McPHERSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities and school district officials are investigating a Kansas middle school teacher for alleged child sex crimes.

On Thursday, authorities in Saline County arrested 59-year-old Barry Adam Fritz on requested charges of&nbsp; Aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to online jail records.

According to <a href="https://sites.google.com/a/usd419.org/cg_elem/canton-galva-elementary/faculty-staff">the USD 419 web site,</a> Fritz worked as Canton-Galva elementary school physical education teacher.&nbsp; On Monday, the school board suspended him with pay pending further investigation, according to school principal Jim Struber.

On November 24, a police officer was called to Salina Regional Health Center for the report of a sexual offense with a person under the age of 14, according to Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus. It was reported that the incident, which included inappropriate sexual activity, occurred at a south Salina residence.

Between the time the incident was reported and the arrest, members of the Salina Police Department Detective Division were collecting information and evidence in the case, according to Hanus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647611683959.png" alt="Fritz-photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Fritz-photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>McPHERSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities and school district officials are investigating a Kansas middle school teacher for alleged child sex crimes.On Thursday, authorities in Saline County arrested 59-year-old Barry Adam Fritz on requested charges of&nbsp; Aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to online jail records.According to <a href="https://sites.google.com/a/usd419.org/cg_elem/canton-galva-elementary/faculty-staff">the USD 419 web site,</a> Fritz worked as Canton-Galva elementary school physical education teacher.&nbsp; On Monday, the school board suspended him with pay pending further investigation, according to school principal Jim Struber.On November 24, a police officer was called to Salina Regional Health Center for the report of a sexual offense with a person under the age of 14, according to Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus. It was reported that the incident, which included inappropriate sexual activity, occurred at a south Salina residence.Between the time the incident was reported and the arrest, members of the Salina Police Department Detective Division were collecting information and evidence in the case, according to Hanus.

Kan. middle school teacher suspended, accused of child sex crimes

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/03/21/state-audit-reports-nearly-278000-went-wrongfully-to-public-retirees-who-already-had-died/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

Nearly
 $278,000 from the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems was 
wrongfully sent to 11 people — before authorities figured out those 
people were no longer alive.

One
 woman had been dead for seven years. That’s 83 months of benefit 
payments worth $105,250, according to an audit released this week by the
 State Auditor of Public Accounts.

No
 money has been recouped in the case of the NPERS member who died in 
2014. Her payments were halted in 2021, and the case has been forwarded 
to the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.

A law enforcement investigation is underway for potential fraud, said Craig Kubicek, deputy state auditor.&nbsp;

“For it to go on that long is probably unusual — we’re talking seven years,” he said.

No
 names or responses from families of the deceased were included in the 
audit report. While some plans may allow benefits to go to a beneficiary
 after a death, Kubicek said these plans were not those types.&nbsp;

He
 said new procedures, based upon auditor recommendations, have been put 
in place to avoid future mistakes in the syste, which covers public 
employees of schools, judges and the Nebraska State Patrol.

In
 the past, NPERS relied on two checks to determine whether a member had 
died: obituary sections in three newspapers; and a vendor who performed a
 “death audit” every other month that cross-referenced member names with
 public sources.

Kubicek
 said state auditors noted inefficiencies in that process in 2020, and 
NPERS switched to a different vendor. That new provider identified the 
cases of the woman who had died in 2014 as well as seven others. Her 
payments halted in February 2021, as did six others.

The
 state audit team found three additional cases and recommended that 
NPERS strengthen its procedures further by obtaining a list of death 
certificates from the Department of Health and Human Services for 
comparison against benefit payment records. NPERS agreed.

With regard to the woman who had died in 
2014, the audit team found that NPERS had processed two changes to the 
member’s banking information – one a few months after she died, and the 
other in early 2019 — “without adequate documentation from the member.” 
In both instances, NPERS received notification of the changes from the 
Department of Administration Services but did not confirm the changes 
with the member prior to making the changes in the system.

Kubicek
 said loss of NPERS funds can pose financial risk beyond members. If the
 fund would ever come up short, he said, the state might be asked to 
kick in financial assistance.

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/03/21/state-audit-reports-nearly-278000-went-wrongfully-to-public-retirees-who-already-had-died/">Nebraska Examiner</a>Nearly
 $278,000 from the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems was 
wrongfully sent to 11 people — before authorities figured out those 
people were no longer alive.One
 woman had been dead for seven years. That’s 83 months of benefit 
payments worth $105,250, according to an audit released this week by the
 State Auditor of Public Accounts.No
 money has been recouped in the case of the NPERS member who died in 
2014. Her payments were halted in 2021, and the case has been forwarded 
to the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.<h2>‘Potential fraud’</h2>A law enforcement investigation is underway for potential fraud, said Craig Kubicek, deputy state auditor.&nbsp;“For it to go on that long is probably unusual — we’re talking seven years,” he said.No
 names or responses from families of the deceased were included in the 
audit report. While some plans may allow benefits to go to a beneficiary
 after a death, Kubicek said these plans were not those types.&nbsp;He
 said new procedures, based upon auditor recommendations, have been put 
in place to avoid future mistakes in the syste, which covers public 
employees of schools, judges and the Nebraska State Patrol.In
 the past, NPERS relied on two checks to determine whether a member had 
died: obituary sections in three newspapers; and a vendor who performed a
 “death audit” every other month that cross-referenced member names with
 public sources.<h2>New vendor</h2>Kubicek
 said state auditors noted inefficiencies in that process in 2020, and 
NPERS switched to a different vendor. That new provider identified the 
cases of the woman who had died in 2014 as well as seven others. Her 
payments halted in February 2021, as did six others.The
 state audit team found three additional cases and recommended that 
NPERS strengthen its procedures further by obtaining a list of death 
certificates from the Department of Health and Human Services for 
comparison against benefit payment records. NPERS agreed.With regard to the woman who had died in 
2014, the audit team found that NPERS had processed two changes to the 
member’s banking information – one a few months after she died, and the 
other in early 2019 — “without adequate documentation from the member.” 
In both instances, NPERS received notification of the changes from the 
Department of Administration Services but did not confirm the changes 
with the member prior to making the changes in the system.Kubicek
 said loss of NPERS funds can pose financial risk beyond members. If the
 fund would ever come up short, he said, the state might be asked to 
kick in financial assistance.

Audit: $278K went to Neb. public retirees who already had died

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide in Saline County.

Just before 6p.m. Monday, deputies responded to a residence at 554 West Parsons Road in rural Saline County for a welfare check, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.

Responding deputies found the body of 50-year-old&nbsp;Laurie Likins and two dead dogs in the residence. They died of apparent gunshot wounds, according to Sheriff Roger Soldan. Deputies took&nbsp; 55-year-old Brent Allen Spainhour into custody at the scene.

Brent Allen Spainhour has been booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Murder in the First Degree and Cruelty to Animals. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Scene Response Team has been called in to assist with this investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647958367530.jpeg" alt="Brent Allen Spainhour. Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Brent Allen Spainhour. Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide in Saline County.Just before 6p.m. Monday, deputies responded to a residence at 554 West Parsons Road in rural Saline County for a welfare check, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.Responding deputies found the body of 50-year-old&nbsp;Laurie Likins and two dead dogs in the residence. They died of apparent gunshot wounds, according to Sheriff Roger Soldan. Deputies took&nbsp; 55-year-old Brent Allen Spainhour into custody at the scene.Brent Allen Spainhour has been booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Murder in the First Degree and Cruelty to Animals. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Scene Response Team has been called in to assist with this investigation.

Sheriff: Man accused in death of woman, dogs at rural Kansas home

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers 
how to avoid common errors on their tax returns. This filing season, the
 IRS is seeing signs of a number of common errors, including some 
taxpayers claiming incorrect amounts of the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">Child Tax Credit</a>.

To avoid errors on these common credits, there are some key steps people should remember. Taxpayers should refer to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-letter-6419">Letter 6419</a> for advance Child Tax Credit payments and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-letter-6475">Letter 6475</a> for third Economic Impact Payment amounts they received– or their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>
 – to prepare a correct tax return. Claiming incorrect tax credit 
amounts can not only delay IRS processing, but can also lead to adjusted
 refund amounts.

Here are other easy ways to avoid common mistakes being seen so far this tax season.

File electronically. Taxpayers can use their computer, smartphone or tablet to file their taxes electronically, whether through IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> or other <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">e-file</a>
 service providers, to help reduce mistakes. Tax software guides people 
through each section of their tax return using a question-and-answer 
format. Enter information carefully. This includes any information 
needed to calculate credits and deductions. Using tax software should 
help prevent math errors, but taxpayers should always review their tax 
return for accuracy.

Use the correct filing status. Tax software, 
including IRS Free File, also helps prevent mistakes when selecting a 
tax return filing status. If taxpayers are unsure about their filing 
status, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a> on IRS.gov can help them choose the correct status, especially if more than one filing status applies.

Answer the virtual currency question. The 2021 Forms
 1040 and 1040-SR ask whether at any time during 2021, a person 
received, sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of any financial 
interest in any virtual currency. Taxpayers should not leave this field 
blank but should check either "Yes" or "No."

Report all taxable income. Underreporting income may lead to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalties">penalties</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/interest-on-underpayments-and-overpayments">interest</a>. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">Organized tax records</a>
 help avoid errors that lead to processing delays and may also help to 
find overlooked deductions or credits. Taxpayers should have all their 
income documents on hand before starting their tax return. Examples are 
Forms W-2, 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC.

Include unemployment compensation. The IRS is seeing
 situations where people are not including unemployment compensation 
they received in 2021 on their tax returns. Although <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/exclusion-of-up-to-10200-of-unemployment-compensation-for-tax-year-2020-only">a special law</a>
 allowed taxpayers to exclude unemployment compensation from taxes in 
2020, it was only for that year. Unemployment compensation received in 
2021 is generally taxable, so taxpayers should include it as income on 
their tax return.

