WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service issued a filing season 
reminder today that those taxpayers who pay expenses for the care of a 
qualifying person while working or looking for work may qualify for an 
important tax credit.

The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc602">Child and Dependent Care Credit</a>
 is expanded for tax year 2021. This means that more taxpayers will 
qualify this year than ever before, and the credit will be worth more. 
Taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of more than $438,000 are not 
eligible for this credit.

"There are many important tax credits available for families, and we 
don't want anyone to overlook the Child and Dependent Care Credit," said
 IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "We encourage families and others who 
may qualify for this credit to carefully review the criteria to make 
sure they receive the maximum amount they're entitled to. We also 
encourage the tax professional communities and others to share this 
important information."

Depending on their income, taxpayers can get a credit worth 50% of their qualifying <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-503">childcare expenses</a>.
 For tax year 2021, the maximum eligible expense for this credit is 
$8,000 for one qualifying person and $16,000 for two or more.

For the purposes of this credit, the IRS defines a qualifying person as:

Taxpayers can use the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/am-i-eligible-to-claim-the-child-and-dependent-care-credit">Interactive Tax Assistant</a>&nbsp;or see the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/child-and-dependent-care-credit-faqs">Frequently Asked Questions</a> on IRS.gov to determine if they can claim this credit. For IRS partners, there's a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5585.pdf">special promotional flyer available</a>&nbsp;PDF.

The IRS has been highlighting this credit in a number of ways, including <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/understanding-the-child-and-dependent-care-credit">Tax Tips</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-expanded-credits-for-families-highlight-tax-changes-for-2021-many-people-who-dont-normally-file-should-file-this-year">fact sheets</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-time-guide-use-the-wheres-my-refund-tool-or-irs2go-app-to-conveniently-check-tax-refund-status">news releases</a> as well as through Twitter and other IRS social media and outreach channels. It's also featured in a special IRS <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mSgo5qgOeY">YouTube video</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service issued a filing season 
reminder today that those taxpayers who pay expenses for the care of a 
qualifying person while working or looking for work may qualify for an 
important tax credit.The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc602">Child and Dependent Care Credit</a>
 is expanded for tax year 2021. This means that more taxpayers will 
qualify this year than ever before, and the credit will be worth more. 
Taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of more than $438,000 are not 
eligible for this credit."There are many important tax credits available for families, and we 
don't want anyone to overlook the Child and Dependent Care Credit," said
 IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "We encourage families and others who 
may qualify for this credit to carefully review the criteria to make 
sure they receive the maximum amount they're entitled to. We also 
encourage the tax professional communities and others to share this 
important information."Depending on their income, taxpayers can get a credit worth 50% of their qualifying <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-503">childcare expenses</a>.
 For tax year 2021, the maximum eligible expense for this credit is 
$8,000 for one qualifying person and $16,000 for two or more.<h2>For the purposes of this credit, the IRS defines a qualifying person as:</h2><ul>
 <li>A taxpayer's dependent who is 12 or younger (no age limit if incapacitated) when the care is provided. 
	&nbsp;</li><li>A taxpayer's spouse who is physically or mentally unable to care 
for themselves and lived with the taxpayer for more than half the year. 
	&nbsp;</li><li>Someone who is physically or mentally unable to take care of 
themselves and lived with the taxpayer for six months and is either: the taxpayer's dependent orwould have been the taxpayer's dependent except for one of the following: The qualifying person received gross income of $4,300 or moreThe qualifying person filed a joint returnThe taxpayer or spouse, if filing jointly, could be claimed as a dependent on someone else's return</li><li>the taxpayer's dependent or</li><li>would have been the taxpayer's dependent except for one of the following: The qualifying person received gross income of $4,300 or moreThe qualifying person filed a joint returnThe taxpayer or spouse, if filing jointly, could be claimed as a dependent on someone else's return</li><li>The qualifying person received gross income of $4,300 or more</li><li>The qualifying person filed a joint return</li><li>The taxpayer or spouse, if filing jointly, could be claimed as a dependent on someone else's return</li>
 </ul>Taxpayers can use the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/am-i-eligible-to-claim-the-child-and-dependent-care-credit">Interactive Tax Assistant</a>&nbsp;or see the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/child-and-dependent-care-credit-faqs">Frequently Asked Questions</a> on IRS.gov to determine if they can claim this credit. For IRS partners, there's a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5585.pdf">special promotional flyer available</a>&nbsp;PDF.The IRS has been highlighting this credit in a number of ways, including <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/understanding-the-child-and-dependent-care-credit">Tax Tips</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-expanded-credits-for-families-highlight-tax-changes-for-2021-many-people-who-dont-normally-file-should-file-this-year">fact sheets</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-time-guide-use-the-wheres-my-refund-tool-or-irs2go-app-to-conveniently-check-tax-refund-status">news releases</a> as well as through Twitter and other IRS social media and outreach channels. It's also featured in a special IRS <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mSgo5qgOeY">YouTube video</a>.

IRS: Child and Dependent Care Credit can help families, others

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for a weekend accident involving a vehicle he was not authorized to drive.

Just before 1.a.m. Saturday, police attempted to make a traffic stop on a Chevy Tahoe in the 200 Block of Main Street in Garden City, according to a media release. The SUV continued eastbound at a high rate of speed.

Officers later found the SUV driving recklessly in the 900 Block of 3rd Street. Officers in the area also located an unoccupied GEO Metro with extensive damage. Witnesses said the SUV struck the SUV and fled.

Police later found the Tahoe unoccupied in the area. It had front end damage and suspected marijuana inside. Police also learned 20-year-old Cipriano Garcia was driving the SUV. He did not have permission to drive the vehicle, according to police.

Police ultimately found Garcia and arrested him on requested charges that include flee and elude, interference with law enforcement, possession of marijuana and for not reporting the accident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646673114844.png" alt="Garcia-photo Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Garcia-photo Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for a weekend accident involving a vehicle he was not authorized to drive.Just before 1.a.m. Saturday, police attempted to make a traffic stop on a Chevy Tahoe in the 200 Block of Main Street in Garden City, according to a media release. The SUV continued eastbound at a high rate of speed.Officers later found the SUV driving recklessly in the 900 Block of 3rd Street. Officers in the area also located an unoccupied GEO Metro with extensive damage. Witnesses said the SUV struck the SUV and fled.Police later found the Tahoe unoccupied in the area. It had front end damage and suspected marijuana inside. Police also learned 20-year-old Cipriano Garcia was driving the SUV. He did not have permission to drive the vehicle, according to police.Police ultimately found Garcia and arrested him on requested charges that include flee and elude, interference with law enforcement, possession of marijuana and for not reporting the accident.

Police: Kan. man crashed  SUV he drove without permission

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. regulators on Monday cleared the way for the sale of beef from gene-edited cattle in coming years after the Food and Drug Administration concluded the animals do not raise any safety concerns.

The cattle by Recombinetics are the third genetically altered animals given the green light for human consumption in the U.S. after salmon and pigs. Many other foods already are made with genetically modified ingredients from crops like soybeans and corn.

The cattle reviewed by the FDA had genes altered with a technology called CRISPR to have short, slick coats that let them more easily withstand hot weather. Cattle that aren’t stressed by heat might pack on weight more easily, making for more efficient meat production.

The company did not say when home cooks or restaurants might be able to buy the beef, but the FDA said it could reach the market in as early as two years.

Unlike the salmon and pigs, the cattle did not have to go through a yearslong approval process. The FDA said the cattle were exempt from that because their genetic makeup is similar to other existing cattle and the trait can be found naturally in some breeds.

Dr. Steven Solomon, director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, said the agency’s review of Recombinetics' cattle took several months. He said there’s no reason meat from the animals or their offspring would need to be labeled differently.

