WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission today proposed a $45 million fine against a company that conducted an apparently illegal robocall campaign to sell health insurance under the pretense that the annual enrollment period had been reopened due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Interstate Brokers of America apparently made 514,467 unlawful robocalls without subscribers’ prior express consent or an emergency purpose.  This is the largest TCPA robocall fine ever proposed by the Commission.

The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau investigation found that Interstate Brokers made 514,196 robocalls to wireless phones and 271 telemarketing robocalls to landline phones in apparent violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.  The Bureau reviewed a sample of 10,000 calls, confirmed with the dialing platform provider that the calls were pre-recorded messages, and spoke to several recipients who confirmed they had not provided to consent to be called.  The proposed fine is based on the verified calls. 

Interstate Brokers is a Ft. Lauderdale, Florida-based lead generator run by Gregory Robbins and which also does business as National Health Agents.  The company purchased lists of phone numbers from third-party vendors; it also acquired numbers from consumers looking for health insurance quotes online, without clearly disclosing that, by providing contact information, the consumers would be subject to robocalls.  The company left prerecorded voice messages marketing its clients’ insurance plans.  Voice recognition software would identify when a consumer answered the call.  If a consumer responded by pressing a number on their phone, or by staying on hold, the system automatically transferred the call to a call center operated by Interstate Brokers.   Consumers were then offered insurance products sold by one of several insurance companies that had hired Interstate Brokers

One of the company’s prerecorded voice messages stated: “Many states’ opened enrollment options to combat the COVID-19 virus and our plans include telemedicine services that would allow you to see a doctor over the phone or a video that could treat common sickness like the cold and flu.  Give me a call back, at our phone number … and I can go over what is still available in your area.”  The FCC’s investigation was prompted by a report from the Industry Traceback Group of suspected illegal robocall traffic.  FCC investigators also reviewed consumer complaints including those found online.  For example, one consumer wrote online: “Message left from ‘Ashley’ from the Health care center calling to announce open enrollment for health care due to COVID-19. ... Called on my work cell phone that I do no personal business on.”

Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, robocalls made to wireless phones and telemarketing robocalls made to landlines require prior written consent of the called party.  Many of the calls also were made, apparently unlawfully, to consumers on the Do Not Call Registry.  

The proposed action, formally called a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture, or NAL, contains only allegations that advise a party – Gregory Robbins, Interstate Brokers of America LLC, and National Health Agents LLC – on how it has apparently violated the law and may set forth a proposed monetary penalty.  The Commission may not impose a greater monetary penalty in this case than the amount proposed in the NAL.  Neither the allegations nor the proposed sanctions in the NAL are final Commission actions.  The party will be given an opportunity to respond, and the Commission will consider the party’s submission of evidence and legal arguments before acting further to resolve the matter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977952684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FCCWASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission today proposed a $45 million fine against a company that conducted an apparently illegal robocall campaign to sell health insurance under the pretense that the annual enrollment period had been reopened due to the coronavirus pandemic. Interstate Brokers of America apparently made 514,467 unlawful robocalls without subscribers’ prior express consent or an emergency purpose. This is the largest TCPA robocall fine ever proposed by the Commission.The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau investigation found that Interstate Brokers made 514,196 robocalls to wireless phones and 271 telemarketing robocalls to landline phones in apparent violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. The Bureau reviewed a sample of 10,000 calls, confirmed with the dialing platform provider that the calls were pre-recorded messages, and spoke to several recipients who confirmed they had not provided to consent to be called. The proposed fine is based on the verified calls. Interstate Brokers is a Ft. Lauderdale, Florida-based lead generator run by Gregory Robbins and which also does business as National Health Agents. The company purchased lists of phone numbers from third-party vendors; it also acquired numbers from consumers looking for health insurance quotes online, without clearly disclosing that, by providing contact information, the consumers would be subject to robocalls. The company left prerecorded voice messages marketing its clients’ insurance plans. Voice recognition software would identify when a consumer answered the call. If a consumer responded by pressing a number on their phone, or by staying on hold, the system automatically transferred the call to a call center operated by Interstate Brokers. Consumers were then offered insurance products sold by one of several insurance companies that had hired Interstate BrokersOne of the company’s prerecorded voice messages stated: “Many states’ opened enrollment options to combat the COVID-19 virus and our plans include telemedicine services that would allow you to see a doctor over the phone or a video that could treat common sickness like the cold and flu. Give me a call back, at our phone number … and I can go over what is still available in your area.” The FCC’s investigation was prompted by a report from the Industry Traceback Group of suspected illegal robocall traffic. FCC investigators also reviewed consumer complaints including those found online. For example, one consumer wrote online: “Message left from ‘Ashley’ from the Health care center calling to announce open enrollment for health care due to COVID-19. ... Called on my work cell phone that I do no personal business on.”Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, robocalls made to wireless phones and telemarketing robocalls made to landlines require prior written consent of the called party. Many of the calls also were made, apparently unlawfully, to consumers on the Do Not Call Registry. The proposed action, formally called a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture, or NAL, contains only allegations that advise a party – Gregory Robbins, Interstate Brokers of America LLC, and National Health Agents LLC – on how it has apparently violated the law and may set forth a proposed monetary penalty. The Commission may not impose a greater monetary penalty in this case than the amount proposed in the NAL. Neither the allegations nor the proposed sanctions in the NAL are final Commission actions. The party will be given an opportunity to respond, and the Commission will consider the party’s submission of evidence and legal arguments before acting further to resolve the matter.

COVID insurance? Feds propose $45M fine against robocalling telemarketer

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Chris Lammons become the fourth suspect arrested in connection with an assault at a Las Vegas nightclub that prompted the Feb. 6 arrest of New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara.

Lammons turned himself in Thursday in Las Vegas and was briefly booked into the Clark County Detention Center on suspicion of felony battery resulting in substantial bodily harm and conspiracy to commit battery, police said.

Two other men, Darrin Young and Percy Harris, turned themselves in Monday and were booked on the same charges before posting bonds.

Police say surveillance video shows Kamara and at least three other men attacked the victim Feb. 5 at about 6:30 a.m. They say it shows Kamara punching the man repeatedly before others stomped on the man while he was on the floor at the rooftop nightclub Drai’s above the Cromwell hotel-casino.

Kamara was arrested Feb. 6 after he played in the NFL Pro Bowl at Allegiant Stadium. Police say he told officers he punched the man after he thought he had done something to someone in his group and was trying to run away.

He faces a single charge of felony battery resulting in substantial bodily harm. He was released on bond and scheduled to appear in court on March 8.

Lammons' first court appearance also is set for March 8. His attorney, Ross Goodman, told the&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/sb83nmxu">Las Vegas Review-Journal&nbsp;</a>Thursday he plans to launch his own investigation of the alleged attack.

“It appears to be an unplanned and spontaneous altercation based on my review of the reports,” he said.

Las Vegas police said in a statement after Lammons' arrest Thursday they're still investigating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645182338453.png" alt="Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Chris Lammons-photo Las Vegas Police" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Chris Lammons-photo Las Vegas Police</figcaption>
 </figure>LAS VEGAS (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Chris Lammons become the fourth suspect arrested in connection with an assault at a Las Vegas nightclub that prompted the Feb. 6 arrest of New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara.Lammons turned himself in Thursday in Las Vegas and was briefly booked into the Clark County Detention Center on suspicion of felony battery resulting in substantial bodily harm and conspiracy to commit battery, police said.Two other men, Darrin Young and Percy Harris, turned themselves in Monday and were booked on the same charges before posting bonds.Police say surveillance video shows Kamara and at least three other men attacked the victim Feb. 5 at about 6:30 a.m. They say it shows Kamara punching the man repeatedly before others stomped on the man while he was on the floor at the rooftop nightclub Drai’s above the Cromwell hotel-casino.Kamara was arrested Feb. 6 after he played in the NFL Pro Bowl at Allegiant Stadium. Police say he told officers he punched the man after he thought he had done something to someone in his group and was trying to run away.He faces a single charge of felony battery resulting in substantial bodily harm. He was released on bond and scheduled to appear in court on March 8.Lammons' first court appearance also is set for March 8. His attorney, Ross Goodman, told the&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/sb83nmxu">Las Vegas Review-Journal&nbsp;</a>Thursday he plans to launch his own investigation of the alleged attack.“It appears to be an unplanned and spontaneous altercation based on my review of the reports,” he said.Las Vegas police said in a statement after Lammons' arrest Thursday they're still investigating.