Double-check name, birth date and Social Security number entries. Taxpayers
 must correctly list the name, Social Security number (SSN) and date of 
birth for each person they claim as a dependent on their individual 
income tax return. Enter each SSN and individual's name on a tax return 
exactly as printed on the Social Security card. If a dependent or spouse
 does not have and is not eligible to get a SSN, list the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/taxpayer-identification-numbers-tin">Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)</a> instead of a SSN.

Double check routing and account numbers. Requesting <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>
 of a federal refund into one, two or even three accounts is convenient 
and allows the taxpayer access to their money faster. Make sure the 
financial institution routing and account numbers entered on the return 
are accurate. Incorrect numbers can cause a refund to be delayed or 
deposited into the wrong account. Taxpayers can also use their refund to
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/now-you-can-buy-us-series-i-savings-bonds-for-anyone-with-your-tax-refund">purchase U.S. Savings Bonds</a>.

Mail paper returns to the right address. Paper filers should confirm the correct address for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment">where to file</a>
 on IRS.gov or on form instructions to avoid processing delays. Note 
that processing paper tax returns could take much longer than usual. 
Taxpayers and tax professionals are encouraged to file electronically if
 possible.

Sign and date the return. If filing a joint return, 
both spouses must sign and date the return. E-filers can sign using a 
self-selected personal identification number (PIN). Taxpayers should 
review the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/electronic-filing-pin-request">special instructions</a> to validate their 2021 electronic tax return if their 2020 return has not yet been processed.

Keep a copy. When ready to file, taxpayers should make a copy of their signed return and all schedules for their records.

Request an extension, if needed. Taxpayers who 
cannot meet the April 18 deadline can easily request a six-month filing 
extension to October 17 and prevent late filing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/failure-to-file-penalty">penalties</a>. Use Free File or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868">Form 4868</a>.
 But keep in mind that, while an extension grants additional time to 
file, tax payments are still due April 18 for most taxpayers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers 
how to avoid common errors on their tax returns. This filing season, the
 IRS is seeing signs of a number of common errors, including some 
taxpayers claiming incorrect amounts of the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">Child Tax Credit</a>.To avoid errors on these common credits, there are some key steps people should remember. Taxpayers should refer to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-letter-6419">Letter 6419</a> for advance Child Tax Credit payments and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-letter-6475">Letter 6475</a> for third Economic Impact Payment amounts they received– or their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>
 – to prepare a correct tax return. Claiming incorrect tax credit 
amounts can not only delay IRS processing, but can also lead to adjusted
 refund amounts.<h2>Here are other easy ways to avoid common mistakes being seen so far this tax season.</h2>File electronically. Taxpayers can use their computer, smartphone or tablet to file their taxes electronically, whether through IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> or other <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">e-file</a>
 service providers, to help reduce mistakes. Tax software guides people 
through each section of their tax return using a question-and-answer 
format. Enter information carefully. This includes any information 
needed to calculate credits and deductions. Using tax software should 
help prevent math errors, but taxpayers should always review their tax 
return for accuracy.Use the correct filing status. Tax software, 
including IRS Free File, also helps prevent mistakes when selecting a 
tax return filing status. If taxpayers are unsure about their filing 
status, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a> on IRS.gov can help them choose the correct status, especially if more than one filing status applies.Answer the virtual currency question. The 2021 Forms
 1040 and 1040-SR ask whether at any time during 2021, a person 
received, sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of any financial 
interest in any virtual currency. Taxpayers should not leave this field 
blank but should check either "Yes" or "No."Report all taxable income. Underreporting income may lead to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalties">penalties</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/interest-on-underpayments-and-overpayments">interest</a>. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">Organized tax records</a>
 help avoid errors that lead to processing delays and may also help to 
find overlooked deductions or credits. Taxpayers should have all their 
income documents on hand before starting their tax return. Examples are 
Forms W-2, 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC.Include unemployment compensation. The IRS is seeing
 situations where people are not including unemployment compensation 
they received in 2021 on their tax returns. Although <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/exclusion-of-up-to-10200-of-unemployment-compensation-for-tax-year-2020-only">a special law</a>
 allowed taxpayers to exclude unemployment compensation from taxes in 
2020, it was only for that year. Unemployment compensation received in 
2021 is generally taxable, so taxpayers should include it as income on 
their tax return.Double-check name, birth date and Social Security number entries. Taxpayers
 must correctly list the name, Social Security number (SSN) and date of 
birth for each person they claim as a dependent on their individual 
income tax return. Enter each SSN and individual's name on a tax return 
exactly as printed on the Social Security card. If a dependent or spouse
 does not have and is not eligible to get a SSN, list the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/taxpayer-identification-numbers-tin">Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)</a> instead of a SSN.Double check routing and account numbers. Requesting <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>
 of a federal refund into one, two or even three accounts is convenient 
and allows the taxpayer access to their money faster. Make sure the 
financial institution routing and account numbers entered on the return 
are accurate. Incorrect numbers can cause a refund to be delayed or 
deposited into the wrong account. Taxpayers can also use their refund to
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/now-you-can-buy-us-series-i-savings-bonds-for-anyone-with-your-tax-refund">purchase U.S. Savings Bonds</a>.Mail paper returns to the right address. Paper filers should confirm the correct address for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment">where to file</a>
 on IRS.gov or on form instructions to avoid processing delays. Note 
that processing paper tax returns could take much longer than usual. 
Taxpayers and tax professionals are encouraged to file electronically if
 possible.Sign and date the return. If filing a joint return, 
both spouses must sign and date the return. E-filers can sign using a 
self-selected personal identification number (PIN). Taxpayers should 
review the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/electronic-filing-pin-request">special instructions</a> to validate their 2021 electronic tax return if their 2020 return has not yet been processed.Keep a copy. When ready to file, taxpayers should make a copy of their signed return and all schedules for their records.Request an extension, if needed. Taxpayers who 
cannot meet the April 18 deadline can easily request a six-month filing 
extension to October 17 and prevent late filing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/failure-to-file-penalty">penalties</a>. Use Free File or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868">Form 4868</a>.
 But keep in mind that, while an extension grants additional time to 
file, tax payments are still due April 18 for most taxpayers.

IRS: Avoid these tax errors that will delay or adjust refunds

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas agriculture officials say more cases of avian influenza, more commonly called bird flu, have been found in the state. 

The Kansas Department of Agriculture has confirmed the disease in a backyard home-farm flock of birds in rural Sedgwick County and a similar backyard flock in rural Dickinson County. 

The cases were confirmed by the national Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. Officials say the affected areas have been quarantined and the affected flocks will be culled to prevent the spread of the disease. Nearly 13 million chicken, turkeys and other birds have been or are set to be killed in the U.S. because of the bird flu.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas agriculture officials say more cases of avian influenza, more commonly called bird flu, have been found in the state. The Kansas Department of Agriculture has confirmed the disease in a backyard home-farm flock of birds in rural Sedgwick County and a similar backyard flock in rural Dickinson County. The cases were confirmed by the national Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. Officials say the affected areas have been quarantined and the affected flocks will be culled to prevent the spread of the disease. Nearly 13 million chicken, turkeys and other birds have been or are set to be killed in the U.S. because of the bird flu.

Bird flu cases found in two counties in Kansas

DETROIT (AP) — General Motors is recalling more than 740,000 small SUVs in the U.S. because the headlight beams that can be too bright and cause glare for oncoming drivers. 

The recall announced Tuesday comes after U.S. safety regulators turned down a request from the Detroit automaker to avoid the recall. 

The company is recalling GMC Terrain SUVs from 2010 through 2017. Documents posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say reflections caused by the headlight housings can illuminate some areas with too much light. 

The agency says this can reduce visibility for other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. GM hasn’t come up with a repair yet. The company expects to notify owners by letter starting April 23.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647956891324.png" alt="Photo courtesy GMC" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy GMC</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — General Motors is recalling more than 740,000 small SUVs in the U.S. because the headlight beams that can be too bright and cause glare for oncoming drivers. The recall announced Tuesday comes after U.S. safety regulators turned down a request from the Detroit automaker to avoid the recall. The company is recalling GMC Terrain SUVs from 2010 through 2017. Documents posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say reflections caused by the headlight housings can illuminate some areas with too much light. The agency says this can reduce visibility for other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. GM hasn’t come up with a repair yet. The company expects to notify owners by letter starting April 23.

General Motors recalls 740K SUVs; headlights are too bright

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican legislators who argue that Kansas parents need more education choices are pushing to allow them to move their children from the public schools they’d normally attend to others outside their local school district’s boundaries.

The GOP-controlled state Senate gave first-round approval Monday to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_sb455_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a measure</a>&nbsp;that would allow parents of K-12 students to transfer them to any other school districts with enough space to take them. Under the bill, the program would start during the 2023-24 school year.

The measure is partly a response to the closing of school buildings in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic and different local school districts’ different schedules for returning to in-person classes. But conservatives have pushed for years to help parents move their children out of their local public schools — something critics see as an attempt to avoid adequately funding education.

The Senate planned to take a final vote on the bill Tuesday, and its passage was expected. The Republican-controlled House is considering a similar measure.

“Every child is different and opportunities are different from district to district,” said Rep. Kristey Williams, chair of a House committee on education spending. “We want to make sure that kids have the best opportunity to succeed.”

The measure is part of package of education legislation touching on issues Republicans see as important to many parents ahead of this year’s elections. Lawmakers also are considering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-government-and-politics-9393276adde526a5afbd7e0b9ff05067">banning transgender athletes&nbsp;</a>in girls’ and women’s sports and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-kansas-topeka-d9684fdec9ad74c621d7a51977c58f7d">giving parents more say</a>&nbsp;over what’s taught in the classroom, particularly about racism and its influence on U.S. history.

