerk.

Codefendant Jorden Brownlee was sentenced to 97 months in prison for attempted robbery. The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department investigated the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654783220182.png" alt="Webster photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Webster photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced for the attempted robbery of a Kansas City, Kansas convenience store in which a clerk was shot in the face. Jakel Webster, 26, of Kansas City was sentenced to 212 months in prison, according to the United State's Attorney.On April 28, 2020, Webster and Jorden Brownlee, 22, of Lenexa entered a Quick Shop on Metropolitan Avenue. After Brownlee unsuccessfully tried to breech the enclosed cashier area with a baseball bat, Webster fired an apparent SKS-style rifle, striking the clerk. Webster admitted he fired a second shot at the clerk before he and Brownlee fled the scene without any stolen goods and leaving the clerk bleeding on the floor.The injured clerk was taken to the hospital in critical condition. He has had multiple surgeries due to problems stemming from his gunshot wounds. As part of sentencing, a federal judge ordered Webster to pay approximately $318,000 in restitution, primarily for injuries sustained by the clerk.Codefendant Jorden Brownlee was sentenced to 97 months in prison for attempted robbery. The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department investigated the case.

Man shot Kan. convenience store clerk in the face

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-06-10/rep-stephanie-byers-the-first-transgender-lawmaker-in-kansas-will-not-seek-a-second-term">Kansas News Service</a>

The first openly transgender lawmaker in Kansas will not seek another term in the Kansas House.

Rep.
 Stephanie Byers, a Wichita Democrat, is also the first transgender 
Native American woman elected to a state legislature, and one of few 
Native Americans in the Kansas House or Senate.

The Kansas 
Secretary of State’s Office said on Friday that Byers has withdrawn as a
 candidate for Kansas House of Representatives District 86.

Byers didn’t immediately respond to requests for an interview, but tweeted that she was stepping down to focusing on family.

“My
 wife and I have aging parents with major health issues and we are 
placing them first. Today I am withdrawing my bid for re-election so we 
can focus on their needs,” the <a href="https://twitter.com/ByersForKansas/status/1535295623750201347" target="_blank">tweet read</a>. “It has been an honor to serve the people of KS House 86, and the indigenous and LGBTQI of all KS.”

She <a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2022-05-07/kansas-first-transgender-lawmaker-reflects-on-emotionally-charged-legislative-session" target="_blank">spoke to KCUR last month</a> about this year’s session, during which lawmakers debated multiple bills that targeted LGBTQ people.

“This
 (session) has been tough,” she told Nomin Ujiyediin. “We knew going in 
that we were going to see legislation that was going to attack the trans
 community. It was accompanied by hateful comments on social media. 
Hateful emails.”

Byers said many people had stepped forward to 
voice their support for her, but “there’s an emotional exhaustion that 
comes from having those repeated attacks over and over again.”

Byers, a retired teacher, also opposed the Republican-controlled Legislature’s stance on key education issues.

That includes bills described by Republicans as <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-03-22/the-kansas-senate-just-approved-a-plan-to-let-parents-weigh-in-on-whats-taught-in-public-schools" target="_blank">parental rights legislation</a> designed to help parents challenge curriculum and library books that they disapprove of.

Byers also <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-04-28/kansas-lawmakers-fall-a-few-votes-short-of-banning-transgender-athletes-from-womens-sports" target="_blank">opposed the attempt</a> to bar transgender girls and women from playing on girls’ and women’s sports teams at public schools.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly used her veto to block both from becoming law and lawmakers failed to override her.

Byers said teachers face an increasingly difficult work environment.

“It’s
 not just if someone’s going to come in and you know bring a firearm,” 
she said. “Now it’s also someone’s going to come in and take my 
textbooks out of my classroom and tell me I can’t teach that anymore.”

“Those
 types of things, it just adds stress onto stress,” she said. “When you 
take a 10,000 foot view, it really looks like an intentional undermining
 and destabilizing of American public education.”

Democrat Silas Miller and Republican Rick Lindsey have filed to run for Byers’ seat.

Celia
 Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health for the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596824087253.png" alt="Rep. Stephanie Byers, a Wichita Democrat, is the first transgender lawmaker to serve in the Kansas Statehouse." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Stephanie Byers, a Wichita Democrat, is the first transgender lawmaker to serve in the Kansas Statehouse.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-06-10/rep-stephanie-byers-the-first-transgender-lawmaker-in-kansas-will-not-seek-a-second-term">Kansas News Service</a>The first openly transgender lawmaker in Kansas will not seek another term in the Kansas House.Rep.
 Stephanie Byers, a Wichita Democrat, is also the first transgender 
Native American woman elected to a state legislature, and one of few 
Native Americans in the Kansas House or Senate.The Kansas 
Secretary of State’s Office said on Friday that Byers has withdrawn as a
 candidate for Kansas House of Representatives District 86.Byers didn’t immediately respond to requests for an interview, but tweeted that she was stepping down to focusing on family.“My
 wife and I have aging parents with major health issues and we are 
placing them first. Today I am withdrawing my bid for re-election so we 
can focus on their needs,” the <a href="https://twitter.com/ByersForKansas/status/1535295623750201347" target="_blank">tweet read</a>. “It has been an honor to serve the people of KS House 86, and the indigenous and LGBTQI of all KS.”She <a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2022-05-07/kansas-first-transgender-lawmaker-reflects-on-emotionally-charged-legislative-session" target="_blank">spoke to KCUR last month</a> about this year’s session, during which lawmakers debated multiple bills that targeted LGBTQ people.“This
 (session) has been tough,” she told Nomin Ujiyediin. “We knew going in 
that we were going to see legislation that was going to attack the trans
 community. It was accompanied by hateful comments on social media. 
Hateful emails.”Byers said many people had stepped forward to 
voice their support for her, but “there’s an emotional exhaustion that 
comes from having those repeated attacks over and over again.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">If you happen to go to the First Americans Museum during Pride Month (<a href="https://twitter.com/FAMokMuseum?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FAMokMuseum</a>) check out their Pride Display. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ChickasawNation?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChickasawNation</a> <a href="https://t.co/z29ld1zDZP">pic.twitter.com/z29ld1zDZP</a>&mdash; Representative Stephanie Byers (@ByersForKansas) <a href="https://twitter.com/ByersForKansas/status/1534674903412228096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>Byers, a retired teacher, also opposed the Republican-controlled Legislature’s stance on key education issues.That includes bills described by Republicans as <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-03-22/the-kansas-senate-just-approved-a-plan-to-let-parents-weigh-in-on-whats-taught-in-public-schools" target="_blank">parental rights legislation</a> designed to help parents challenge curriculum and library books that they disapprove of.Byers also <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-04-28/kansas-lawmakers-fall-a-few-votes-short-of-banning-transgender-athletes-from-womens-sports" target="_blank">opposed the attempt</a> to bar transgender girls and women from playing on girls’ and women’s sports teams at public schools.Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly used her veto to block both from becoming law and lawmakers failed to override her.Byers said teachers face an increasingly difficult work environment.“It’s
 not just if someone’s going to come in and you know bring a firearm,” 
she said. “Now it’s also someone’s going to come in and take my 
textbooks out of my classroom and tell me I can’t teach that anymore.”“Those
 types of things, it just adds stress onto stress,” she said. “When you 
take a 10,000 foot view, it really looks like an intentional undermining
 and destabilizing of American public education.”Democrat Silas Miller and Republican Rick Lindsey have filed to run for Byers’ seat.Celia
 Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health for the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

First transgender lawmaker in Kan. will not seek a second term

RENO COUNTY — A Hutchinson man was arrested last week in connection with a fentanyl overdose that resulted in a death.

On June 2, 30-year-old Dustin M. Bright was arrested by the Special Operations Division for distribution of a controlled substance causing death and arranging the sale of a controlled substance using a communication device, according to Lt. Jake Graber with the Hutchinson Police Department,

Following his arrest, Bright was formally charged by the Reno County District Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654891349294.jpeg" alt="Bright- photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>Bright- photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — A Hutchinson man was arrested last week in connection with a fentanyl overdose that resulted in a death.On June 2, 30-year-old Dustin M. Bright was arrested by the Special Operations Division for distribution of a controlled substance causing death and arranging the sale of a controlled substance using a communication device, according to Lt. Jake Graber with the Hutchinson Police Department,Following his arrest, Bright was formally charged by the Reno County District Attorney’s Office.

Alleged Kan. drug dealer charged in fentanyl overdose death

By ALLISON WINTER <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/u-s-house-ag-panel-mulls-safety-net-changes-in-farm-bill-amid-soaring-costs/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Members of the 
U.S. House Agriculture Committee are&nbsp;considering how to help farmers 
struggling with rising costs for fertilizer, fuel, seeds and chemicals —
 the unfortunate harvest of the war in Ukraine, strains on the global 
supply system, inflation and severe weather.

A panel of the committee heard from agricultural economists Thursday,
 as lawmakers debate how to structure the federal&nbsp; safety net in the 
next farm bill, due when current programs expire in 2023.

The debate comes as traditional corn, soy and wheat farmers straddle 
both sides of inflation and the economic effects from the war in 
Ukraine. They’re seeing both huge increases in prices for their crops 
and soaring costs for everything they have to purchase to plant them.

“Since 2018, when the last farm bill was written, farmers have 
experienced the economic impacts of a trade war with China, marketing 
and supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic,&nbsp; historic weather 
events and now extreme volatility in commodity and input markets,” said 
Rep. Cheri Bustos, an Illinois Democrat and the chairwoman of the 
subcommittee that oversees farm commodities.