Chiefs cornerback arrested in connection with Las Vegas assault 

WASHINGTON —On Thursday, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Kansas and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and straight-line winds on December 15, 2021, according to a statement from the White House. Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and straight-line winds in the counties of Barton, Brown, Clay, Cloud, Doniphan, Edwards, Ellis, Ellsworth, Ford, Geary, Gove, Graham, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Hamilton, Haskell, Hodgeman, Jewell, Kearny, Lane, Lincoln, Logan, Marshall, Meade, Mitchell, Morris, Morton, Nemaha, Ness, Osborne, Ottawa, Pawnee, Republic, Rice, Riley, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Saline, Scott, Sheridan, Smith, Stafford, Stanton, Stevens, Sumner, Trego, Wabaunsee, Wallace, Washington, Wichita, and Wyandotte.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. Deanne Criswell, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named DuWayne Tewes as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639586809830.png" alt="A wall of dust moving east from 13 miles S of Sharon Springs at the Wallace/Greeley county line at 10:30a.m. Dec. 15, 2021-photo courtesy National Weather Service Goodland" />
 <figcaption>A wall of dust moving east from 13 miles S of Sharon Springs at the Wallace/Greeley county line at 10:30a.m. Dec. 15, 2021-photo courtesy National Weather Service Goodland</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —On Thursday, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Kansas and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and straight-line winds on December 15, 2021, according to a statement from the White House. Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and straight-line winds in the counties of Barton, Brown, Clay, Cloud, Doniphan, Edwards, Ellis, Ellsworth, Ford, Geary, Gove, Graham, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Hamilton, Haskell, Hodgeman, Jewell, Kearny, Lane, Lincoln, Logan, Marshall, Meade, Mitchell, Morris, Morton, Nemaha, Ness, Osborne, Ottawa, Pawnee, Republic, Rice, Riley, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Saline, Scott, Sheridan, Smith, Stafford, Stanton, Stevens, Sumner, Trego, Wabaunsee, Wallace, Washington, Wichita, and Wyandotte.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640357949490.png" alt="Storm damage in Ellis County on December 15" />
 <figcaption>Storm damage in Ellis County on December 15</figcaption>
 </figure>Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. Deanne Criswell, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named DuWayne Tewes as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Biden approves Kan. disaster declaration for December 15 storms

WASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service today updated frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the&nbsp;2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.

These FAQs (<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/newsroom/fs-2022-12.pdf">FS-2022-12</a>&nbsp;PDF) revisions are as follows:

Individuals who did not qualify for, or did not receive, the 
full amount of the third Economic Impact Payment may be eligible to 
claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit based on their 2021 tax year 
information. Individuals may have received their third Economic Impact 
Payment through initial and "plus-up" payments in 2021.

Note: Third Economic Impact Payments are different 
than the monthly advance Child Tax Credit payments that the IRS 
disbursed from July through December 2021.

Most eligible people already received their Economic Impact Payments 
and won't include any information about their payment when they file. 
However, people who are missing stimulus payments should review the 
information on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a> page to determine their eligibility and whether they need to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit for tax year 2021.

To claim any remaining credit for 2021, eligible people must file a 
2021 tax return, even if they usually do not file taxes. Also, people 
who did not receive all of their first and second Economic Impact 
Payments in 2020 can receive those amounts only by filing a 2020 tax 
return (or amending a previously filed return) and claiming the 2020 
Recovery Rebate Credit. They should review the Recovery Rebate Credit 
page to determine their eligibility.

The 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit can reduce any taxes owed or be 
included in the tax refund for the 2021 tax year. Filers must ensure to 
not mix information from their 2020 and 2021 tax years. In particular, 
filers should take care to NOT include any information regarding the 
first and second Economic Impact Payments received in 2020, or the 2020 
Recovery Rebate Credit, on their 2021 return. They will need the total 
of the third payment received to accurately calculate the 2021 Recovery 
Rebate Credit when they file their 2021 federal tax return in 2022.

Individuals can now view this information in their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">online account</a>.

People can also locate this information on Notice 1444-C, which they 
received from the IRS during 2021 after each payment, as well as Letter 
6475, which the IRS will mail to them through March 2022.

The FAQs cover most questions relating to claiming the credit and are
 for use by taxpayers and tax professionals and are being issued as 
expeditiously as possible.

Taxpayers with income of $73,000 or less can file their federal tax returns electronically for free through the IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File Program</a>.
 The fastest way to receive a tax refund is to file electronically and 
have it direct deposited into a financial account. Refunds can be 
directly deposited into bank accounts, prepaid debit cards or mobile 
apps as long as a routing and account number is provided.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service today updated frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the&nbsp;2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.These FAQs (<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/newsroom/fs-2022-12.pdf">FS-2022-12</a>&nbsp;PDF) revisions are as follows:<ul>
 <li>2021 Recovery Rebate Credit — Topic A: General Information: Q3, Q6</li><li>2021 Recovery Rebate Credit — Topic B: Claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren't required to file a 2021 tax return: Q5</li><li>2021 Recovery Rebate Credit — Topic D: Claiming the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit: Q6</li><li>2021 Recovery Rebate Credit — Topic E: Calculating the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit: Q7, Q18</li><li>2021 Recovery Rebate Credit — Topic G: Finding the Third Economic 
Impact Payment Amount to Calculate the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit: Q2, 
Q7, Q8</li>
 </ul>Individuals who did not qualify for, or did not receive, the 
full amount of the third Economic Impact Payment may be eligible to 
claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit based on their 2021 tax year 
information. Individuals may have received their third Economic Impact 
Payment through initial and "plus-up" payments in 2021.Note: Third Economic Impact Payments are different 
than the monthly advance Child Tax Credit payments that the IRS 
disbursed from July through December 2021.Most eligible people already received their Economic Impact Payments 
and won't include any information about their payment when they file. 
However, people who are missing stimulus payments should review the 
information on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a> page to determine their eligibility and whether they need to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit for tax year 2021.To claim any remaining credit for 2021, eligible people must file a 
2021 tax return, even if they usually do not file taxes. Also, people 
who did not receive all of their first and second Economic Impact 
Payments in 2020 can receive those amounts only by filing a 2020 tax 
return (or amending a previously filed return) and claiming the 2020 
Recovery Rebate Credit. They should review the Recovery Rebate Credit 
page to determine their eligibility.The 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit can reduce any taxes owed or be 
included in the tax refund for the 2021 tax year. Filers must ensure to 
not mix information from their 2020 and 2021 tax years. In particular, 
filers should take care to NOT include any information regarding the 
first and second Economic Impact Payments received in 2020, or the 2020 
Recovery Rebate Credit, on their 2021 return. They will need the total 
of the third payment received to accurately calculate the 2021 Recovery 
Rebate Credit when they file their 2021 federal tax return in 2022.Individuals can now view this information in their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">online account</a>.People can also locate this information on Notice 1444-C, which they 
received from the IRS during 2021 after each payment, as well as Letter 
6475, which the IRS will mail to them through March 2022.The FAQs cover most questions relating to claiming the credit and are
 for use by taxpayers and tax professionals and are being issued as 
expeditiously as possible.<h2>File for free and use direct deposit</h2>Taxpayers with income of $73,000 or less can file their federal tax returns electronically for free through the IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File Program</a>.
 The fastest way to receive a tax refund is to file electronically and 
have it direct deposited into a financial account. Refunds can be 
directly deposited into bank accounts, prepaid debit cards or mobile 
apps as long as a routing and account number is provided.

IRS updates information on 2021 COVID relief tax credits

A recent study by the Pew Research Center found that nearly 60 percent of America workers say their jobs can be completed mainly from home, and more than 60 percent are choosing to work from home even though their workplaces are reopened.

Click <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2022/02/16/covid-19-pandemic-continues-to-reshape-work-in-america/">HERE</a> for the entire report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643311140042.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A recent study by the Pew Research Center found that nearly 60 percent of America workers say their jobs can be completed mainly from home, and more than 60 percent are choosing to work from home even though their workplaces are reopened.Click <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2022/02/16/covid-19-pandemic-continues-to-reshape-work-in-america/">HERE</a> for the entire report.

Research: More working from home by choice, not necessity

PAWNEE COUNTY – A Kansas woman was sentenced Thursday for her role in the escape of sexual offender John Freeman Colt from the Sexual Predator Treatment Program at Larned State Hospital, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

On January 6,&nbsp;Liliana Guadalupe Houser, 45 of Garden City&nbsp; plead No Contest pursuant to a plea agreement to three felonies including Unlawful Sexual Relations with a patient while employed by Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), Traffic in Contraband in a Care and Treatment Facility while employed by KDADS, and Obstructing in the Apprehension or Prosecution of a Registered Sex Offender.

District Judge Bruce Gatterman sentenced Houser to a reduced sentence of 16 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections on each count with the counts to run concurrently.

The charges stem from an ongoing investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department following the June 30, 2021, escape of John Freeman Colt from the Treatment Program. Colt was captured in Wayne Country Utah on September 27, 2021.

Under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines, each count carried a presumptive prison term of 32 months with the department of corrections base on the severity level of the charges and Houser’s lack of criminal history. At the sentencing hearing, the defendant requested the Court place her on probation arguing she did not pose a danger to the public. She expressed she had been manipulated by the Colt during a time she was particularly vulnerable due to stress at work, a deteriorating marriage and the loss of her adult son in the Spring of 2021. 