Senate Education Committee Chair Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican, said that the “open enrollment” bill would allow parents to transfer their children to a different district if they are getting bullied. Williams said the bill would allow parents to separate children from troublesome friend groups or if their schools are not up to par academically.

School districts would be required to accept applications from nonresident students in November. If the number of applications for a grade level exceeded openings, then the district would be required to select students with a lottery.

Opponents included the State Board of Education. It told legislators that requiring school districts to accept students during a school year would burden districts that have struggled with teacher shortages. The Olathe and Blue Valley school districts in the Kansas City area also said they are not sure they have the capacity to accept nonresident students.

Some Democrats noted that the bill doesn’t provide for transporting students, so that wealthier parents are more likely to take advantage.

“This bill creates two tiers,” said Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park Democrat. “That’s what creates the system of elites and have-nots.”

Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, argued that the measure would encourage Missouri parents to send their children to better schools in Kansas to avoid the cost of private schooling.

“This bill does not benefit students and communities with schools that are least equipped to address their needs,” Sykes said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633458024736.png" alt="Senate Education Committee Chair Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican, said that the “open enrollment” bill would allow parents to transfer their children to a different district if they are getting bullied.-photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Senate Education Committee Chair Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican, said that the “open enrollment” bill would allow parents to transfer their children to a different district if they are getting bullied.-photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>By ANDY TSUBASA FIELD and JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican legislators who argue that Kansas parents need more education choices are pushing to allow them to move their children from the public schools they’d normally attend to others outside their local school district’s boundaries.The GOP-controlled state Senate gave first-round approval Monday to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_sb455_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a measure</a>&nbsp;that would allow parents of K-12 students to transfer them to any other school districts with enough space to take them. Under the bill, the program would start during the 2023-24 school year.The measure is partly a response to the closing of school buildings in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic and different local school districts’ different schedules for returning to in-person classes. But conservatives have pushed for years to help parents move their children out of their local public schools — something critics see as an attempt to avoid adequately funding education.The Senate planned to take a final vote on the bill Tuesday, and its passage was expected. The Republican-controlled House is considering a similar measure.“Every child is different and opportunities are different from district to district,” said Rep. Kristey Williams, chair of a House committee on education spending. “We want to make sure that kids have the best opportunity to succeed.”The measure is part of package of education legislation touching on issues Republicans see as important to many parents ahead of this year’s elections. Lawmakers also are considering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-government-and-politics-9393276adde526a5afbd7e0b9ff05067">banning transgender athletes&nbsp;</a>in girls’ and women’s sports and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-kansas-topeka-d9684fdec9ad74c621d7a51977c58f7d">giving parents more say</a>&nbsp;over what’s taught in the classroom, particularly about racism and its influence on U.S. history.Senate Education Committee Chair Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican, said that the “open enrollment” bill would allow parents to transfer their children to a different district if they are getting bullied. Williams said the bill would allow parents to separate children from troublesome friend groups or if their schools are not up to par academically.School districts would be required to accept applications from nonresident students in November. If the number of applications for a grade level exceeded openings, then the district would be required to select students with a lottery.Opponents included the State Board of Education. It told legislators that requiring school districts to accept students during a school year would burden districts that have struggled with teacher shortages. The Olathe and Blue Valley school districts in the Kansas City area also said they are not sure they have the capacity to accept nonresident students.Some Democrats noted that the bill doesn’t provide for transporting students, so that wealthier parents are more likely to take advantage.“This bill creates two tiers,” said Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park Democrat. “That’s what creates the system of elites and have-nots.”Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, argued that the measure would encourage Missouri parents to send their children to better schools in Kansas to avoid the cost of private schooling.“This bill does not benefit students and communities with schools that are least equipped to address their needs,” Sykes said.___

Kan. lawmakers debate expanding student transfers in public schools

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — President Joe Biden on Monday urged U.S. companies to make sure their digital doors are locked tight because of “evolving intelligence” that Russia is considering launching cyberattacks against critical infrastructure targets as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-024cfeb20ed4a60dc692401ffb3bb7be">war in Ukraine</a>&nbsp;continues.

(Click below to listen to the warning from President Biden)

Addressing corporate CEOs at their quarterly meeting, Biden told the business leaders they have a “patriotic obligation” to harden their systems against such attacks. He said federal assistance is available, should they want it, but that the decision is theirs alone.

Biden said the administration has issued “new warnings that, based on evolving intelligence, Russia may be planning a cyberattack against us. ... The magnitude of Russia’s cyber capacity is fairly consequential, and it’s coming.”

The president said the federal government is “doing its part” to prepare for an attack and warned the private-sector CEOs that it also is in the national interest that they do the same.

“I would respectfully suggest it’s a patriotic obligation for you to invest as much as you can” in technology to counter cyberattacks, Biden told members of the Business Roundtable. “We’re prepared to help you, as I said, with any tools and expertise we possess, if you’re ready to do that. But it’s your decision as to the steps you’ll take and your responsibility to take them, not ours.”

Biden’s top cybersecurity aide, Anne Neuberger, expressed frustration at a White House press briefing earlier Monday that some critical infrastructure entities have ignored alerts from federal agencies to fix known problems in software that could be exploited by Russian hackers.

“Notwithstanding these repeated warnings, we continue to see adversaries compromising systems that use known vulnerabilities for which there are patches,” said Neuberger, who is the president’s deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technologies. “That makes it far easier for attackers than it needs to be.”

The federal government has been providing warnings to U.S. companies of the threats posed by Russian state hackers since long before the country invaded Ukraine last month. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has launched a “Shields Up” campaign aimed at helping companies strengthen their defenses and has urged companies to back up their data, turn on multifactor authentication and take other steps to improve cyber hygiene.

Neuberger said there’s no intelligence suggesting a specific Russian cyberattack against U.S. targets, but she did add that there has been increase in “preparatory activity,” like scanning websites and hunting for vulnerabilities, that is common among nation-state hackers.

In an written statement earlier Monday, Biden said Russia could launch a cyberattack against U.S. targets as retaliation for “the unprecedented economic costs we’ve imposed” on Russia through sanctions.

“It’s part of Russia’s playbook,” Biden said.

The United States and its allies have put a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-roman-abramovich-sports-business-european-commission-36125351edfe4892408c16c680175f7c">slew of sanctions</a>&nbsp;in place aimed at crippling the Russian economy, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-business-economy-congress-fa85685a926bb70d8d3dee3bd120a562">Biden recently announced</a>&nbsp;the U.S. is sending more anti-aircraft, anti-armor weapons and drones to help Ukraine.

John Hultquist, a vice president of intelligence analysis at the cybersecurity firm Mandiant, said cyberattacks gives Russia the ability to punch back.

“Cyberattacks are a means for them to exact costs without crossing a major red line,” he said.

Russia is considered a hacking powerhouse but its offensive cyberattacks since it invaded Ukraine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-technology-europe-hacking-a61c1c631fd4fc945d02066e03fec534">have been muted</a>&nbsp;compared to what some feared. Russia has carried out significant cyberattacks against Ukraine in years past, including the devastating NotPetya attack in 2017 that spread far and wide and caused more than $10 billion in damage globally.

Neuberger said Russia cyberattacks against Ukraine are ongoing, though she did not provide specifics. She said the Biden administration has made clear there will be consequences if Russia engages with the U.S. in cyberspace.

“We’re not looking for a conflict with Russia. If Russia initiates a cyberattack against the United States, we will respond,” she said.

The Russian Embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647908122804.png" alt="President spoke Monday during the Business Roundtable’s CEO Quarterly Meeting.-White House meeting" />
 <figcaption>President spoke Monday during the Business Roundtable’s CEO Quarterly Meeting.-White House meeting</figcaption>
 </figure>RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — President Joe Biden on Monday urged U.S. companies to make sure their digital doors are locked tight because of “evolving intelligence” that Russia is considering launching cyberattacks against critical infrastructure targets as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-024cfeb20ed4a60dc692401ffb3bb7be">war in Ukraine</a>&nbsp;continues.(Click below to listen to the warning from President Biden)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F689729175544503%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=534" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Addressing corporate CEOs at their quarterly meeting, Biden told the business leaders they have a “patriotic obligation” to harden their systems against such attacks. He said federal assistance is available, should they want it, but that the decision is theirs alone.Biden said the administration has issued “new warnings that, based on evolving intelligence, Russia may be planning a cyberattack against us. ... The magnitude of Russia’s cyber capacity is fairly consequential, and it’s coming.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The federal government is doing its part to get ready for potential Russian cyberattacks. We are prepared to help private sector companies with tools and expertise, but it is your decision as to the steps you’ll take and your responsibility to take them.&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1506066965252780040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The president said the federal government is “doing its part” to prepare for an attack and warned the private-sector CEOs that it also is in the national interest that they do the same.“I would respectfully suggest it’s a patriotic obligation for you to invest as much as you can” in technology to counter cyberattacks, Biden told members of the Business Roundtable. “We’re prepared to help you, as I said, with any tools and expertise we possess, if you’re ready to do that. But it’s your decision as to the steps you’ll take and your responsibility to take them, not ours.”Biden’s top cybersecurity aide, Anne Neuberger, expressed frustration at a White House press briefing earlier Monday that some critical infrastructure entities have ignored alerts from federal agencies to fix known problems in software that could be exploited by Russian hackers.“Notwithstanding these repeated warnings, we continue to see adversaries compromising systems that use known vulnerabilities for which there are patches,” said Neuberger, who is the president’s deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technologies. “That makes it far easier for attackers than it needs to be.”The federal government has been providing warnings to U.S. companies of the threats posed by Russian state hackers since long before the country invaded Ukraine last month. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has launched a “Shields Up” campaign aimed at helping companies strengthen their defenses and has urged companies to back up their data, turn on multifactor authentication and take other steps to improve cyber hygiene.Neuberger said there’s no intelligence suggesting a specific Russian cyberattack against U.S. targets, but she did add that there has been increase in “preparatory activity,” like scanning websites and hunting for vulnerabilities, that is common among nation-state hackers.ADVERTISEMENTIn an written statement earlier Monday, Biden said Russia could launch a cyberattack against U.S. targets as retaliation for “the unprecedented economic costs we’ve imposed” on Russia through sanctions.“It’s part of Russia’s playbook,” Biden said.The United States and its allies have put a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-roman-abramovich-sports-business-european-commission-36125351edfe4892408c16c680175f7c">slew of sanctions</a>&nbsp;in place aimed at crippling the Russian economy, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-business-economy-congress-fa85685a926bb70d8d3dee3bd120a562">Biden recently announced</a>&nbsp;the U.S. is sending more anti-aircraft, anti-armor weapons and drones to help Ukraine.John Hultquist, a vice president of intelligence analysis at the cybersecurity firm Mandiant, said cyberattacks gives Russia the ability to punch back.“Cyberattacks are a means for them to exact costs without crossing a major red line,” he said.Russia is considered a hacking powerhouse but its offensive cyberattacks since it invaded Ukraine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-technology-europe-hacking-a61c1c631fd4fc945d02066e03fec534">have been muted</a>&nbsp;compared to what some feared. Russia has carried out significant cyberattacks against Ukraine in years past, including the devastating NotPetya attack in 2017 that spread far and wide and caused more than $10 billion in damage globally.Neuberger said Russia cyberattacks against Ukraine are ongoing, though she did not provide specifics. She said the Biden administration has made clear there will be consequences if Russia engages with the U.S. in cyberspace.“We’re not looking for a conflict with Russia. If Russia initiates a cyberattack against the United States, we will respond,” she said.The Russian Embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