“This all has implications for the next farm bill,” Bustos added.

Rep. Glenn Thompson, a Pennsylvania Republican, said he wants to pay 
special consideration to the margins for farmers as members work on the 
next farm bill. Thompson is the top Republican on the Agriculture 
Committee and could helm the farm bill process if Republicans take 
control of the House.

“The bottom line is that agriculture is a business, and at the end of
 the day, it is not what you bring in but the margin you are left with,”
 said Thompson. “I have tremendous concerns with where we are headed 
right now.”

The farm bill includes long-standing safety net programs that offer 
some risk protection and financial support to American farmers.

That includes crop insurance and farm commodity programs, which pay 
farmers if crop prices drop. But the programs don’t account for the 
current challenge for farmers of rising costs for fuel, fertilizer, 
pesticides, and seeds.

Economists suggested lawmakers consider pilot programs geared to aid farmers struggling in those margins.

“Input costs are increasing and with inflation, you’re going to have 
intense pressure where that safety net will be weakened,” said Ronald 
Rainey, director of the University of Arkansas System Division of 
Agriculture.

The big commodity crops, especially corn and wheat, are seeing high 
prices — due in part to disruption of a global market that usually has 
Ukraine and Russia as important players.

Anticipated prices for the 2022 U.S. wheat crop are 50 percent higher
 than they were in January, according to Joseph Janzen, an agricultural 
economist at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Futures prices for corn and soybean prices are also on the rise: 30 percent for corn and 20 percent higher for soybeans.

But agricultural economists told lawmakers that the sky-high prices 
may give a false impression, since farmers are also paying more than 
ever for fertilizer and fuel. The benchmark prices on crude oil and U.S.
 fertilizer prices approximately tripled between January 2021 and March 
2022.

Russia and Belarus are also major fertilizer producers and exporters.
 Those input prices are expected to stay high for the next few years.

“What we know is going to happen, is prices are going to decline but 
input prices are going to stay up for a while, they always do. And that 
is going to leave people in a cost-price squeeze,” said Joe Outlaw, 
co-director of the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&amp;M 
University.

The high fertilizer and energy prices have both short and long-term 
effects for agriculture. If farmers respond by planting less and using 
less fertilizer, they will have a smaller harvest — bringing in less 
income for their farms and potentially exacerbating rising food costs.

Every five years lawmakers have to reauthorize the farm bill — a 
laborious process to re-examine the policy and funding structure for 
federal agriculture and food assistance programs.

The farm bill is unique in that it&nbsp;provides “mandatory” funding for 
many of the programs it authorizes, so the programs do not have to go 
through the congressional appropriations process every year. As such, 
farm bill authorization is a complex and contentious process, as 
lawmakers debate how and where to spend more money.

Most lawmakers at the subcommittee hearing Thursday did not call for a
 major overhaul of the longstanding safety net for farm commodities.

“Our main approach to writing a new farm bill should be a cautious 
one,” said Rep. Rick Allen, a Georgia Republican, noting how chaotic the
 past few years have been for agriculture and the economy. “We should 
not make major changes unless we are able to fully evaluate the 
consequences of those changes.”

But some said they should consider more flexibility and innovation in
 farm programs to try to address&nbsp; mounting challenges from drought, 
severe weather and climate change.&nbsp;For instance, more than half of 
Arizona is in severe drought and an additional 10 percent is enduring 
extreme drought.

“I have never seen conditions like this with no relief in sight. We 
have something that has to be overcome, and we can’t do it by half 
measures,” said Rep. Tom O’ Halleran, an Arizona Democrat.

In addition to the commodity programs, the farm bill includes crop 
insurance, conservation programs and food assistance programs. The bulk 
of farm bill spending goes to food programs, like the supplemental 
nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) for 
low-income individuals and families.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654867864276.png" alt="Farmers told members of the U.S. House agriculture panel they are struggling with rising costs for fuel, fertilizer and other inputs (Kathie Obradovich/Iowa Capital Dispatch)." />
 <figcaption>Farmers told members of the U.S. House agriculture panel they are struggling with rising costs for fuel, fertilizer and other inputs (Kathie Obradovich/Iowa Capital Dispatch).</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLISON WINTER <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/u-s-house-ag-panel-mulls-safety-net-changes-in-farm-bill-amid-soaring-costs/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON —&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Members of the 
U.S. House Agriculture Committee are&nbsp;considering how to help farmers 
struggling with rising costs for fertilizer, fuel, seeds and chemicals —
 the unfortunate harvest of the war in Ukraine, strains on the global 
supply system, inflation and severe weather.A panel of the committee heard from agricultural economists Thursday,
 as lawmakers debate how to structure the federal&nbsp; safety net in the 
next farm bill, due when current programs expire in 2023.The debate comes as traditional corn, soy and wheat farmers straddle 
both sides of inflation and the economic effects from the war in 
Ukraine. They’re seeing both huge increases in prices for their crops 
and soaring costs for everything they have to purchase to plant them.“Since 2018, when the last farm bill was written, farmers have 
experienced the economic impacts of a trade war with China, marketing 
and supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic,&nbsp; historic weather 
events and now extreme volatility in commodity and input markets,” said 
Rep. Cheri Bustos, an Illinois Democrat and the chairwoman of the 
subcommittee that oversees farm commodities.“This all has implications for the next farm bill,” Bustos added.Rep. Glenn Thompson, a Pennsylvania Republican, said he wants to pay 
special consideration to the margins for farmers as members work on the 
next farm bill. Thompson is the top Republican on the Agriculture 
Committee and could helm the farm bill process if Republicans take 
control of the House.“The bottom line is that agriculture is a business, and at the end of
 the day, it is not what you bring in but the margin you are left with,”
 said Thompson. “I have tremendous concerns with where we are headed 
right now.”<h2>Holes in the safety net</h2>The farm bill includes long-standing safety net programs that offer 
some risk protection and financial support to American farmers.That includes crop insurance and farm commodity programs, which pay 
farmers if crop prices drop. But the programs don’t account for the 
current challenge for farmers of rising costs for fuel, fertilizer, 
pesticides, and seeds.Economists suggested lawmakers consider pilot programs geared to aid farmers struggling in those margins.“Input costs are increasing and with inflation, you’re going to have 
intense pressure where that safety net will be weakened,” said Ronald 
Rainey, director of the University of Arkansas System Division of 
Agriculture.The big commodity crops, especially corn and wheat, are seeing high 
prices — due in part to disruption of a global market that usually has 
Ukraine and Russia as important players.Anticipated prices for the 2022 U.S. wheat crop are 50 percent higher
 than they were in January, according to Joseph Janzen, an agricultural 
economist at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.Futures prices for corn and soybean prices are also on the rise: 30 percent for corn and 20 percent higher for soybeans.But agricultural economists told lawmakers that the sky-high prices 
may give a false impression, since farmers are also paying more than 
ever for fertilizer and fuel. The benchmark prices on crude oil and U.S.
 fertilizer prices approximately tripled between January 2021 and March 
2022.Russia and Belarus are also major fertilizer producers and exporters.
 Those input prices are expected to stay high for the next few years.“What we know is going to happen, is prices are going to decline but 
input prices are going to stay up for a while, they always do. And that 
is going to leave people in a cost-price squeeze,” said Joe Outlaw, 
co-director of the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&amp;M 
University.The high fertilizer and energy prices have both short and long-term 
effects for agriculture. If farmers respond by planting less and using 
less fertilizer, they will have a smaller harvest — bringing in less 
income for their farms and potentially exacerbating rising food costs.<h2>Farm bill process</h2>Every five years lawmakers have to reauthorize the farm bill — a 
laborious process to re-examine the policy and funding structure for 
federal agriculture and food assistance programs.The farm bill is unique in that it&nbsp;provides “mandatory” funding for 
many of the programs it authorizes, so the programs do not have to go 
through the congressional appropriations process every year. As such, 
farm bill authorization is a complex and contentious process, as 
lawmakers debate how and where to spend more money.Most lawmakers at the subcommittee hearing Thursday did not call for a
 major overhaul of the longstanding safety net for farm commodities.“Our main approach to writing a new farm bill should be a cautious 
one,” said Rep. Rick Allen, a Georgia Republican, noting how chaotic the
 past few years have been for agriculture and the economy. “We should 
not make major changes unless we are able to fully evaluate the 
consequences of those changes.”But some said they should consider more flexibility and innovation in
 farm programs to try to address&nbsp; mounting challenges from drought, 
severe weather and climate change.&nbsp;For instance, more than half of 
Arizona is in severe drought and an additional 10 percent is enduring 
extreme drought.“I have never seen conditions like this with no relief in sight. We 
have something that has to be overcome, and we can’t do it by half 
measures,” said Rep. Tom O’ Halleran, an Arizona Democrat.In addition to the commodity programs, the farm bill includes crop 
insurance, conservation programs and food assistance programs. The bulk 
of farm bill spending goes to food programs, like the supplemental 
nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) for 
low-income individuals and families.

House panel mulls safety net changes in farm bill amid soaring costs

By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/10/kansas-city-moves-ahead-with-study-of-massive-solar-farm-at-kci-airport/">Missouri Independent</a>

Thousands of undeveloped acres near 
Kansas City International Airport could one day house one of the 
nation’s largest airport solar farms, capable of powering as much as 
one-third of Kansas City’s homes.