The State argued the Court deny the request for leniency on the grounds that despite having prior knowledge of Colt’s escape plans, Houser took no actions to warn the hospital or law enforcement. Her breach of her fiduciary duty as a hospital employee placed both her co-workers and the public in danger.

The defendant will receive jail credit towards her prison sentence. The Court also ordered Houser to register as a Sex Offender for a period of 25 years upon her release from prison. This downward durational departure sentence is consistent with the sentence of Colean McKoy in 2008 who assisted Perry Isley escape from the Sexual Predator Treatment Program.

Houser has been in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff since her arrest on October 8, 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634076547899.png" alt="Houser-Photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Houser-Photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY – A Kansas woman was sentenced Thursday for her role in the escape of sexual offender John Freeman Colt from the Sexual Predator Treatment Program at Larned State Hospital, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.On January 6,&nbsp;Liliana Guadalupe Houser, 45 of Garden City&nbsp; plead No Contest pursuant to a plea agreement to three felonies including Unlawful Sexual Relations with a patient while employed by Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), Traffic in Contraband in a Care and Treatment Facility while employed by KDADS, and Obstructing in the Apprehension or Prosecution of a Registered Sex Offender.District Judge Bruce Gatterman sentenced Houser to a reduced sentence of 16 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections on each count with the counts to run concurrently.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1625086515798.png" alt="Colt as seen on security cameras as he made his escape-photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Colt as seen on security cameras as he made his escape-photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>The charges stem from an ongoing investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department following the June 30, 2021, escape of John Freeman Colt from the Treatment Program. Colt was captured in Wayne Country Utah on September 27, 2021.Under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines, each count carried a presumptive prison term of 32 months with the department of corrections base on the severity level of the charges and Houser’s lack of criminal history. At the sentencing hearing, the defendant requested the Court place her on probation arguing she did not pose a danger to the public. She expressed she had been manipulated by the Colt during a time she was particularly vulnerable due to stress at work, a deteriorating marriage and the loss of her adult son in the Spring of 2021. The State argued the Court deny the request for leniency on the grounds that despite having prior knowledge of Colt’s escape plans, Houser took no actions to warn the hospital or law enforcement. Her breach of her fiduciary duty as a hospital employee placed both her co-workers and the public in danger.The defendant will receive jail credit towards her prison sentence. The Court also ordered Houser to register as a Sex Offender for a period of 25 years upon her release from prison. This downward durational departure sentence is consistent with the sentence of Colean McKoy in 2008 who assisted Perry Isley escape from the Sexual Predator Treatment Program.Houser has been in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff since her arrest on October 8, 2021.

Kan. state hospital employee sentenced for sex offender's escape

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on theft charges after an incident in an apartment parking lot.

Just after 4:30a.m. Wednesday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to the Pines Apartment, 238 SW Gage Blvd in Topeka in reference to two individuals potentially prowling in parked vehicles, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.

Officers came on scene and located an unoccupied Chevrolet Silverado in the parking lot that had been stolen out of Douglas County, Kansas. 

The truck bed was full of items and offices also located A firearm in the passenger seat. Officers took two suspects identified as 22-year-old Robert Kenneth Payne and 18-year-old Bryce Cordell Walker both of Topeka into custody at the scene.

Just before 9a.m. as officers and detectives were still conducting their investigation a victim called and reported his firearm was stolen from his vehicle overnight. That firearm was confirmed as the same firearm recovered from the stolen truck. This firearm had been stolen previously in another incident and had just been returned to the victim December of 2021.

As a result of the investigation, the two suspects were transported to Shawnee County Department of corrections. Payne is being held on requested charges for Criminal Possession of Firearm, Theft (F) over $25,000, Criminal Possession of Firearm by Felon within 3 years of Conviction, Warrant arrest through Junction City.

Walker is jailed on requested charges of Criminal Possession of Firearm, Theft (F) over $25,000, Criminal Possession of Firearm by Felon within 3 years of Conviction, Bench Warrant from Pawnee County for Theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645115789041.png" alt="Payne photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Payne photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on theft charges after an incident in an apartment parking lot.Just after 4:30a.m. Wednesday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to the Pines Apartment, 238 SW Gage Blvd in Topeka in reference to two individuals potentially prowling in parked vehicles, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.Officers came on scene and located an unoccupied Chevrolet Silverado in the parking lot that had been stolen out of Douglas County, Kansas. The truck bed was full of items and offices also located A firearm in the passenger seat. Officers took two suspects identified as 22-year-old Robert Kenneth Payne and 18-year-old Bryce Cordell Walker both of Topeka into custody at the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645115834126.png" alt="Walker photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Walker photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 9a.m. as officers and detectives were still conducting their investigation a victim called and reported his firearm was stolen from his vehicle overnight. That firearm was confirmed as the same firearm recovered from the stolen truck. This firearm had been stolen previously in another incident and had just been returned to the victim December of 2021.As a result of the investigation, the two suspects were transported to Shawnee County Department of corrections. Payne is being held on requested charges for Criminal Possession of Firearm, Theft (F) over $25,000, Criminal Possession of Firearm by Felon within 3 years of Conviction, Warrant arrest through Junction City.Walker is jailed on requested charges of Criminal Possession of Firearm, Theft (F) over $25,000, Criminal Possession of Firearm by Felon within 3 years of Conviction, Bench Warrant from Pawnee County for Theft.

Police: Stolen pickup at Kan. apartment was full of stolen items

SCOTTSDALE,
 Ariz. (AP) — The street next to the San Francisco Giants spring 
training facility was missing its usual bustle on an unseasonably cool 
Wednesday morning.

Bartender Sean Ramirez was stacking plates and 
cleaning glasses before his lunch shift at Los Olivos Mexican Patio, 
contemplating Major League Baseball’s lockout.

“This is usually 
our time of year, man,” said Ramirez, a son of the restaurant’s owner 
who has worked behind the bar for 15 years. “This is the spot, the 
hangout for Giants fans. We’re usually packed with fans from Sacramento 
and San Francisco.”

The sounds of spring baseball — from the crack
 of wooden bats, to music blaring from stadium speakers, to shouted 
requests from autograph seekers — were muted or completely missing on 
what was supposed to be the day that pitchers and catchers began 
workouts in preparation for opening day on March 31.

Instead, it 
was Day 77 of a lockout that’s become the second-longest work stoppage 
in baseball history. Many minor leaguers are reporting to camp in 
Arizona and Florida on dates that vary by team, but the 40-man roster 
players won’t be on the field until MLB and the players’ association 
reach a compromise.

For now, there’s not much happening at all.

Maybe
 the most depressing development for baseball fans is there haven’t been
 any real developments toward breaking the financial stalemate. Neither 
side made any public statement this week to acknowledge that spring 
training is failing to start on schedule for the first time since 1995.

In
 Florida on Wednesday morning, the statue of late owner George 
Steinbrenner that sits outside of the Yankees spring facility faced a 
mostly empty parking lot and the closed ticket windows. The temperatures
 was in the 70s with a brisk east wind blowing in from right field, 
where the workout would have been taking place.

In Arizona, it was
 nearly silent outside of Salt River Fields, which is where the Arizona 
Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies share facilities. The cool and damp 
weather added to the baseball malaise, as a parking lot security guard 
wandered around without much to do.

This is the third straight 
spring training that is far from normal following a 2020 cut short by 
the COVID pandemic and a 2021 with limited attendance due to health 
restrictions.

Ramirez said he has no idea what Los Olivos will 
look like this February and March if there’s no baseball. He’s just 
hoping the two sides reach an agreement soon.

“I am an optimist 
and I believe we will have an agreement in time to play our regular 
schedule,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said at a news conference 
last Thursday. “I see missing games as a disastrous outcome for this 
industry, and we’re committed to making an agreement in an effort to 
avoid that.”

The 2020 regular season was shortened from 162 games 
per team to 60 games, and regular-season games were played in empty 
ballparks. Last year, only Texas began the season at 100% capacity, with
 other U.S, teams reaching full capacity availability ranging from 
Atlanta on May 7 to Seattle on July 2. MLB attendance was 45.3 million, 
down from 68.5 million over 2019.

Manfred
 said last week that about four weeks of training would be needed, with 
additional time for ratification and players to travel to camps.

When that time comes is anybody’s guess. Meanwhile, fans and workers like Ramirez are stuck in limbo.