Solomon said a genetically altered animal marketed as having a special advantage — such a higher than normal ability to withstand heat — might need to go through the full approval process.

“This opens up a completely different pathway,” he said, noting the decision could be encouraging for other biotech companies, many of which are small startups.

The gene-edited trait in the Recombinetics cattle can be passed down so semen and embryos from them could be used to produce offspring with the same shorter coats.

The trait will make beef production more sustainable and to improve animal welfare in warmer climates, Recombinetics said in a statement without providing further details.

Greg Jaffe, who specializes in biotechnology at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said the FDA’s announcement made clear it wasn't exempting all gene-edited animals from the longer approval process.

“They reinforce the idea that this is a case-by-case review,” Jaffe said.

He said the agency should be more transparent about the review process so people know what's in the works. That could lead to better public acceptance and minimize any potential economic disruptions from global trade, since other countries might consider the animals genetically modified foods that need to be labeled, he said.

Jaydee Hanson, of the Center for Food Safety, said the agency should keep track of the animals for several generations to ensure there aren’t any unintended issues.

The genetically modified pig is intended mainly for medical purposes, not meat, according to the company that developed it. The firm recently provided a pig heart that was transplanted into a dying man in an experimental surgery.

The company behind the modified salmon said the fish are being sold to distributors in the Midwest and Northeast.

Alison Van Eenennaam, an animal geneticist at University of California, Davis who has worked with Recombinetics, said requiring all companies to go through the lengthy approval process could end the possibility of commercializing gene-edited animals in the U.S.

For the gene-edited cattle cleared by the FDA, she said it could take about two years for beef from the offspring to reach the market.

Once the semen is used to create embryos, she said gestation would take about nine months and the resulting calves might be slaughtered after about 10 months. She noted the market isn’t limited to the U.S., given the way cattle are bred.

“Let’s face it, bull semen goes all over the world,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590681306227.jpeg" alt="Image from Pixabay&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Image from Pixabay&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By CANDICE CHOI, Associated PressNEW YORK (AP) — U.S. regulators on Monday cleared the way for the sale of beef from gene-edited cattle in coming years after the Food and Drug Administration concluded the animals do not raise any safety concerns.The cattle by Recombinetics are the third genetically altered animals given the green light for human consumption in the U.S. after salmon and pigs. Many other foods already are made with genetically modified ingredients from crops like soybeans and corn.The cattle reviewed by the FDA had genes altered with a technology called CRISPR to have short, slick coats that let them more easily withstand hot weather. Cattle that aren’t stressed by heat might pack on weight more easily, making for more efficient meat production.The company did not say when home cooks or restaurants might be able to buy the beef, but the FDA said it could reach the market in as early as two years.Unlike the salmon and pigs, the cattle did not have to go through a yearslong approval process. The FDA said the cattle were exempt from that because their genetic makeup is similar to other existing cattle and the trait can be found naturally in some breeds.Dr. Steven Solomon, director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, said the agency’s review of Recombinetics' cattle took several months. He said there’s no reason meat from the animals or their offspring would need to be labeled differently.Solomon said a genetically altered animal marketed as having a special advantage — such a higher than normal ability to withstand heat — might need to go through the full approval process.“This opens up a completely different pathway,” he said, noting the decision could be encouraging for other biotech companies, many of which are small startups.The gene-edited trait in the Recombinetics cattle can be passed down so semen and embryos from them could be used to produce offspring with the same shorter coats.The trait will make beef production more sustainable and to improve animal welfare in warmer climates, Recombinetics said in a statement without providing further details.Greg Jaffe, who specializes in biotechnology at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said the FDA’s announcement made clear it wasn't exempting all gene-edited animals from the longer approval process.“They reinforce the idea that this is a case-by-case review,” Jaffe said.He said the agency should be more transparent about the review process so people know what's in the works. That could lead to better public acceptance and minimize any potential economic disruptions from global trade, since other countries might consider the animals genetically modified foods that need to be labeled, he said.Jaydee Hanson, of the Center for Food Safety, said the agency should keep track of the animals for several generations to ensure there aren’t any unintended issues.The genetically modified pig is intended mainly for medical purposes, not meat, according to the company that developed it. The firm recently provided a pig heart that was transplanted into a dying man in an experimental surgery.The company behind the modified salmon said the fish are being sold to distributors in the Midwest and Northeast.Alison Van Eenennaam, an animal geneticist at University of California, Davis who has worked with Recombinetics, said requiring all companies to go through the lengthy approval process could end the possibility of commercializing gene-edited animals in the U.S.For the gene-edited cattle cleared by the FDA, she said it could take about two years for beef from the offspring to reach the market.Once the semen is used to create embryos, she said gestation would take about nine months and the resulting calves might be slaughtered after about 10 months. She noted the market isn’t limited to the U.S., given the way cattle are bred.“Let’s face it, bull semen goes all over the world,” she said.

Gene-edited beef cattle get regulatory clearance in US

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A judge has named a former Kansas attorney general to represent an 18-year-old high school football player who is charged in a shooting that wounded an administrator and school resource officer at a suburban Kansas City high school. 

Jaylon Desean Elmore was charged Saturday with attempted capital murder in Friday’s shooting at Olathe East High School. The charge carries a sentence of life in prison, with no possibility of parole for 25 years.

 Johnson County Judge Dan Vokins said during a Zoom hearing Monday that his attorney will be Paul Morrison, also the former district attorney for the county. Elmore, who was wounded when the school resource officer returned fire, was unable to attend the hearing because he remains hospitalized.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646530374745.png" alt="Elmore photo courtesy Olathe East Varsity Football " />
 <figcaption>Elmore photo courtesy Olathe East Varsity Football </figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A judge has named a former Kansas attorney general to represent an 18-year-old high school football player who is charged in a shooting that wounded an administrator and school resource officer at a suburban Kansas City high school. Jaylon Desean Elmore was charged Saturday with attempted capital murder in Friday’s shooting at Olathe East High School. The charge carries a sentence of life in prison, with no possibility of parole for 25 years. Johnson County Judge Dan Vokins said during a Zoom hearing Monday that his attorney will be Paul Morrison, also the former district attorney for the county. Elmore, who was wounded when the school resource officer returned fire, was unable to attend the hearing because he remains hospitalized.

Teen charged in Kansas high school shooting remains hospitalized

SEDGWICK COUNTY—The mask mandate for the state's largest school district will continue through Friday. During Monday's USD 259-Wichita&nbsp; Public School Board meeting, the board members, by a 4-2 vote, rejected a motion to&nbsp;immediately remove the mask mandate. The district begins Spring Break on Friday.

The Board did approve to add no masks on school buses as of March 10 consistent with CDC guidelines.

A motion to have signage mentioning masks or COVID on district buildings was also defeated.

The Kansas Department of Health reported just 388 new COVID cases on Monday and five additional COVID deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646739208824.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—The mask mandate for the state's largest school district will continue through Friday. During Monday's USD 259-Wichita&nbsp; Public School Board meeting, the board members, by a 4-2 vote, rejected a motion to&nbsp;immediately remove the mask mandate. The district begins Spring Break on Friday.The Board did approve to add no masks on school buses as of March 10 consistent with CDC guidelines.A motion to have signage mentioning masks or COVID on district buildings was also defeated.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646676129296.png" alt="Monday March 7, 2022 -KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday March 7, 2022 -KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health reported just 388 new COVID cases on Monday and five additional COVID deaths.

Mask mandate will continue in state's largest school district

Gasoline prices are pushing even farther above $4 a gallon, the highest price that American motorists have faced since July 2008, as calls grow to ban imports of Russian oil.