Kansas City has completed a 
feasibility study that outlines steps and challenges to bring a 
utility-scale solar farm to KCI. In the coming months, City Manager 
Brian Platt said, the city will solicit proposals from solar energy 
developers to work on the project.

“It’s our vision and goal to lead the 
way and to lead the charge with thinking outside the box and being bold 
and aggressive and innovative with trying to make any progress on 
fighting climate change here and reducing our carbon emissions,” Platt 
said.

The solar farm could have a capacity 
of 285 megawatts, according to the forthcoming feasibility study, with 
the appropriate upgrades to grid infrastructure. If crews cleared trees 
and other environmental features, the site could produce more like 500 
megawatts, enough to power about one-third of the city’s homes.

Mayor Quinton Lucas said he’s been impressed by how large the facility could be.&nbsp;

“I mean, not just powering the 
facilities, not just powering the airport,” Lucas said, “but you’re 
talking about in the course of a few years, powering the entire 
Northland.”&nbsp;

It’s not the first attempt to bring a 
solar farm to the airport. Evergy, the investor-owned utility serving 
the Kansas City metro, scrapped plans in late 2020 for a smaller solar 
array atop a parking garage now under construction as part of the 
airport’s new terminal, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://energynews.us/2020/12/10/glare-study-prompts-utility-evergy-to-cancel-solar-array-at-kansas-city-airport/">Energy News Network</a>. An engineering study found that arrangement could create a glare affecting air traffic controllers.

The utility’s spokeswoman, Gina 
Penzig, said in an email that Evergy is reviewing the feasibility study,
 completed by the Kansas City Aviation Department and two engineering 
firms.&nbsp;

“The
 study is encouraging, noting solid options to build meaningful solar at
 the airport,” Penzig said. “We remain interested in partnering with the
 city to build solar at KCI.”

Last year, the utility <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/09/23/evergy-scales-back-plans-to-add-solar-power-by-2024-will-keep-lawrence-plant-partially-open/">scaled back plans to add 700 megawatts of solar by 2024</a>.

After the first iteration stalled, 
Platt said Kansas City officials are driving the process “with much more
 emphasis and focus and aggressiveness.”&nbsp;

“So we’re, we’re taking a new approach,” Platt said, “and we’re making sure that we get it done either way.”&nbsp;

The facility would have to be reviewed
 by the Southwest Power Pool, the regional grid Evergy belongs to. 
Upgrades to the grid necessary to accept all that new power could prove 
costly —&nbsp; estimated to be $62 million. But the feasibility study noted 
an interconnection study by SPP and Evergy would be necessary to 
determine that.

The feasibility study recommends 
officials take a phased approach. As a first phase, it suggests building
 a 35 megawatt array of more than 96,000 panels near the southern end of
 the site. It would take between $9 million and $15 million to upgrade 
the grid to accept all that power.&nbsp;

Platt said the plan could include 
building community-scale solar arrays small enough to not trigger 
studies by utility regulators while obtaining approval for the larger 
farm.&nbsp;

“We want to balance both,” Platt said.
 “We want to do a big production facility but also begin production as 
quickly as possible.”

The feasibility study did not outline a firm timeline, but regulatory and permitting processes could take several years.&nbsp;

Platt said the city could break ground on those smaller community-scale solar installations by the end of next year.&nbsp;

Officials haven’t settled on a financing scheme for the solar farm, Platt said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654870616319.png" alt="A rendering shows the massive solar farm Kansas City officials are planning at Kansas City International Airport. The city plans to look for a developer soon (photo submitted). " />
 <figcaption>A rendering shows the massive solar farm Kansas City officials are planning at Kansas City International Airport. The city plans to look for a developer soon (photo submitted). </figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/10/kansas-city-moves-ahead-with-study-of-massive-solar-farm-at-kci-airport/">Missouri Independent</a>Thousands of undeveloped acres near 
Kansas City International Airport could one day house one of the 
nation’s largest airport solar farms, capable of powering as much as 
one-third of Kansas City’s homes.Kansas City has completed a 
feasibility study that outlines steps and challenges to bring a 
utility-scale solar farm to KCI. In the coming months, City Manager 
Brian Platt said, the city will solicit proposals from solar energy 
developers to work on the project.“It’s our vision and goal to lead the 
way and to lead the charge with thinking outside the box and being bold 
and aggressive and innovative with trying to make any progress on 
fighting climate change here and reducing our carbon emissions,” Platt 
said.The solar farm could have a capacity 
of 285 megawatts, according to the forthcoming feasibility study, with 
the appropriate upgrades to grid infrastructure. If crews cleared trees 
and other environmental features, the site could produce more like 500 
megawatts, enough to power about one-third of the city’s homes.Mayor Quinton Lucas said he’s been impressed by how large the facility could be.&nbsp;“I mean, not just powering the 
facilities, not just powering the airport,” Lucas said, “but you’re 
talking about in the course of a few years, powering the entire 
Northland.”&nbsp;It’s not the first attempt to bring a 
solar farm to the airport. Evergy, the investor-owned utility serving 
the Kansas City metro, scrapped plans in late 2020 for a smaller solar 
array atop a parking garage now under construction as part of the 
airport’s new terminal, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://energynews.us/2020/12/10/glare-study-prompts-utility-evergy-to-cancel-solar-array-at-kansas-city-airport/">Energy News Network</a>. An engineering study found that arrangement could create a glare affecting air traffic controllers.The utility’s spokeswoman, Gina 
Penzig, said in an email that Evergy is reviewing the feasibility study,
 completed by the Kansas City Aviation Department and two engineering 
firms.&nbsp;“The
 study is encouraging, noting solid options to build meaningful solar at
 the airport,” Penzig said. “We remain interested in partnering with the
 city to build solar at KCI.”Evergy declined to comment further.Last year, the utility <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/09/23/evergy-scales-back-plans-to-add-solar-power-by-2024-will-keep-lawrence-plant-partially-open/">scaled back plans to add 700 megawatts of solar by 2024</a>.After the first iteration stalled, 
Platt said Kansas City officials are driving the process “with much more
 emphasis and focus and aggressiveness.”&nbsp;“So we’re, we’re taking a new approach,” Platt said, “and we’re making sure that we get it done either way.”&nbsp;The facility would have to be reviewed
 by the Southwest Power Pool, the regional grid Evergy belongs to. 
Upgrades to the grid necessary to accept all that new power could prove 
costly —&nbsp; estimated to be $62 million. But the feasibility study noted 
an interconnection study by SPP and Evergy would be necessary to 
determine that.The feasibility study recommends 
officials take a phased approach. As a first phase, it suggests building
 a 35 megawatt array of more than 96,000 panels near the southern end of
 the site. It would take between $9 million and $15 million to upgrade 
the grid to accept all that power.&nbsp;Platt said the plan could include 
building community-scale solar arrays small enough to not trigger 
studies by utility regulators while obtaining approval for the larger 
farm.&nbsp;“We want to balance both,” Platt said.
 “We want to do a big production facility but also begin production as 
quickly as possible.”The feasibility study did not outline a firm timeline, but regulatory and permitting processes could take several years.&nbsp;Platt said the city could break ground on those smaller community-scale solar installations by the end of next year.&nbsp;Officials haven’t settled on a financing scheme for the solar farm, Platt said.&nbsp;

Kansas City moves ahead with study of massive solar farm at KCI airport

BUTLER COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident Thursday in Butler County.

Just after 10:30p.m., a sheriff's deputy responded to report of horses on SW 210th Street near SW Hopkins Switch Road east of Douglass, according to a media release from the Butler County Sheriff.

&nbsp;Dispatchers worked to notify potential horse owners in the area including 61-year-old&nbsp; John Sanford of rural Douglas.&nbsp;

Sanford and his wife went to the location, determined the horses did belong to them and began working to get them off the road.&nbsp;

A westbound vehicle struck Sanford. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Bright lights from another vehicle parked on the side of the road facing east may have contributed to the accident, according to the sheriff's office.

BUTLER COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident Thursday in Butler County.Just after 10:30p.m., a sheriff's deputy responded to report of horses on SW 210th Street near SW Hopkins Switch Road east of Douglass, according to a media release from the Butler County Sheriff.&nbsp;Dispatchers worked to notify potential horse owners in the area including 61-year-old&nbsp; John Sanford of rural Douglas.&nbsp;Sanford and his wife went to the location, determined the horses did belong to them and began working to get them off the road.&nbsp;A westbound vehicle struck Sanford. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Bright lights from another vehicle parked on the side of the road facing east may have contributed to the accident, according to the sheriff's office.

Sheriff IDs Kan. man struck, killed removing horses from rural road

SEDGWICK COUNTY– Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that critically injured a teen.

Just after 8p.m. Thursday police responded&nbsp; to report of a shooting in the 2400 block of South Laura,  Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

At the scene, first responders found the boy in the yard with a single gunshot wound.&nbsp;

EMS transported him to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries and he is expected to recover. Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654858616711.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY– Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that critically injured a teen.Just after 8p.m. Thursday police responded&nbsp; to report of a shooting in the 2400 block of South Laura, Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.At the scene, first responders found the boy in the yard with a single gunshot wound.&nbsp;EMS transported him to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries and he is expected to recover. Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact police.

Police find teen with critical injuries in yard of Kansas home

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is lifting its requirement that international air travelers to the U.S. take a COVID-19 test within a day before boarding their flights, easing one of the last remaining government mandates meant to contain the spread of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus</a>.