🎥 Cyber war: Biden warns companies of potential Russian attacks

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the brutal attack on a dog at a Wichita business.

According to a social media report shared by Wichita Police, Atlas Motors,&nbsp;2850 S Broadway, Wichita, has recently been the target of multiple break-ins for catalytic converters.

"Although the financial hit on our business has been significant, we have recently been affected in a much greater way. This week, as we discovered yet another break in, we were heart broken to discover that our sweet Lily, a 1-year-old Belgian Malinois, had been brutally beaten."

 We noticed the fence was cut and we believe Lily was attacked by what we think was more than one criminal.  Lily had severe injuries to her head and we believe had been suffering seizures for several hours."

"We noticed the right side of her body and rear legs were paralyzed. We immediately took Lily to the animal hospital were she remains in critical condition."

"We understand these are difficult times financially for many, but this sort of cruelty is simply inhumane and unjustified. Unfortunately, security cameras did not capture the suspect(s) but we are currently working with the authorities." If anyone knows who is responsible or has any information please call the Wichita Police Department at 316-268-4407.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647945161162.png" alt="Lily at the hospital image courtesy Atlas Motors and Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Lily at the hospital image courtesy Atlas Motors and Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the brutal attack on a dog at a Wichita business.According to a social media report shared by Wichita Police, Atlas Motors,&nbsp;2850 S Broadway, Wichita, has recently been the target of multiple break-ins for catalytic converters."Although the financial hit on our business has been significant, we have recently been affected in a much greater way. This week, as we discovered yet another break in, we were heart broken to discover that our sweet Lily, a 1-year-old Belgian Malinois, had been brutally beaten." We noticed the fence was cut and we believe Lily was attacked by what we think was more than one criminal. Lily had severe injuries to her head and we believe had been suffering seizures for several hours.""We noticed the right side of her body and rear legs were paralyzed. We immediately took Lily to the animal hospital were she remains in critical condition.""We understand these are difficult times financially for many, but this sort of cruelty is simply inhumane and unjustified. Unfortunately, security cameras did not capture the suspect(s) but we are currently working with the authorities." If anyone knows who is responsible or has any information please call the Wichita Police Department at 316-268-4407.

Police investigate violent attack on dog at Kansas business

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after a weekend arrest.

Just after 2:30p.m. Sunday a sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on a&nbsp; 2017 Honda Accord for a traffic infraction near 110th and U.S. Highway 75, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.

 The driver, Thalia Taylor, 27, of Topeka, on requested charges that include possession of ecstasy, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647871015132.png" alt="Taylor-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Taylor-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after a weekend arrest.Just after 2:30p.m. Sunday a sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on a&nbsp; 2017 Honda Accord for a traffic infraction near 110th and U.S. Highway 75, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse. The driver, Thalia Taylor, 27, of Topeka, on requested charges that include possession of ecstasy, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Kan. woman caught with ecstasy during traffic stop 

WASHINGTON ― The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers 
who have a tax bill that there are several ways to make payments, and 
there are options for many people who can't pay their tax bill in full 
by April tax deadline.

The deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or an extension to file and 
pay tax owed this year falls on April 18, instead of April 15, because 
of the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia. Taxpayers 
in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 19, 2022, to file their 
returns due to the Patriots' Day holiday in those states. Some taxpayers
 who were victims of a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations">natural disaster</a> have even longer to file their returns.

The IRS reminds people to timely file their tax return and pay 
whatever they can by the filing deadline to avoid late filing and 
interest penalties.

Taxpayers can use their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>
 to securely see important information when preparing to file their tax 
return or following up on balances or notices. Taxpayers can make a 
same-day payment for a 2021 tax return balance, an extension to file, or
 estimated taxes, which are all due by April deadline for most 
taxpayers. They can also view:

File by April 18, 2022 for most taxpayers

The most important thing everyone with a tax bill should do is file a
 return by the April 18 due date, for most taxpayers (even if they can't
 pay in full). Taxpayers may also request a six-month extension to file 
by October 17, 2022, to avoid penalties and interest for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/failure-to-file-penalty">failing to file on time</a>.

Though automatic tax-filing extensions are available to anyone who 
wants one, these extensions don't change the payment deadline. It is not
 an extension to pay. Visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/extension-of-time-to-file-your-tax-return">IRS.gov/extensions</a> for details.

Usually anyone who owes tax and waits until after that date to file 
will be charged a late-filing penalty of 5% per month. So, if a tax 
return is complete, filing it by April 18 is always less costly, even if
 the full amount due can't be paid on time.

IRS Free File is an easy, quick way to file that is available to 
eligible individuals and families who earned $73,000 or less in 2021. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a> is available on IRS.gov.

Interest, plus the late-payment penalty, will apply to any payments 
made after April 18. Making a payment, even a partial payment, will help
 limit penalty and interest charges. The fastest and easiest way to pay a
 personal tax bill is with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>, available only on IRS.gov. For a rundown of other payment options, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.

The IRS urges taxpayers to first consider other options for payment, 
including getting a loan to pay the amount due. In many cases, loan 
costs may be lower than the combination of interest and penalties the 
IRS must charge under federal law. Normally, the late-payment penalty is
 one-half-of-one percent (0.5%) per month. The interest rate, adjusted 
quarterly, is currently 3% per year, compounded daily.

If a loan isn't possible, the IRS can often help.

Most individual taxpayers qualify to set up an online payment plan 
with the IRS, and it only takes a few minutes to apply. Applicants are 
notified immediately if their request is approved. No need to call or 
write to the IRS. The IRS notes that <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application">online payment plans</a>
 are processed more quickly than requests submitted with 
electronically-filed tax returns. If a taxpayer just filed their return 
and knows that they'll owe a balance, they may be able to set up a 
payment plan online before they even receive a notice or bill.

There are two main types of online payment plans:

Taxpayers who do not qualify for an online payment agreement may still be able to arrange to pay in installments. See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/payment-plans-installment-agreements">Additional Information on Payment Plans</a> for more information.

Some struggling taxpayers may also consider using these other payment options:

If the IRS determines a taxpayer is unable to pay, it may <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/temporarily-delay-the-collection-process">delay collection</a>
 until their financial condition improves. However, the total amount 
owed will still increase because penalties and interest are charged 
until paid in full. Taxpayers can request a delay by calling the phone 
number on their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-irs-notice-or-letter">notice</a> or <a href="tel:800-829-1040">800-829-1040</a>.

Some taxpayers qualify to have their late-filing or late-payment 
penalties reduced or eliminated. This can be done on a case-by-case 
basis, based on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/penalty-relief-due-to-reasonable-cause">reasonable cause</a>. Alternatively, where a taxpayer has a history of compliance, the IRS can typically provide relief under the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/penalty-relief-due-to-first-time-penalty-abatement-or-other-administrative-waiver">First Time Abatement</a> program. Visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalty-relief">IRS.gov/penaltyrelief</a> for details.

Some taxpayers qualify to settle their tax bill for less than the 
full amount due, through an offer in compromise. Though there is 
typically a $205 non-refundable application fee, it is generally waived 
for low-income taxpayers and for offers based on doubt as to liability. 
The <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/oic_pre_qualifier/">Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier tool</a> can help determine eligibility for anyone interested in applying.

The IRS reminds taxpayers that they have rights and protections throughout the collection process. For details, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxpayer-bill-of-rights">Taxpayer Bill of Rights</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1.pdf">Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer</a>&nbsp;PDF.

For more information about payments, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc202">Topic No. 202, Tax Payment Options</a>, on IRS.gov.

