By JARED STRONG <a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/">States Newsroom</a>

The Russian invasion of Ukraine this week might drive up the costs of farm fertilizers globally — which&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fertilizerpricing.com/priceindex/">nearly quadrupled</a>&nbsp;last
 year in price in the United States and remain high — and presents an 
opportunity for unscrupulous companies to artificially inflate those 
prices further, according to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

“That’s my biggest and deepest concern,” Vilsack said Thursday of the
 invasion’s immediate effects on U.S. agriculture, “and we’re obviously 
going to keep an eye on that.”

Last year’s fertilizer price spike has been attributed to a 
confluence of issues, including shortages of natural gas and limited 
fertilizer stockpiles. Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/02/24/iowa-attorney-general-to-investigate-fertilizer-prices/">announced Thursday</a>&nbsp;that his office will conduct a market study in the next few months to better understand why the prices have soared.

Vilsack said his office will watch for potential price gouging as a 
result of the invasion, which began early Thursday. Russia is a major 
global supplier of farm fertilizers and is the source of about a third 
of Europe’s natural gas. President Joe Biden announced sanctions against
 Russia on Thursday that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0608">target its financial system</a>&nbsp;and would halt technology exports to the country. It’s unclear how Russia might retaliate.

“I sincerely hope that no company out there — whether it’s fertilizer
 or any other supply that may be impacted by this — will take unfair 
advantage of the circumstances of this situation, making sure that they 
don’t use this situation as an excuse for doing something which isn’t 
necessarily justified by supply and demand,” Vilsack said.

Russia had already begun to limit its fertilizer exports late last year and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://gro-intelligence.com/insights/russia-bans-fertilizer-exports-will-weigh-on-brazil-corn-crop">recently imposed</a>&nbsp;a two-month export moratorium on ammonium nitrate, a key fertilizer for corn.

In November, Iowa farmers faced fertilizer price quotes that were&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2021/11/08/high-cost-short-supply-of-fertilizer-to-alter-2022-planting/">three to six times higher</a>&nbsp;than
 the previous year. That has led to speculation that farmers will plant 
fewer acres of corn and reduce the amount of fertilizer they apply to 
their fields. The planting season is about two months away.

Vilsack said supply shortages reinforce “the need for us to look at 
our own capacities domestically, and figure out ways in which we can be 
perhaps a little bit less reliant on outside forces.”

He doubted the potential shortages will have an immediate and 
significant effect on food prices in the United States, but “if I were a
 commissioner or an ag secretary in a European country, I would have a 
much different feeling about this.”

Ukraine has fertile soil that is comparable in richness to Iowa’s and is a major wheat and corn producer in eastern Europe.

“We in the U.S. are fortunate,” Vilsack said. “We have tremendous production capacity.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645798572591.png" alt=" U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack holds a press conference with reporters on Feb. 24, 2022 (Screenshot of virtual press conference)." />
 <figcaption> U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack holds a press conference with reporters on Feb. 24, 2022 (Screenshot of virtual press conference).</figcaption>
 </figure>By JARED STRONG <a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/">States Newsroom</a>The Russian invasion of Ukraine this week might drive up the costs of farm fertilizers globally — which&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fertilizerpricing.com/priceindex/">nearly quadrupled</a>&nbsp;last
 year in price in the United States and remain high — and presents an 
opportunity for unscrupulous companies to artificially inflate those 
prices further, according to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.“That’s my biggest and deepest concern,” Vilsack said Thursday of the
 invasion’s immediate effects on U.S. agriculture, “and we’re obviously 
going to keep an eye on that.”Last year’s fertilizer price spike has been attributed to a 
confluence of issues, including shortages of natural gas and limited 
fertilizer stockpiles. Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/02/24/iowa-attorney-general-to-investigate-fertilizer-prices/">announced Thursday</a>&nbsp;that his office will conduct a market study in the next few months to better understand why the prices have soared.Vilsack said his office will watch for potential price gouging as a 
result of the invasion, which began early Thursday. Russia is a major 
global supplier of farm fertilizers and is the source of about a third 
of Europe’s natural gas. President Joe Biden announced sanctions against
 Russia on Thursday that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0608">target its financial system</a>&nbsp;and would halt technology exports to the country. It’s unclear how Russia might retaliate.“I sincerely hope that no company out there — whether it’s fertilizer
 or any other supply that may be impacted by this — will take unfair 
advantage of the circumstances of this situation, making sure that they 
don’t use this situation as an excuse for doing something which isn’t 
necessarily justified by supply and demand,” Vilsack said.Russia had already begun to limit its fertilizer exports late last year and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://gro-intelligence.com/insights/russia-bans-fertilizer-exports-will-weigh-on-brazil-corn-crop">recently imposed</a>&nbsp;a two-month export moratorium on ammonium nitrate, a key fertilizer for corn.In November, Iowa farmers faced fertilizer price quotes that were&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2021/11/08/high-cost-short-supply-of-fertilizer-to-alter-2022-planting/">three to six times higher</a>&nbsp;than
 the previous year. That has led to speculation that farmers will plant 
fewer acres of corn and reduce the amount of fertilizer they apply to 
their fields. The planting season is about two months away.Vilsack said supply shortages reinforce “the need for us to look at 
our own capacities domestically, and figure out ways in which we can be 
perhaps a little bit less reliant on outside forces.”He doubted the potential shortages will have an immediate and 
significant effect on food prices in the United States, but “if I were a
 commissioner or an ag secretary in a European country, I would have a 
much different feeling about this.”Ukraine has fertile soil that is comparable in richness to Iowa’s and is a major wheat and corn producer in eastern Europe.“We in the U.S. are fortunate,” Vilsack said. “We have tremendous production capacity.”

Vilsack: Fertilizer prices biggest worry for farmers after Russian invasion

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigation three teen in connection with a carjacking.

Shortly before 3:00 a.m. Thursday, police responded to a carjacking in the 500 block of N Rock Road in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

 They contacted a 21-year-old female who reported three unknown male suspects pointed a gun at her and demanded her property. The three suspects took the keys to her vehicle and left in it.

Around half an hour later, a police officer was checking a gas station in the 1300 block of N. Oliver and spotted the victim's car. As he drove toward the car, he saw two suspects. One of the suspects ran from the area while the other, a 17-year-old boy, was taken into custody. He was found to be in possession of a handgun with an extended magazine. The handgun was previously reported stolen from Oklahoma City. 

Wichita police officers with assistance from the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office and the Wichita State University Police Department, searched the area for the other suspect. As they were searching, a citizen called to report an unknown man entering a vacant residence in the 1200 block of N. Harding. Officers went to the home and located a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old, on the front porch. They were both taken into custody.

One of the suspects was in possession of a BB pistol and property that belonged to the carjacking victim. The other suspect had a BB rifle that looked similar to a shotgun. After interviews with police investigators, the teen were taken to Juvenile Intake on requested charges of aggravated robbery.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigation three teen in connection with a carjacking.Shortly before 3:00 a.m. Thursday, police responded to a carjacking in the 500 block of N Rock Road in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy. They contacted a 21-year-old female who reported three unknown male suspects pointed a gun at her and demanded her property. The three suspects took the keys to her vehicle and left in it.Around half an hour later, a police officer was checking a gas station in the 1300 block of N. Oliver and spotted the victim's car. As he drove toward the car, he saw two suspects. One of the suspects ran from the area while the other, a 17-year-old boy, was taken into custody. He was found to be in possession of a handgun with an extended magazine. The handgun was previously reported stolen from Oklahoma City. Wichita police officers with assistance from the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office and the Wichita State University Police Department, searched the area for the other suspect. As they were searching, a citizen called to report an unknown man entering a vacant residence in the 1200 block of N. Harding. Officers went to the home and located a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old, on the front porch. They were both taken into custody.One of the suspects was in possession of a BB pistol and property that belonged to the carjacking victim. The other suspect had a BB rifle that looked similar to a shotgun. After interviews with police investigators, the teen were taken to Juvenile Intake on requested charges of aggravated robbery.

3 teens with a stolen handgun accused of Kan. carjacking

Manhattan— Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire at a home in Manhattan.

Just after 9 p.m. on Thursday, fire crews were dispatched to 2087 College View Road for a report of a house fire, according to&nbsp;Assistant Chief Mike Kaus.