A senior administration official said the mandate expires Sunday at 12:01 a.m. EDT, saying the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that it’s no longer necessary. The official, speaking Friday on the condition of anonymity to preview the formal announcement, said that the agency would reevaluate the need for the testing requirement every 90 days and that it could be reinstated if a troubling new variant emerges.

The Biden administration put in place&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-business-air-travel-travel-e327b9d85a6dc81f07e226b937fe7097">the testing requirement</a>&nbsp;last year, as it moved away from restrictions that banned nonessential travel from several dozen countries — most of Europe, China, Brazil, South Africa, India and Iran — and instead focuses on classifying individuals by the risk they pose to others. It came in conjunction with a requirement that foreign, non-immigrant adults traveling to the United States need to be fully vaccinated, with only limited exceptions.

The initial mandate allowed those who were fully vaccinated to show proof of a negative test within three days of travel, while unvaccinated people had to present a test taken within one day of travel.

In November, as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-new-variant-omicron-explainer-116ef818ac4a8e7bc23bb28d6511ecad">the highly transmissible omicron variant</a>&nbsp;swept the world,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-travel-lifestyle-health-a5fabb683083f8cf733761f89caf4899">the Biden administration toughened the requirement</a>&nbsp;and required all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, to test within a day of travel to the U.S.

Airline and tourism groups have been pressing the administration for months to eliminate the testing requirement, saying it is discouraging people from booking international trips. Many other countries have lifted their testing requirements for fully vaccinated and boosted travelers in a bit to increase tourism.

In February,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-travel-business-travel-10f20ef571fdfb2ca23ac07719869987">the groups argued the testing requirement was obsolete</a>&nbsp;because of the high number of omicron cases already in every state, higher vaccinations rates and new treatments for the virus.

“I’m glad CDC suspended the burdensome coronavirus testing requirement for international travelers, and I’ll continue to do all I can to support the strong recovery of our hospitality industry,” Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., said in a statement.

The lifting of the requirement comes six weeks after a federal judge ended the CDC’s mask requirement for mass transit, including trains, planes, buses and transit hubs, saying the agency exceeded its authority. The Biden administration is appealing that ruling, saying it aims to protect the CDC’s ability to respond to future health emergencies.The official said the CDC will continue to recommend COVID-19 testing prior to air travel of any kind as a safety precaution-

The official said the CDC will continue to recommend COVID-19 testing prior to air travel of any kind as a safety precaution.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618925513372.png" alt="The CDC will continue to recommend COVID-19 testing prior to air travel of any kind as a safety precaution-photo Kansas City International Airport" />
 <figcaption>The CDC will continue to recommend COVID-19 testing prior to air travel of any kind as a safety precaution-photo Kansas City International Airport</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is lifting its requirement that international air travelers to the U.S. take a COVID-19 test within a day before boarding their flights, easing one of the last remaining government mandates meant to contain the spread of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus</a>.A senior administration official said the mandate expires Sunday at 12:01 a.m. EDT, saying the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that it’s no longer necessary. The official, speaking Friday on the condition of anonymity to preview the formal announcement, said that the agency would reevaluate the need for the testing requirement every 90 days and that it could be reinstated if a troubling new variant emerges.The Biden administration put in place&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-business-air-travel-travel-e327b9d85a6dc81f07e226b937fe7097">the testing requirement</a>&nbsp;last year, as it moved away from restrictions that banned nonessential travel from several dozen countries — most of Europe, China, Brazil, South Africa, India and Iran — and instead focuses on classifying individuals by the risk they pose to others. It came in conjunction with a requirement that foreign, non-immigrant adults traveling to the United States need to be fully vaccinated, with only limited exceptions.The initial mandate allowed those who were fully vaccinated to show proof of a negative test within three days of travel, while unvaccinated people had to present a test taken within one day of travel.In November, as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-new-variant-omicron-explainer-116ef818ac4a8e7bc23bb28d6511ecad">the highly transmissible omicron variant</a>&nbsp;swept the world,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-travel-lifestyle-health-a5fabb683083f8cf733761f89caf4899">the Biden administration toughened the requirement</a>&nbsp;and required all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, to test within a day of travel to the U.S.Airline and tourism groups have been pressing the administration for months to eliminate the testing requirement, saying it is discouraging people from booking international trips. Many other countries have lifted their testing requirements for fully vaccinated and boosted travelers in a bit to increase tourism.In February,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-travel-business-travel-10f20ef571fdfb2ca23ac07719869987">the groups argued the testing requirement was obsolete</a>&nbsp;because of the high number of omicron cases already in every state, higher vaccinations rates and new treatments for the virus.“I’m glad CDC suspended the burdensome coronavirus testing requirement for international travelers, and I’ll continue to do all I can to support the strong recovery of our hospitality industry,” Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., said in a statement.The lifting of the requirement comes six weeks after a federal judge ended the CDC’s mask requirement for mass transit, including trains, planes, buses and transit hubs, saying the agency exceeded its authority. The Biden administration is appealing that ruling, saying it aims to protect the CDC’s ability to respond to future health emergencies.The official said the CDC will continue to recommend COVID-19 testing prior to air travel of any kind as a safety precaution-The official said the CDC will continue to recommend COVID-19 testing prior to air travel of any kind as a safety precaution.

US lifts COVID-19 test requirement for international travel

Student loans have become quite the hot-button topic. And it’s no wonder why. According to the Federal Reserve, the United States owes over $1.6 trillion of student loan debt—yeah, that’s&nbsp;trillion&nbsp;with a&nbsp;T.<a href="https://www.newyorkfed.org/microeconomics/hhdc.html">1</a>&nbsp;It seems like everyone is trying to solve this problem with some good (and some not so good) solutions. So, how can you tell the good from the bad? Let’s start by exploring one of the concepts that’s been gaining traction: no-loan college.

If you’ve never heard of&nbsp;no-loan college, it’s pretty much what it sounds like. Basically, students who are deemed unable to afford tuition are offered financial aid&nbsp;without&nbsp;the expectation of repayment. Instead of taking out federal or private loans, students receive funding for tuition that comes from grants or endowments—kind of like a scholarship. In 2001, Princeton was the first university to introduce the no-loan concept, and over the last 20 or so years, about 40 other colleges nationwide have followed suit.

This is especially great for students coming from low-income backgrounds, because if they can get into the school, they’ll have a full ride. And it’s great for the college as well because, statistically, it allows them to have some of the top students. By eliminating the financial element, all-star but lower-income students who might have been deterred by a school’s price tag are back on the table. And when a school gets these students, their rankings go up.&nbsp;

Now, no-loan college sounds pretty awesome, and it is. But here’s the catch: Generally, only smaller, private colleges—think Ivy League—can go no-loan because of endowments, which is just a fancy word for a fund supported by charitable contributions. And these small, private Ivy League schools have much, much lower acceptance rates.

Another catch is that what you can afford is determined&nbsp;for&nbsp;you by factors like the FAFSA or the university’s aid packaging. That means they may overestimate what you can afford. Maybe their formulas determine you can pay $20,000 a year, and then they’ll supplement the rest. Even if that $20,000 is a financial impossibility for you, you’ll still have to make up the difference.&nbsp;

This funding may also not cover things like transportation costs or childcare—leaving those expenses up to you as well. And if the balance of all that is still too much, the government is&nbsp;more than happy&nbsp;to offer you a loan, which is what you were trying to avoid with the whole no-loan thing in the first place.

So, should you try to get into a no-loan school? If they have what you’re looking for as a student, absolutely! While it might require a lot of hard work to get into these exclusive schools, graduating debt-free would be worth it.

But whether you get into one of those schools or not, you can (and should!) still go to school debt-free.

Take it from someone who frequently talks to people in deep student loan debt: If you think you’re worried about money now, it’s nothing compared to the stress and pain of life with student loan payments. I mean, depending on the repayment plan and loan amount, it can take anywhere from 10 to 30 years to repay student loans.<a href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/plans/standard" target="_blank">2</a>&nbsp;According to a Ramsey Solutions research study, 63% of student loan borrowers worry consistently about paying back the money, and 44% of them say they can’t even buy a house because of their student loan debt. Yikes.&nbsp;

The good news is, you&nbsp;can&nbsp;graduate&nbsp;debt-free. There are so many ways to cash flow a degree or get trained for an awesome career without borrowing. So, if you’re feeling anxious about the best ways to pay for college without student loans, let’s look at the options.

The decisions you make today will have a lasting impact on the financial stability of your future. Regardless of whether you’re assisted by a no-loan college or not,&nbsp;you&nbsp;are the one who has to take the right steps now and set yourself up for a lifetime of success (including freedom from those monthly payments). Now, let’s make it happen!