Prices at the pump were rising long before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-europe-evacuations-kharkiv-01693b3373cf8bcf2400ae29af992bbe">Russia invaded Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and have spiraled faster since the start of the war. The U.S. national average for a gallon of gasoline has soared 45 cents a gallon in the past week and topped $4.06 on Monday, according to auto club AAA.

“I am looking at the possibility of walking to work,” said Asiya Joseph, who had just paid $4.29 a gallon at a BP station in Brooklyn, New York. “This is the first time that I am filling up my tank in like, 10 days.”

In Huntington Beach, California, Julian Mesa earns $15 an hour cleaning offices. On Monday, he paid $92 to fill his pickup at $5.79 a gallon.

“It’s very expensive, high for people who are earning the minimum,” Mesa said. His family had already scaled back on eating out to cut their spending during the pandemic.

The price of regular broke $4 a gallon on Sunday for the first time in nearly 14 years and is now up nearly 50% from a year ago.

The price is even higher in Europe, averaging 1.75 euros per liter last week, according to the European Commission, the equivalent of $7.21 per gallon.

GasBuddy, which tracks prices down to the service-station level, said Monday that the U.S. was likely to break its record price of $4.10 a gallon, but that does not account for inflation. In today’s terms, the record price would be equal to about $5.24 after accounting for inflation.

“Forget the $4 per gallon mark, the nation will soon set new all-time record highs and we could push closer to a national average of $4.50,” said GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan. “We’ve never been in this situation before, with this level of uncertainty. ... Americans will be feeling the pain of the rise in prices for quite some time.”

Energy prices are contributing to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-long-beach-inflation-prices-consumer-prices-d412bcce554693de469765b34351773d">worst inflation that Americans have seen in 40 years</a>, far outpacing higher wages. Consumer prices jumped 7.5% in January, compared with a year earlier, and analysts predict a 7.9% increase when the government reports February figures later this week.

Oil prices soared early Monday before retreating. Benchmark U.S. crude surged to $130 a barrel overnight, then moderated to around $119, a 3% gain, in afternoon trading. The international price skyrocketed to $139 before falling back to about $123 a barrel. U.S. stocks tumbled, with the S&amp;P 500 falling 3%, its biggest drop in 16 months.

Crude prices plummeted in early 2020 as economies around the world shut down because of COVID-19 — the price of futures even turned negative, meaning some sellers were paying buyers to take oil. Prices rebounded, however, as demand recovered faster than producers pulled oil out of the ground and inventories dried up.

Still, few forecasters saw this week’s surge coming. Just a month ago, the Energy Department predicted oil would average around $80 a barrel this year. That was before Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24.

The United States is the world’s largest oil producer — ahead of Saudi Arabia and Russia — but it is also the biggest oil consumer, and it can’t meet that staggering demand with domestic crude alone.

The U.S. imported&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/pet_move_impcus_a2_nus_ep00_im0_mbbl_m.htm" target="_blank">245 million barrels of oil from Russia last year</a>&nbsp;— about 8% of all U.S. oil imports — up from 198 million barrels in 2020. That’s less than the U.S. gets from Canada or Mexico but more than it imported last year from Saudi Arabia.

The increasingly violent Russian attack on Ukraine has raised calls to cut off Russia from the money it gets from oil and natural gas exports. Europe is heavily dependent on Russian gas.

President Joe Biden has been reluctant to ban Russian oil, fearing it could further fuel inflation heading into the midterm elections this November.

Many Republicans and a growing number of Democrats in the House and Senate, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-joe-biden-business-europe-d30c144383033e2fc9bce6f3d5cfeb0b">endorsed banning Russian crude</a>&nbsp;as a way to put more pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the shelling of Ukraine. On Monday, a bipartisan group of committee chairmen reached agreement on legislation to ban Russian oil imports and suspend normal trade relations status with Russia and its ally, Belarus — the latter move could lead to steep tariffs on other goods from the two countries.

The White House hasn’t ruled out a ban, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Sunday that the United States and its allies were discussing a ban “while making sure that there is still an appropriate supply of oil” on the world market.

Talk of a ban on Russian oil has led U.S. officials to consider other sources that are currently limited.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-business-europe-venezuela-cbe04e87fca44ed3815aba8dd2b65945">In what was supposed to be a secret trip</a>, senior U.S. officials traveled to Venezuela over the weekend to discuss the chance of easing oil sanctions on the major crude-exporting country.

Ronnie James, an Uber driver in Brooklyn, wants the government to do something to bring prices down — get oil from Venezuela or tap more from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

“The folks who are every day building the wealth of this nation could use a break,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637673365192.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID KOENIG, Associated PressGasoline prices are pushing even farther above $4 a gallon, the highest price that American motorists have faced since July 2008, as calls grow to ban imports of Russian oil.Prices at the pump were rising long before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-europe-evacuations-kharkiv-01693b3373cf8bcf2400ae29af992bbe">Russia invaded Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and have spiraled faster since the start of the war. The U.S. national average for a gallon of gasoline has soared 45 cents a gallon in the past week and topped $4.06 on Monday, according to auto club AAA.“I am looking at the possibility of walking to work,” said Asiya Joseph, who had just paid $4.29 a gallon at a BP station in Brooklyn, New York. “This is the first time that I am filling up my tank in like, 10 days.”In Huntington Beach, California, Julian Mesa earns $15 an hour cleaning offices. On Monday, he paid $92 to fill his pickup at $5.79 a gallon.“It’s very expensive, high for people who are earning the minimum,” Mesa said. His family had already scaled back on eating out to cut their spending during the pandemic.The price of regular broke $4 a gallon on Sunday for the first time in nearly 14 years and is now up nearly 50% from a year ago.The price is even higher in Europe, averaging 1.75 euros per liter last week, according to the European Commission, the equivalent of $7.21 per gallon.GasBuddy, which tracks prices down to the service-station level, said Monday that the U.S. was likely to break its record price of $4.10 a gallon, but that does not account for inflation. In today’s terms, the record price would be equal to about $5.24 after accounting for inflation.“Forget the $4 per gallon mark, the nation will soon set new all-time record highs and we could push closer to a national average of $4.50,” said GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan. “We’ve never been in this situation before, with this level of uncertainty. ... Americans will be feeling the pain of the rise in prices for quite some time.”Energy prices are contributing to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-long-beach-inflation-prices-consumer-prices-d412bcce554693de469765b34351773d">worst inflation that Americans have seen in 40 years</a>, far outpacing higher wages. Consumer prices jumped 7.5% in January, compared with a year earlier, and analysts predict a 7.9% increase when the government reports February figures later this week.Oil prices soared early Monday before retreating. Benchmark U.S. crude surged to $130 a barrel overnight, then moderated to around $119, a 3% gain, in afternoon trading. The international price skyrocketed to $139 before falling back to about $123 a barrel. U.S. stocks tumbled, with the S&amp;P 500 falling 3%, its biggest drop in 16 months.Crude prices plummeted in early 2020 as economies around the world shut down because of COVID-19 — the price of futures even turned negative, meaning some sellers were paying buyers to take oil. Prices rebounded, however, as demand recovered faster than producers pulled oil out of the ground and inventories dried up.Still, few forecasters saw this week’s surge coming. Just a month ago, the Energy Department predicted oil would average around $80 a barrel this year. That was before Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24.The United States is the world’s largest oil producer — ahead of Saudi Arabia and Russia — but it is also the biggest oil consumer, and it can’t meet that staggering demand with domestic crude alone.The U.S. imported&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/pet_move_impcus_a2_nus_ep00_im0_mbbl_m.htm" target="_blank">245 million barrels of oil from Russia last year</a>&nbsp;— about 8% of all U.S. oil imports — up from 198 million barrels in 2020. That’s less than the U.S. gets from Canada or Mexico but more than it imported last year from Saudi Arabia.The increasingly violent Russian attack on Ukraine has raised calls to cut off Russia from the money it gets from oil and natural gas exports. Europe is heavily dependent on Russian gas.President Joe Biden has been reluctant to ban Russian oil, fearing it could further fuel inflation heading into the midterm elections this November.Many Republicans and a growing number of Democrats in the House and Senate, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-joe-biden-business-europe-d30c144383033e2fc9bce6f3d5cfeb0b">endorsed banning Russian crude</a>&nbsp;as a way to put more pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the shelling of Ukraine. On Monday, a bipartisan group of committee chairmen reached agreement on legislation to ban Russian oil imports and suspend normal trade relations status with Russia and its ally, Belarus — the latter move could lead to steep tariffs on other goods from the two countries.The White House hasn’t ruled out a ban, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Sunday that the United States and its allies were discussing a ban “while making sure that there is still an appropriate supply of oil” on the world market.Talk of a ban on Russian oil has led U.S. officials to consider other sources that are currently limited.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-business-europe-venezuela-cbe04e87fca44ed3815aba8dd2b65945">In what was supposed to be a secret trip</a>, senior U.S. officials traveled to Venezuela over the weekend to discuss the chance of easing oil sanctions on the major crude-exporting country.Ronnie James, an Uber driver in Brooklyn, wants the government to do something to bring prices down — get oil from Venezuela or tap more from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.“The folks who are every day building the wealth of this nation could use a break,” he said.