“This is what we rely on to help us the rest of the year,” the bartender said. “We don’t know what to expect.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645138764680.jpg" alt="Pixabay photo" />
 <figcaption>Pixabay photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SCOTTSDALE,
 Ariz. (AP) — The street next to the San Francisco Giants spring 
training facility was missing its usual bustle on an unseasonably cool 
Wednesday morning.Bartender Sean Ramirez was stacking plates and 
cleaning glasses before his lunch shift at Los Olivos Mexican Patio, 
contemplating Major League Baseball’s lockout.“This is usually 
our time of year, man,” said Ramirez, a son of the restaurant’s owner 
who has worked behind the bar for 15 years. “This is the spot, the 
hangout for Giants fans. We’re usually packed with fans from Sacramento 
and San Francisco.”The sounds of spring baseball — from the crack
 of wooden bats, to music blaring from stadium speakers, to shouted 
requests from autograph seekers — were muted or completely missing on 
what was supposed to be the day that pitchers and catchers began 
workouts in preparation for opening day on March 31.Instead, it 
was Day 77 of a lockout that’s become the second-longest work stoppage 
in baseball history. Many minor leaguers are reporting to camp in 
Arizona and Florida on dates that vary by team, but the 40-man roster 
players won’t be on the field until MLB and the players’ association 
reach a compromise.“We’ll see what happens.”For now, there’s not much happening at all.Maybe
 the most depressing development for baseball fans is there haven’t been
 any real developments toward breaking the financial stalemate. Neither 
side made any public statement this week to acknowledge that spring 
training is failing to start on schedule for the first time since 1995.Bargaining is to resume Thursday.In
 Florida on Wednesday morning, the statue of late owner George 
Steinbrenner that sits outside of the Yankees spring facility faced a 
mostly empty parking lot and the closed ticket windows. The temperatures
 was in the 70s with a brisk east wind blowing in from right field, 
where the workout would have been taking place.In Arizona, it was
 nearly silent outside of Salt River Fields, which is where the Arizona 
Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies share facilities. The cool and damp 
weather added to the baseball malaise, as a parking lot security guard 
wandered around without much to do.This is the third straight 
spring training that is far from normal following a 2020 cut short by 
the COVID pandemic and a 2021 with limited attendance due to health 
restrictions.Ramirez said he has no idea what Los Olivos will 
look like this February and March if there’s no baseball. He’s just 
hoping the two sides reach an agreement soon.“I am an optimist 
and I believe we will have an agreement in time to play our regular 
schedule,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said at a news conference 
last Thursday. “I see missing games as a disastrous outcome for this 
industry, and we’re committed to making an agreement in an effort to 
avoid that.”The 2020 regular season was shortened from 162 games 
per team to 60 games, and regular-season games were played in empty 
ballparks. Last year, only Texas began the season at 100% capacity, with
 other U.S, teams reaching full capacity availability ranging from 
Atlanta on May 7 to Seattle on July 2. MLB attendance was 45.3 million, 
down from 68.5 million over 2019.And now, labor strife.Manfred
 said last week that about four weeks of training would be needed, with 
additional time for ratification and players to travel to camps.When that time comes is anybody’s guess. Meanwhile, fans and workers like Ramirez are stuck in limbo.“This is what we rely on to help us the rest of the year,” the bartender said. “We don’t know what to expect.”

Lockout gets real: MLB’s spring showcase goes silent

House members pass series of military-based bills

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/17/constitutional-amendment-providing-kansas-legislature-oversight-of-executive-branch-fails-in-house/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — House Republicans failed
 Thursday to gather sufficient support for a constitutional amendment 
that could provide legislators with new oversight of the executive 
branch.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/HCR5014/">The resolution</a>,
 if passed by a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers and approved 
by a popular vote of Kansans, would add a new section to the state 
constitution providing the Legislature the authority to set and revoke 
new rules within state agencies housed in the executive branch.

On Wednesday, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/16/house-republicans-push-for-kansas-voters-to-limit-executive-branch-authority-agency-regulations/">House gave the resolution preliminary approval</a>&nbsp;by a simple majority, but the measure failed Thursday with 80 in favor and 33 against, short of the 84 votes needed.

“There is already a thorough review process for our rules and 
regulations, including a review by the Attorney General to ensure that 
the agency has not exceeded its statutory authority,” said Rep. Boog 
Highberger, D-Lawrence. “This resolution is just more election year 
grandstanding.”

Rep. Blaine Finch, R-Ottawa, flipped his vote in a procedural move to
 allow the House to reconsider the amendment before the end of the next 
day of floor action, which will be Monday. The House also passed a 
series of military remembrance bills.

According to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/AndrewBahl/status/1494388330510917633">reporting from the Topeka-Capital Journal</a>,
 House Speaker Ron Ryckman said there was a deal with Democrats to 
ensure the necessary votes, but they flipped unexpectedly. If passed by 
the Legislature, the constitutional amendment would be on the general 
election ballot in 2022.

Republicans are motivated primarily by a recent decision by the 
Kansas Department of Labor to add or amend six regulations regarding 
workers’ compensation. Currently, the Legislature can adopt only a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/statute/077_000_0000_chapter/077_004_0000_article/077_004_0026_section/077_004_0026_k/">concurrent resolution expressing concern or requesting the revocation of a regulation</a>.

“We are the lawmaking body,” said Rep. Eric Smith, a Burlington 
Republican. “We have the absolute obligation that when bureaucracies 
pass rules and regulations that have the same power and standing of law,
 we must be able to address them. It is our duty to the people we 
represent.”

Representatives also approved without opposition a series of bills 
authorizing memorials, license plates and highway renamings in honor of 
Kansans who served in the U.S. military.

<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2540/">House Bill 2540</a>&nbsp;allows
 the construction on Statehouse grounds of a permanent memorial honoring
 the immediate families of those who lost their lives in the line of 
duty. The Gold Star Family monument would be added to the Veteran’s Walk
 outside the Capitol building in Topeka and be entirely paid for through
 donations and private funds.

“It’ll be a beautiful memorial that we can all be proud of,” said 
Rep. Virgil Weigel, a Topeka Democrat, adding that this bill resonated 
on a personal level for him. “My mother is a Gold Star family member. 
Her youngest brother was killed in action in World War Two, so it means a
 little bit more to me.”

A federal law is pending that will establish a gold star recognition 
day in September, and the memorial would be completed before then. The 
Senate passed a similar bill earlier this month.

House members gave their stamp of approval to a pair of bills 
dedicating portions of two state highways after Kansas soldiers who 
sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. <a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2478/">House Bill 2478</a> designates part of U.S. Highway 166 as the SGT Evan S Parker memorial highway, and <a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2458/">House Bill 2458</a> designates part of U.S. Highway 56 as the PFC Shane Austin memorial highway.

“(We) introduced House Bill 2458 to honor this young hero, who 
through his heroism demonstrated many of the ideals that the people of 
Kansas are known for,” said Rep. Ken Collin, R-Mulberry. “Patriotism, 
loyalty and duty are just a few.”

The bills now go to the Senate for final approval, as will two bills 
authorizing distinctive license plates — one for those who received a 
Silver Star medal and one for those who received a Bronze Star medal.

Rep. Timothy Johnson, R-Bonner Springs, testified in support of the 
bills on behalf of his two sons who served in the Middle East and 
received the Bronze Star medal.