Upon arrival, crews found the home had smoke coming from the front and roof. Crews completed a search and controlled the fire within 20 minutes.&nbsp; The occupants safely exited the structure prior to fire department arrival.&nbsp; No injuries were reported on scene.&nbsp; &nbsp; The house is a one-story house that had two occupants. Loss is estimated at $10,000 to contents and $40,000 to the structure. The owner is listed as Mike Lowe of Manhattan.

Manhattan— Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire at a home in Manhattan.Just after 9 p.m. on Thursday, fire crews were dispatched to 2087 College View Road for a report of a house fire, according to&nbsp;Assistant Chief Mike Kaus.Upon arrival, crews found the home had smoke coming from the front and roof. Crews completed a search and controlled the fire within 20 minutes.&nbsp; The occupants safely exited the structure prior to fire department arrival.&nbsp; No injuries were reported on scene.&nbsp; &nbsp; The house is a one-story house that had two occupants. Loss is estimated at $10,000 to contents and $40,000 to the structure. The owner is listed as Mike Lowe of Manhattan.

$50K damage after Kansas house fire 

Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine brought in nearly $7 billion in the final quarter of 2021, and the drugmaker says it has signed purchase agreements for another $19 billion in sales this year.

The vaccine maker’s COVID-19 shots, which are now available in more than 70 countries, totaled $17.7 billion in sales last year, their first full year on the market.

Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine is the only product the drugmaker has on the market.

Late last month, U.S. regulators gave full approval to the vaccine, which is now being marketed under the name Spikevax.

But the company is still waiting for U.S. regulators to authorize the vaccine’s use in 12- to 17-year olds, even though several other countries have authorized that expanded use. Regulators are studying the rare risk of a heart inflammation that has shown up in some people who have received the shots.

More than 75 million people have become fully vaccinated with Moderna’s shot in the United States since its emergency authorization over a year ago, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Another 40 million have received booster doses.

In the recently completed fourth quarter, Moderna earned $4.87 billion on $7.21 billion in revenue, while earnings per share came to $11.29.

Analysts expect, on average, earnings of $9.96 per share on $6.8 billion in revenue, according to FactSet.

For the full year, Moderna earned $12.2 billion, compared to a net loss of $747 million in 2020.

For 2022, the Cambridge, Massachusetts company said in November it expects revenue between $17 billion and $22 billion.

Analysts forecast $21.5 billion in revenue.

The company said Thursday that its purchase agreements for the new year include an additional $3 billion in options for any potential updated vaccine boosters.

Moderna makes one of three COVID-19 vaccines currently being used in the United States to fight the pandemic. The others are made by Pfizer Inc. and Johnson &amp; Johnson.

Sales for all three companies soared last year as countries launched mass vaccination campaigns.

Analysts expect vaccine sales to be strong again in 2022 before starting to tail off. When that decline happens depends on how the pandemic unfolds.

Shares of Moderna Inc. tumbled more than 3% in premarket trading. Broader U.S. trading indexes dropped more than 2% after Russia launched a military attack on Ukraine.

By TOM MURPHY, Associated PressModerna’s COVID-19 vaccine brought in nearly $7 billion in the final quarter of 2021, and the drugmaker says it has signed purchase agreements for another $19 billion in sales this year.The vaccine maker’s COVID-19 shots, which are now available in more than 70 countries, totaled $17.7 billion in sales last year, their first full year on the market.Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine is the only product the drugmaker has on the market.Late last month, U.S. regulators gave full approval to the vaccine, which is now being marketed under the name Spikevax.But the company is still waiting for U.S. regulators to authorize the vaccine’s use in 12- to 17-year olds, even though several other countries have authorized that expanded use. Regulators are studying the rare risk of a heart inflammation that has shown up in some people who have received the shots.More than 75 million people have become fully vaccinated with Moderna’s shot in the United States since its emergency authorization over a year ago, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Another 40 million have received booster doses.In the recently completed fourth quarter, Moderna earned $4.87 billion on $7.21 billion in revenue, while earnings per share came to $11.29.Analysts expect, on average, earnings of $9.96 per share on $6.8 billion in revenue, according to FactSet.For the full year, Moderna earned $12.2 billion, compared to a net loss of $747 million in 2020.For 2022, the Cambridge, Massachusetts company said in November it expects revenue between $17 billion and $22 billion.Analysts forecast $21.5 billion in revenue.The company said Thursday that its purchase agreements for the new year include an additional $3 billion in options for any potential updated vaccine boosters.Moderna makes one of three COVID-19 vaccines currently being used in the United States to fight the pandemic. The others are made by Pfizer Inc. and Johnson &amp; Johnson.Sales for all three companies soared last year as countries launched mass vaccination campaigns.Analysts expect vaccine sales to be strong again in 2022 before starting to tail off. When that decline happens depends on how the pandemic unfolds.Shares of Moderna Inc. tumbled more than 3% in premarket trading. Broader U.S. trading indexes dropped more than 2% after Russia launched a military attack on Ukraine.

COVID vaccine: Moderna earned $12B in 2021; Net loss of $747M in 2020

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today updated its frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the Premium Tax Credit.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/newsroom/fs-2022-13.pdf">FS-2022-13</a>&nbsp;PDF&nbsp;includes the following FAQ revisions and additions:

These FAQs are being issued to provide general information to taxpayers and tax professionals as expeditiously as possible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today updated its frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the Premium Tax Credit.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/newsroom/fs-2022-13.pdf">FS-2022-13</a>&nbsp;PDF&nbsp;includes the following FAQ revisions and additions:<ul>
 <li>Updated The Basics FAQs: Q1, Q3, Q4</li><li>Updated Eligibility FAQs: Q5, Q7, Q8, Q9, Q11</li><li>Updated Reporting, Claiming and Reconciling FAQs: Q24, Q26, Q27</li><li>Updated Suspension of Repayment of Excess Advance Payments of the 
Premium Tax Credit (Excess APTC) for Tax Year 2020 FAQs: Q33, Q36</li><li>New Unemployment Compensation 2020 and 2021 FAQs: Q38 through Q45</li>
 </ul>These FAQs are being issued to provide general information to taxpayers and tax professionals as expeditiously as possible.

IRS updates FAQs for the Premium Tax Credit

JACKSON COUNTY—A&nbsp;judge on Tuesday sentenced a&nbsp; Kansas City man to 17 years in prison after he pleaded guilty in the June 2021 fatal shooting of Andrea Dean inside a Kansas City home, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Christopher L. Spears, 34, was sentenced to 14 years and 3 years after he was convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter and Armed Criminal Action. The judge set the sentences to run consecutively.

According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched in June of 2021, to the 4300 block of E. Linwood Blvd on a reported shooting. 

They found three juveniles in the residence who stated their mom and dad had been arguing when their dad, later identified as the defendant, shot their mom. 

Police found the victim deceased at the scene. The defendant went to a Kansas City fire station and told them he had killed the mother of his children and he turned over a weapon. He stated to police that he and the victim had argued and tussled over a gun, when the gun went off. Then he stated he shot her in the head.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623752932882.png" alt="Spears-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Spears-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—A&nbsp;judge on Tuesday sentenced a&nbsp; Kansas City man to 17 years in prison after he pleaded guilty in the June 2021 fatal shooting of Andrea Dean inside a Kansas City home, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Christopher L. Spears, 34, was sentenced to 14 years and 3 years after he was convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter and Armed Criminal Action. The judge set the sentences to run consecutively.According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched in June of 2021, to the 4300 block of E. Linwood Blvd on a reported shooting. They found three juveniles in the residence who stated their mom and dad had been arguing when their dad, later identified as the defendant, shot their mom. Police found the victim deceased at the scene. The defendant went to a Kansas City fire station and told them he had killed the mother of his children and he turned over a weapon. He stated to police that he and the victim had argued and tussled over a gun, when the gun went off. Then he stated he shot her in the head.

KC man sentenced for killing woman in front of her children

HALL COUNTY, NE —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man after a pursuit overnight in Hall County, Nebraska.

Just before 2:230 a.m., a trooper observed an Acura MDX traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 near Wood River, according to a media release from the Nebraska State Patrol.

The trooper was able to get the vehicle to pull into the median and come to stop. The trooper then attempted to make contact with the driver, but the vehicle accelerated and fled.