US gasoline prices rise again on talk of banning Russian oil

BRANSON, Mo. (AP) — A performer in the Missouri tourist town of Branson who convinced his audiences to donate thousands of dollars to a fake charity for foster children has been sentenced to five years of probation.

James Patrick Garrett, a 65-year-old best known for his John Denver tribute, also was ordered to pay $82,000 in restitution when he was sentenced Friday for wire fraud, the Springfield News-Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/2022/03/05/ex-branson-performer-gets-probation-fake-foster-kid-charity-scam/9376708002/">reported</a>. He entered a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/music-philanthropy-john-denver-missouri-tigers-mens-basketball-branson-7980b73b0aa55a451d21f75f1314ea8b">guilty plea&nbsp;</a>last year.

Authorities have said Garrett devised the scheme in 2012 by creating a company named Diamond Jym Ranch, making himself the president and a member of its board of directors.

The enterprise purported to provide housing, education, food and other needs to displaced or homeless children. But prosecutors said Garrett used the donated money to eat out, pay off credit cards and pay rent and taxes.

Garrett was initially supposed to be sentenced in January, but Judge Roseann Ketchmark asked for a continuance to allow the government to explore whether or not some of the money Garrett owed could be donated to a charity.

After some research, it was determined that roughly $52,000 of the restitution money would be paid to FosterAdopt Connect, an organization that works in Missouri and Kansas to help kids and families navigate the foster care system.

The rest of the restitution money will be paid directly to Garrett’s victims who dropped cash or checks in a donation box after Garret’s shows.

“I take full responsibility,” said Garrett, who sold his house to pay the restitution. “I and I alone dismantled my life, my career, my relationships.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616161613418.png" alt="James Garrett from his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaIBf3CT0VQ">YouTube page</a>" />
 <figcaption>James Garrett from his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaIBf3CT0VQ">YouTube page</a></figcaption>
 </figure>BRANSON, Mo. (AP) — A performer in the Missouri tourist town of Branson who convinced his audiences to donate thousands of dollars to a fake charity for foster children has been sentenced to five years of probation.James Patrick Garrett, a 65-year-old best known for his John Denver tribute, also was ordered to pay $82,000 in restitution when he was sentenced Friday for wire fraud, the Springfield News-Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/2022/03/05/ex-branson-performer-gets-probation-fake-foster-kid-charity-scam/9376708002/">reported</a>. He entered a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/music-philanthropy-john-denver-missouri-tigers-mens-basketball-branson-7980b73b0aa55a451d21f75f1314ea8b">guilty plea&nbsp;</a>last year.Authorities have said Garrett devised the scheme in 2012 by creating a company named Diamond Jym Ranch, making himself the president and a member of its board of directors.The enterprise purported to provide housing, education, food and other needs to displaced or homeless children. But prosecutors said Garrett used the donated money to eat out, pay off credit cards and pay rent and taxes.Garrett was initially supposed to be sentenced in January, but Judge Roseann Ketchmark asked for a continuance to allow the government to explore whether or not some of the money Garrett owed could be donated to a charity.After some research, it was determined that roughly $52,000 of the restitution money would be paid to FosterAdopt Connect, an organization that works in Missouri and Kansas to help kids and families navigate the foster care system.The rest of the restitution money will be paid directly to Garrett’s victims who dropped cash or checks in a donation box after Garret’s shows.“I take full responsibility,” said Garrett, who sold his house to pay the restitution. “I and I alone dismantled my life, my career, my relationships.”

Branson performer who collected $85K in fake charity sentenced

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for allegedly stealing more than two dozen parking meters from downtown Topeka,

On Monday, police arressted 32-year-old suspect identified according to online jail records as David Allen Brookens II of Topeka.

Officers had been investigating the theft last week of 26 coin-operated parking meters. Around midnight Monday, a caller told police they saw someone walking with a shopping cart in an area of downtown and possibly stealing meters. Officers arrived and arrested Brookens.&nbsp;

He was in possession of several recently-stolen meters. He is jailed without bond on requested charges of&nbsp;Theft $25,000 &lt;$100,000 Coin-Operated Machine or Device, Aggravated Criminal Damage,&nbsp;Theft Lost or Mislaid; Coin Operated Machine; $1,000 to $25,000

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646680647513.png" alt="Brookens-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Brookens-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for allegedly stealing more than two dozen parking meters from downtown Topeka,On Monday, police arressted 32-year-old suspect identified according to online jail records as David Allen Brookens II of Topeka.Officers had been investigating the theft last week of 26 coin-operated parking meters. Around midnight Monday, a caller told police they saw someone walking with a shopping cart in an area of downtown and possibly stealing meters. Officers arrived and arrested Brookens.&nbsp;He was in possession of several recently-stolen meters. He is jailed without bond on requested charges of&nbsp;Theft $25,000 &lt;$100,000 Coin-Operated Machine or Device, Aggravated Criminal Damage,&nbsp;Theft Lost or Mislaid; Coin Operated Machine; $1,000 to $25,000

Kan. man accused of stealing 26 coin-operated parking meters

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man was sentenced Thursday to 48 years and nine months in jail for the death of his ex-girlfriend.

Jeremy Lardner, 39, Topeka was sentenced for second-degree murder for the death of Brandi Prchal, 36, who was found dead in Lardner's gas-filled home on Nov. 1, 2019. She had suffered blunt force trauma and was dead at the scene, police said.

Lardner was found unconscious in the home and was charged with Prchal's murder after he was released from the hospital, WIBW reported.

He was initially charged with first-degree murder but in January accepted a plea deal to second-degree murder, aggravated robbery and kidnapping in the death of Prchal, who was an officer for the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573057629606.png" alt="Lardner-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Lardner-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man was sentenced Thursday to 48 years and nine months in jail for the death of his ex-girlfriend.Jeremy Lardner, 39, Topeka was sentenced for second-degree murder for the death of Brandi Prchal, 36, who was found dead in Lardner's gas-filled home on Nov. 1, 2019. She had suffered blunt force trauma and was dead at the scene, police said.Lardner was found unconscious in the home and was charged with Prchal's murder after he was released from the hospital, WIBW reported.He was initially charged with first-degree murder but in January accepted a plea deal to second-degree murder, aggravated robbery and kidnapping in the death of Prchal, who was an officer for the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

Kan. man hospitalized after killing ex-girlfriend is going to prison  

KANSAS CITY —An 18-year-old Kansas City man has been charged with multiple felony counts in connection with the the shooting of &nbsp;three victims in February 2022, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

David Emerson, 18, faces two counts of Murder 2nd Degree, Assault 1st Degree, and three counts of Armed Criminal Action.