“Previously all we had were little stickers that would go up in the 
corner. Clearly not fitting for the work that these people have done,” 
Johnson said. “Sacrifice without remembrance is meaningless.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645132177436.png" alt="House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins told House Republicans he is “really passionate” about adopting a constitutional amendment that would give the Legislature authority to overrule decisions made at executive branch agencies. The House failed Thursday to secure the two-thirds votes needed. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins told House Republicans he is “really passionate” about adopting a constitutional amendment that would give the Legislature authority to overrule decisions made at executive branch agencies. The House failed Thursday to secure the two-thirds votes needed. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>House members pass series of military-based bills</h2>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/17/constitutional-amendment-providing-kansas-legislature-oversight-of-executive-branch-fails-in-house/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — House Republicans failed
 Thursday to gather sufficient support for a constitutional amendment 
that could provide legislators with new oversight of the executive 
branch.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/HCR5014/">The resolution</a>,
 if passed by a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers and approved 
by a popular vote of Kansans, would add a new section to the state 
constitution providing the Legislature the authority to set and revoke 
new rules within state agencies housed in the executive branch.On Wednesday, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/16/house-republicans-push-for-kansas-voters-to-limit-executive-branch-authority-agency-regulations/">House gave the resolution preliminary approval</a>&nbsp;by a simple majority, but the measure failed Thursday with 80 in favor and 33 against, short of the 84 votes needed.“There is already a thorough review process for our rules and 
regulations, including a review by the Attorney General to ensure that 
the agency has not exceeded its statutory authority,” said Rep. Boog 
Highberger, D-Lawrence. “This resolution is just more election year 
grandstanding.”Rep. Blaine Finch, R-Ottawa, flipped his vote in a procedural move to
 allow the House to reconsider the amendment before the end of the next 
day of floor action, which will be Monday. The House also passed a 
series of military remembrance bills.According to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/AndrewBahl/status/1494388330510917633">reporting from the Topeka-Capital Journal</a>,
 House Speaker Ron Ryckman said there was a deal with Democrats to 
ensure the necessary votes, but they flipped unexpectedly. If passed by 
the Legislature, the constitutional amendment would be on the general 
election ballot in 2022.Republicans are motivated primarily by a recent decision by the 
Kansas Department of Labor to add or amend six regulations regarding 
workers’ compensation. Currently, the Legislature can adopt only a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/statute/077_000_0000_chapter/077_004_0000_article/077_004_0026_section/077_004_0026_k/">concurrent resolution expressing concern or requesting the revocation of a regulation</a>.“We are the lawmaking body,” said Rep. Eric Smith, a Burlington 
Republican. “We have the absolute obligation that when bureaucracies 
pass rules and regulations that have the same power and standing of law,
 we must be able to address them. It is our duty to the people we 
represent.”<h2>Military recognitions</h2>Representatives also approved without opposition a series of bills 
authorizing memorials, license plates and highway renamings in honor of 
Kansans who served in the U.S. military.<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2540/">House Bill 2540</a>&nbsp;allows
 the construction on Statehouse grounds of a permanent memorial honoring
 the immediate families of those who lost their lives in the line of 
duty. The Gold Star Family monument would be added to the Veteran’s Walk
 outside the Capitol building in Topeka and be entirely paid for through
 donations and private funds.“It’ll be a beautiful memorial that we can all be proud of,” said 
Rep. Virgil Weigel, a Topeka Democrat, adding that this bill resonated 
on a personal level for him. “My mother is a Gold Star family member. 
Her youngest brother was killed in action in World War Two, so it means a
 little bit more to me.”A federal law is pending that will establish a gold star recognition 
day in September, and the memorial would be completed before then. The 
Senate passed a similar bill earlier this month.House members gave their stamp of approval to a pair of bills 
dedicating portions of two state highways after Kansas soldiers who 
sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. <a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2478/">House Bill 2478</a> designates part of U.S. Highway 166 as the SGT Evan S Parker memorial highway, and <a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2458/">House Bill 2458</a> designates part of U.S. Highway 56 as the PFC Shane Austin memorial highway.“(We) introduced House Bill 2458 to honor this young hero, who 
through his heroism demonstrated many of the ideals that the people of 
Kansas are known for,” said Rep. Ken Collin, R-Mulberry. “Patriotism, 
loyalty and duty are just a few.”The bills now go to the Senate for final approval, as will two bills 
authorizing distinctive license plates — one for those who received a 
Silver Star medal and one for those who received a Bronze Star medal.Rep. Timothy Johnson, R-Bonner Springs, testified in support of the 
bills on behalf of his two sons who served in the Middle East and 
received the Bronze Star medal.“Previously all we had were little stickers that would go up in the 
corner. Clearly not fitting for the work that these people have done,” 
Johnson said. “Sacrifice without remembrance is meaningless.”

Constitutional amendment to limit Kan. executive powers fails in House

By ARIANA FIGUEROA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/16/students-defrauded-by-for-profit-colleges-to-get-millions-in-loan-repayments/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of 
Education announced Wednesday that nearly 16,000 student borrowers would
 receive millions in loan repayments, after the department found that 
four private for-profit institutions made misleading claims about their 
job placement rates.

“The Department remains committed to 
giving borrowers discharges when the evidence shows their college 
violated the law and standards,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel 
Cardona said in a statement.

“Students count on their colleges to 
be truthful. Unfortunately, today’s findings show too many instances in 
which students were misled into loans at institutions or programs that 
could not deliver what they’d promised.”

Cardona said this was part of the 
Department of Education’s targeted borrower defense policy, which 
provides relief to students who are found to have been defrauded.

The four institutions include DeVry 
University, which is based in Illinois, but has 40 locations in 18 
states; Westwood College, based in Colorado, which closed in 2016; ITT 
Nursing, based in Indiana, which filed for bankruptcy in 2016; and the 
Minnesota School of Business/Globe University, which closed in 2017.

“Today marks the first findings 
against a school, DeVry University, that is open and still enrolling new
 students,” federal student aid chief operating officer Richard Cordray,
 representing the department, said during a call with reporters.

Cordray said that students who 
attended DeVry University from 2008 to 2015 can file claims to the 
department. DeVry asserted that 90% of its students who graduated found 
employment, when the job placement rate was really about 58%.

The department will approve $71.1 million in borrower defense charges for about 1,800 former DeVry students.

“In this case, we reviewed 
considerable evidence showing that DeVry substantially misstated its job
 placement rates, and the likelihood of students finding new jobs in 
their field of study after graduation,” he said.

Officials at DeVry could not be reached for comment.

Cordray said that from 2007 to 2016, 
officials from ITT Technical Institute lied to students seeking to 
enroll in its associate nursing degree program.

“The program was not accredited,” he 
said. “And students were unable to get the benefit they were promised 
from their courses (of) study.”

The department plans to approve about $3 million to 130 students. 
This is the fourth time the department has issued discharges to students
 who attended that institution, for a combined $660 million in 
discharges for about 23,000 students who attended ITT Tech during those 
years.

Student borrowers who attended the 
criminal justice programs at the Minnesota School of Business and/or 
Globe University will be entitled to full borrower defense discharges, 
department officials said. The department has already approved about $3 
million in discharges for 270 students.

The department is also approving 
$284.5 million in discharges to more than 11,900 student borrowers who 
attended beauty schools such as Corinthian Colleges, which closed in 
2015, and Marinello Schools of Beauty, which closed in 2015.

Cordray said the department also 
found that Westwood College misled student about graduate job placement 
rates of 80% or higher and falsely claimed that graduates would make 
salaries of $50,000 or more. The department found that the salary data 
was based on national federal data and that graduates of the institution
 made half or less of those salary claims.

The Department of Education will approve about $53.1 million for 1,600 student borrowers who submit those claims.

During the Biden administration, the Education Department has distributed more than $2 billion in borrower defense discharges.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/over-323000-federal-student-loan-borrowers-receive-58-billion-automatic-total-and-permanent-disability-discharges">Last year</a>,
 the department announced that more than 323,000 borrowers who have a 
permanent disability would receive $5.8 million in automatic student 
loan discharges.

The Biden administration has <a target="_blank" href="https://newjerseymonitor.com/2021/12/17/biden-administration-resists-democrats-pleas-on-student-debt-relief-as-deadline-nears/">resisted</a> lawmakers’ call to cancel up to $50,000 worth of federal student loan debt per student. The Federal Reserve <a target="_blank" href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/SLOAS">estimates</a> that the total U.S. student loan debt is more than $1.75 trillion. The Department of Education <a target="_blank" href="https://studentaid.gov/data-center/student/portfolio">owns about 92% </a>of that student loan debt.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki
 said during a Tuesday briefing that Biden has “forgiven $15 billion in 
student loans, benefiting more than 675,000 student loan borrowers since
 he took office.”

As part of Biden’s campaign platform,
 he said he would forgive up to $10,000 per student in federal student 
loans, but he has not directed the Department of Education to make that 
change. Biden has said he wants Congress to put forth legislation to 
cancel up to $10,000 worth of debt per student for him to sign into law.