The vehicle continued traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-80. A short time later, the trooper successfully performed a tactical vehicle intervention to bring the vehicle to a stop. The driver later identified as 31-year-old Casey Jasper of Chanute, Kansas, then refused to exit the vehicle. As troopers attempted to remove him from the vehicle, he kicked a trooper multiple times.

Troopers arrested Jasper on requested charges of&nbsp; flight to avoid arrest, driving under the influence of alcohol, willful reckless driving, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, assault on an officer, and several other charges. Jasper was lodged in Hall County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645739750184.png" alt="Jasper-photo Hall Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Jasper-photo Hall Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>HALL COUNTY, NE —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man after a pursuit overnight in Hall County, Nebraska.Just before 2:230 a.m., a trooper observed an Acura MDX traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 near Wood River, according to a media release from the Nebraska State Patrol.The trooper was able to get the vehicle to pull into the median and come to stop. The trooper then attempted to make contact with the driver, but the vehicle accelerated and fled.The vehicle continued traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-80. A short time later, the trooper successfully performed a tactical vehicle intervention to bring the vehicle to a stop. The driver later identified as 31-year-old Casey Jasper of Chanute, Kansas, then refused to exit the vehicle. As troopers attempted to remove him from the vehicle, he kicked a trooper multiple times.Troopers arrested Jasper on requested charges of&nbsp; flight to avoid arrest, driving under the influence of alcohol, willful reckless driving, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, assault on an officer, and several other charges. Jasper was lodged in Hall County Jail.

Kansas man jailed after wrong-way pursuit on Nebraska highway

MITCHELL COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after noon Thursday in Mitchell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Ford Focus driven by Larry Monroe Hicks, 68, Concordia was westbound on Kansas 9 highway just east of 360 Road. The car traveled left of center and struck an eastbound 2019 Kenworth semi driven by Adam Lee Badger, 33, Mankato.

After impact, the semi entered the south ditch and overturned.

Hicks was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Robert's Family Funeral Home. Badger was not injured and not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

MITCHELL COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after noon Thursday in Mitchell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Ford Focus driven by Larry Monroe Hicks, 68, Concordia was westbound on Kansas 9 highway just east of 360 Road. The car traveled left of center and struck an eastbound 2019 Kenworth semi driven by Adam Lee Badger, 33, Mankato.After impact, the semi entered the south ditch and overturned.Hicks was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Robert's Family Funeral Home. Badger was not injured and not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after crash with a semi

COWLEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a suspect following a January 19, arrest have added numerous charges against him, according to a media release from Arkansas City police.

On January 19,&nbsp; police arrested 29-year-old Dakota Mikel Hughes of Arkansas City, who was running from police and booked him into the Cowley County Jail on suspicion of two felony counts of interference with a law enforcement officer, three outside warrants for failure to appear, and one count each of criminal possession of a firearm and criminal use of a firearm.

Since then, police in Arkansas City investigated numerous burglaries, thefts and criminal damage to property cases that have occurred from November 2021 through January 2022.

Officers were able to link Hughes to many of these incidents. Cases were presented to the Cowley County Attorney’s Office from both the Arkansas City Police Department and the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp;

Hughes now is charged with seven counts of burglary, six counts of theft, four counts of criminal damage to property, three counts of criminal trespass, one count of fleeing and eluding, one count of failure to stop at the scene of an accident, and various drug-related charges.

Police continue to investigate related cases and more cases will be presented to the county attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645625665661.png" alt="Hughes-photo Cowley County" />
 <figcaption>Hughes-photo Cowley County</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a suspect following a January 19, arrest have added numerous charges against him, according to a media release from Arkansas City police.On January 19,&nbsp; police arrested 29-year-old Dakota Mikel Hughes of Arkansas City, who was running from police and booked him into the Cowley County Jail on suspicion of two felony counts of interference with a law enforcement officer, three outside warrants for failure to appear, and one count each of criminal possession of a firearm and criminal use of a firearm.Since then, police in Arkansas City investigated numerous burglaries, thefts and criminal damage to property cases that have occurred from November 2021 through January 2022.Officers were able to link Hughes to many of these incidents. Cases were presented to the Cowley County Attorney’s Office from both the Arkansas City Police Department and the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp;Hughes now is charged with seven counts of burglary, six counts of theft, four counts of criminal damage to property, three counts of criminal trespass, one count of fleeing and eluding, one count of failure to stop at the scene of an accident, and various drug-related charges.Police continue to investigate related cases and more cases will be presented to the county attorney.

Kansas man arrested in January linked to numerous other crimes

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly and indigenous leaders are calling on Kansas’ top public school administrator to resign over an offensive public joke about Native Americans.

Kelly was joined Thursday by three Native American lawmakers and the chair of one of Kansas’ four Native American nations in demanding that Randy Watson step down as state education commissioner. 

The elected, 10-member State Board of Education appoints the commissioner and planned to meet Friday. The State Department of Education released a video of Watson's Zoom presentation to a conference on virtual learning last week in which he joked about telling California cousins visiting Kansas that they needed to worry about “Indians raiding the town.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645742715839.png" alt="Kansas education commissioner Dr. Randy Watson during an online keynote presentation at the Kansas Virtual Learning Conference, which took place from Feb. 14-15&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kansas education commissioner Dr. Randy Watson during an online keynote presentation at the Kansas Virtual Learning Conference, which took place from Feb. 14-15&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly and indigenous leaders are calling on Kansas’ top public school administrator to resign over an offensive public joke about Native Americans.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our Indigenous students already go through enough historical trauma and they deserve better. I join Rep. Dr. Ponka-We Victors-Cozad &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/ByersForKansas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ByersForKansas</a> on calling for the immediate resignation of the KS Education Commissioner. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a> <a href="https://t.co/swDnUxJl19">pic.twitter.com/swDnUxJl19</a>&mdash; Rep. Christina Haswood (@HaswoodForKS) <a href="https://twitter.com/HaswoodForKS/status/1496965329527914500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kelly was joined Thursday by three Native American lawmakers and the chair of one of Kansas’ four Native American nations in demanding that Randy Watson step down as state education commissioner. The elected, 10-member State Board of Education appoints the commissioner and planned to meet Friday. The State Department of Education released a video of Watson's Zoom presentation to a conference on virtual learning last week in which he joked about telling California cousins visiting Kansas that they needed to worry about “Indians raiding the town.”

Calls grow for Kansas ed leader to go over 'raiding' remark

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Authorities continue their investigation of a fatal head-on crash that occurred just before 6p.m. Wednesday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 driven by Darth Delano Cline, 56, Wichita, was southbound on Interstate 235 at North Broadway.

The Dodge traveled off the road, crossed the center median and collided with a northbound 2005 Freightliner FedEx Freight truck driven by Tyler Matthew Bauer, 30, Wichita.

Cline was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Bauer to St. Francis where he died. Cline was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Numerous vehicles have been located and the KHP wants to hear from anyone who can assist with the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645662210097.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the Wednesday crash -image KanDrive" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the Wednesday crash -image KanDrive</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Authorities continue their investigation of a fatal head-on crash that occurred just before 6p.m. Wednesday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 driven by Darth Delano Cline, 56, Wichita, was southbound on Interstate 235 at North Broadway.The Dodge traveled off the road, crossed the center median and collided with a northbound 2005 Freightliner FedEx Freight truck driven by Tyler Matthew Bauer, 30, Wichita.Cline was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Bauer to St. Francis where he died. Cline was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.Numerous vehicles have been located and the KHP wants to hear from anyone who can assist with the case.

KHP seeks witnesses to double-fatal, head-on crash

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/24/kansas-senate-approves-bill-allowing-robotic-delivery-after-job-killing-debate/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas could soon see 
autonomous Amazon and FedEx delivery robots roaming the streets of their
 neighborhood if a bill passed by&nbsp;the Senate is signed into law.

One of about two dozen bills debated in the Senate  Wednesday, the 
autonomous vehicles in question under Senate Bill 161 can only go up to 6
 miles per hour and weigh up to 15 pounds. No maximum exists for the 
cargo that is carried by these delivery robots.

Municipalities can opt-out and ban the robots in their communities with an ordinance.