According to court records, after midnight on Feb. 21, 2022, police were alerted to bodies in a vehicle in a parking lot n the area of Linwood and Agnes Avenue.

 Video of the scene showed the defendant leaning into the victims' vehicle, stepping back and discharging a firearm. Then firing again. A 5-year-old victim was found in the backseat of the vehicle. The child was shot in the eye.&nbsp; Prosecutors requested a bond of $500,000 cash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646620553901.png" alt="Emerson-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Emerson-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —An 18-year-old Kansas City man has been charged with multiple felony counts in connection with the the shooting of &nbsp;three victims in February 2022, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.David Emerson, 18, faces two counts of Murder 2nd Degree, Assault 1st Degree, and three counts of Armed Criminal Action.According to court records, after midnight on Feb. 21, 2022, police were alerted to bodies in a vehicle in a parking lot n the area of Linwood and Agnes Avenue. Video of the scene showed the defendant leaning into the victims' vehicle, stepping back and discharging a firearm. Then firing again. A 5-year-old victim was found in the backseat of the vehicle. The child was shot in the eye.&nbsp; Prosecutors requested a bond of $500,000 cash.

Teen charged in KC shooting that killed 2, injured 5-year-old

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — One person was killed and two others were critically wounded Monday after gunfire that appeared to come from a passing vehicle struck them outside an Iowa school, authorities said.

Des Moines police said in a news release that potential suspects have been detained in the shooting on the grounds of East High School, near Des Moines’ downtown, about a half mile, from the Capitol. No charges were immediately filed.

Sgt. Paul Parizek told KCCI-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcci.com/article/shooting-reported-outside-des-moines-iowa-school/39359495">that</a>&nbsp;calls started pouring in around 2:50 p.m., shortly before classes were scheduled to dismiss for the day.

The district said in a news release that the school was immediately put into lockdown and students were kept inside while police investigated. They were dismissed around 3:30 p.m. after law enforcement gave an all clear.

Principal Jill Versteeg described what happened as “everyone’s worst nightmare" and urged parents to “hug your students and love them.”

The district said there would be no classes Tuesday and that it was postponing the ACT and parent-teacher conferences. The district also was making grief counselors available.

Superintendent Thomas Ahart said school shootings have “become too common” and said that “real change to gun laws and access would go a long way to help us.”

“Our staff and students," he said, “are forced to train for these incidents and the trauma associated with the repeated drills and incidents will remain with them for years to come. It’s unfortunate that our state and our country have become a place where firearms are far too easily accessible.”

Parizek said he didn’t know whether the victims, who all appeared to be teenagers, were students. Their names weren't immediately released.

Police said they do not believe there is a continued threat to the public.

A motive was not immediately known, and Parizek provided no details on the potential suspects. Authorities have recovered shell casings from the scene as they investigate what happened.

“Obviously, we threw every resource we had at this. We know that the kids in that school are our community’s most precious cargo.”

Des Moines Police Chief Dana Wingert went to the school after the shooting and expressed frustration at the violence.

“Unfortunately what happened here today was just another pointless tragedy in our community,” Wingert told TV station WOI-TV. “People using firearms to settle their differences.”

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say multiple people have been wounded in a shooting outside an Iowa high school. KCCI-TV reports that Sgt. Paul Parizek said suspects have been detained in the Monday afternoon shooting on the grounds of East High School in Des Moines. 

Police said three teens are in critical condition. The school is locked down and residents are asked to stay clear. Streets around the school have been shut down. Police said they do not believe there is a continued threat to the public.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646692512479.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation photo courtesy KCCI TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation photo courtesy KCCI TV</figcaption>
 </figure>DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — One person was killed and two others were critically wounded Monday after gunfire that appeared to come from a passing vehicle struck them outside an Iowa school, authorities said.Des Moines police said in a news release that potential suspects have been detained in the shooting on the grounds of East High School, near Des Moines’ downtown, about a half mile, from the Capitol. No charges were immediately filed.Sgt. Paul Parizek told KCCI-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcci.com/article/shooting-reported-outside-des-moines-iowa-school/39359495">that</a>&nbsp;calls started pouring in around 2:50 p.m., shortly before classes were scheduled to dismiss for the day.The district said in a news release that the school was immediately put into lockdown and students were kept inside while police investigated. They were dismissed around 3:30 p.m. after law enforcement gave an all clear.Principal Jill Versteeg described what happened as “everyone’s worst nightmare" and urged parents to “hug your students and love them.”The district said there would be no classes Tuesday and that it was postponing the ACT and parent-teacher conferences. The district also was making grief counselors available.Superintendent Thomas Ahart said school shootings have “become too common” and said that “real change to gun laws and access would go a long way to help us.”“Our staff and students," he said, “are forced to train for these incidents and the trauma associated with the repeated drills and incidents will remain with them for years to come. It’s unfortunate that our state and our country have become a place where firearms are far too easily accessible.”Parizek said he didn’t know whether the victims, who all appeared to be teenagers, were students. Their names weren't immediately released.Police said they do not believe there is a continued threat to the public.A motive was not immediately known, and Parizek provided no details on the potential suspects. Authorities have recovered shell casings from the scene as they investigate what happened.“Obviously, we threw every resource we had at this. We know that the kids in that school are our community’s most precious cargo.”Des Moines Police Chief Dana Wingert went to the school after the shooting and expressed frustration at the violence.“Unfortunately what happened here today was just another pointless tragedy in our community,” Wingert told TV station WOI-TV. “People using firearms to settle their differences.”-------DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say multiple people have been wounded in a shooting outside an Iowa high school. KCCI-TV reports that Sgt. Paul Parizek said suspects have been detained in the Monday afternoon shooting on the grounds of East High School in Des Moines. Police said three teens are in critical condition. The school is locked down and residents are asked to stay clear. Streets around the school have been shut down. Police said they do not believe there is a continued threat to the public.

1 dead, 2 teens wounded in shooting outside Iowa high school

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting and vehicle crash have arrested a suspect identified as 19-year-<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20069507">old James Lamount Lowe, </a>according to Officer Trevor Macy.

accident have identified 21-year-old Amill Williams and 20-year-old Alonzo Montgomery, both of Wichita, as the victims, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

Just after 1:30 a.m. February 21, 911 dispatch received several check shot calls between Harry and Lincoln along George Washington Boulevard in Wichita, according to Macy.

 When officers checked the area, they located a tan Ford Fusion crash at Lincoln and George Washington Blvd. A 22-year-old woman had been ejected from the vehicle and was transported to an area hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

The two additional occupants&nbsp;identified 21-year-old Amill Williams and 20-year-old Alonzo Montgomery,  were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Officers located evidence of a shooting in the area. The investigation revealed that the three occupants of of the Ford Fusion were being followed by an unknown vehicle. Occupants of the unknown vehicle began firing shots at them.&nbsp;None of the victims appear to have been struck by the gunfire. 

Police <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20069507">arrested Lowe </a>in connection with the crime. He is being held on requested charges of first-degree murder, aggravated assault, interference with law enforcement, possession of marijuana and criminal possession of a firearm.