Psaki also pointed to the pause on student loan repayment due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“No one has been required to pay a 
single dime in federal student loans, and he extended the hiatus of 
payment until May to give people some extra breathing room,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645113399735.jpeg" alt="Dr. Miguel Cardona, Secretary of Education" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Miguel Cardona, Secretary of Education</figcaption>
 </figure>By ARIANA FIGUEROA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/16/students-defrauded-by-for-profit-colleges-to-get-millions-in-loan-repayments/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of 
Education announced Wednesday that nearly 16,000 student borrowers would
 receive millions in loan repayments, after the department found that 
four private for-profit institutions made misleading claims about their 
job placement rates.“The Department remains committed to 
giving borrowers discharges when the evidence shows their college 
violated the law and standards,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel 
Cardona said in a statement.“Students count on their colleges to 
be truthful. Unfortunately, today’s findings show too many instances in 
which students were misled into loans at institutions or programs that 
could not deliver what they’d promised.”Cardona said this was part of the 
Department of Education’s targeted borrower defense policy, which 
provides relief to students who are found to have been defrauded.The four institutions include DeVry 
University, which is based in Illinois, but has 40 locations in 18 
states; Westwood College, based in Colorado, which closed in 2016; ITT 
Nursing, based in Indiana, which filed for bankruptcy in 2016; and the 
Minnesota School of Business/Globe University, which closed in 2017.“Today marks the first findings 
against a school, DeVry University, that is open and still enrolling new
 students,” federal student aid chief operating officer Richard Cordray,
 representing the department, said during a call with reporters.Cordray said that students who 
attended DeVry University from 2008 to 2015 can file claims to the 
department. DeVry asserted that 90% of its students who graduated found 
employment, when the job placement rate was really about 58%.The department will approve $71.1 million in borrower defense charges for about 1,800 former DeVry students.“In this case, we reviewed 
considerable evidence showing that DeVry substantially misstated its job
 placement rates, and the likelihood of students finding new jobs in 
their field of study after graduation,” he said.Officials at DeVry could not be reached for comment.Cordray said that from 2007 to 2016, 
officials from ITT Technical Institute lied to students seeking to 
enroll in its associate nursing degree program.“The program was not accredited,” he 
said. “And students were unable to get the benefit they were promised 
from their courses (of) study.”The department plans to approve about $3 million to 130 students. 
This is the fourth time the department has issued discharges to students
 who attended that institution, for a combined $660 million in 
discharges for about 23,000 students who attended ITT Tech during those 
years.Student borrowers who attended the 
criminal justice programs at the Minnesota School of Business and/or 
Globe University will be entitled to full borrower defense discharges, 
department officials said. The department has already approved about $3 
million in discharges for 270 students.The department is also approving 
$284.5 million in discharges to more than 11,900 student borrowers who 
attended beauty schools such as Corinthian Colleges, which closed in 
2015, and Marinello Schools of Beauty, which closed in 2015.Cordray said the department also 
found that Westwood College misled student about graduate job placement 
rates of 80% or higher and falsely claimed that graduates would make 
salaries of $50,000 or more. The department found that the salary data 
was based on national federal data and that graduates of the institution
 made half or less of those salary claims.The Department of Education will approve about $53.1 million for 1,600 student borrowers who submit those claims.During the Biden administration, the Education Department has distributed more than $2 billion in borrower defense discharges.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/over-323000-federal-student-loan-borrowers-receive-58-billion-automatic-total-and-permanent-disability-discharges">Last year</a>,
 the department announced that more than 323,000 borrowers who have a 
permanent disability would receive $5.8 million in automatic student 
loan discharges.The Biden administration has <a target="_blank" href="https://newjerseymonitor.com/2021/12/17/biden-administration-resists-democrats-pleas-on-student-debt-relief-as-deadline-nears/">resisted</a> lawmakers’ call to cancel up to $50,000 worth of federal student loan debt per student. The Federal Reserve <a target="_blank" href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/SLOAS">estimates</a> that the total U.S. student loan debt is more than $1.75 trillion. The Department of Education <a target="_blank" href="https://studentaid.gov/data-center/student/portfolio">owns about 92% </a>of that student loan debt.White House press secretary Jen Psaki
 said during a Tuesday briefing that Biden has “forgiven $15 billion in 
student loans, benefiting more than 675,000 student loan borrowers since
 he took office.”As part of Biden’s campaign platform,
 he said he would forgive up to $10,000 per student in federal student 
loans, but he has not directed the Department of Education to make that 
change. Biden has said he wants Congress to put forth legislation to 
cancel up to $10,000 worth of debt per student for him to sign into law.Psaki also pointed to the pause on student loan repayment due to the coronavirus pandemic.“No one has been required to pay a 
single dime in federal student loans, and he extended the hiatus of 
payment until May to give people some extra breathing room,” she said.

Students defrauded by for-profit colleges to get millions in loan repayments

SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas Highway patrol trooper avoided injury after a violent crash on icy Interstate 70 just after 10a.m. Thursday morning.

According to the KHP a semi struck the state trooper's vehicle near West Union Road in Shawnee County. Another vehicle also struck a State Trooper's vehicle in the Wichita area.&nbsp; There were no injuries in the accidents.

The roads are treacherous, icy and&nbsp; snow packed.&nbsp;

The KHP asks drivers to stay home if possible. "If you must be out then slow down and don’t over drive your skills in snow and ice."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645121316024.png" alt="Photo courtesy KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas Highway patrol trooper avoided injury after a violent crash on icy Interstate 70 just after 10a.m. Thursday morning.According to the KHP a semi struck the state trooper's vehicle near West Union Road in Shawnee County. Another vehicle also struck a State Trooper's vehicle in the Wichita area.&nbsp; There were no injuries in the accidents.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645121777676.png" alt="KHP Trooper's vehicle damaged in a crash near Wichita on Thursday-photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>KHP Trooper's vehicle damaged in a crash near Wichita on Thursday-photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>The roads are treacherous, icy and&nbsp; snow packed.&nbsp;The KHP asks drivers to stay home if possible. "If you must be out then slow down and don’t over drive your skills in snow and ice."

KHP troopers avoid injury after accidents on icy roads

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas woman who shot and killed a man she accused of beating her adult son with a baseball bat is going to prison for sixteen years.

On Thursday, 43-year-old Amber Ahrens was sentenced for the 2020 shooting death of 53-year-old David Leddy outside a Wichita home, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In November, Ahrens pled guilty to second-degree murder in Leddy's death. 

In of 2020, police responded to a disturbance with shots fired at a home in the 1200 block of North Pinecrest in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;

 Upon arrival, officers located David Leddy in the front of the residence with a gunshot wound.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.

The investigation revealed a disturbance ensued earlier in the day at the home between Leddy and a 19-year-old who did not live there.&nbsp; 

During the disturbance, Leddy’s vehicle was damaged, and the 19-year-old was battered. The 19-year-old’s 41-year-old mother identified as Ahrens and three friends, a 44-year-old female, a 54-year-old male, and a 31-year-old female, later arrived at the home.&nbsp; A disturbance then ensued in front of the house, and shots were fired that struck Leddy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594216899431.png" alt="Ahrens-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Ahrens-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas woman who shot and killed a man she accused of beating her adult son with a baseball bat is going to prison for sixteen years.On Thursday, 43-year-old Amber Ahrens was sentenced for the 2020 shooting death of 53-year-old David Leddy outside a Wichita home, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592415145581.png" alt="Police on the scene&nbsp; of the investigation in June of 2016 -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene&nbsp; of the investigation in June of 2016 -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>In November, Ahrens pled guilty to second-degree murder in Leddy's death. In of 2020, police responded to a disturbance with shots fired at a home in the 1200 block of North Pinecrest in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located David Leddy in the front of the residence with a gunshot wound.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.The investigation revealed a disturbance ensued earlier in the day at the home between Leddy and a 19-year-old who did not live there.&nbsp; During the disturbance, Leddy’s vehicle was damaged, and the 19-year-old was battered. The 19-year-old’s 41-year-old mother identified as Ahrens and three friends, a 44-year-old female, a 54-year-old male, and a 31-year-old female, later arrived at the home.&nbsp; A disturbance then ensued in front of the house, and shots were fired that struck Leddy.-------

Kan. woman sentenced to prison for killing after son was battered

CLOUD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple charges after a chase and exchange of gunfire.

Just after 4:30p.m. Wednesday, police conducted a traffic stop on a Dodge Ram pickup pulling a trailer at 14th and Archer, according to a media release.

The vehicle fled the scene and officers pursued eastbound on Kansas 9 highway out of the city of Concordia. The pickup turned off the highway southbound approximately two miles of town when Cloud County Sheriff's deputies joined the chase.

The suspect pointed a gun out the window and shot at pursuing officers. Concordia police officers returned fire. The chase returned to K-9 Highway and then westbound back through the city of Concordia.

The suspect lost control of the vehicle at 9th and Lincoln and it came to a stop after it was surrounded by pursuing law enforcement patrol units.

Two suspects identified as 34-year-old Jacob Lyman of Bennett, Nebraska and 25-year-old Valarie N. Sanchez, Temple Bell, Texas, surrendered without incident.&nbsp; Lyman is being held on requested charges that including possession of stolen property and numerous drug and weapons violations. Sanchez on requested drug charges.

The police officer who returned fire is being placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. There were no injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645108520157.png" alt="Lyman-photo Cloud Co." />
 <figcaption>Lyman-photo Cloud Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>CLOUD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple charges after a chase and exchange of gunfire.Just after 4:30p.m. Wednesday, police conducted a traffic stop on a Dodge Ram pickup pulling a trailer at 14th and Archer, according to a media release.The vehicle fled the scene and officers pursued eastbound on Kansas 9 highway out of the city of Concordia. The pickup turned off the highway southbound approximately two miles of town when Cloud County Sheriff's deputies joined the chase.The suspect pointed a gun out the window and shot at pursuing officers. Concordia police officers returned fire. The chase returned to K-9 Highway and then westbound back through the city of Concordia.The suspect lost control of the vehicle at 9th and Lincoln and it came to a stop after it was surrounded by pursuing law enforcement patrol units.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645108614206.png" alt="Sanchez-photo Cloud Co." />
 <figcaption>Sanchez-photo Cloud Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Two suspects identified as 34-year-old Jacob Lyman of Bennett, Nebraska and 25-year-old Valarie N. Sanchez, Temple Bell, Texas, surrendered without incident.&nbsp; Lyman is being held on requested charges that including possession of stolen property and numerous drug and weapons violations. Sanchez on requested drug charges.The police officer who returned fire is being placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. There were no injuries.