The measure split senators between those who praised the bill as an 
opportunity to bring Kansas into the future and those who dubbed the 
bill a “job-killer.” Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, said the measure 
would destroy thousands of semi-skilled jobs in the state without 
providing Kansas communities the tools to proactively manage the 
devices.

“This bill is being painted as somehow a jobs creator where we’re 
going to encourage robotics development. Get real,” Holland said. “This 
is where you go from people employed by the hundreds to one or two 
folks. It’s a technology disruptor and it puts people out of work.”

The Senate approved the measure by a 24 to 15 vote, with both sides 
of the aisle split on the matter. The bill now goes to the House for 
further consideration.

Amazon currently employs 7,000 Kansans either full- or part-time and 
FedEx employs 4,500 more. Both companies have developed a delivery robot
 and requested the committee raise the speed it can travel to 10 mph.

In testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee, which the bill has
 passed out of twice, Amazon officials said they have had success 
integrating their autonomous delivery system into select neighborhoods 
in other states.

Municipalities who testified urged legislators to keep local 
authority, maintain well-regulated speed and weight rules. Opponents of 
the bill echoed Holland’s claims that the measure would inevitably cause
 Kansans to lose their jobs

To ensure protective measures were put in place should the bill pass,
 Holland offered two amendments. The first, approved by the Senate, 
requires the delivery service to pay the same commercial vehicle fees as
 on normal delivery vehicles.

Senators rejected a second amendment requiring Amazon to go before a 
city or county commission with a plan of routes before starting 
operation.

Sen. Kristen O’Shea, R-Topeka, told legislators similar measures are 
under consideration in other states and that Kansas should be careful 
not to be left behind.

O’Shea said the bill would create a framework for a fair market while
 still providing for public safety. A similar measure passed out of 
committee in 2020 but did not advance before the session was cut short 
due to COVID-19.

Sen. Rob Olson, R-Olathe, served on the commerce committee both times
 the bill made it through, and while he acknowledged technology was 
changing, said he did not believe Kansas was ready for robotic delivery.

A motion by Olson to send the measure back to the committee for 
further consideration failed. The Senate will take a final vote on the 
measure later this week.

“The Amazon trucks delivering packages right to the doorsteps are 
working well,” Olson said. “I just cannot see these remote robots 
working in my neighborhood running up and down the streets, delivering 
packages.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645725425336.png" alt="Sen. Tom Holland adamantly rejected claims the autonomous delivery system bill would create jobs or advance Kansans. He feared it would do the opposite. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Tom Holland adamantly rejected claims the autonomous delivery system bill would create jobs or advance Kansans. He feared it would do the opposite. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/24/kansas-senate-approves-bill-allowing-robotic-delivery-after-job-killing-debate/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas could soon see 
autonomous Amazon and FedEx delivery robots roaming the streets of their
 neighborhood if a bill passed by&nbsp;the Senate is signed into law.One of about two dozen bills debated in the Senate Wednesday, the 
autonomous vehicles in question under Senate Bill 161 can only go up to 6
 miles per hour and weigh up to 15 pounds. No maximum exists for the 
cargo that is carried by these delivery robots.Municipalities can opt-out and ban the robots in their communities with an ordinance.The measure split senators between those who praised the bill as an 
opportunity to bring Kansas into the future and those who dubbed the 
bill a “job-killer.” Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, said the measure 
would destroy thousands of semi-skilled jobs in the state without 
providing Kansas communities the tools to proactively manage the 
devices.“This bill is being painted as somehow a jobs creator where we’re 
going to encourage robotics development. Get real,” Holland said. “This 
is where you go from people employed by the hundreds to one or two 
folks. It’s a technology disruptor and it puts people out of work.”The Senate approved the measure by a 24 to 15 vote, with both sides 
of the aisle split on the matter. The bill now goes to the House for 
further consideration.Amazon currently employs 7,000 Kansans either full- or part-time and 
FedEx employs 4,500 more. Both companies have developed a delivery robot
 and requested the committee raise the speed it can travel to 10 mph.In testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee, which the bill has
 passed out of twice, Amazon officials said they have had success 
integrating their autonomous delivery system into select neighborhoods 
in other states.Municipalities who testified urged legislators to keep local 
authority, maintain well-regulated speed and weight rules. Opponents of 
the bill echoed Holland’s claims that the measure would inevitably cause
 Kansans to lose their jobsTo ensure protective measures were put in place should the bill pass,
 Holland offered two amendments. The first, approved by the Senate, 
requires the delivery service to pay the same commercial vehicle fees as
 on normal delivery vehicles.Senators rejected a second amendment requiring Amazon to go before a 
city or county commission with a plan of routes before starting 
operation.Sen. Kristen O’Shea, R-Topeka, told legislators similar measures are 
under consideration in other states and that Kansas should be careful 
not to be left behind.“The future is here,” O’Shea said.O’Shea said the bill would create a framework for a fair market while
 still providing for public safety. A similar measure passed out of 
committee in 2020 but did not advance before the session was cut short 
due to COVID-19.Sen. Rob Olson, R-Olathe, served on the commerce committee both times
 the bill made it through, and while he acknowledged technology was 
changing, said he did not believe Kansas was ready for robotic delivery.A motion by Olson to send the measure back to the committee for 
further consideration failed. The Senate will take a final vote on the 
measure later this week.“The Amazon trucks delivering packages right to the doorsteps are 
working well,” Olson said. “I just cannot see these remote robots 
working in my neighborhood running up and down the streets, delivering 
packages.”

Kan. Senate approves bill allowing robotic delivery after job-killing debate

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A black man who was arrested when he was 15 and held for three weeks for a crime he did not commit reached a $900,000 settlement with the Kansas City Police Department.

The settlement announced by attorneys for both sides Tuesday comes in a civil rights lawsuit filed by the family of Tyree Bell over his June 8, 2016, arrest. As part of the agreement, the Police Department said it would apologize to Bell. A federal judge must still approve the settlement, KCUR&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-02-23/kansas-city-police-agree-to-pay-900-000-and-apologize-to-black-teen-wrongfully-jailed-for-weeks">reported</a>.

Officers Peter Neukrich and Jonathan Munyan said they arrested Bell because he looked like another teen who ran from them earlier in the day and threw away a gun as he fled.

Police video showed Bell was taller, had a different hairstyle and was wearing different clothing than the original suspect. He also cooperated with police and was breathing normally, unlike someone who had just run from police.

An appeals court said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-lawsuits-kansas-city-courts-e748a624036ac6caac19dae3026a0265">in an October 2020 ruling</a>&nbsp;that allowed the lawsuit to go forward that Bell’s only resemblance to the suspect was that he was black, juvenile and male.

Kansas City lawyer Arthur Benson, who represented Bell, said the case was not just one of mistaken identity or “walking while black.” He said it was part of a longtime “national disgrace” of white officers wrongly identifying black suspects.

“And they are often wrong because too many police departments do not train their officers that all blacks do not look alike and how to make an eyewitness identification that is not tainted by racial stereotypes,” Benson said.

Kansas City police officers Peter Neukrich and Jonathan Munyan were looking for a suspect who fled from an earlier confrontation when another policeman saw Bell walking and talking on his cellphone and detained him.

The officers said they identified Bell as the suspect and arrested him after watching dashcam video of the original event several times.

Bell was placed on a 24-hour “investigative hold” but was not released until June 29, 2016, after a detective watched the video and determined Bell was not the suspect.

Bell originally sued Neukrich and Munyan as well as the officer who detained him, along with several police officials. A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit after finding the officers were entitled to qualified immunity.

An appeals court reinstated the lawsuit in October 2020 after finding the officers did not have probable cause to arrest Bell. The first trial&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-lawsuits-kansas-city-2abd9ce5f638043d2a09a633a5c0ea19">ended in a mistrial&nbsp;</a>after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict.