Taxpayers should know before they owe. The IRS encourages all taxpayers to check their withholding with the IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON ― The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers 
who have a tax bill that there are several ways to make payments, and 
there are options for many people who can't pay their tax bill in full 
by April tax deadline.The deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or an extension to file and 
pay tax owed this year falls on April 18, instead of April 15, because 
of the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia. Taxpayers 
in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 19, 2022, to file their 
returns due to the Patriots' Day holiday in those states. Some taxpayers
 who were victims of a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations">natural disaster</a> have even longer to file their returns.The IRS reminds people to timely file their tax return and pay 
whatever they can by the filing deadline to avoid late filing and 
interest penalties.<h2>Sign in to pay and see payment history</h2>Taxpayers can use their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>
 to securely see important information when preparing to file their tax 
return or following up on balances or notices. Taxpayers can make a 
same-day payment for a 2021 tax return balance, an extension to file, or
 estimated taxes, which are all due by April deadline for most 
taxpayers. They can also view:<ul>
 <li>Their Adjusted Gross Income, Economic Impact Payment amounts and
 advance Child Tax Credit payment amounts needed for their 2021 return,</li><li>Payment history and any scheduled or pending payments,</li><li>Payment plan details and</li><li>Digital copies of select notices from the IRS.</li>
 </ul><h2>Ways to pay</h2><ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-taxes-by-electronic-funds-withdrawal">Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW)</a>:
 This option allows taxpayers to file and pay electronically from their 
bank account when using tax preparation software or a tax professional. 
This option is free and only available when electronically filing a tax 
return. 
	&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>:
 Direct Pay is free and allows taxpayers to securely pay their federal 
taxes directly from their checking or savings account without any fees 
or preregistration. Taxpayers can schedule payments up to 365 days in 
advance. After submitting a payment through Direct Pay, taxpayers will 
receive immediate confirmation. 
	&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System</a>:
 This free service gives taxpayers a safe and convenient way to pay 
individual and business taxes by phone or online. To enroll and for more
 information, taxpayers can call <a href="tel:800-555-4477">800-555-4477</a>, or visit <a href="https://www.eftps.gov/eftps/">eftps.gov</a>. 
	&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-taxes-by-credit-or-debit-card">Credit card, debit card or digital wallet</a>:
 Individuals can pay online, by phone or with a mobile device through 
any of the authorized payment processors. The processor charges a fee. 
The IRS doesn't receive any fees for these payments. Authorized card 
processors and phone numbers are available at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>. 
	&nbsp;</li><li>Cash: For taxpayers who prefer to pay in cash, the
 IRS offers a way to pay taxes at one of its Cash Processing Companies 
at participating retail stores. The IRS urges taxpayers choosing this 
option to start early because it involves a four-step process. Details, 
including answers to frequently asked questions, are at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-with-cash-at-a-retail-partner">IRS.gov/paywithcash</a>. 
	&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-by-check-or-money-order">Check or Money Order</a>: Payments
 made by check or money order should be made payable to the "United 
States Treasury." To help ensure that the payment gets credited 
promptly, taxpayers should also enclose a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040v.pdf">Form 1040-V</a>&nbsp;PDF
 payment voucher and print on the front of the check or money order: 
"2021 Form 1040"; name; address; daytime phone number; and Social 
Security number.</li>
 </ul><h2>File by April 18, 2022 for most taxpayers</h2>The most important thing everyone with a tax bill should do is file a
 return by the April 18 due date, for most taxpayers (even if they can't
 pay in full). Taxpayers may also request a six-month extension to file 
by October 17, 2022, to avoid penalties and interest for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/failure-to-file-penalty">failing to file on time</a>.Though automatic tax-filing extensions are available to anyone who 
wants one, these extensions don't change the payment deadline. It is not
 an extension to pay. Visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/extension-of-time-to-file-your-tax-return">IRS.gov/extensions</a> for details.Usually anyone who owes tax and waits until after that date to file 
will be charged a late-filing penalty of 5% per month. So, if a tax 
return is complete, filing it by April 18 is always less costly, even if
 the full amount due can't be paid on time.IRS Free File is an easy, quick way to file that is available to 
eligible individuals and families who earned $73,000 or less in 2021. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a> is available on IRS.gov.<h2>Pay what you can</h2>Interest, plus the late-payment penalty, will apply to any payments 
made after April 18. Making a payment, even a partial payment, will help
 limit penalty and interest charges. The fastest and easiest way to pay a
 personal tax bill is with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>, available only on IRS.gov. For a rundown of other payment options, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.The IRS urges taxpayers to first consider other options for payment, 
including getting a loan to pay the amount due. In many cases, loan 
costs may be lower than the combination of interest and penalties the 
IRS must charge under federal law. Normally, the late-payment penalty is
 one-half-of-one percent (0.5%) per month. The interest rate, adjusted 
quarterly, is currently 3% per year, compounded daily.If a loan isn't possible, the IRS can often help.<h2>Online payment plans</h2>Most individual taxpayers qualify to set up an online payment plan 
with the IRS, and it only takes a few minutes to apply. Applicants are 
notified immediately if their request is approved. No need to call or 
write to the IRS. The IRS notes that <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application">online payment plans</a>
 are processed more quickly than requests submitted with 
electronically-filed tax returns. If a taxpayer just filed their return 
and knows that they'll owe a balance, they may be able to set up a 
payment plan online before they even receive a notice or bill.<h2>There are two main types of online payment plans:</h2><ul>
 <li>Short-term payment plan – The payment period is
 180 days or less and the total amount owed is less than $100,000 in 
combined tax, penalties and interest. There's no fee for setting one up,
 though interest and the late-payment penalty continue to accrue. 
	&nbsp;</li><li>Long-term payment plan – Payments are made 
monthly, and the amount owed must be less than $50,000 in combined tax, 
penalties and interest. If the IRS approves a long-term payment plan, 
also known as an installment agreement, a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application">setup fee</a>
 normally applies. But low-income taxpayers may qualify to have the fee 
waived or reimbursed. In addition, for anyone who filed their return on 
time, the late-payment penalty rate is cut in half while an installment 
agreement is in effect. This means that the penalty accrues at the rate 
of one-quarter-of-one percent (0.25%) per month, instead of the usual 
one-half-of-one percent (0.5%) per month.</li>
 </ul>Taxpayers who do not qualify for an online payment agreement may still be able to arrange to pay in installments. See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/payment-plans-installment-agreements">Additional Information on Payment Plans</a> for more information.<h2>Other payment options</h2>Some struggling taxpayers may also consider using these other payment options:<h2>Delayed collection</h2>If the IRS determines a taxpayer is unable to pay, it may <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/temporarily-delay-the-collection-process">delay collection</a>
 until their financial condition improves. However, the total amount 
owed will still increase because penalties and interest are charged 
until paid in full. Taxpayers can request a delay by calling the phone 
number on their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-irs-notice-or-letter">notice</a> or <a href="tel:800-829-1040">800-829-1040</a>.<h2>Penalty relief</h2>Some taxpayers qualify to have their late-filing or late-payment 
penalties reduced or eliminated. This can be done on a case-by-case 
basis, based on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/penalty-relief-due-to-reasonable-cause">reasonable cause</a>. Alternatively, where a taxpayer has a history of compliance, the IRS can typically provide relief under the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/penalty-relief-due-to-first-time-penalty-abatement-or-other-administrative-waiver">First Time Abatement</a> program. Visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalty-relief">IRS.gov/penaltyrelief</a> for details.<h2>Offer in Compromise</h2>Some taxpayers qualify to settle their tax bill for less than the 
full amount due, through an offer in compromise. Though there is 
typically a $205 non-refundable application fee, it is generally waived 
for low-income taxpayers and for offers based on doubt as to liability. 
The <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/oic_pre_qualifier/">Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier tool</a> can help determine eligibility for anyone interested in applying.The IRS reminds taxpayers that they have rights and protections throughout the collection process. For details, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxpayer-bill-of-rights">Taxpayer Bill of Rights</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1.pdf">Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer</a>&nbsp;PDF.For more information about payments, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc202">Topic No. 202, Tax Payment Options</a>, on IRS.gov.Taxpayers should know before they owe. The IRS encourages all taxpayers to check their withholding with the IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>.

IRS: Electronic payment, agreement options available

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) shared his thoughts after he and other members of a bipartisan delegation returned from Poland and Germany to gain more insight on needed security and humanitarian support for Ukraine.

“What I witnessed was an inspirational citizen of Ukraine, tremendous leadership from President Zelenksyy and a country willing to die and sacrifice for their freedom and liberty,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“It’s a reminder that the stakes here are massive, and that we must provide the Ukrainian people with the tools they need to succeed. We ought not just provide enough humanitarian and lethal aid for them to survive – we must provide the necessary tools for them to win. It is immoral for us to do less; for us to allow these battles to continue day after day with the death of Ukrainians.”

“The reality is there is not a moment to lose,”&nbsp;continued Sen. Moran. “Every day matters in this fight against Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked, unjustified and immoral war against Ukraine. We are late now. We were late yesterday, and a slow march of bureaucratic policies and efforts does not save lives; it costs lives. We need to ensure our colleagues in the Senate, our colleagues in Congress and the Biden administration understand when we lose a moment, we lose a life.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647945759878.png" alt="Senator Moran&nbsp;speaks with U.S. Consul General Patrick Slowinski and Polish military leaders" />
 <figcaption>Senator Moran&nbsp;speaks with U.S. Consul General Patrick Slowinski and Polish military leaders</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) shared his thoughts after he and other members of a bipartisan delegation returned from Poland and Germany to gain more insight on needed security and humanitarian support for Ukraine.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iVSNA6v8pmA?start=7" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“What I witnessed was an inspirational citizen of Ukraine, tremendous leadership from President Zelenksyy and a country willing to die and sacrifice for their freedom and liberty,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“It’s a reminder that the stakes here are massive, and that we must provide the Ukrainian people with the tools they need to succeed. We ought not just provide enough humanitarian and lethal aid for them to survive – we must provide the necessary tools for them to win. It is immoral for us to do less; for us to allow these battles to continue day after day with the death of Ukrainians.”“The reality is there is not a moment to lose,”&nbsp;continued Sen. Moran. “Every day matters in this fight against Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked, unjustified and immoral war against Ukraine. We are late now. We were late yesterday, and a slow march of bureaucratic policies and efforts does not save lives; it costs lives. We need to ensure our colleagues in the Senate, our colleagues in Congress and the Biden administration understand when we lose a moment, we lose a life.”