2 captured after chase, exchange of gunfire in central Kansas

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — U.S. President Joe Biden warned Thursday that Russia could still invade Ukraine within days, and the No. 2 diplomat at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow was expelled as tensions flared anew in the worst East-West standoff in decades.

NATO allies accused Russia of misleading the world with “disinformation” by saying it was returning some troops to their bases – one of the gestures Russia made this week that briefly cooled temperatures and raised hopes for peace. Russia is believed to have some 150,000 forces around Ukraine’s borders.

Speaking at the White House, Biden said Washington saw no signs of a Russian withdrawal of forces, and said the U.S. has “reason to believe” that Russia is “engaged in a false flag operation to have an excuse to go in.”

He told reporters: “Every indication we have is they’re prepared to go into Ukraine, attack Ukraine.”

The State Department said Russia ordered the deputy chief of mission to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Bart Gorman, to leave the country, calling the move “unprovoked” and “an escalatory step.” Russia provided no details of why he was expelled.

Tensions also spiked along the line that separates Ukrainian forces from Russia-backed separatists in the country’s east, with the parties accusing each other of intensive shelling.

Russia held out an offer of diplomacy, handing the U.S. a response Thursday to offers to engage in talks on limiting missile deployments in Europe, restrictions on military drills and other confidence-building measures.

The response, published by the Foreign Ministry, deplored the West’s refusal to meet the main Russian security and demands and reaffirmed that Moscow could take unspecified “military-technical measures” if the U.S. and its allies continue to stonewall its concerns.

At the same time, it said Russia was ready to discuss measures to enhance security in Europe by discussing limits on missile deployments, restrictions on patrol flights by strategic bombers and other confidence-building steps.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken headed to New York for the U.N. Security Council meeting and then Germany for the Munich Security Conference.

Western powers estimate Russia has 150,000-plus troops massed outside Ukraine’s borders.

“We’ve seen some of those troops inch closer to that border. We see them fly in more combat and support aircraft,” U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said at NATO headquarters in Brussels. “We see them sharpen their readiness in the Black Sea. We even see them stocking up their blood supplies. You don’t do these sort of things for no reason, and you certainly don’t do them if you’re getting ready to pack up and go home.”

British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said the West has seen “an increase of troops over the last 48 hours, up to 7,000.” That squared&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-united-states-vladimir-putin-534fb1c355ff5f135ba0261cb1448c3c">with what a U.S. administration official said a day earlier.&nbsp;</a>The top EU official said similar.

British Armed Forces Minister James Heappey even called Russia’s claim to be withdrawing troops “disinformation.” Russia accuses the West of the same.

Russia has “enough troops, enough capabilities, to launch a full-fledged invasion of Ukraine with very little or no warning time,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said. “The fact that you’re putting a battle tank on a train and moving it in some direction doesn’t prove a withdrawal of troops.”

Moscow said several times this week that some forces are pulling back to their bases, but it gave few details that would allow for an independent assessment of the scope and direction of the troop movement.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj.-Gen. Igor Konashenkov offered a bit more detail Thursday, saying that Russian tank and infantry units that took part in drills in the Kursk and Bryansk regions neighboring Ukraine were pulling back to their permanent bases in Nizhny Novgorod region. He said that some of those units already had arrived at their bases after a 700-kilometer journey east.

Troops deployed for exercises in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, have moved back to Chechnya and Dagestan in Russia’s North Caucasus, he noted. He also said Russian troops involved in drills Belarus will also move back to their garrisons after war games there wrap up on Sunday. Konashenkov didn’t mention the numbers of troops that were deployed and didn’t say how many of them returned.

NATO, meanwhile, has moved troops and military equipment into Eastern Europe in a display of resolve of meant to deter any Russian aggression and underline its intent to defend NATO’s eastern members, in the unlikely event that they too become a target.

The U.S. has started deploying 5,000 troops to Poland and Romania. Another 8,500 are on standby, and some U.S. troops are expected to move toward Bulgaria. Britain is sending hundreds of soldiers to Poland, offering more warships and planes, and doubling its personnel in Estonia. Germany, the Netherlands and Norway are sending additional troops to Lithuania. Denmark and Spain are providing jets for air policing in the Baltic Sea region.

Even if an attack doesn’t materialize, the sustained Russian pressure on Ukraine has further hobbled its shaky economy and left an entire nation under constant strain — a situation that could last indefinitely.

Ukraine already has been the stage of fighting for eight years, and tensions soared again Thursday in the conflict in the country’s east, where Russian-backed separatists have been fighting Ukrainian troops since 2014.

Separatist authorities in the Luhansk region reported an increase in Ukrainian shelling along the tense line of contact, describing it as a “large-scale provocation.” Separatist official Rodion Miroshnik said rebel forces returned fire.

Ukraine disputed the claim, saying that separatists had shelled its forces, but they didn’t fire back. The Ukrainian military command charged that shells hit a kindergarten building in Stanytsia Luhanska, wounding two civilians, and cut power supply to half of the town.

An observer mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is expected to offer its assessment of the situation later Thursday.

Ukrainain President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tweeted that “the shelling of a kindergarten in Stanytsia Luhanska by pro-Russian forces is a big provocation,” adding that the OSCE monitoring activities are “an additional deterrent.”

Asked about the flare-up of hostilities in the east, Stoltenberg said the alliance was concerned “that Russia is trying to stage a pretext for an armed attack against Ukraine.”

Russia, in turn, aired worries that hawkish forces in Ukraine, encouraged by the West, could launch an attack to reclaim control of the rebel areas — plans Ukrainian authorities deny.

A 2015 deal brokered by France and Germany helped end the worst of the fighting in eastern Ukraine, but regular skirmishes have continued and a political settlement has stalled.

The U.N. Security Council is scheduled to hold its annual meeting on the agreement on Thursday.

Russia denies it is plotting an invasion but says it’s free to deploy troops wherever necessary to counter NATO threats. It wants the West to keep Ukraine and other former Soviet nations out of NATO, halt weapons deployments near Russian borders and roll back forces from Eastern Europe, the demands the allies have flatly rejected.

While the U.S. and its allies have rejected Moscow’s demands to bar membership to Ukraine, they offered to engage in talks with Russia on limiting missile deployments in Europe, restrictions on military drills and other confidence-building measures.

Russian President Vladimir Putin charged that Moscow had offered to discuss those issues years ago, but the West only agreed to talk about them now. He said that Russia was ready to talk about them now, but only in conjunction with its main security demands.

Even as Russia seemed to try to ease tensions this week, Maxar Technologies, a commercial satellite imagery company that has been monitoring the Russian buildup, reported continued heightened military activity near Ukraine. It noted a new pontoon bridge and a new field hospital in Belarus. It also said that some forces had left an airfield in the country, a Russian ally, but it was unclear where they went.