The case had been set to go to trial again on Feb. 28, but that was canceled when the pending settlement was announced.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A black man who was arrested when he was 15 and held for three weeks for a crime he did not commit reached a $900,000 settlement with the Kansas City Police Department.The settlement announced by attorneys for both sides Tuesday comes in a civil rights lawsuit filed by the family of Tyree Bell over his June 8, 2016, arrest. As part of the agreement, the Police Department said it would apologize to Bell. A federal judge must still approve the settlement, KCUR&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-02-23/kansas-city-police-agree-to-pay-900-000-and-apologize-to-black-teen-wrongfully-jailed-for-weeks">reported</a>.Officers Peter Neukrich and Jonathan Munyan said they arrested Bell because he looked like another teen who ran from them earlier in the day and threw away a gun as he fled.Police video showed Bell was taller, had a different hairstyle and was wearing different clothing than the original suspect. He also cooperated with police and was breathing normally, unlike someone who had just run from police.An appeals court said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-lawsuits-kansas-city-courts-e748a624036ac6caac19dae3026a0265">in an October 2020 ruling</a>&nbsp;that allowed the lawsuit to go forward that Bell’s only resemblance to the suspect was that he was black, juvenile and male.Kansas City lawyer Arthur Benson, who represented Bell, said the case was not just one of mistaken identity or “walking while black.” He said it was part of a longtime “national disgrace” of white officers wrongly identifying black suspects.“And they are often wrong because too many police departments do not train their officers that all blacks do not look alike and how to make an eyewitness identification that is not tainted by racial stereotypes,” Benson said.Kansas City police officers Peter Neukrich and Jonathan Munyan were looking for a suspect who fled from an earlier confrontation when another policeman saw Bell walking and talking on his cellphone and detained him.The officers said they identified Bell as the suspect and arrested him after watching dashcam video of the original event several times.Bell was placed on a 24-hour “investigative hold” but was not released until June 29, 2016, after a detective watched the video and determined Bell was not the suspect.Bell originally sued Neukrich and Munyan as well as the officer who detained him, along with several police officials. A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit after finding the officers were entitled to qualified immunity.An appeals court reinstated the lawsuit in October 2020 after finding the officers did not have probable cause to arrest Bell. The first trial&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-lawsuits-kansas-city-2abd9ce5f638043d2a09a633a5c0ea19">ended in a mistrial&nbsp;</a>after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict.The case had been set to go to trial again on Feb. 28, but that was canceled when the pending settlement was announced.

Kansas City settles with black man wrongly jailed at 15

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday announced a new round of sanctions targeting Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, charging that Russian leader Vladimir Putin “chose this war” and that his country will bear the consequences of his action.

(CLICK below to listen to the President's comments and answers to questions)

The sanctions target Russian banks, oligarchs, and high-tech sectors, Biden said. The United States and its allies will block assets of four large Russian banks, impose export controls and sanction oligarchs

The penalties fall in line with the White House’s insistence that it would look to hit Russia’s financial system and Putin’s inner circle, while also imposing export controls that would aim to starve Russia’s industries and military of U.S. semiconductors and other high-tech products.

Biden, for now, held off imposing some of the most severe sanctions, including cutting Russia out of the SWIFT payment system, which allows for the transfers of money from bank to bank around the globe, or Russia’s energy sector.

Biden announced the sanctions as Ukraine’s government reported mounting casualties as Russian forces attack from the east, north and south.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645723173825.png" alt="&nbsp;President Biden convened a meeting of the National Security Council in the White House Situation Room early Thursday to discuss the unprovoked and unjustified attack on Ukraine.-photo White House" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;President Biden convened a meeting of the National Security Council in the White House Situation Room early Thursday to discuss the unprovoked and unjustified attack on Ukraine.-photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday announced a new round of sanctions targeting Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, charging that Russian leader Vladimir Putin “chose this war” and that his country will bear the consequences of his action.(CLICK below to listen to the President's comments and answers to questions)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1042092909707717%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=520" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The sanctions target Russian banks, oligarchs, and high-tech sectors, Biden said. The United States and its allies will block assets of four large Russian banks, impose export controls and sanction oligarchsThe penalties fall in line with the White House’s insistence that it would look to hit Russia’s financial system and Putin’s inner circle, while also imposing export controls that would aim to starve Russia’s industries and military of U.S. semiconductors and other high-tech products..<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645674167449.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Biden, for now, held off imposing some of the most severe sanctions, including cutting Russia out of the SWIFT payment system, which allows for the transfers of money from bank to bank around the globe, or Russia’s energy sector.Biden announced the sanctions as Ukraine’s government reported mounting casualties as Russian forces attack from the east, north and south.

🎥 Biden hits Russia with new sanctions, says Putin 'chose' war

By WILLIAM HAUK <a href="https://theconversation.com/americas-cost-of-defending-freedom-in-ukraine-higher-food-and-gas-prices-and-an-increased-risk-of-recession-177703">Courtesy of The Conversation</a>

Americans may be tempted to view the war in Ukraine as an unfortunate, but far away, crisis. As <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=B744wv0AAAAJ&amp;hl=en&amp;oi=ao0">an economist</a>, I know the world is too connected for the U.S. to go unaffected.

On Feb. 22, 2022, President Joe Biden <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/22/world/europe/biden-ukraine-speech-transcript.html">warned Americans</a> that a Russian invasion of Ukraine – and U.S. efforts to thwart or punish it – would come with a price tag.

“Defending freedom will have costs, for us as well and here at home,”
 Biden said. “We need to be honest about that.” His statement came one <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/02/23/world/russia-ukraine">day before Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an attack</a> on targets throughout Ukraine, including western parts of the country.

Now that war has broken out, the biggest costs for the U.S. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/23/business/economy/russia-ukraine-global-us-economy.html">will likely be in higher prices</a> – on top of what is already the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/02/10/cpi-inflation-january/">fastest pace of inflation</a> in 40 years.

How much worse inflation could get will depend on how far Putin goes, the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/22/politics/biden-invasion-sanctions/index.html">severity of the sanctions</a>
 placed on Russia and how long the crisis lasts. Will Putin cut off oil 
or gas to Europe? Will the invasion thoroughly disrupt Ukraine’s ability
 to export food and other products to the rest of the world?

We do know that Russia is <a href="https://www.eia.gov/international/overview/country/RUS">one of the world’s biggest energy exporters</a> and <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/23/impact-of-russia-ukraine-on-supply-chains-food-metals-commodities.html">Ukraine’s nickname</a> is the “breadbasket of Europe.” And beyond that, the crisis has been rattling markets for months, <a href="https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/news/article/2022/01/21/awkward-standoff-ukraine">sending the price of oil and other commodities soaring</a>.

These higher prices will ripple through Europe, of course, but many 
other countries as well, including the U.S. – which will make the 
Federal Reserve’s job of fighting inflation a lot harder and pose a 
bigger threat to the economy.

The most obvious costs to Americans will be at the gas pump.

Russia produces <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/02/22/1081092765/oil-gas-prices-100-barrel-ukraine-russia">approximately 12% of the world’s oil</a> and 17% of its natural gas. That makes it the world’s <a href="https://www.eia.gov/international/overview/country/RUS">third-biggest producer of oil</a> and second-largest for gas. It’s also the biggest supplier of natural gas to Europe, which <a href="https://theconversation.com/can-the-us-find-enough-natural-gas-sources-to-neutralize-russias-energy-leverage-over-europe-175824">gets nearly half of its supply</a> from Russia.

The risk is that <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/02/energy-crisis-russia-gas/622884/">Russia might cut off gas or oil supplies</a> to Europe or other countries that issue sanctions or otherwise condemn its actions in Ukraine.

Europe may face the most immediate effects if some of Russia’s energy supplies are removed from the world market – which is <a href="https://theconversation.com/can-the-us-find-enough-natural-gas-sources-to-neutralize-russias-energy-leverage-over-europe-175824">why the U.S. has been trying to assure</a> its allies it can supply them with liquid natural gas to make up for any shortfall. But world petroleum markets <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eneco.2014.12.003">tend to be highly integrated</a>, so the U.S. won’t be immune.

The crisis has already driven up the price of oil to the <a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/DCOILWTICO">highest level since 2014</a>, when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine, pushing up <a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/GASREGW">average gasoline prices in the U.S.</a> to over US$3.50 a gallon.

The most serious sanction implemented against Russia so far is Germany’s <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/germanys-scholz-halts-nord-stream-2-certification-2022-02-22/">freeze on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline</a>, which would have carried liquid natural gas from Russia to Western Europe while by-passing Ukraine.

A disruption in one regional market will eventually affect the world 
market. Since the invasion, crude prices have spiked above $100 and are 
likely to go even higher.