It is believed at this time that drugs were involved, according to Macy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646661376648.png" alt="Lowe-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Lowe-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting and vehicle crash have arrested a suspect identified as 19-year-<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20069507">old James Lamount Lowe, </a>according to Officer Trevor Macy.accident have identified 21-year-old Amill Williams and 20-year-old Alonzo Montgomery, both of Wichita, as the victims, according to Officer Trevor Macy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645465620879.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>Just after 1:30 a.m. February 21, 911 dispatch received several check shot calls between Harry and Lincoln along George Washington Boulevard in Wichita, according to Macy. When officers checked the area, they located a tan Ford Fusion crash at Lincoln and George Washington Blvd. A 22-year-old woman had been ejected from the vehicle and was transported to an area hospital for treatment of serious injuries.The two additional occupants&nbsp;identified 21-year-old Amill Williams and 20-year-old Alonzo Montgomery, were pronounced deceased at the scene.Officers located evidence of a shooting in the area. The investigation revealed that the three occupants of of the Ford Fusion were being followed by an unknown vehicle. Occupants of the unknown vehicle began firing shots at them.&nbsp;None of the victims appear to have been struck by the gunfire. Police <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20069507">arrested Lowe </a>in connection with the crime. He is being held on requested charges of first-degree murder, aggravated assault, interference with law enforcement, possession of marijuana and criminal possession of a firearm.It is believed at this time that drugs were involved, according to Macy.

Police: Suspect fired shots at vehicle ahead of fatal Kan. crash

In 2006, two former Wichita State students traveled to Ukraine to teach for the Peace
                        Corps.
                     

Locals asked if the Americans knew Britney Spears. They helped them learn a language.
                        They welcomed them with foods such as borscht and layered salads with beets, eggs
                        and mayonnaise.
                     

Some were wary of Americans, suspicions remaining from the Cold War and the fall of
                        the Soviet Union. These visitors, Matt and Stephanie (Whitcomb) Clark, sought to make
                        a good impression.
                     

“They wanted us to be part of their family,” said Stephanie, a 2004 broadcast journalism
                        graduate who played volleyball for WSU from 2000-03. “They would sit with us for hours
                        and help teach us certain things. They wanted us to be a part of who they were. I
                        feel like Ukraine is our home.”
                     

That home, their friends, and their warm memories are in turmoil as the Russian invasion
                        wears on in their adopted country. They rely on social media to hear from former students,
                        host families and friends, as they try to sort good information from bad and bring
                        attention to the crisis.
                     

“It rips your heart out,” Matt said. “We know … people pretty well that are just in
                        a horrible situation. We feel very connected to them.”
                     

The Clarks live in Fort Collins, Colorado, where Matt works in health care and business
                        development, and Stephanie is a licensed clinical social worker. Son Aubyn is 10,
                        and daughter Anya is 8. Anya is a common name in Ukraine.
                     

Matt, who graduated in 2004 with a degree in English literature, played basketball
                        for the Shockers from 2000 to 2004.
                     

From 2006 to 2008, the couple taught English to students from fifth grade to high
                        school in Ukraine; Stephanie in a school that emphasized math and science, Matt in
                        a school focused on arts and language. After training in Uzyn, they moved to Shostka,
                        a city of around 74,000 people within two hours of the Russian border.&nbsp;
                     

Borscht, a soup made with red beetroots, remains on their family menu every six weeks
                        or so.
                     

“One of their expressions was always, ‘Open soul, open heart,’” Matt said. “So incredibly
                        warm and kind. A lot of our time was spent around a table, sharing a meal and talking.
                        They love to dance. They love sports. They’re highly educated, as a population.”
                     

While in Ukraine, the Clarks saw the difficulties of life as a Russian neighbor. They
                        kept a bag with money and medicine prepared in case they needed to leave quickly.
                        They saw demonstrations and heard the stories about the conflict between the countries.
                        In 2014, they followed the annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.
                     

“There were times when we there, 2006-08, I thought we were going to be evacuated,”
                        Stephanie said. “We weren’t sure whether or not the political turn would be something
                        that would be safe for us. Ukraine is a nation that’s been fighting for their independence,
                        really, since the fall of the Soviet Union. When I was watching everything unfold,
                        it was surreal. I didn’t think it was going to escalate to this point.”
                     

They are eager to get the word out and direct people to reliable information and reputable
                        sources for donations to refugee camps.
                     

“Our heart is there, and our focus is there,” Matt said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646685861893.png" alt="Matt and Stephanie (Whitcomb) Clark" />
 <figcaption>Matt and Stephanie (Whitcomb) Clark</figcaption>
 </figure>By WSU Strategic CommunicationsIn 2006, two former Wichita State students traveled to Ukraine to teach for the Peace
 Corps.
 Locals asked if the Americans knew Britney Spears. They helped them learn a language.
 They welcomed them with foods such as borscht and layered salads with beets, eggs
 and mayonnaise.
 Some were wary of Americans, suspicions remaining from the Cold War and the fall of
 the Soviet Union. These visitors, Matt and Stephanie (Whitcomb) Clark, sought to make
 a good impression.
 “They wanted us to be part of their family,” said Stephanie, a 2004 broadcast journalism
 graduate who played volleyball for WSU from 2000-03. “They would sit with us for hours
 and help teach us certain things. They wanted us to be a part of who they were. I
 feel like Ukraine is our home.”
 That home, their friends, and their warm memories are in turmoil as the Russian invasion
 wears on in their adopted country. They rely on social media to hear from former students,
 host families and friends, as they try to sort good information from bad and bring
 attention to the crisis.
 “It rips your heart out,” Matt said. “We know … people pretty well that are just in
 a horrible situation. We feel very connected to them.”
 The Clarks live in Fort Collins, Colorado, where Matt works in health care and business
 development, and Stephanie is a licensed clinical social worker. Son Aubyn is 10,
 and daughter Anya is 8. Anya is a common name in Ukraine.
 Matt, who graduated in 2004 with a degree in English literature, played basketball
 for the Shockers from 2000 to 2004.
 From 2006 to 2008, the couple taught English to students from fifth grade to high
 school in Ukraine; Stephanie in a school that emphasized math and science, Matt in
 a school focused on arts and language. After training in Uzyn, they moved to Shostka,
 a city of around 74,000 people within two hours of the Russian border.&nbsp;
 Borscht, a soup made with red beetroots, remains on their family menu every six weeks
 or so.
 “One of their expressions was always, ‘Open soul, open heart,’” Matt said. “So incredibly
 warm and kind. A lot of our time was spent around a table, sharing a meal and talking.
 They love to dance. They love sports. They’re highly educated, as a population.”
 While in Ukraine, the Clarks saw the difficulties of life as a Russian neighbor. They
 kept a bag with money and medicine prepared in case they needed to leave quickly.
 They saw demonstrations and heard the stories about the conflict between the countries.
 In 2014, they followed the annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.
 “There were times when we there, 2006-08, I thought we were going to be evacuated,”
 Stephanie said. “We weren’t sure whether or not the political turn would be something
 that would be safe for us. Ukraine is a nation that’s been fighting for their independence,
 really, since the fall of the Soviet Union. When I was watching everything unfold,
 it was surreal. I didn’t think it was going to escalate to this point.”
 They are eager to get the word out and direct people to reliable information and reputable
 sources for donations to refugee camps.
 “Our heart is there, and our focus is there,” Matt said.

Wichita State alums regard Ukraine as second home: ‘It rips your heart out’

LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Sunday crash have identified the victims.

&nbsp;Just after 4:30 p.m., a&nbsp;2014 Chevy Malibu driven 31-year-old Nichole Gibbons of Wichita, along with her 11-year-old son, Terrell Gibbons of Topeka, were eastbound on Highway 50 at Road C, according to Lyon County Deputy Jody Meyers.

The Malibu crossed the center line into the westbound lane&nbsp; and struck a 2020 Hyundai Palisade driven by James Morton, 53, Dodge City. The impact&nbsp;caused the Malibu to turn sideways. A westbound 2009 Nissan Quest driven by Steven Miller, 49, Hutchinson, struck the Malibu.