Blinken and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris were among political, military and diplomatic leaders heading to the annual security conference in Munich that will see urgent consultations on the crisis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645113082140.png" alt="President Biden told reporters: “Every indication we have is they’re prepared to go into Ukraine, attack Ukraine.”-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Biden told reporters: “Every indication we have is they’re prepared to go into Ukraine, attack Ukraine.”-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — U.S. President Joe Biden warned Thursday that Russia could still invade Ukraine within days, and the No. 2 diplomat at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow was expelled as tensions flared anew in the worst East-West standoff in decades.NATO allies accused Russia of misleading the world with “disinformation” by saying it was returning some troops to their bases – one of the gestures Russia made this week that briefly cooled temperatures and raised hopes for peace. Russia is believed to have some 150,000 forces around Ukraine’s borders.Speaking at the White House, Biden said Washington saw no signs of a Russian withdrawal of forces, and said the U.S. has “reason to believe” that Russia is “engaged in a false flag operation to have an excuse to go in.”He told reporters: “Every indication we have is they’re prepared to go into Ukraine, attack Ukraine.”The State Department said Russia ordered the deputy chief of mission to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Bart Gorman, to leave the country, calling the move “unprovoked” and “an escalatory step.” Russia provided no details of why he was expelled.Tensions also spiked along the line that separates Ukrainian forces from Russia-backed separatists in the country’s east, with the parties accusing each other of intensive shelling.Russia held out an offer of diplomacy, handing the U.S. a response Thursday to offers to engage in talks on limiting missile deployments in Europe, restrictions on military drills and other confidence-building measures.The response, published by the Foreign Ministry, deplored the West’s refusal to meet the main Russian security and demands and reaffirmed that Moscow could take unspecified “military-technical measures” if the U.S. and its allies continue to stonewall its concerns.At the same time, it said Russia was ready to discuss measures to enhance security in Europe by discussing limits on missile deployments, restrictions on patrol flights by strategic bombers and other confidence-building steps.U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken headed to New York for the U.N. Security Council meeting and then Germany for the Munich Security Conference.Western powers estimate Russia has 150,000-plus troops massed outside Ukraine’s borders.“We’ve seen some of those troops inch closer to that border. We see them fly in more combat and support aircraft,” U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said at NATO headquarters in Brussels. “We see them sharpen their readiness in the Black Sea. We even see them stocking up their blood supplies. You don’t do these sort of things for no reason, and you certainly don’t do them if you’re getting ready to pack up and go home.”British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said the West has seen “an increase of troops over the last 48 hours, up to 7,000.” That squared&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-united-states-vladimir-putin-534fb1c355ff5f135ba0261cb1448c3c">with what a U.S. administration official said a day earlier.&nbsp;</a>The top EU official said similar.British Armed Forces Minister James Heappey even called Russia’s claim to be withdrawing troops “disinformation.” Russia accuses the West of the same.Russia has “enough troops, enough capabilities, to launch a full-fledged invasion of Ukraine with very little or no warning time,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said. “The fact that you’re putting a battle tank on a train and moving it in some direction doesn’t prove a withdrawal of troops.”Moscow said several times this week that some forces are pulling back to their bases, but it gave few details that would allow for an independent assessment of the scope and direction of the troop movement.Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj.-Gen. Igor Konashenkov offered a bit more detail Thursday, saying that Russian tank and infantry units that took part in drills in the Kursk and Bryansk regions neighboring Ukraine were pulling back to their permanent bases in Nizhny Novgorod region. He said that some of those units already had arrived at their bases after a 700-kilometer journey east.Troops deployed for exercises in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, have moved back to Chechnya and Dagestan in Russia’s North Caucasus, he noted. He also said Russian troops involved in drills Belarus will also move back to their garrisons after war games there wrap up on Sunday. Konashenkov didn’t mention the numbers of troops that were deployed and didn’t say how many of them returned.NATO, meanwhile, has moved troops and military equipment into Eastern Europe in a display of resolve of meant to deter any Russian aggression and underline its intent to defend NATO’s eastern members, in the unlikely event that they too become a target.The U.S. has started deploying 5,000 troops to Poland and Romania. Another 8,500 are on standby, and some U.S. troops are expected to move toward Bulgaria. Britain is sending hundreds of soldiers to Poland, offering more warships and planes, and doubling its personnel in Estonia. Germany, the Netherlands and Norway are sending additional troops to Lithuania. Denmark and Spain are providing jets for air policing in the Baltic Sea region.Even if an attack doesn’t materialize, the sustained Russian pressure on Ukraine has further hobbled its shaky economy and left an entire nation under constant strain — a situation that could last indefinitely.Ukraine already has been the stage of fighting for eight years, and tensions soared again Thursday in the conflict in the country’s east, where Russian-backed separatists have been fighting Ukrainian troops since 2014.Separatist authorities in the Luhansk region reported an increase in Ukrainian shelling along the tense line of contact, describing it as a “large-scale provocation.” Separatist official Rodion Miroshnik said rebel forces returned fire.Ukraine disputed the claim, saying that separatists had shelled its forces, but they didn’t fire back. The Ukrainian military command charged that shells hit a kindergarten building in Stanytsia Luhanska, wounding two civilians, and cut power supply to half of the town.An observer mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is expected to offer its assessment of the situation later Thursday.Ukrainain President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tweeted that “the shelling of a kindergarten in Stanytsia Luhanska by pro-Russian forces is a big provocation,” adding that the OSCE monitoring activities are “an additional deterrent.”Asked about the flare-up of hostilities in the east, Stoltenberg said the alliance was concerned “that Russia is trying to stage a pretext for an armed attack against Ukraine.”Russia, in turn, aired worries that hawkish forces in Ukraine, encouraged by the West, could launch an attack to reclaim control of the rebel areas — plans Ukrainian authorities deny.A 2015 deal brokered by France and Germany helped end the worst of the fighting in eastern Ukraine, but regular skirmishes have continued and a political settlement has stalled.The U.N. Security Council is scheduled to hold its annual meeting on the agreement on Thursday.Russia denies it is plotting an invasion but says it’s free to deploy troops wherever necessary to counter NATO threats. It wants the West to keep Ukraine and other former Soviet nations out of NATO, halt weapons deployments near Russian borders and roll back forces from Eastern Europe, the demands the allies have flatly rejected.While the U.S. and its allies have rejected Moscow’s demands to bar membership to Ukraine, they offered to engage in talks with Russia on limiting missile deployments in Europe, restrictions on military drills and other confidence-building measures.Russian President Vladimir Putin charged that Moscow had offered to discuss those issues years ago, but the West only agreed to talk about them now. He said that Russia was ready to talk about them now, but only in conjunction with its main security demands.Even as Russia seemed to try to ease tensions this week, Maxar Technologies, a commercial satellite imagery company that has been monitoring the Russian buildup, reported continued heightened military activity near Ukraine. It noted a new pontoon bridge and a new field hospital in Belarus. It also said that some forces had left an airfield in the country, a Russian ally, but it was unclear where they went.Blinken and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris were among political, military and diplomatic leaders heading to the annual security conference in Munich that will see urgent consultations on the crisis.___

Russia expels senior U.S. diplomat from Moscow as tensions rise

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged at threat of violence at a southwest Kansas school

On Wednesday, police were informed of a possible threat toward Charles O. Stones Intermediate Center (CSIC), 401 North Jennie Barker Road in Garden City, according to a media release.

Officers learned that an 11-year-old student made threats against the school, which were reported to school personnel by several students. Through the course of the investigation, it was revealed there was no threat to the school or students. Disciplinary action has been taken by the school for the 11-year-old student. The investigation is ongoing.

There will be an increased police presence at the beginning of school at CSIC and throughout the day as time permits.

The Garden City Police Department and USD 457 encouraged parents to remind your child to immediately report any information about any school safety-related incidents to administrators/staff and/ or to police.

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged at threat of violence at a southwest Kansas schoolOn Wednesday, police were informed of a possible threat toward Charles O. Stones Intermediate Center (CSIC), 401 North Jennie Barker Road in Garden City, according to a media release.Officers learned that an 11-year-old student made threats against the school, which were reported to school personnel by several students. Through the course of the investigation, it was revealed there was no threat to the school or students. Disciplinary action has been taken by the school for the 11-year-old student. The investigation is ongoing.There will be an increased police presence at the beginning of school at CSIC and throughout the day as time permits.The Garden City Police Department and USD 457 encouraged parents to remind your child to immediately report any information about any school safety-related incidents to administrators/staff and/ or to police.

Police: 11-year-old accused of threat at SW Kan. middle school

BOLIVAR, Mo. (AP) — A Willard man is facing a felony terrorism charge after authorities said he threatened to kill one of the coaches of a junior varsity basketball team.

Bolivar police said Bryan Scott Pellham, 35, threatened a coach during a game between Marion C. Early High School in Morrisville and Branson High School at the Bolivar High School gym on Jan. 27,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ky3.com/2022/02/12/fathers-alleged-threats-against-his-sons-morrisville-basketball-team-results-felony-terrorist-charge/">KYTV reported</a>.

Bolivar Police Lt. Roger Barron said Pellham became upset that a varsity coach was coaching the Marion C. Early junior varsity team that his son plays on.

“He made the comment after engaging in an argument with the coach that he threatened to kill him. It was something to the effect of ‘I’ll put a red dot on your head and watch the mist appear,"' Barron said.

Barron said the coach reported Pellham also said he knew where the coach lived.

During a later interview, Pellham acknowledged that he had a gun with him at the high school, Barron said.

Pellham's attorney, Kristie Pierce, said Wednesday she could not comment on the case.

Pellham was released from the Polk County Jail on a $25,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645106272531.png" alt="Pellham-photo Polk Co." />
 <figcaption>Pellham-photo Polk Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BOLIVAR, Mo. (AP) — A Willard man is facing a felony terrorism charge after authorities said he threatened to kill one of the coaches of a junior varsity basketball team.Bolivar police said Bryan Scott Pellham, 35, threatened a coach during a game between Marion C. Early High School in Morrisville and Branson High School at the Bolivar High School gym on Jan. 27,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ky3.com/2022/02/12/fathers-alleged-threats-against-his-sons-morrisville-basketball-team-results-felony-terrorist-charge/">KYTV reported</a>.Bolivar Police Lt. Roger Barron said Pellham became upset that a varsity coach was coaching the Marion C. Early junior varsity team that his son plays on.“He made the comment after engaging in an argument with the coach that he threatened to kill him. It was something to the effect of ‘I’ll put a red dot on your head and watch the mist appear,"' Barron said.Barron said the coach reported Pellham also said he knew where the coach lived.During a later interview, Pellham acknowledged that he had a gun with him at the high school, Barron said.Pellham's attorney, Kristie Pierce, said Wednesday she could not comment on the case.Pellham was released from the Polk County Jail on a $25,000 bond.Marion C. Early School District Superintendent Josh Angel said in a statement that the incident was “unfortunate and unacceptable."