While Russia is a major producer of fuels, Ukraine is <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/23/impact-of-russia-ukraine-on-supply-chains-food-metals-commodities.html">a big exporter of food</a>.

Ukraine <a href="https://journalrecord.com/2022/02/22/usda-head-us-farmers-to-help-if-ukraine-exports-threatened/">produces 16% of the world’s corn</a> and 12% of its wheat, as well as being a significant exporter of barley and rye.

While many of Ukraine’s exports go to countries in Europe and Asia, agricultural products, much like oil, tend to trade on <a href="https://www.gtap.agecon.purdue.edu/resources/download/10576.pdf">increasingly integrated global markets</a>.
 Again, the implication for U.S. consumers is that while Europe might 
be affected more immediately in terms of shortages, prices will likely 
rise everywhere.

U.S. grocery prices <a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm">were up 7.4% in January</a>
 from a year earlier. Because demand for food is typically not very 
sensitive to changes in price – people need to eat no matter the expense
 – an increase in the cost of food production typically gets passed 
along to consumers.

The U.S. central bank <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/24/business/economy/fed-fomc-meeting-minutes-november-2021.html">is very worried about the pace of inflation</a>
 in the U.S. and plans to raise interest rates to fight it. What’s 
happening in Ukraine could complicate its plans. If the crisis in 
Ukraine adds to the upward pressure on prices, that can feed inflation 
and it could force the Fed to take more drastic measures.

Some economists believe the U.S. <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/russia-ukraine-puts-10-u-s-inflation-on-radar-as-blackrock-repeats-central-banks-may-have-to-live-with-inflation-11645565763">could soon see 10% inflation</a>
 – up from 7.5% now – in the case of a full-scale invasion, as we’re 
witnessing now. The U.S. hasn’t seen inflation that high since October 
1981.

If the Fed decides it has to act more forcefully to tame inflation, 
that would not only raise borrowing costs for companies and consumers – 
affecting everything from business loans to mortgages and student debt –
 but <a href="https://theconversation.com/feds-dilemma-inflation-is-healthy-for-the-economy-but-too-much-can-trigger-a-recession-118556">could put the economy at risk</a> of a recession.

At the same time, the crisis could have a moderating effect on 
interest rates. During times of crisis and uncertainty, investors often 
move their money into the safest assets they can find – in a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/rfs/hhm088">so-called flight to quality</a>.
 U.S. government bonds and other dollar-denominated assets are often 
considered the safest around, and increased demand for these assets 
could result in lower interest rates.

Ukrainians themselves will of course pay the steepest costs of the 
Russian invasion, in terms of loss of life, economic costs and 
potentially the loss of their government. But the conflict, though it 
may seem far away, will have an impact on people everywhere. And the hit
 to Americans’ pocketbooks may be nearer than you think. 

William Hauk is an associate economics professor at the University of South Carolina.

By WILLIAM HAUK <a href="https://theconversation.com/americas-cost-of-defending-freedom-in-ukraine-higher-food-and-gas-prices-and-an-increased-risk-of-recession-177703">Courtesy of The Conversation</a>Americans may be tempted to view the war in Ukraine as an unfortunate, but far away, crisis. As <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=B744wv0AAAAJ&amp;hl=en&amp;oi=ao0">an economist</a>, I know the world is too connected for the U.S. to go unaffected. On Feb. 22, 2022, President Joe Biden <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/22/world/europe/biden-ukraine-speech-transcript.html">warned Americans</a> that a Russian invasion of Ukraine – and U.S. efforts to thwart or punish it – would come with a price tag.“Defending freedom will have costs, for us as well and here at home,”
 Biden said. “We need to be honest about that.” His statement came one <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/02/23/world/russia-ukraine">day before Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an attack</a> on targets throughout Ukraine, including western parts of the country.Now that war has broken out, the biggest costs for the U.S. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/23/business/economy/russia-ukraine-global-us-economy.html">will likely be in higher prices</a> – on top of what is already the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/02/10/cpi-inflation-january/">fastest pace of inflation</a> in 40 years. How much worse inflation could get will depend on how far Putin goes, the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/22/politics/biden-invasion-sanctions/index.html">severity of the sanctions</a>
 placed on Russia and how long the crisis lasts. Will Putin cut off oil 
or gas to Europe? Will the invasion thoroughly disrupt Ukraine’s ability
 to export food and other products to the rest of the world? We do know that Russia is <a href="https://www.eia.gov/international/overview/country/RUS">one of the world’s biggest energy exporters</a> and <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/23/impact-of-russia-ukraine-on-supply-chains-food-metals-commodities.html">Ukraine’s nickname</a> is the “breadbasket of Europe.” And beyond that, the crisis has been rattling markets for months, <a href="https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/news/article/2022/01/21/awkward-standoff-ukraine">sending the price of oil and other commodities soaring</a>. These higher prices will ripple through Europe, of course, but many 
other countries as well, including the U.S. – which will make the 
Federal Reserve’s job of fighting inflation a lot harder and pose a 
bigger threat to the economy.<h2>Pain at the pump</h2>The most obvious costs to Americans will be at the gas pump.Russia produces <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/02/22/1081092765/oil-gas-prices-100-barrel-ukraine-russia">approximately 12% of the world’s oil</a> and 17% of its natural gas. That makes it the world’s <a href="https://www.eia.gov/international/overview/country/RUS">third-biggest producer of oil</a> and second-largest for gas. It’s also the biggest supplier of natural gas to Europe, which <a href="https://theconversation.com/can-the-us-find-enough-natural-gas-sources-to-neutralize-russias-energy-leverage-over-europe-175824">gets nearly half of its supply</a> from Russia. The risk is that <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/02/energy-crisis-russia-gas/622884/">Russia might cut off gas or oil supplies</a> to Europe or other countries that issue sanctions or otherwise condemn its actions in Ukraine. Europe may face the most immediate effects if some of Russia’s energy supplies are removed from the world market – which is <a href="https://theconversation.com/can-the-us-find-enough-natural-gas-sources-to-neutralize-russias-energy-leverage-over-europe-175824">why the U.S. has been trying to assure</a> its allies it can supply them with liquid natural gas to make up for any shortfall. But world petroleum markets <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eneco.2014.12.003">tend to be highly integrated</a>, so the U.S. won’t be immune.The crisis has already driven up the price of oil to the <a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/DCOILWTICO">highest level since 2014</a>, when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine, pushing up <a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/GASREGW">average gasoline prices in the U.S.</a> to over US$3.50 a gallon.The most serious sanction implemented against Russia so far is Germany’s <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/germanys-scholz-halts-nord-stream-2-certification-2022-02-22/">freeze on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline</a>, which would have carried liquid natural gas from Russia to Western Europe while by-passing Ukraine. A disruption in one regional market will eventually affect the world 
market. Since the invasion, crude prices have spiked above $100 and are 
likely to go even higher.<h2>Higher prices at the supermarket</h2>While Russia is a major producer of fuels, Ukraine is <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/23/impact-of-russia-ukraine-on-supply-chains-food-metals-commodities.html">a big exporter of food</a>.Ukraine <a href="https://journalrecord.com/2022/02/22/usda-head-us-farmers-to-help-if-ukraine-exports-threatened/">produces 16% of the world’s corn</a> and 12% of its wheat, as well as being a significant exporter of barley and rye. While many of Ukraine’s exports go to countries in Europe and Asia, agricultural products, much like oil, tend to trade on <a href="https://www.gtap.agecon.purdue.edu/resources/download/10576.pdf">increasingly integrated global markets</a>.
 Again, the implication for U.S. consumers is that while Europe might 
be affected more immediately in terms of shortages, prices will likely 
rise everywhere. U.S. grocery prices <a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm">were up 7.4% in January</a>
 from a year earlier. Because demand for food is typically not very 
sensitive to changes in price – people need to eat no matter the expense
 – an increase in the cost of food production typically gets passed 
along to consumers.<h2>The bigger risk to the US economy</h2>That brings us to the Federal Reserve. The U.S. central bank <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/24/business/economy/fed-fomc-meeting-minutes-november-2021.html">is very worried about the pace of inflation</a>
 in the U.S. and plans to raise interest rates to fight it. What’s 
happening in Ukraine could complicate its plans. If the crisis in 
Ukraine adds to the upward pressure on prices, that can feed inflation 
and it could force the Fed to take more drastic measures.Some economists believe the U.S. <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/russia-ukraine-puts-10-u-s-inflation-on-radar-as-blackrock-repeats-central-banks-may-have-to-live-with-inflation-11645565763">could soon see 10% inflation</a>
 – up from 7.5% now – in the case of a full-scale invasion, as we’re 
witnessing now. The U.S. hasn’t seen inflation that high since October 
1981. If the Fed decides it has to act more forcefully to tame inflation, 
that would not only raise borrowing costs for companies and consumers – 
affecting everything from business loans to mortgages and student debt –
 but <a href="https://theconversation.com/feds-dilemma-inflation-is-healthy-for-the-economy-but-too-much-can-trigger-a-recession-118556">could put the economy at risk</a> of a recession. At the same time, the crisis could have a moderating effect on 
interest rates. During times of crisis and uncertainty, investors often 
move their money into the safest assets they can find – in a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/rfs/hhm088">so-called flight to quality</a>.
 U.S. government bonds and other dollar-denominated assets are often 
considered the safest around, and increased demand for these assets 
could result in lower interest rates. Ukrainians themselves will of course pay the steepest costs of the 
Russian invasion, in terms of loss of life, economic costs and 
potentially the loss of their government. But the conflict, though it 
may seem far away, will have an impact on people everywhere. And the hit
 to Americans’ pocketbooks may be nearer than you think. William Hauk is an associate economics professor at the University of South Carolina.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