🎥 Moran: Every day matters in this fight against Vladimir Putin

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The Great Bend Police Department was made aware that several vehicle owners have taken their car into a mechanic shop only to have the mechanic discover that their wheel lug nuts had been loosened.

Police Chief Steve Haulmark said there is a social media challenge on TikTok encouraging people to loosen or steal lug nuts just to see what happens when the vehicle owner drives away. "We received a report from a mechanic shop that several owners came to him with a random sound on their vehicle," said Haulmark. "Apparently between four and five came to his shop. "We got a call today and were informed that there are somewhere around 20 of these instances reported in the area." Chief Haulmark said it might be worth taking a look at your vehicle to ensure that it has not been tampered with.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647882374892.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Great Bend Police Department was made aware that several vehicle owners have taken their car into a mechanic shop only to have the mechanic discover that their wheel lug nuts had been loosened.Police Chief Steve Haulmark said there is a social media challenge on TikTok encouraging people to loosen or steal lug nuts just to see what happens when the vehicle owner drives away. "We received a report from a mechanic shop that several owners came to him with a random sound on their vehicle," said Haulmark. "Apparently between four and five came to his shop. "We got a call today and were informed that there are somewhere around 20 of these instances reported in the area." Chief Haulmark said it might be worth taking a look at your vehicle to ensure that it has not been tampered with.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Police warn of latest social media challenge

PAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man arrested after deputies executed a search warrant at his home in Larned March 15, made his first court appearance in the case on Monday.

William Christopher Woods, 54 of Larned, is charged with Possession of 49.4 Grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute within 1000 Feet of a School; Criminal Use of an Explosive; Aggravated Endangering a Child; Possession of Fentanyl; Felony Drug Paraphernalia suitable to distribute a controlled substance;&nbsp; Felony Defacing Identification Marks of a Firearm; Possession of Marijuana; and&nbsp; Misdemeanor Drug Paraphernalia suitable to ingest a controlled substance, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett. 

Two juveniles removed from the home during the execution of the search warrant also face pending charges, according to the McNett.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647891633991.png" alt="Woods-photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Woods-photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man arrested after deputies executed a search warrant at his home in Larned March 15, made his first court appearance in the case on Monday.William Christopher Woods, 54 of Larned, is charged with Possession of 49.4 Grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute within 1000 Feet of a School; Criminal Use of an Explosive; Aggravated Endangering a Child; Possession of Fentanyl; Felony Drug Paraphernalia suitable to distribute a controlled substance;&nbsp; Felony Defacing Identification Marks of a Firearm; Possession of Marijuana; and&nbsp; Misdemeanor Drug Paraphernalia suitable to ingest a controlled substance, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647449462804.jpeg" alt="Photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Woods is being held on a $100,000 bond.Two juveniles removed from the home during the execution of the search warrant also face pending charges, according to the McNett.

Kan. man charged after explosives, guns and drugs seized at home

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with gunfire at a home in Atchison.

Just after 3a.m. Saturday, police responded to a disturbance with shots fired in the 200 block Green Tree Road, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. When officers arrived they heard shots being fired behind the residence where the disturbance had occurred. 

Officers located several persons in front of the residence who had been inside the residence during the disturbance and learned shots had been fired inside the residence and the person firing the shots was then outside at the rear of the residence and firing shots, according to Wilson.

A short time later officers took 60-year-old Leodis Byers into custody. There were no injuries.

An investigation that followed determined that several people were together at the suspect’s residence when a disturbance occurred and the suspect fired multiple rounds from several firearms. No one was struck by the rounds. A 32-year-old reported being a victim of battery and aggravated assault during the disturbance but did not require medical care. Police recovered several firearms at the residence.

Byers is being held on requested charges of aggravated assault, battery, and unlawful discharge of a firearm, according to Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647800847296.png" alt="Byers-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Byers-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with gunfire at a home in Atchison.Just after 3a.m. Saturday, police responded to a disturbance with shots fired in the 200 block Green Tree Road, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. When officers arrived they heard shots being fired behind the residence where the disturbance had occurred. Officers located several persons in front of the residence who had been inside the residence during the disturbance and learned shots had been fired inside the residence and the person firing the shots was then outside at the rear of the residence and firing shots, according to Wilson.A short time later officers took 60-year-old Leodis Byers into custody. There were no injuries.An investigation that followed determined that several people were together at the suspect’s residence when a disturbance occurred and the suspect fired multiple rounds from several firearms. No one was struck by the rounds. A 32-year-old reported being a victim of battery and aggravated assault during the disturbance but did not require medical care. Police recovered several firearms at the residence.Byers is being held on requested charges of aggravated assault, battery, and unlawful discharge of a firearm, according to Wilson.

Man jailed after firing shots with several firearms at Kan. home

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman charged with murder in a fatal hit-and-run in March of 2021 entered a plea in the case Friday.

Charity Blackmon, 32, Wichita, pled guilty to 2nd degree intentional murder and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. She was scheduled for a jury trial starting this week.

On March 26, 2021 police were dispatched to 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue in Wichita for a shooting call, according to officer Paul Cruz. Upon arriving, they located&nbsp;54-year-old <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/2blv6y22g0?qid=7f0e4807b16464f4303f8d95ed764ff1">Merrill Rabus of Wichita</a> unconscious and receiving life-saving measures.

Rabus had undetermined injuries, including what appeared to be a single gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The investigation revealed Rabus was on his bicycle at the intersection of 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue when he was struck by a white Plymouth van driven by 31-year-old Charity Blackmon. 

Blackmon then got out of her vehicle and fired a shot from a handgun, striking Rabus. Blackmon fled the scene and was followed by witnesses who provided her location. She was located and arrested at 14th&nbsp;Street North and Green Street by a Wichita State University police officer, according to Cruz.

 Blackmon and Rabus were not known to each other. Officers also recovered a handgun through this investigation.&nbsp;

She is scheduled for sentencing on May 9.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616855135199.png" alt="Blackmon photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Blackmon photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman charged with murder in a fatal hit-and-run in March of 2021 entered a plea in the case Friday.Charity Blackmon, 32, Wichita, pled guilty to 2nd degree intentional murder and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. She was scheduled for a jury trial starting this week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616871807743.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation on Friday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation on Friday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>On March 26, 2021 police were dispatched to 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue in Wichita for a shooting call, according to officer Paul Cruz. Upon arriving, they located&nbsp;54-year-old <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/2blv6y22g0?qid=7f0e4807b16464f4303f8d95ed764ff1">Merrill Rabus of Wichita</a> unconscious and receiving life-saving measures.Rabus had undetermined injuries, including what appeared to be a single gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries.The investigation revealed Rabus was on his bicycle at the intersection of 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue when he was struck by a white Plymouth van driven by 31-year-old Charity Blackmon. Blackmon then got out of her vehicle and fired a shot from a handgun, striking Rabus. Blackmon fled the scene and was followed by witnesses who provided her location. She was located and arrested at 14th&nbsp;Street North and Green Street by a Wichita State University police officer, according to Cruz. Blackmon and Rabus were not known to each other. Officers also recovered a handgun through this investigation.&nbsp;She is scheduled for sentencing on May 9.----------

Kan. woman enters plea to running over, fatally shooting bicyclist

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after an weekend altercation and shooting in Garden City.

Just after 3a.m. Saturday, police responded to report of a drive-by shooting in the area of 3rd Street and Labrador in Garden City, according to a media release.

Officers learned that 24-year-old Johnathan Reyes was southbound on 3rd Street when a vehicle in front of him was traveling slowly and refused to let Reyes pass.

While stopped at the intersection of North 3rd and Labrador, the occupants exited both vehicles and began a verbal altercation. During this argument, Reyes pulled a knife and allegedly stabbed 37-year-old Justin Cole.

As Reyes attempted to leave in his vehicle, Cole brandished a firearm, shot Reyes and drove from the scene, according to police.

Both vehicles later met on Labrador Boulevard and as the vehicle passed, Cole allegedly fired a second shot that hit Reyes' vehicle.

Police were unable to locate Cole after the incident. The Kansas Highway Patrol and Kearny County Sheriff's Deputies later located Cole and took him into custody.

He was booked into the Finney County jail on requested charges of attempted first-degree murder criminal discharge of a firearm and criminal damage.

Reyes was also later booked into the Finney County Jail on requested charges of aggravated battery and felony interference. Police are also looking for a third suspect believed involved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647873259552.png" alt="Cole photo Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Cole photo Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after an weekend altercation and shooting in Garden City.Just after 3a.m. Saturday, police responded to report of a drive-by shooting in the area of 3rd Street and Labrador in Garden City, according to a media release.Officers learned that 24-year-old Johnathan Reyes was southbound on 3rd Street when a vehicle in front of him was traveling slowly and refused to let Reyes pass.While stopped at the intersection of North 3rd and Labrador, the occupants exited both vehicles and began a verbal altercation. During this argument, Reyes pulled a knife and allegedly stabbed 37-year-old Justin Cole.As Reyes attempted to leave in his vehicle, Cole brandished a firearm, shot Reyes and drove from the scene, according to police.Both vehicles later met on Labrador Boulevard and as the vehicle passed, Cole allegedly fired a second shot that hit Reyes' vehicle.Police were unable to locate Cole after the incident. The Kansas Highway Patrol and Kearny County Sheriff's Deputies later located Cole and took him into custody.He was booked into the Finney County jail on requested charges of attempted first-degree murder criminal discharge of a firearm and criminal damage.Reyes was also later booked into the Finney County Jail on requested charges of aggravated battery and felony interference. Police are also looking for a third suspect believed involved.