After winning $500K in scholarships and graduating from her dream school with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree,&nbsp;Kristina Ellis&nbsp;set out to help students create their own plan to earn a debt-free education. She’s the best-selling author of&nbsp;Confessions of a Scholarship Winner&nbsp;and&nbsp;How to Graduate Debt-Free. She is a featured expert in the 2021 documentary Borrowed Future: How Student Loans Are Killing the American Dream. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets, such as&nbsp;Fox &amp; Friends,&nbsp;The Katie Couric Show, CBN,&nbsp;USA Today, Reuters,&nbsp;Seventeen, and&nbsp;Money. As a Ramsey Personality, Kristina helps thousands of families nationwide navigate the complex waters of college finance and graduate debt-free.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644597862271.jpeg" alt="Kristina Ellis" />
 <figcaption>Kristina Ellis</figcaption>
 </figure>By KRISTINA ELLISStudent loans have become quite the hot-button topic. And it’s no wonder why. According to the Federal Reserve, the United States owes over $1.6 trillion of student loan debt—yeah, that’s&nbsp;trillion&nbsp;with a&nbsp;T.<a href="https://www.newyorkfed.org/microeconomics/hhdc.html">1</a>&nbsp;It seems like everyone is trying to solve this problem with some good (and some not so good) solutions. So, how can you tell the good from the bad? Let’s start by exploring one of the concepts that’s been gaining traction: no-loan college.If you’ve never heard of&nbsp;no-loan college, it’s pretty much what it sounds like. Basically, students who are deemed unable to afford tuition are offered financial aid&nbsp;without&nbsp;the expectation of repayment. Instead of taking out federal or private loans, students receive funding for tuition that comes from grants or endowments—kind of like a scholarship. In 2001, Princeton was the first university to introduce the no-loan concept, and over the last 20 or so years, about 40 other colleges nationwide have followed suit.This is especially great for students coming from low-income backgrounds, because if they can get into the school, they’ll have a full ride. And it’s great for the college as well because, statistically, it allows them to have some of the top students. By eliminating the financial element, all-star but lower-income students who might have been deterred by a school’s price tag are back on the table. And when a school gets these students, their rankings go up.&nbsp;Now, no-loan college sounds pretty awesome, and it is. But here’s the catch: Generally, only smaller, private colleges—think Ivy League—can go no-loan because of endowments, which is just a fancy word for a fund supported by charitable contributions. And these small, private Ivy League schools have much, much lower acceptance rates.Another catch is that what you can afford is determined&nbsp;for&nbsp;you by factors like the FAFSA or the university’s aid packaging. That means they may overestimate what you can afford. Maybe their formulas determine you can pay $20,000 a year, and then they’ll supplement the rest. Even if that $20,000 is a financial impossibility for you, you’ll still have to make up the difference.&nbsp;This funding may also not cover things like transportation costs or childcare—leaving those expenses up to you as well. And if the balance of all that is still too much, the government is&nbsp;more than happy&nbsp;to offer you a loan, which is what you were trying to avoid with the whole no-loan thing in the first place.So, should you try to get into a no-loan school? If they have what you’re looking for as a student, absolutely! While it might require a lot of hard work to get into these exclusive schools, graduating debt-free would be worth it.But whether you get into one of those schools or not, you can (and should!) still go to school debt-free.Take it from someone who frequently talks to people in deep student loan debt: If you think you’re worried about money now, it’s nothing compared to the stress and pain of life with student loan payments. I mean, depending on the repayment plan and loan amount, it can take anywhere from 10 to 30 years to repay student loans.<a href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/plans/standard" target="_blank">2</a>&nbsp;According to a Ramsey Solutions research study, 63% of student loan borrowers worry consistently about paying back the money, and 44% of them say they can’t even buy a house because of their student loan debt. Yikes.&nbsp;The good news is, you&nbsp;can&nbsp;graduate&nbsp;debt-free. There are so many ways to cash flow a degree or get trained for an awesome career without borrowing. So, if you’re feeling anxious about the best ways to pay for college without student loans, let’s look at the options.<ol>
 <li>Find scholarships and grants&nbsp;- You can find free money by filling out the FAFSA form, researching organizations in your field of interest that offer scholarships, and using online scholarship search tools.</li><li>Choose a school you can afford -&nbsp;That might mean starting out at community college or going to a public, in-state school instead of a private university (there really is a huge difference in tuition costs). It might mean going to a trade school or vocational school—and that’s totally okay. If you find yourself asking&nbsp;if college is really worth it, remember: The only real “dream school” is the one&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/pay-for-college-without-student-loans">you can afford to go to debt-free</a>.</li><li>Work -&nbsp;Yep, even when you’re in high school. A part-time job or side hustle won’t hurt your grades if you keep it to 20 hours per week or less, and you’ll make bank for your college fund. Once you’re in college, look for an on-campus job or work-study program, or apply to be a teaching assistant. Also, companies like Starbucks, Amazon and Walmart have tuition assistance programs—and some of them even cover&nbsp;all&nbsp;tuition expenses while you work for them.&nbsp;</li><li>Be smart about your lifestyle -&nbsp;Going to college doesn’t mean you have to live in a fancy dorm room with a $10,000 meal plan. Live at home if you can. Stop eating out with your friends every weekend. Split groceries, rent and utilities with a roommate (or three). Get creative and find other ways to cut down on costs. And this part is crucial: Stick to a budget. That will make all the difference in helping you take control of your money.</li>
 </ol>The decisions you make today will have a lasting impact on the financial stability of your future. Regardless of whether you’re assisted by a no-loan college or not,&nbsp;you&nbsp;are the one who has to take the right steps now and set yourself up for a lifetime of success (including freedom from those monthly payments). Now, let’s make it happen!After winning $500K in scholarships and graduating from her dream school with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree,&nbsp;Kristina Ellis&nbsp;set out to help students create their own plan to earn a debt-free education. She’s the best-selling author of&nbsp;Confessions of a Scholarship Winner&nbsp;and&nbsp;How to Graduate Debt-Free. She is a featured expert in the 2021 documentary Borrowed Future: How Student Loans Are Killing the American Dream. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets, such as&nbsp;Fox &amp; Friends,&nbsp;The Katie Couric Show, CBN,&nbsp;USA Today, Reuters,&nbsp;Seventeen, and&nbsp;Money. As a Ramsey Personality, Kristina helps thousands of families nationwide navigate the complex waters of college finance and graduate debt-free.&nbsp;

ELLIS: Is no-loan college the answer to student loan crisis?

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating theft in Salina and asking the public for help with information.

On Thursday, police received a report of a burglary at 300 E. Ash Street, the former Western Star Mill grain elevator, according to a media release.

The victim reported suspects entered the building and took a substantial amount of copper wiring with an estimated value of more than $30,000.

If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS. You can also make an online tip at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</a>. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, or Det. Constantino, case 2022-16434.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654863203417.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy CrimeStoppers" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CrimeStoppers</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating theft in Salina and asking the public for help with information.On Thursday, police received a report of a burglary at 300 E. Ash Street, the former Western Star Mill grain elevator, according to a media release.The victim reported suspects entered the building and took a substantial amount of copper wiring with an estimated value of more than $30,000.If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS. You can also make an online tip at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</a>. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, or Det. Constantino, case 2022-16434.

$30K in copper wiring stolen from Kansas grain elevator

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a violent incident involving a handgun.

Just after 3p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to the 600 block of Labrador Boulevard in Garden City for a battery-in-progress, according to a media release.

The investigation revealed that an argument ensued between 25-year-old Abdiweli Aden of Garden City,&nbsp; and several family members.

The family members reported Aden was being disorderly and made threats toward them. Before Officers arrived, Aden retrieved a handgun and ran to a family member’s vehicle, and the family member followed Aden. Aden allegedly pointed the handgun at the family member and directed them to drive away or he would shoot them. 

Officers located the vehicle in the 2900 block of Belmont Drive with Aden and the family member inside. Aden was still in possession of the handgun and was uncooperative with Officers. 

After a short time, Aden surrendered to police and was taken into custody without further incident. The family member’s 2-year-old child was also inside the vehicle during the incident.

Aden is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Criminal Threat and Domestic Battery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654803645620.png" alt="Aden-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Aden-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a violent incident involving a handgun.Just after 3p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to the 600 block of Labrador Boulevard in Garden City for a battery-in-progress, according to a media release.The investigation revealed that an argument ensued between 25-year-old Abdiweli Aden of Garden City,&nbsp; and several family members.The family members reported Aden was being disorderly and made threats toward them. Before Officers arrived, Aden retrieved a handgun and ran to a family member’s vehicle, and the family member followed Aden. Aden allegedly pointed the handgun at the family member and directed them to drive away or he would shoot them. Officers located the vehicle in the 2900 block of Belmont Drive with Aden and the family member inside. Aden was still in possession of the handgun and was uncooperative with Officers. After a short time, Aden surrendered to police and was taken into custody without further incident. The family member’s 2-year-old child was also inside the vehicle during the incident.Aden is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Criminal Threat and Domestic Battery.

Police: SW Kan. man threatened family members with a gun

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-delegation-to-u-s-house-united-behind-covid-19-anti-fraud-legislation/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas delegation in
 the U.S. House voted for bipartisan bills extending the statute of 
limitations to 10 years for prosecution of fraud in a pair of COVID-19 
relief programs providing business loans.

Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids and Republican Reps. Ron Estes, Jake 
LaTurner and Tracey Mann voted Wednesday for legislation designed to 
give law enforcement more time to investigate illegal activity in the 
Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan 
program.

“We need to hold fraudsters accountable for taking advantage of the 
pandemic for personal gain,” Davids said. “These bipartisan bills will 
provide federal, state and local law enforcement agencies with ample 
time to identify and prosecute fraud. We can’t let up on our oversight 
of taxpayer dollars and I’ll continue to target waste and abuse in the 
system where possible.”

Davids, a member of the House Small Business Committee, said the 
legislation forwarded to the U.S. Senate was important given the scope 
of estimated fraud. Nearly $1 million in Economic Injury Disaster Loan 
payments were claimed in the name of Johnson County residents in 2021 
through identity theft, Davids said.

The EIDL measure would establish the 10-year statute of limitations 
for criminal charges and civil enforcement of fraud involving the 
disaster loans and advances.