Gibbons and her son Terrell were pronounced dead at the scene, according to Meyers.

Emporia/Lyon County EMS transported Miller to Newman Regional Hospital.

Chase County EMS checked James Morton and&nbsp; a passenger in the Hyundai 43-year-old Sheree Morton of Dodge City for injuries. They refused medical treatment. The sheriff's office released no additional details.

EMPORIA, Kan. (AP) — Two people are dead following an accident in eastern Kansas. 

KSNT-TV reports that the accident happened Sunday afternoon at the intersection of Highway 50 and Road C, west of Emporia in Lyon County. Sheriff Jeff Cope says a third person is hospitalized with serious injuries. 

Few details have been released, including names of the victims. Authorities have not said if the wintry weather was a factor in the wreck.

LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Sunday crash have identified the victims.&nbsp;Just after 4:30 p.m., a&nbsp;2014 Chevy Malibu driven 31-year-old Nichole Gibbons of Wichita, along with her 11-year-old son, Terrell Gibbons of Topeka, were eastbound on Highway 50 at Road C, according to Lyon County Deputy Jody Meyers.The Malibu crossed the center line into the westbound lane&nbsp; and struck a 2020 Hyundai Palisade driven by James Morton, 53, Dodge City. The impact&nbsp;caused the Malibu to turn sideways. A westbound 2009 Nissan Quest driven by Steven Miller, 49, Hutchinson, struck the Malibu.Gibbons and her son Terrell were pronounced dead at the scene, according to Meyers.Emporia/Lyon County EMS transported Miller to Newman Regional Hospital.Chase County EMS checked James Morton and&nbsp; a passenger in the Hyundai 43-year-old Sheree Morton of Dodge City for injuries. They refused medical treatment. The sheriff's office released no additional details.------EMPORIA, Kan. (AP) — Two people are dead following an accident in eastern Kansas. KSNT-TV reports that the accident happened Sunday afternoon at the intersection of Highway 50 and Road C, west of Emporia in Lyon County. Sheriff Jeff Cope says a third person is hospitalized with serious injuries. Few details have been released, including names of the victims. Authorities have not said if the wintry weather was a factor in the wreck.

Sheriff IDs Kan. woman, 11-year-old who died in 3-vehicle crash 

By BRENT MARTIN <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Drug Enforcement Administration agents want to get across a
message:&nbsp; the scourge of drugs is very
real and not just confined to the big cities.

DEA spokeswoman Emily Murray says the Omaha office traveled to
southeast Nebraska to emphasize the drug problem is no longer just a big city
problem.

“So, unfortunately what we’re seeing is that smaller
communities are truly no more immune to the threat of methamphetamine that the larger
cities,” Murray tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Murray spoke with elementary and middle school children in the
Falls City, Neb., public school district. DEA agents met with the Falls City Police
Department and the Richardson County Sheriff’s Office.

Falls City is a town of about 4,200 people.

“Certainly, you hear about methamphetamine and fentanyl and
other drugs being abused more commonly or you hear about it more often or
frequently, I guess, in larger cities,” Murray says. “But these small cities,
they’re just not immune to this. It’s certainly a problem that we’re seeing all
across the state, all across the country for that matter.”

Murray, who works in the Omaha office, says methamphetamine
once was produced in meth labs, but when governments cracked down on buying the
ingredients to make it, production shifted to Mexico. She says the precursors
are shipped to Mexico from China and then sold in America.

“Whether that’s walking something across the border, driving
it across the border, flying it across the border,” Murray says. “Obviously,
they’re using our interstate system. They’re mailing drugs. So, the drugs are
just flooding into the nation at an alarming rate.”

Murray says the DEA has seen drug trafficking growing, no
matter where you live.

“The drug threat is not limited to just big cities. Methamphetamine
and fentanyl are certainly being seen in small cities, both in Nebraska and
Missouri and all across the country,” according to Murray. “Nobody is immune
from this threat and we all like to think it can never happen to us, but the drug
threat really is real.”

Murray says the DEA has assembled a coalition of law
enforcement to attack the drug problem in Nebraska, comprised of the DEA, the
FBI, the Nebraska Attorney General’s office, the Nebraska State Patrol, the and
US Attorney’s Office.

By BRENT MARTIN <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Drug Enforcement Administration agents want to get across a
message:&nbsp; the scourge of drugs is very
real and not just confined to the big cities.DEA spokeswoman Emily Murray says the Omaha office traveled to
southeast Nebraska to emphasize the drug problem is no longer just a big city
problem.“So, unfortunately what we’re seeing is that smaller
communities are truly no more immune to the threat of methamphetamine that the larger
cities,” Murray tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Murray spoke with elementary and middle school children in the
Falls City, Neb., public school district. DEA agents met with the Falls City Police
Department and the Richardson County Sheriff’s Office.Falls City is a town of about 4,200 people.“Certainly, you hear about methamphetamine and fentanyl and
other drugs being abused more commonly or you hear about it more often or
frequently, I guess, in larger cities,” Murray says. “But these small cities,
they’re just not immune to this. It’s certainly a problem that we’re seeing all
across the state, all across the country for that matter.”Murray, who works in the Omaha office, says methamphetamine
once was produced in meth labs, but when governments cracked down on buying the
ingredients to make it, production shifted to Mexico. She says the precursors
are shipped to Mexico from China and then sold in America.“Whether that’s walking something across the border, driving
it across the border, flying it across the border,” Murray says. “Obviously,
they’re using our interstate system. They’re mailing drugs. So, the drugs are
just flooding into the nation at an alarming rate.”Murray says the DEA has seen drug trafficking growing, no
matter where you live.“The drug threat is not limited to just big cities. Methamphetamine
and fentanyl are certainly being seen in small cities, both in Nebraska and
Missouri and all across the country,” according to Murray. “Nobody is immune
from this threat and we all like to think it can never happen to us, but the drug
threat really is real.”Murray says the DEA has assembled a coalition of law
enforcement to attack the drug problem in Nebraska, comprised of the DEA, the
FBI, the Nebraska Attorney General’s office, the Nebraska State Patrol, the and
US Attorney’s Office.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

DEA trip to SE Neb. shows drugs aren't just a big-city problem

KANSAS CITY —A Jackson County jury on Thursday convicted a Kansas City man in the 2018, fatal shooting of Donna McKeown, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

The jury convicted 47-year-old Damon Kerr of Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;

According to court records, Kansas City police responded on Nov. 25, 2018, to the 3400 block of East 54th Street on a reported shooting. Officers found the victim in the front seat of a Dodge Avenger. 

She had been shot in the neck. She was later declared deceased at the &nbsp;hospital. The victim was mother of three children of the defendant, who initially denied shooting the victim.&nbsp;&nbsp;A Jackson County judge will sentence Kerr on May 6.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646402801603.png" alt="Kerr-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Kerr-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Jackson County jury on Thursday convicted a Kansas City man in the 2018, fatal shooting of Donna McKeown, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.The jury convicted 47-year-old Damon Kerr of Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;According to court records, Kansas City police responded on Nov. 25, 2018, to the 3400 block of East 54th Street on a reported shooting. Officers found the victim in the front seat of a Dodge Avenger. She had been shot in the neck. She was later declared deceased at the &nbsp;hospital. The victim was mother of three children of the defendant, who initially denied shooting the victim.&nbsp;&nbsp;A Jackson County judge will sentence Kerr on May 6.