Two jailed after SW Kansas road rage stabbing, shooting

WASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson pledged on Monday to decide cases “without fear or favor” if the Senate confirms her historic nomination as the first Black woman on the high court.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?518341-101/confirmation-hearing-supreme-court-nominee-ketanji-brown-jackson-day-1-part-2">CLICK here to&nbsp;</a>listen to her opening statement

Jackson, 51, addressed the Senate Judiciary Committee at the end of her first day of confirmation hearings, nearly four hours almost entirely consumed by opening statements from the panel’s 22 members.

Republicans promised pointed questions over the coming two days, with a special focus on her record on criminal matters. Democrats were full of praise for President Joe Biden’s Supreme Court nominee.

With her family sitting behind her, her husband in socks bearing George Washington’s likeness, Jackson stressed that she has been independent and transparent in her nine years as a judge, and that she is ever mindful of the importance of that role.

“I have dedicated my career to ensuring that the words engraved on the front of the Supreme Court building — equal justice under law — are a reality and not just an ideal,” she said.

Barring a significant misstep, Democrats who control the Senate by the slimmest of margins intend to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-j-michelle-childs-joe-biden-stephen-breyer-us-supreme-court-117415e3c48ee2c3c3d24157350f48bb">wrap up her confirmation before Easter.&nbsp;</a>She would be the third Black justice, after Thurgood Marshall and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-stephen-breyer-covid-us-supreme-court-health-21418c400b3535036029c251d6d7a17b">Clarence Thomas,</a>&nbsp;as well as the first Black woman on the high court.

“It’s not easy being the first. Often, you have to be the best, in some ways the bravest,” Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the committee chairman, said in support shortly after the proceedings began.

Democrats sought to preemptively rebut Republican criticism of her record on criminal matters as a judge and before that as a federal public defender and a member of the U.S. Sentencing Commission.

Jackson “is not anti-law enforcement,” and is not “soft on crime,” Sen. Pat Leahy, D-Vt., said, noting that members of Jackson’s family have worked in law enforcement and that she has support from some national law enforcement organizations. ”Judge Jackson is no judicial activist.”

The committee’s senior Republican, Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, promised Republicans would “ask tough questions about Jackson’s judicial philosophy,” without turning the hearings into a ”spectacle.”

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., noted that Democrats had opposed some past Republican judicial nominees who were Black or Hispanic, and he said that he and his GOP colleagues wouldn’t be deterred from asking probing questions by Jackson’s race.

He said of some criticism from the left: “Bottom line here is, It’s about ‘We’re all racist if we ask hard questions.’ That’s not going to fly with us.”

Graham was one of three Republicans to support Jackson’s confirmation as an appellate judge last year. But he has indicated over the past several weeks that he is unlikely to vote for her again.

Jackson’s testimony will give most Americans, as well as the Senate, their most extensive look yet at the Harvard-trained lawyer with a resume that includes two years as a federal public defender. That makes her the first nominee with significant criminal defense experience since Marshall.

Jackson appeared before the same committee last year, after Biden chose her to fill an opening&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-notable-opinions-a764d001648c5151eb48e7f5663c403e">on the federal appeals court in Washington</a>, just down the hill from the Supreme Court.

<a href="https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/government_affairs_office/aba-scfj-rating-letter-judge-ketanji-brown-jackson.pdf" target="_blank">The American Bar Association</a>, which evaluates judicial nominees, has given Jackson its highest rating, “well qualified.”

Janette McCarthy Wallace, general counsel of the NAACP, said she was excited to see a Black woman on the verge of a high court seat.

“Representation matters,” Wallace said. “It’s critical to have diverse experience on the bench. It should reflect the rich cultural diversity of this country.”

While few Republicans are likely to vote for Jackson, most GOP senators did not aggressively criticize her, given that her confirmation would not alter the court’s 6-3 conservative majority. Several GOP senators on the panel used their time to denounce Senate Democrats instead of Jackson’s record.

The Republicans are trying to use her nomination to brand Democrats as soft on crime, an emerging theme in GOP midterm election campaigns. Biden has chosen several former public defenders for life-tenured judicial posts. In addition, Jackson served on the U.S. Sentencing Commission, an independent agency created by Congress to reduce disparity in federal prison sentences.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-us-supreme-court-ap-fact-check-child-pornography-josh-hawley-68d5a59edf46ea3f28e35cf32f84fe19">Sen. Josh Hawley</a>, R-Mo., said in his opening statement that his research showed that Jackson had a pattern of issuing lower sentences in child pornography cases, repeating comments he wrote in a Twitter thread last week. The Republican National Committee echoed his claims, which Hawley did not raise when he questioned Jackson last year before voting against her appeals court confirmation.

The White House, along with several Democrats at the hearing, pushed back forcefully against Hawley’s criticism as “toxic and weakly presented misinformation.”

Sentencing expert Douglas Berman, an Ohio State law professor, wrote on his blog that Jackson’s record shows she is skeptical of the range of prison terms recommended for child pornography cases, “but so too were prosecutors in the majority of her cases and so too are district judges nationwide.”

As Jackson silently took notes, Hawley said he would raise his concerns again in questioning over the next two days. He said he found her candid and “enormously thoughtful” in a meeting earlier this month.

Hawley is one of several committee Republicans, along with Ted Cruz of Texas and Tom Cotton of Arkansas, who are potential 2024 presidential candidates, and their aspirations may collide with other Republicans who would prefer not to pursue a scorched-earth approach to Jackson’s nomination.

Biden chose Jackson in February, fulfilling a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-breyer-joe-biden-us-supreme-court-campaign-2016-south-carolina-3a36206929862d7c06293a5724eff2fd">campaign pledge</a>&nbsp;to nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court for the first time in American history. She would take the seat of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-breyer-supreme-court-retirement-2f9c1f5da824e3b1ef25964205131fff">Justice Stephen Breyer</a>, who announced in January that he would retire after 28 years on the court.

Jackson once worked as a law clerk to Breyer early in her legal career.