Under the PPP legislation, the statute of limitations for individuals
 engaged in fraud also was set at 10 years. The U.S. Small Business 
Administration’s office of inspector general identified 70,000 PPP loans
 nationwide valued at $4.6 billion that were potentially fraudulent.

Banks and financial technology companies with lending partners were 
allowed by Congress to process PPP loans. The U.S. Department of Justice
 said financial technology companies were involved in 15% of PPP loans, 
but handled an estimated three-fourths of loans connected to fraud.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654793657814.png" alt="U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kan., and three Kansas Republicans in the U.S. House voted to create a 10-year statute of limitations on prosecuting fraud in two COVID-19 business relief programs. (Submitted/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kan., and three Kansas Republicans in the U.S. House voted to create a 10-year statute of limitations on prosecuting fraud in two COVID-19 business relief programs. (Submitted/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-delegation-to-u-s-house-united-behind-covid-19-anti-fraud-legislation/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas delegation in
 the U.S. House voted for bipartisan bills extending the statute of 
limitations to 10 years for prosecution of fraud in a pair of COVID-19 
relief programs providing business loans.Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids and Republican Reps. Ron Estes, Jake 
LaTurner and Tracey Mann voted Wednesday for legislation designed to 
give law enforcement more time to investigate illegal activity in the 
Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan 
program.“We need to hold fraudsters accountable for taking advantage of the 
pandemic for personal gain,” Davids said. “These bipartisan bills will 
provide federal, state and local law enforcement agencies with ample 
time to identify and prosecute fraud. We can’t let up on our oversight 
of taxpayer dollars and I’ll continue to target waste and abuse in the 
system where possible.”Davids, a member of the House Small Business Committee, said the 
legislation forwarded to the U.S. Senate was important given the scope 
of estimated fraud. Nearly $1 million in Economic Injury Disaster Loan 
payments were claimed in the name of Johnson County residents in 2021 
through identity theft, Davids said.The EIDL measure would establish the 10-year statute of limitations 
for criminal charges and civil enforcement of fraud involving the 
disaster loans and advances.Under the PPP legislation, the statute of limitations for individuals
 engaged in fraud also was set at 10 years. The U.S. Small Business 
Administration’s office of inspector general identified 70,000 PPP loans
 nationwide valued at $4.6 billion that were potentially fraudulent.Banks and financial technology companies with lending partners were 
allowed by Congress to process PPP loans. The U.S. Department of Justice
 said financial technology companies were involved in 15% of PPP loans, 
but handled an estimated three-fourths of loans connected to fraud.

Kan. House delegation united behind COVID anti-fraud legislation

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting death in Texas have a suspect in custody in Kansas.

Just after 5:30p.m. Thursday, authorities booked 55-year-old Vernon Dixon into the <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20076047">Sedgwick County jail, according </a>to online jail records. He is listed as a fugitive from justice.

On March 31, a man was at an apartment complex&nbsp; in San Antonio, Texas with his girlfriend, the suspect identified as Dixon and the suspect’s family, a<a href="https://www.sacrimestoppers.com/index.php/component/comprofiler/userprofile/vernon-d?Itemid=220">ccording to Crime Stopper</a>s.

There was an argument between the victim’s girlfriend and two of Dixon's daughters. The argument led to the two suspect’s daughters assaulting the victim’s girlfriend. The victim and the Dixon intervened to separate the women.&nbsp;

Dixon&nbsp; was going to give the victim and his girlfriend a ride home when he shot the the man.

 Dixon fled the location with a family member.&nbsp; The victim ran after being shot and collapsed nearby. EMS transported him to a local hospital, where he died.

Authorities have not released the circumstances of Dixon's arrest.&nbsp;

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654856508771.png" alt="Dixon photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Dixon photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting death in Texas have a suspect in custody in Kansas.Just after 5:30p.m. Thursday, authorities booked 55-year-old Vernon Dixon into the <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20076047">Sedgwick County jail, according </a>to online jail records. He is listed as a fugitive from justice.On March 31, a man was at an apartment complex&nbsp; in San Antonio, Texas with his girlfriend, the suspect identified as Dixon and the suspect’s family, a<a href="https://www.sacrimestoppers.com/index.php/component/comprofiler/userprofile/vernon-d?Itemid=220">ccording to Crime Stopper</a>s.There was an argument between the victim’s girlfriend and two of Dixon's daughters. The argument led to the two suspect’s daughters assaulting the victim’s girlfriend. The victim and the Dixon intervened to separate the women.&nbsp;Dixon&nbsp; was going to give the victim and his girlfriend a ride home when he shot the the man. Dixon fled the location with a family member.&nbsp; The victim ran after being shot and collapsed nearby. EMS transported him to a local hospital, where he died.Authorities have not released the circumstances of Dixon's arrest.&nbsp;Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Suspect in Texas killing jailed in Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal rollover accident have identified the victim as 11-year-old Bella Conway, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.

Just before 7:30p.m. Wednesday, a Jeep Wrangler driven by Caleb Conway, 40, Topeka, was northbound in the&nbsp;3900 block of NW Carlson Road, according to Christian.

The jeep&nbsp; left the roadway, struck a culvert and rolled. First responders performed lifesaving procedures on scene. The back seat passenger, Bella Conway,&nbsp; was pronounced deceased. The&nbsp; driver refused medical treatment.&nbsp;

The sheriff's office released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654769757512.png" alt="First responders at the scene -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal rollover accident have identified the victim as 11-year-old Bella Conway, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.Just before 7:30p.m. Wednesday, a Jeep Wrangler driven by Caleb Conway, 40, Topeka, was northbound in the&nbsp;3900 block of NW Carlson Road, according to Christian.The jeep&nbsp; left the roadway, struck a culvert and rolled. First responders performed lifesaving procedures on scene. The back seat passenger, Bella Conway,&nbsp; was pronounced deceased. The&nbsp; driver refused medical treatment.&nbsp;The sheriff's office released no additional details.

Sheriff: Child who died in Kan. rollover crash was 11-year-old girl

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced an increase
 in the optional standard mileage rate for the final 6 months of 2022. 
Taxpayers may use the optional standard mileage rates to calculate the 
deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and certain 
other purposes.

For the final 6 months of 2022, the standard mileage rate for 
business travel will be 62.5 cents per mile, up 4 cents from the rate 
effective at the start of the year. The new rate for deductible medical 
or moving expenses (available for active-duty members of the military) 
will be 22 cents for the remainder of 2022, up 4 cents from the rate 
effective at the start of 2022. These new rates become effective July 1,
 2022. The IRS provided legal guidance on the new rates in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/a-22-13.pdf">Announcement 2022-13</a>PDF, issued today.

In recognition of recent gasoline price increases, the IRS made this 
special adjustment for the final months of 2022. The IRS normally 
updates the mileage rates once a year in the fall for the next calendar 
year. For travel from Jan. 1 through June 30, 2022, taxpayers should use
 the rates set forth in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-22-03.pdf">Notice 2022-03</a>PDF.

"The IRS is adjusting the standard mileage rates to better reflect the recent increase in fuel prices,"&nbsp; 
said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "We are aware a number of unusual 
factors have come into play involving fuel costs, and we are taking this
 special step to help taxpayers, businesses and others who use this 
rate.”&nbsp;

While fuel costs are a significant factor in the mileage figure, 
other items enter into the calculation of mileage rates, such as 
depreciation and insurance and other fixed and variable costs.&nbsp;

The optional business standard mileage rate is used to compute the 
deductible costs of operating an automobile for business use in lieu of 
tracking actual costs. This rate is also used as a benchmark by the 
federal government and many businesses to reimburse their employees for 
mileage.&nbsp;

Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of 
using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.

The 14 cents per mile rate for charitable organizations remains unchanged as it is set by statute.

Midyear increases in the optional mileage rates are rare, the last time the IRS made such an increase was in 2011.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced an increase
 in the optional standard mileage rate for the final 6 months of 2022. 
Taxpayers may use the optional standard mileage rates to calculate the 
deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and certain 
other purposes.For the final 6 months of 2022, the standard mileage rate for 
business travel will be 62.5 cents per mile, up 4 cents from the rate 
effective at the start of the year. The new rate for deductible medical 
or moving expenses (available for active-duty members of the military) 
will be 22 cents for the remainder of 2022, up 4 cents from the rate 
effective at the start of 2022. These new rates become effective July 1,
 2022. The IRS provided legal guidance on the new rates in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/a-22-13.pdf">Announcement 2022-13</a>PDF, issued today.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654868641757.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In recognition of recent gasoline price increases, the IRS made this 
special adjustment for the final months of 2022. The IRS normally 
updates the mileage rates once a year in the fall for the next calendar 
year. For travel from Jan. 1 through June 30, 2022, taxpayers should use
 the rates set forth in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-22-03.pdf">Notice 2022-03</a>PDF."The IRS is adjusting the standard mileage rates to better reflect the recent increase in fuel prices,"&nbsp; 
said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "We are aware a number of unusual 
factors have come into play involving fuel costs, and we are taking this
 special step to help taxpayers, businesses and others who use this 
rate.”&nbsp;While fuel costs are a significant factor in the mileage figure, 
other items enter into the calculation of mileage rates, such as 
depreciation and insurance and other fixed and variable costs.&nbsp;The optional business standard mileage rate is used to compute the 
deductible costs of operating an automobile for business use in lieu of 
tracking actual costs. This rate is also used as a benchmark by the 
federal government and many businesses to reimburse their employees for 
mileage.&nbsp;Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of 
using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.The 14 cents per mile rate for charitable organizations remains unchanged as it is set by statute.Midyear increases in the optional mileage rates are rare, the last time the IRS made such an increase was in 2011.