Jury: KC man guilty for murder of the mother of his 3 children

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/07/tax-credit-bundle-promoting-housing-aerospace-education-gets-preliminary-kansas-senate-nod/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Senate gave 
the tentative green light Thursday to a massive bundle of tax credit 
incentives for aerospace and aviation programs, housing investments, 
teacher supplies and income tax while declining to provide a $250 rebate
 to all Kansans.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb282/">Senate Bill 282</a>
 began the debate as a tax credit estimated to cost the state $7.9 
million by allowing employers in the aviation industry to write off 
tuition costs or certain program fees for a qualified employee beginning
 in 2023. Employees would be a graduate of an accredited engineering 
program, or an associate of an applied science degree program or a 
career technical program.

This credit would be capped at 50%
 of the tuition reimbursement paid and could be claimed each year, for 
up to the fourth year of employment.

The bill would also create a 
nonrefundable tax credit for taxpayers equal to 10% of the compensation 
paid to qualified employees in each of their first five years of 
employment, not to exceed $15,000 per year.

Sen. Gene Suellentrop, R-Wichita, 
said the measure was important to bring Kansas level with Oklahoma, 
which has been pushing aerospace development.

“If we’re not careful, they can 
take a good part of McConnell Air Force Base and our entire aviation 
production and haul it down south in a very short order,” Suellentrop 
said. “Their governor has worked with their legislature to create 
similar tax credit programs. So, this is not something new. This is used
 in the industry.”

Additionally, the bill would 
create a nonrefundable tax credit for taxpayers who become qualified 
employees during the year. Employees with income tax liability less than
 $5,000 would be eligible to carry any unused credit forward for up to 
four years.

Several other legislators 
piggybacked on the tax credit, proposing ideas of their own. Sen. Robert
 Olson, R-Olathe, brought a pair of housing tax credits and tacked them 
on with Senate approval.

The main credit, established in 
the Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credit Act, would allow any financial 
institution, project builder and developer who makes cash investment in 
some housing projects to claim a tax credit.

Under the act, the director of the Kansas Housing Resource Corporation can issue credits up to
 $35,000 per residential unit in a county with a population no more than
 8,000; up to $32,000 per unit in a county with a population greater 
than 8,000 but not more than 25,000; and up to $30,000 per resident for 
all other qualified housing projects.

Sen. Jeff Pittman, D-Leavenworth, 
said he was concerned it did not include areas of high growth in 
northeast Kansas but still supported the measure.

“We need new housing in the state 
of Kansas, we need workforce development, and we need affordable housing
 in our counties out there across the state,” Pittman said.

Sen. Alicia Straub, R-Ellinwood, 
saw other issues in her area, like senior citizens on a fixed income 
struggling to afford the homes they have owned for years because of high
 taxes.

“I would support a reduction in 
taxes for all Kansas residents, not just picking winners and losers with
 builders and certain developments,” Straub said.

The only amendment to fail was an 
offer from Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes to include a $250 tax 
rebate for all single filers and $500 for married Kansas residents. The 
idea is part of the governor’s proposed budget.

Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker, shut down the amendment quickly.

“It may sound good on the surface,
 but this is not the way to promote economic development or good sound 
tax policy,” Tyson said. “We’ve seen that behavior at the federal level.
 It was not the results that we would have liked to have seen.”

Another amendment adds another 
option to the Homestead Property Tax Act for Kansans aged 65 years or 
older or disabled veterans.&nbsp;

The final amendment, introduced by
 Sen. Virgil Peck, R-Havana, would increase the amount of the 
residential exemption of the 20-mill property tax levy from $20,000 of 
valuation to $65,000. It would also allow that amount to increase in 
future years.

The amendment drew some worry from
 Sen. Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence, about the impact this may have on the
 school finance formula.

“My concern is there would be less
 property tax available so more of that funding would come from our 
state general fund than from the property taxes collected,” Francisco 
said. “I would just hope before I voted on this that I would have a 
better understanding of those numbers.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646664752961.png" alt="Sen. Gene Suellentrop said Kansas needs to take steps to become more competitive in the aerospace industry or risk being left behind by neighbor Oklahoma. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Gene Suellentrop said Kansas needs to take steps to become more competitive in the aerospace industry or risk being left behind by neighbor Oklahoma. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/07/tax-credit-bundle-promoting-housing-aerospace-education-gets-preliminary-kansas-senate-nod/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Senate gave 
the tentative green light Thursday to a massive bundle of tax credit 
incentives for aerospace and aviation programs, housing investments, 
teacher supplies and income tax while declining to provide a $250 rebate
 to all Kansans.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb282/">Senate Bill 282</a>
 began the debate as a tax credit estimated to cost the state $7.9 
million by allowing employers in the aviation industry to write off 
tuition costs or certain program fees for a qualified employee beginning
 in 2023. Employees would be a graduate of an accredited engineering 
program, or an associate of an applied science degree program or a 
career technical program.This credit would be capped at 50%
 of the tuition reimbursement paid and could be claimed each year, for 
up to the fourth year of employment.The bill would also create a 
nonrefundable tax credit for taxpayers equal to 10% of the compensation 
paid to qualified employees in each of their first five years of 
employment, not to exceed $15,000 per year.Sen. Gene Suellentrop, R-Wichita, 
said the measure was important to bring Kansas level with Oklahoma, 
which has been pushing aerospace development.“If we’re not careful, they can 
take a good part of McConnell Air Force Base and our entire aviation 
production and haul it down south in a very short order,” Suellentrop 
said. “Their governor has worked with their legislature to create 
similar tax credit programs. So, this is not something new. This is used
 in the industry.”Additionally, the bill would 
create a nonrefundable tax credit for taxpayers who become qualified 
employees during the year. Employees with income tax liability less than
 $5,000 would be eligible to carry any unused credit forward for up to 
four years.Several other legislators 
piggybacked on the tax credit, proposing ideas of their own. Sen. Robert
 Olson, R-Olathe, brought a pair of housing tax credits and tacked them 
on with Senate approval.The main credit, established in 
the Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credit Act, would allow any financial 
institution, project builder and developer who makes cash investment in 
some housing projects to claim a tax credit.Under the act, the director of the Kansas Housing Resource Corporation can issue credits up to
 $35,000 per residential unit in a county with a population no more than
 8,000; up to $32,000 per unit in a county with a population greater 
than 8,000 but not more than 25,000; and up to $30,000 per resident for 
all other qualified housing projects.Sen. Jeff Pittman, D-Leavenworth, 
said he was concerned it did not include areas of high growth in 
northeast Kansas but still supported the measure.“We need new housing in the state 
of Kansas, we need workforce development, and we need affordable housing
 in our counties out there across the state,” Pittman said.Sen. Alicia Straub, R-Ellinwood, 
saw other issues in her area, like senior citizens on a fixed income 
struggling to afford the homes they have owned for years because of high
 taxes.“I would support a reduction in 
taxes for all Kansas residents, not just picking winners and losers with
 builders and certain developments,” Straub said.The only amendment to fail was an 
offer from Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes to include a $250 tax 
rebate for all single filers and $500 for married Kansas residents. The 
idea is part of the governor’s proposed budget.Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker, shut down the amendment quickly.“It may sound good on the surface,
 but this is not the way to promote economic development or good sound 
tax policy,” Tyson said. “We’ve seen that behavior at the federal level.
 It was not the results that we would have liked to have seen.”Another amendment adds another 
option to the Homestead Property Tax Act for Kansans aged 65 years or 
older or disabled veterans.&nbsp;The final amendment, introduced by
 Sen. Virgil Peck, R-Havana, would increase the amount of the 
residential exemption of the 20-mill property tax levy from $20,000 of 
valuation to $65,000. It would also allow that amount to increase in 
future years.The amendment drew some worry from
 Sen. Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence, about the impact this may have on the
 school finance formula.“My concern is there would be less
 property tax available so more of that funding would come from our 
state general fund than from the property taxes collected,” Francisco 
said. “I would just hope before I voted on this that I would have a 
better understanding of those numbers.”