ANALYSIS: Ukraine invasion could lead to higher food, gas prices, risk of recession

By JANE ZUCKERMAN <a href="https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2022/02/24/three-men-plead-guilty-to-plotting-a-white-supremacist-attack-on-power-grid/">Ohio Capital Journal</a>

Three men pleaded guilty to federal terrorism charges
 after admitting their plans to attack the power grid “in furtherance of
 white supremacist ideology,” according to documents unsealed Wednesday.

Christopher Brenner Cook, 20, of Columbus, Ohio; Jonathan Allen 
Frost, 24, of West Lafayette, Indiana, and of Katy, Texas; and Jackson 
Matthew Sawall, 22, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/three-men-plead-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-plot-attack-power-grids-united">each pleaded guilty</a> to one count of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists.

Court records show they entered their pleas Feb. 7. Each man faces a 15-year maximum sentence and up to a $250,000 fine.

The facts stipulated by the men paint a goal of racist dystopia, in 
which an armed attack on power grids would cause confusion, economic 
upheaval, and unrest — ripe conditions for a “revolutionary force,” the 
documents state.

They were each assigned their own substation in different parts of 
the country to attack. The court filings do not specify the locations of
 the substations.

“There were also conversations about how the possibility of the power
 being out for many months could cause some serious change or straight 
out war, even a race war; additionally, that without power across the 
country, it could cause the next Great Depression, people wouldn’t show 
up to work, the economy could crash and there would be a ripe 
opportunity for potential (white) leaders to rise up,” the documents 
state.

The men discussed using explosive devices to distract law enforcement as officers respond to any siege.

Frost sought to provide rifles for the men, including by building 
them himself with parts he purchased online, according to court records.
 He also bought a rifle in Texas with no serial number, known as a 
“ghost gun,” and brought it to Columbus in February 2020 for Cook.

At the time, the three met to plan their assault. Sawall and Cook 
bought spray paint which they used to paint a swastika flag at an 
unspecified park with the caption “Join the Front” — a pseudonym for 
their online chat group. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s office 
declined to provide the photo or specify which Columbus park this 
occurred in.

In August 2020, FBI agents raided their home and found weapons and Nazi and white supremacist material.

Of the former: Agents found a tactical magazine and various 
camouflage jackets in Cook’s home along with a “recently acquired, but 
not yet assembled” rifle. In Frost’s home, they found multiple riffles, 
suppressors, gun components, and chemicals that FBI testing concluded 
“could be used to create an explosive device.” Other court records show a
 long list of seized weapons, ammunition, chemicals, and electronic 
devices.

Of the latter: Agents found in Cook’s bedroom a copy of the book 
“Siege.” The court documents don’t specify the author, although the 
Southern Poverty Law Center, which monitors hate groups, says “Siege” 
was written by neo-Nazi James Mason and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/individual/james-mason">pushes for violent extremism</a>.
 The book appeared on a list of suggested reading for people he tried to
 recruit, per court documents, along with “A Squire’s Trial” — which <a target="_blank" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35287044-a-squire-s-trial">bears a swastika on its cover</a>.

Were the men to get caught, they discussed making “suicide necklaces”
 filled with fentanyl, a powerful opiate. Frost provided such necklaces 
to Cook and Sawall, the latter of whom swallowed his pill during a 
police stop after their Columbus meeting but ultimately survived.

All three await sentencing. Attorney information for the three was 
not available on a public court database as of Wednesday evening.

“These three defendants admitted to engaging in a disturbing plot, in
 furtherance of white supremacist ideology, to attack energy facilities 
in order to damage the economy and stoke division in our country,” said 
Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew G. Olsen in a 
news release. “The Justice Department is committed to investigating and 
disrupting such terrorist plots and holding perpetrators accountable for
 their crimes.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645728511410.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JANE ZUCKERMAN <a href="https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2022/02/24/three-men-plead-guilty-to-plotting-a-white-supremacist-attack-on-power-grid/">Ohio Capital Journal</a>Three men pleaded guilty to federal terrorism charges
 after admitting their plans to attack the power grid “in furtherance of
 white supremacist ideology,” according to documents unsealed Wednesday.Christopher Brenner Cook, 20, of Columbus, Ohio; Jonathan Allen 
Frost, 24, of West Lafayette, Indiana, and of Katy, Texas; and Jackson 
Matthew Sawall, 22, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/three-men-plead-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-plot-attack-power-grids-united">each pleaded guilty</a> to one count of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists.Court records show they entered their pleas Feb. 7. Each man faces a 15-year maximum sentence and up to a $250,000 fine.The facts stipulated by the men paint a goal of racist dystopia, in 
which an armed attack on power grids would cause confusion, economic 
upheaval, and unrest — ripe conditions for a “revolutionary force,” the 
documents state.They were each assigned their own substation in different parts of 
the country to attack. The court filings do not specify the locations of
 the substations.“There were also conversations about how the possibility of the power
 being out for many months could cause some serious change or straight 
out war, even a race war; additionally, that without power across the 
country, it could cause the next Great Depression, people wouldn’t show 
up to work, the economy could crash and there would be a ripe 
opportunity for potential (white) leaders to rise up,” the documents 
state.The men discussed using explosive devices to distract law enforcement as officers respond to any siege.Frost sought to provide rifles for the men, including by building 
them himself with parts he purchased online, according to court records.
 He also bought a rifle in Texas with no serial number, known as a 
“ghost gun,” and brought it to Columbus in February 2020 for Cook.At the time, the three met to plan their assault. Sawall and Cook 
bought spray paint which they used to paint a swastika flag at an 
unspecified park with the caption “Join the Front” — a pseudonym for 
their online chat group. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s office 
declined to provide the photo or specify which Columbus park this 
occurred in.In August 2020, FBI agents raided their home and found weapons and Nazi and white supremacist material.Of the former: Agents found a tactical magazine and various 
camouflage jackets in Cook’s home along with a “recently acquired, but 
not yet assembled” rifle. In Frost’s home, they found multiple riffles, 
suppressors, gun components, and chemicals that FBI testing concluded 
“could be used to create an explosive device.” Other court records show a
 long list of seized weapons, ammunition, chemicals, and electronic 
devices.Of the latter: Agents found in Cook’s bedroom a copy of the book 
“Siege.” The court documents don’t specify the author, although the 
Southern Poverty Law Center, which monitors hate groups, says “Siege” 
was written by neo-Nazi James Mason and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/individual/james-mason">pushes for violent extremism</a>.
 The book appeared on a list of suggested reading for people he tried to
 recruit, per court documents, along with “A Squire’s Trial” — which <a target="_blank" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35287044-a-squire-s-trial">bears a swastika on its cover</a>.Were the men to get caught, they discussed making “suicide necklaces”
 filled with fentanyl, a powerful opiate. Frost provided such necklaces 
to Cook and Sawall, the latter of whom swallowed his pill during a 
police stop after their Columbus meeting but ultimately survived.All three await sentencing. Attorney information for the three was 
not available on a public court database as of Wednesday evening.“These three defendants admitted to engaging in a disturbing plot, in
 furtherance of white supremacist ideology, to attack energy facilities 
in order to damage the economy and stoke division in our country,” said 
Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew G. Olsen in a 
news release. “The Justice Department is committed to investigating and 
disrupting such terrorist plots and holding perpetrators accountable for
 their crimes.”