IRS raises mileage rates as gas prices increase

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Geico could be required to pay a Missouri woman $5.2 million because she said she contracted a sexually transmitted disease while having sex in the car of a man who is insured by the company.

A three-judge panel of the Missouri Court of Appeals on Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=187183">upheld</a>&nbsp;a Jackson County Court's decision affirming an arbitrator's finding that the woman was entitled to the award.

However, Maryland-based Geico has filed a federal lawsuit arguing the woman's claim is not covered by the man's insurance policy. The company said in an email Thursday that lawsuit will determine whether “there is coverage in this matter.”

According to court documents, the woman, identified as M.O., and a man, who were in a relationship, had sex in the man's car. She contends she contracted HPV, human papillomavirus, because the man did not tell her he had the disease. HPV can cause cervical cancer, certain other cancers and genital warts.

In February 2021, M.O. notified Geico she planned to seek a $1 million insurance settlement against the man. She argued the man’s auto insurance provided coverage for her injuries and losses.

The insurance company refused the settlement offer, saying the woman's claim did not occur because of normal use of the vehicle, according to court documents.

An arbitrator eventually determined she should be awarded $5.2 million for damages and her injuries. She then filed a motion in Jackson County Court seeking to confirm the award.

Geico claimed it did not know the man and woman had entered into arbitration and, when it found out, it sought to intervene in the court case. The company argued the arbitration award was reached through collusion and fraud, violated its rights to due process and was unenforceable.

The lower court rejected Geico's requests and confirmed the award, prompting the insurance company's appeal because it said it did not have a “meaningful opportunity” to defend its interests, according to court documents.

The appeals court found that Geico did not have the right to “re-litigate” the issues after the award had been affirmed.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Geico could be required to pay a Missouri woman $5.2 million because she said she contracted a sexually transmitted disease while having sex in the car of a man who is insured by the company.A three-judge panel of the Missouri Court of Appeals on Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=187183">upheld</a>&nbsp;a Jackson County Court's decision affirming an arbitrator's finding that the woman was entitled to the award.However, Maryland-based Geico has filed a federal lawsuit arguing the woman's claim is not covered by the man's insurance policy. The company said in an email Thursday that lawsuit will determine whether “there is coverage in this matter.”According to court documents, the woman, identified as M.O., and a man, who were in a relationship, had sex in the man's car. She contends she contracted HPV, human papillomavirus, because the man did not tell her he had the disease. HPV can cause cervical cancer, certain other cancers and genital warts.In February 2021, M.O. notified Geico she planned to seek a $1 million insurance settlement against the man. She argued the man’s auto insurance provided coverage for her injuries and losses.The insurance company refused the settlement offer, saying the woman's claim did not occur because of normal use of the vehicle, according to court documents.An arbitrator eventually determined she should be awarded $5.2 million for damages and her injuries. She then filed a motion in Jackson County Court seeking to confirm the award.Geico claimed it did not know the man and woman had entered into arbitration and, when it found out, it sought to intervene in the court case. The company argued the arbitration award was reached through collusion and fraud, violated its rights to due process and was unenforceable.The lower court rejected Geico's requests and confirmed the award, prompting the insurance company's appeal because it said it did not have a “meaningful opportunity” to defend its interests, according to court documents.The appeals court found that Geico did not have the right to “re-litigate” the issues after the award had been affirmed.

Geico to pay woman millions after she got STD during sex in car

By impersonating law enforcement, scammers intimidate victims into giving up money or personal information.
 But once a scam becomes widely reported, con artists need to change up 
their tricks. Watch out for this new twist: scammers using 
official-looking credentials to gain trust.

You receive a telephone call, email, text message, or a message on 
social media by someone alleging to be from a law enforcement agency. 
Scammers claim to represent agencies ranging from the local police to 
the Federal Bureau of Investigation to Canada Border Services.

These impostors tell you there is a problem that you need to resolve 
immediately—usually by sending them a fee. In one recent version of this
 scam, the impostor claims to have seized a package with your name on 
it. Now, they need a copy of your driver’s license and money to fix the 
issue. Scammers often threaten fines, arrest, or other penalties in an 
attempt to scare you into immediate action.

Here's the new twist! If you are hesitant, the scammers will offer to text or email doctored credentials to you, to confirm their identity.
 The badge is either stolen or has been edited to include a different 
name. But no matter how convincing the “badge” or the impostor’s story 
may be, always do your research before acting. If you send these 
scammers money, they will disappear, and you won’t be able to get it 
back.

How to avoid law enforcement impersonator scams

Learn more about this scam from the <a href="https://oig.ssa.gov/news-releases/2022-05-20-federal-law-enforcement-agencies-warn-of-impersonation-scam-involving-credentials-and-badges/" target="_blank">Office of the Inspector General</a>. Read more about a similar <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/26149-bbb-scam-alert-government-impostor-scam-gets-a-scary-new-twist" target="_blank">government impostor scam</a> and visit <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/8767-bbb-tips-10-steps-to-avoid-scams" target="_blank">BBB.org/AvoidScams</a> for more ways to avoid getting scammed.

If you spot a law enforcement scam, report it to <a href="https://www.BBB.org/ScamTracker" target="_blank">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>. You can also report your experience to the FBI at <a href="https://www.ic3.gov" target="_blank">IC3.gov.</a>&nbsp;Your report can help others avoid falling victim to similar schemes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBBy impersonating law enforcement, scammers intimidate victims into giving up money or personal information.
 But once a scam becomes widely reported, con artists need to change up 
their tricks. Watch out for this new twist: scammers using 
official-looking credentials to gain trust.<h2>How the scam works</h2>You receive a telephone call, email, text message, or a message on 
social media by someone alleging to be from a law enforcement agency. 
Scammers claim to represent agencies ranging from the local police to 
the Federal Bureau of Investigation to Canada Border Services.These impostors tell you there is a problem that you need to resolve 
immediately—usually by sending them a fee. In one recent version of this
 scam, the impostor claims to have seized a package with your name on 
it. Now, they need a copy of your driver’s license and money to fix the 
issue. Scammers often threaten fines, arrest, or other penalties in an 
attempt to scare you into immediate action.Here's the new twist! If you are hesitant, the scammers will offer to text or email doctored credentials to you, to confirm their identity.
 The badge is either stolen or has been edited to include a different 
name. But no matter how convincing the “badge” or the impostor’s story 
may be, always do your research before acting. If you send these 
scammers money, they will disappear, and you won’t be able to get it 
back.<h2>How to avoid law enforcement impersonator scams</h2><ul>
 <li>Don’t give into pressure. Even if the threats scare
 you, do not take immediate action. Hang up or ignore the message. If 
you think there is a possibility you have been contacted by a real law 
enforcement agent, call the agency directly using a non-emergency number to confirm. </li><li>Never send money to strangers. Scammers will 
probably ask you to wire funds or buy prepaid gift cards to pay the 
required “fines.” Scammers prefer to receive money this way because it 
is hard to trace. Plus, you won’t be able to get your money back. </li><li>Guard your personal information carefully. Don’t 
share information like your address, social security number, or bank 
account information without first making sure you are speaking to a 
legitimate official – even if they already have some of your 
information. </li><li>Don’t answer messages from strangers. Don’t click on links or attachments in messages from strangers. They are probably part of a <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/16758-bbb-tip-phishing-scams" target="_blank">phishing scam</a>. Block unsolicited calls and text messages immediately.</li>
 </ul><h2>For more information</h2>Learn more about this scam from the <a href="https://oig.ssa.gov/news-releases/2022-05-20-federal-law-enforcement-agencies-warn-of-impersonation-scam-involving-credentials-and-badges/" target="_blank">Office of the Inspector General</a>. Read more about a similar <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/26149-bbb-scam-alert-government-impostor-scam-gets-a-scary-new-twist" target="_blank">government impostor scam</a> and visit <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/8767-bbb-tips-10-steps-to-avoid-scams" target="_blank">BBB.org/AvoidScams</a> for more ways to avoid getting scammed.If you spot a law enforcement scam, report it to <a href="https://www.BBB.org/ScamTracker" target="_blank">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>. You can also report your experience to the FBI at <a href="https://www.ic3.gov" target="_blank">IC3.gov.</a>&nbsp;Your report can help others avoid falling victim to similar schemes.

Scam alert: Scary new twist in law enforcement impostor scams

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House panel investigating the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;laid the blame firmly on Donald Trump Thursday night, saying the assault was hardly spontaneous but an “attempted coup” and a direct result of the defeated president’s effort to overturn the 2020 election.

With a never-before-seen 12-minute video of extremist groups leading the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-merrick-garland-government-and-politics-conspiracy-crime-c2e427dc0fa16077d7fb98c06e61149f">deadly siege</a>&nbsp;and startling testimony from Trump’s most inner circle, the 1/6 committee provided gripping detail in contending that Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voter-fraud-election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-7fcb6f134e528fee8237c7601db3328f">repeated lies about election fraud</a>&nbsp;and his public effort to stop Joe Biden’s victory led to the attack and imperiled American democracy

“Democracy remains in danger,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-congress-donald-trump-subpoenas-government-and-politics-af491858a41ce4f42416fe3a7131592e">Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., chairman of the panel,</a>&nbsp;during the hearing, timed for prime time to reach as many Americans as possible.

“Jan. 6 was the culmination of an attempted coup, a brazen attempt, as one rioter put it shortly after Jan. 6, to overthrow the government,” Thompson said. “The violence was no accident.”