Democrats are moving quickly to confirm Jackson, even though Breyer’s seat will not officially open until the summer. They have no votes to spare in a 50-50 Senate that they run by virtue of the tiebreaking vote of Vice President Kamala Harris.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647892942817.png" alt="&nbsp;Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as she was sworn in Monday afternoon before the Senate Judiciary Committee-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as she was sworn in Monday afternoon before the Senate Judiciary Committee-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson pledged on Monday to decide cases “without fear or favor” if the Senate confirms her historic nomination as the first Black woman on the high court.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?518341-101/confirmation-hearing-supreme-court-nominee-ketanji-brown-jackson-day-1-part-2">CLICK here to&nbsp;</a>listen to her opening statementJackson, 51, addressed the Senate Judiciary Committee at the end of her first day of confirmation hearings, nearly four hours almost entirely consumed by opening statements from the panel’s 22 members.Republicans promised pointed questions over the coming two days, with a special focus on her record on criminal matters. Democrats were full of praise for President Joe Biden’s Supreme Court nominee.With her family sitting behind her, her husband in socks bearing George Washington’s likeness, Jackson stressed that she has been independent and transparent in her nine years as a judge, and that she is ever mindful of the importance of that role.“I have dedicated my career to ensuring that the words engraved on the front of the Supreme Court building — equal justice under law — are a reality and not just an ideal,” she said.Barring a significant misstep, Democrats who control the Senate by the slimmest of margins intend to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-j-michelle-childs-joe-biden-stephen-breyer-us-supreme-court-117415e3c48ee2c3c3d24157350f48bb">wrap up her confirmation before Easter.&nbsp;</a>She would be the third Black justice, after Thurgood Marshall and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-stephen-breyer-covid-us-supreme-court-health-21418c400b3535036029c251d6d7a17b">Clarence Thomas,</a>&nbsp;as well as the first Black woman on the high court.“It’s not easy being the first. Often, you have to be the best, in some ways the bravest,” Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the committee chairman, said in support shortly after the proceedings began.Democrats sought to preemptively rebut Republican criticism of her record on criminal matters as a judge and before that as a federal public defender and a member of the U.S. Sentencing Commission.Jackson “is not anti-law enforcement,” and is not “soft on crime,” Sen. Pat Leahy, D-Vt., said, noting that members of Jackson’s family have worked in law enforcement and that she has support from some national law enforcement organizations. ”Judge Jackson is no judicial activist.”The committee’s senior Republican, Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, promised Republicans would “ask tough questions about Jackson’s judicial philosophy,” without turning the hearings into a ”spectacle.”Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., noted that Democrats had opposed some past Republican judicial nominees who were Black or Hispanic, and he said that he and his GOP colleagues wouldn’t be deterred from asking probing questions by Jackson’s race.He said of some criticism from the left: “Bottom line here is, It’s about ‘We’re all racist if we ask hard questions.’ That’s not going to fly with us.”Graham was one of three Republicans to support Jackson’s confirmation as an appellate judge last year. But he has indicated over the past several weeks that he is unlikely to vote for her again.Jackson’s testimony will give most Americans, as well as the Senate, their most extensive look yet at the Harvard-trained lawyer with a resume that includes two years as a federal public defender. That makes her the first nominee with significant criminal defense experience since Marshall.Jackson appeared before the same committee last year, after Biden chose her to fill an opening&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-notable-opinions-a764d001648c5151eb48e7f5663c403e">on the federal appeals court in Washington</a>, just down the hill from the Supreme Court.<a href="https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/government_affairs_office/aba-scfj-rating-letter-judge-ketanji-brown-jackson.pdf" target="_blank">The American Bar Association</a>, which evaluates judicial nominees, has given Jackson its highest rating, “well qualified.”Janette McCarthy Wallace, general counsel of the NAACP, said she was excited to see a Black woman on the verge of a high court seat.“Representation matters,” Wallace said. “It’s critical to have diverse experience on the bench. It should reflect the rich cultural diversity of this country.”While few Republicans are likely to vote for Jackson, most GOP senators did not aggressively criticize her, given that her confirmation would not alter the court’s 6-3 conservative majority. Several GOP senators on the panel used their time to denounce Senate Democrats instead of Jackson’s record.The Republicans are trying to use her nomination to brand Democrats as soft on crime, an emerging theme in GOP midterm election campaigns. Biden has chosen several former public defenders for life-tenured judicial posts. In addition, Jackson served on the U.S. Sentencing Commission, an independent agency created by Congress to reduce disparity in federal prison sentences.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-us-supreme-court-ap-fact-check-child-pornography-josh-hawley-68d5a59edf46ea3f28e35cf32f84fe19">Sen. Josh Hawley</a>, R-Mo., said in his opening statement that his research showed that Jackson had a pattern of issuing lower sentences in child pornography cases, repeating comments he wrote in a Twitter thread last week. The Republican National Committee echoed his claims, which Hawley did not raise when he questioned Jackson last year before voting against her appeals court confirmation.The White House, along with several Democrats at the hearing, pushed back forcefully against Hawley’s criticism as “toxic and weakly presented misinformation.”Sentencing expert Douglas Berman, an Ohio State law professor, wrote on his blog that Jackson’s record shows she is skeptical of the range of prison terms recommended for child pornography cases, “but so too were prosecutors in the majority of her cases and so too are district judges nationwide.”As Jackson silently took notes, Hawley said he would raise his concerns again in questioning over the next two days. He said he found her candid and “enormously thoughtful” in a meeting earlier this month.Hawley is one of several committee Republicans, along with Ted Cruz of Texas and Tom Cotton of Arkansas, who are potential 2024 presidential candidates, and their aspirations may collide with other Republicans who would prefer not to pursue a scorched-earth approach to Jackson’s nomination.Biden chose Jackson in February, fulfilling a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-breyer-joe-biden-us-supreme-court-campaign-2016-south-carolina-3a36206929862d7c06293a5724eff2fd">campaign pledge</a>&nbsp;to nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court for the first time in American history. She would take the seat of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-breyer-supreme-court-retirement-2f9c1f5da824e3b1ef25964205131fff">Justice Stephen Breyer</a>, who announced in January that he would retire after 28 years on the court.Jackson once worked as a law clerk to Breyer early in her legal career.Democrats are moving quickly to confirm Jackson, even though Breyer’s seat will not officially open until the summer. They have no votes to spare in a 50-50 Senate that they run by virtue of the tiebreaking vote of Vice President Kamala Harris.But they are not moving as fast as Republicans did when they installed Amy Coney Barrett on the court little more than a month after the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and days before the 2020 presidential election.Barrett, the third of President Donald Trump’s high court picks, entrenched the court’s conservative majority when she took the place of the liberal Ginsburg.The court revealed Monday that Justice Thomas, the oldest member of the court at 73, was in the hospital being treated for an infection but that he did not have COVID-19.Last year, Jackson won Senate confirmation by a 53-44 vote, with three Republicans supporting her.She is married to Patrick Jackson, a surgeon in Washington, who sat in the audience with their two daughters, one in college and the other in high school. Jackson wiped away tears as his wife expressed her love for him.She is related by marriage to former House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, who was the Republican vice presidential nominee in 2012. Ryan has voiced support for her nomination.Jackson has said her children have kept her in touch with reality, even as she has held a judge’s gavel since 2013.In the courtroom, she told an audience in Athens, Georgia, in 2017, “people listen and generally do what I tell them to do.” At home, though, her daughters “make it very clear I know nothing, I should not tell them anything, much less give them any orders, that is, if they talk to me at all.”ADVERTISEMENT<a href="https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&amp;utm_source=associatedpress-apnews&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=organic-thumbnails-rr:Right%20Rail%20Thumbnails:" target="_blank">Promoted Links</a>You May Like<a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/ur/?utm_content=85be4c&amp;nw_campaign_id=151362992240067400&amp;utm_medium=ntv&amp;utm_source=tb&amp;utm_campaign=cc_mktg_paid_110220_biz_int_tb&amp;utm_term=associatedpress-apnews&amp;mktg_link=2984842630#tblciGiD5J8ghldADtkbHFMTpsm9Vphw-e6gBbjX6K5EKTkCQMSCS81Mo84uJqOKk-snsAQ" target="_blank">2022's Standout Business Credit Cards - Deals That Outshine The RestNerdWallet</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-tennessee-memphis-67050210f2862d84af3ed87a62f1186c">Jury begins deliberating in trial over NBA player’s slaying</a><a href="https://www.perimeter81.com/whitepapers/dd/forrester-ztna-leader?utm_source=taboola&amp;utm_medium=discovery&amp;utm_campaign=17132234&amp;utm_content=Streamline+Security+Compliance+with+Zero+Trust+Access.&amp;utm_term=associatedpress-apnews_apnews.com&amp;funnel=2&amp;tblci=GiD5J8ghldADtkbHFMTpsm9Vphw-e6gBbjX6K5EKTkCQMSCKq04omY-Vm9vLqNt7#tblciGiD5J8ghldADtkbHFMTpsm9Vphw-e6gBbjX6K5EKTkCQMSCKq04omY-Vm9vLqNt7" target="_blank">Streamline Security Compliance with Zero Trust Access.Perimeter 81</a><a target="_blank" href="https://trc.taboola.com/associatedpress-apnews/log/3/click?pi=%2Farticle%2Fketanji-brown-jackson-confirmation-hearing-live-updates-54fe3957e4cca1a6d6dde5202631d0c2&amp;ri=6da13e86d70f37c2aed9aa6d074c352f&amp;sd=v2_644a0087f1926a927cb1aef8698d8bb3_4593774c-0d05-4789-9af6-526a699da34a-tuct85cd83f_1647894591_1647894591_CIi3jgYQieo_GPXtr_H6LyABKAMw4QE4kaQOQNfgDkijotsDUKYFWABg7A9ort7l6N2X-5enAXAB&amp;ui=4593774c-0d05-4789-9af6-526a699da34a-tuct85cd83f&amp;it=text&amp;ii=~~V1~~-999911405421603244~~S37p-hmzZ1_rx4ScbMRU9CsiRuPtEdQpn_p-9n8wOrDTxvAnL2wqac4MyzR7uD46gj3kUkbS3FhelBtnsiJV6MhkDZRZzzIqDobN6rWmCPA3hYz5D3PLat6nhIftiT1lwdxwdlxkeV_Mfb3eos_TQavImGhxk0e7psNAZxHJ9RJlYK8sfyhwdhBbegyBZAfnjzBZdnu0CQAVuImO0UCRPBU79FFzM_QDU1CROubIKRwzTqEHlRSKdUOXORMTW5zvRdbgwlJdnqyroTPEQNNEn1JRxBOSYSWt-Xm3vkPm-G4&amp;pt=text&amp;li=rbox-t2m&amp;sig=e6f15866eda8f1aeeca2111e0b08232addec0d77660f&amp;redir=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perimeter81.com%2Fwhitepapers%2Fdd%2Fforrester-ztna-leader%3Futm_source%3Dtaboola%26utm_medium%3Ddiscovery%26utm_campaign%3D17132234%26utm_content%3DStreamline%2BSecurity%2BCompliance%2Bwith%2BZero%2BTrust%2BAccess.%26utm_term%3Dassociatedpress-apnews_apnews.com%26funnel%3D2%0A%0A%26tblci%3DGiD5J8ghldADtkbHFMTpsm9Vphw-e6gBbjX6K5EKTkCQMSCKq04omY-Vm9vLqNt7%23tblciGiD5J8ghldADtkbHFMTpsm9Vphw-e6gBbjX6K5EKTkCQMSCKq04omY-Vm9vLqNt7&amp;vi=1647894591221&amp;p=taboolaaccount-marketingperimeter81com&amp;r=82&amp;tvi2=1571&amp;lti=explore-more-header-abcd-test_var&amp;ppb=CIYB&amp;cpb=ElIyMDIyMDMxNS0zMl9iMS1QUi00MjcwNS1ERVYtMTAwODI3LWZpeC1oZWFkZXItcmVuZGVyaW5nLW9uLWVtLTAwZGQ0N2E4NjY5LVNOQVBTSE9UGMglIJO1EioZY2gudGFib29sYXN5bmRpY2F0aW9uLmNvbTIIdHJjODAyNzM4gKrJtgxAkaQOSNfgDlCjotsDWKYFYwi2BxCjDBgCZGMI1xYQ1R8YI2RjCI8oEPw1GCRkYwjgKBDeNhgUZGMI-f__________ARD5__________8BGAdkYwjSAxDgBhgIZGMIlhQQnxwYGGRjCNwVEPslGAlkYwirKRCzNxgKZGMI9BQQnh0YH2RjCKQnEIM1GC9keAGAAaZviAHBmvLGAZABFw&amp;cta=true">Learn More</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-arts-and-entertainment-movies-reese-witherspoon-836cb543158cd4b460de31d5be94607b">Reese Witherspoon acquires film rights to Dolly Parton novel</a><a href="https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&amp;utm_source=associatedpress-apnews&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=organic-thumbnails-rr:Right%20Rail%20Thumbnails:" target="_blank">by Taboola</a>ADVERTISEMENT