Three plead guilty to plotting white supremacist attack on power grid

By
NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post


HUTCHINSON — 
Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt introduced legislation in the Kansas House this week to create a state law blocking local municipal governments from adopting rules against cooperation with federal law enforcement investigating illegal immigrants. 

This is in response to action by the Unified Government of Wyandotte County earlier this month that would have chilled any police response. Schmidt spoke to Hutch Post earlier this month about the issue after the local action and before the bill introduction.

"It doesn't entirely bar [cooperation]," Schmidt said. "They put a lot of wiggle words in there. It really does impede, restrict, it's clearly designed to tell the local police, you're not supposed to working with federal immigration authorities."

Another potential pitfall of the Wyandotte County action is creating photo identification for undocumented residents. The reason this could be a problem is because of the way some state statutes are worded.

"There are lots of things that you have to have government identification for under state law," Schmidt said. "We presuppose that if you have that government identification, it proves you're a citizen."

House Bill 2717 would attempt to address that issue by making clear that any local ID is not valid for State ID purposes. The bill has been referred to the House Federal and State Affairs committee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629113022641.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON — 
Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt introduced legislation in the Kansas House this week to create a state law blocking local municipal governments from adopting rules against cooperation with federal law enforcement investigating illegal immigrants. This is in response to action by the Unified Government of Wyandotte County earlier this month that would have chilled any police response. Schmidt spoke to Hutch Post earlier this month about the issue after the local action and before the bill introduction."It doesn't entirely bar [cooperation]," Schmidt said. "They put a lot of wiggle words in there. It really does impede, restrict, it's clearly designed to tell the local police, you're not supposed to working with federal immigration authorities."Another potential pitfall of the Wyandotte County action is creating photo identification for undocumented residents. The reason this could be a problem is because of the way some state statutes are worded."There are lots of things that you have to have government identification for under state law," Schmidt said. "We presuppose that if you have that government identification, it proves you're a citizen."House Bill 2717 would attempt to address that issue by making clear that any local ID is not valid for State ID purposes. The bill has been referred to the House Federal and State Affairs committee.

Schmidt introduces bill to clarify immigration, local ID response

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an altercation with a police officer.

Just before 9:30p.m. Wednesday, Salina Police received information that 36-year-old Devon Wayne Dirksen, who had warrants for his arrest, was located at the Pump Mart, 1118 North 9th Street, in Salina, Kansas, according to a statement from police.

Officer Michael Chandler was dispatched to that location and contacted Dirksen inside the business.

Dirksen resisted Officer Chandler’s efforts to arrest him, and a physical altercation ensued. Dirksen was able to break free from Officer Chandler and fled outside. 

Officer Chandler caught Dirksen across the street from the Pump Mart and tackled him to the ground. During the struggle on the ground, Dirksen pulled on Officer Chandler’s sidearm, and then Officer Chandler heard the sound of a gunshot. Dirksen was able to break free, and fled into a nearby residential area. Officer Chandler checked his handgun, and it was still secured in his holster.

With the assistance of the Saline County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Highway Patrol, Dirksen was located hiding in the area and was taken into custody without further incident. A handgun was found in the area where Officer Chandler and Dirksen were struggling on the ground, and the gunshot was heard.

No one was injured by the gunfire, but Officer Chandler and Dirksen suffered minor injuries from the physical confrontation.

Dirksen was booked into the Saline County Jail requested charges of&nbsp;Attempted Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Battery of a Law Enforcement Officer, Aggravated Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer, Attempted Aggravated Burglary, Felony Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer, Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm in the City Limits, Misdemeanor Criminal Damage to Property. In addition, Dirksen was booked on three Salina Municipal Court warrants for failure to appear and one Saline County District Court warrant for failure to appear.

Dirksen has previous convictions for criminal threat, endangering a child, harassment by telephone and fir drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645721912604.png" alt="Devon Wayne Dirksen has previous convictions for criminal threat, endangering a child, harassment by telephone and fir drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections -photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Devon Wayne Dirksen has previous convictions for criminal threat, endangering a child, harassment by telephone and fir drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections -photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an altercation with a police officer.Just before 9:30p.m. Wednesday, Salina Police received information that 36-year-old Devon Wayne Dirksen, who had warrants for his arrest, was located at the Pump Mart, 1118 North 9th Street, in Salina, Kansas, according to a statement from police.Officer Michael Chandler was dispatched to that location and contacted Dirksen inside the business.Dirksen resisted Officer Chandler’s efforts to arrest him, and a physical altercation ensued. Dirksen was able to break free from Officer Chandler and fled outside. Officer Chandler caught Dirksen across the street from the Pump Mart and tackled him to the ground. During the struggle on the ground, Dirksen pulled on Officer Chandler’s sidearm, and then Officer Chandler heard the sound of a gunshot. Dirksen was able to break free, and fled into a nearby residential area. Officer Chandler checked his handgun, and it was still secured in his holster.With the assistance of the Saline County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Highway Patrol, Dirksen was located hiding in the area and was taken into custody without further incident. A handgun was found in the area where Officer Chandler and Dirksen were struggling on the ground, and the gunshot was heard.No one was injured by the gunfire, but Officer Chandler and Dirksen suffered minor injuries from the physical confrontation.Dirksen was booked into the Saline County Jail requested charges of&nbsp;Attempted Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Battery of a Law Enforcement Officer, Aggravated Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer, Attempted Aggravated Burglary, Felony Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer, Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm in the City Limits, Misdemeanor Criminal Damage to Property. In addition, Dirksen was booked on three Salina Municipal Court warrants for failure to appear and one Saline County District Court warrant for failure to appear.Dirksen has previous convictions for criminal threat, endangering a child, harassment by telephone and fir drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;

Police: Gunshot during altercation with Kan. officer during arrest

TOPEKA— Kansas’ state school board scheduled a special meeting for Friday to discuss personnel issues following a report Education Commissioner Randy Watson made what one board member called an inappropriate remark during a conference last week.

In a statement from her office on Thursday, Governor Laura Kelly said Watson should step down.

“While Education Commissioner Randy Watson has had a long career in advocating for our children in Kansas, the State and the Kansas Board of Education must take issues of derogatory and discriminatory language seriously.

“There is no question that Randy Watson must resign his position immediately, given his comments last week.&nbsp;However, the Board of Education must also focus on ways to address these issues going forward.&nbsp;Let’s build on this moment to celebrate diversity and ensure that all Kansas school children are treated with dignity and respect.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584484524519.png" alt="Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson during a 2020 news conference in Topeka" />
 <figcaption>Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson during a 2020 news conference in Topeka</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA— Kansas’ state school board scheduled a special meeting for Friday to discuss personnel issues following a report Education Commissioner Randy Watson made what one board member called an inappropriate remark during a conference last week.In a statement from her office on Thursday, Governor Laura Kelly said Watson should step down.“While Education Commissioner Randy Watson has had a long career in advocating for our children in Kansas, the State and the Kansas Board of Education must take issues of derogatory and discriminatory language seriously.“There is no question that Randy Watson must resign his position immediately, given his comments last week.&nbsp;However, the Board of Education must also focus on ways to address these issues going forward.&nbsp;Let’s build on this moment to celebrate diversity and ensure that all Kansas school children are treated with dignity and respect.”-----------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ state school board has scheduled a special meeting for Friday to discuss personnel issues. The meeting was set after Education Commissioner Randy Watson made what one board member called an inappropriate remark during a conference last week. State Board of Education member Ann Mah told The Capital-Journal on Wednesday that the board was taking Watson’s comments “very seriously.” She said Watson had reached out to her after the comments but she couldn’t share exactly what Watson said in his remarks. Watson did not immediately return a telephone message or email Wednesday evening seeking comment. The 10-member elected board appoints the commissioner to run the State Department of Education.