The hearings may not change&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-2022-midterm-elections-biden-kevin-mccarthy-government-and-politics-af45ad5031757f9aada9bef9c3a988bc">Americans’ views</a>&nbsp;on the Capitol attack, but the panel’s investigation is intended to stand as its public record. Ahead of this fall’s midterm elections, and with Trump considering another White House run, the committee’s final report aims to account for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-5a1ad57112fde21084f028913b9fdc94">most violent attack on the Capitol</a>&nbsp;since 1814, and to ensure such an attack never happens again.

Testimony showed Thursday how Trump desperately clung to his own false claims of election fraud, beckoning supporters to the Capitol on Jan. 6 when Congress would certify the results, despite those around him insisting Biden had won the election.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654827329216.jpeg" alt="In Thursday's prime-time hearing, lawmakers said the siege was no accident but an “attempted coup."" />
 <figcaption>In Thursday's prime-time hearing, lawmakers said the siege was no accident but an “attempted coup."</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House panel investigating the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;laid the blame firmly on Donald Trump Thursday night, saying the assault was hardly spontaneous but an “attempted coup” and a direct result of the defeated president’s effort to overturn the 2020 election.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hZ0yNe3cFx4?start=858" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>With a never-before-seen 12-minute video of extremist groups leading the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-merrick-garland-government-and-politics-conspiracy-crime-c2e427dc0fa16077d7fb98c06e61149f">deadly siege</a>&nbsp;and startling testimony from Trump’s most inner circle, the 1/6 committee provided gripping detail in contending that Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voter-fraud-election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-7fcb6f134e528fee8237c7601db3328f">repeated lies about election fraud</a>&nbsp;and his public effort to stop Joe Biden’s victory led to the attack and imperiled American democracy“Democracy remains in danger,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-congress-donald-trump-subpoenas-government-and-politics-af491858a41ce4f42416fe3a7131592e">Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., chairman of the panel,</a>&nbsp;during the hearing, timed for prime time to reach as many Americans as possible.“Jan. 6 was the culmination of an attempted coup, a brazen attempt, as one rioter put it shortly after Jan. 6, to overthrow the government,” Thompson said. “The violence was no accident.”The hearings may not change&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-2022-midterm-elections-biden-kevin-mccarthy-government-and-politics-af45ad5031757f9aada9bef9c3a988bc">Americans’ views</a>&nbsp;on the Capitol attack, but the panel’s investigation is intended to stand as its public record. Ahead of this fall’s midterm elections, and with Trump considering another White House run, the committee’s final report aims to account for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-5a1ad57112fde21084f028913b9fdc94">most violent attack on the Capitol</a>&nbsp;since 1814, and to ensure such an attack never happens again.Testimony showed Thursday how Trump desperately clung to his own false claims of election fraud, beckoning supporters to the Capitol on Jan. 6 when Congress would certify the results, despite those around him insisting Biden had won the election.In a previously unseen video clip, the panel played a quip from former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/barr-no-widespread-election-fraud-b1f1488796c9a98c4b1a9061a6c7f49d">Attorney General Bill Barr</a>&nbsp;who testified that he told Trump the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/barr-no-widespread-election-fraud-b1f1488796c9a98c4b1a9061a6c7f49d">claims of a rigged election</a>&nbsp;were “bull——.”In another, the former president’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, testified to the committee that she respected Barr’s view that there was no election fraud. “I accepted what he said.”Others showed leaders of the extremist Oath Keepers and Proud Boys preparing to storm the Capitol to stand up for Trump. One rioter after another told the committee they came to the Capitol because Trump asked them to.“President Trump summoned a violent mob,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-capitol-siege-donald-trump-wyoming-presidential-4fd397e5ba68de1924f52c79507eff2f">Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo.,</a>&nbsp;the panel’s vice chair who took the lead for much of the hearing. “When a president fails to take the steps necessary to preserve our union — or worse, causes a constitutional crisis — we’re in a moment of maximum danger for our republic.”There was an audible gasp in the hearing room when Cheney read an account that said when Trump was told the Capitol mob was chanting for Vice President Mike Pence to be hanged for refusing to block the election results. Trump responded that maybe they were right, that he “deserves it.”At another point it was disclosed that Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., a leader of efforts to object to the election results, had sought a pardon from Trump, which would protect him from prosecution.When asked about the White House lawyers threatening to resign over what was happening in the administration, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner scoffed they were “whining.”Police officers who had fought off the mob consoled one another as they sat in the committee room reliving the violence they faced on Jan. 6. Officer Harry Dunn teared up as bodycam footage showed rioters bludgeoning his colleagues with flagpoles and baseball bats.In wrenching testimony U.S. Capitol Police officer Caroline Edwards told the panel that she slipped in other people’s blood as rioters pushed past her into the Capitol. She suffered brain injuries in the melee.“It was carnage. It was chaos,” she said.The riot left more than 100 police officers injured, many beaten and bloodied, as the crowd of pro-Trump rioters, some armed with pipes, bats and bear spray, charged into the Capitol. At least nine people who were there died during and after the rioting, including a woman who was shot and killed by police.Biden, in Los Angeles for the Summit of the Americas, said many viewers were “going to be seeing for the first time a lot of the detail that occurred.”Trump, unapologetic, dismissed the investigation anew — and even declared on social media that Jan. 6 “represented the greatest movement in the history of our country.”Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee tweeted: “All. Old. News.”Emotions are still raw at the Capitol, and security was tight. Law enforcement officials are reporting a spike in violent threats against members of Congress.Against this backdrop, the committee was speaking to a divided America. Most TV networks carried the hearing live, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-bret-baier-martha-maccallum-tucker-carlson-b6d21eed76ed24352b0e6f38f3683524">Fox News Channel did not.</a>The committee chairman, civil rights leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bennie-thompson">Thompson,</a>&nbsp;opened the hearing with the sweep of American history. saying he heard in those denying the stark reality of Jan. 6 his own experience growing up in a time and place “where people justified the action of slavery, the Ku Klux Klan and lynching.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-capitol-siege-donald-trump-wyoming-presidential-4fd397e5ba68de1924f52c79507eff2f">Republican Rep. Cheney,&nbsp;</a>the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, outlined what the committee has learned about the events leading up to that brisk January day when Trump sent his supporters to Congress to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-capitol-siege-media-e79eb5164613d6718e9f4502eb471f27">“fight like hell”</a>&nbsp;for his presidency.Among those testifying was documentary maker Nick Quested, who filmed the Proud Boys storming the Capitol — along with a pivotal meeting between the group’s then-chairman Henry “Enrique” Tarrio and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stewart-rhodes-arrested-oath-keepers-jan-6-insurrection-70019e1007132e8df786aaf77215a110">another extremist group, the Oath Keepers</a>, the night before in nearby parking garage. Quested said the Proud Boys later went to get tacos.Court documents show that members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers were discussing as early as November a need to fight to keep Trump in office. Leaders both groups and some members&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stewart-rhodes-arrested-oath-keepers-jan-6-insurrection-70019e1007132e8df786aaf77215a110">have since been indicted</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stewart-rhodes-arrested-oath-keepers-jan-6-insurrection-70019e1007132e8df786aaf77215a110">rare sedition charges</a>&nbsp;over the military-style attack.In the weeks ahead, the panel is expected to detail Trump’s public campaign to “Stop the Steal” and the private pressure he put on the Justice Department to reverse his election loss — despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-courts-election-results-e1297d874f45d2b14bc99c403abd0457">dozens of failed court cases</a>&nbsp;attesting there was no fraud on a scale that could have tipped the results in his favor.The panel faced obstacles from its start. Republicans blocked the formation of an independent body that could have investigated the Jan. 6 assault the way the 9/11 Commission probed the 2001 terror attack.Instead, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-riots-capitol-siege-government-and-politics-3443b4d60621679dd5b42b3d3502d59d">ushered the creation of the 1/6 panel through</a>&nbsp;Congress and rejected Republican-appointed lawmakers who had voted on Jan. 6 against certifying the election results, eventually naming seven Democrats and two Republicans.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-covid-health-kevin-mccarthy-donald-trump-d60b2af63d5023584cc06b86b3b54e54">House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy,</a>&nbsp;who has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-elections-donald-trump-kevin-mccarthy-congress-891eabe5ef653e7bb3983f8e3fa96a67">caught up in the probe and has defied the committee’s subpoena</a>&nbsp;for an interview, called the panel a “scam.”In the audience were several lawmakers who were trapped together in the House gallery during the attack.“We want to remind people, we were there, we saw what happened,” said Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn. ”We know how close we came to the first non-peaceful transition of power in this country.”The Justice Department has arrested and charged more than 800 people for the violence that day,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-merrick-garland-donald-trump-f70143880cb9be8a0610edcad1ed18e8">the biggest dragnet in its history</a>.----------WASHINGTON (AP) — The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection is set to unveil as-yet-unreleased video, audio and a “mountain of evidence” in its prime-time hearing.<a href="https://january6th.house.gov/news/watch-live">Click here to&nbsp;</a>watch the hearing&nbsp; 7p.m. CDT Thursday's session will also show the chilling backstory as defeated President Donald Trump tried to overturn Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. The panel will warn that the deadly siege put U.S. democracy at risk. Live testimony is expected from a police officer who was pummeled in the riot and from a documentary filmmaker who recorded the melee. There will also be recorded accounts of Trump’s aides and family members. The yearlong investigation is intended to stand as a public record for history.