KANSAS CITY(AP) — Police have identified a man and woman killed in a shooting in Kansas City that also critically wounded a 5-year-old boy.

The shooting was reported just before 1 a.m. Monday at an intersection between the Santa Fe and Oak Park West neighborhoods, police said. Arriving officers were pointed to a vehicle in a parking lot where they found 34-year-old Jermaine Jackson and 31-year-old Ashley Pettiford and Pettiford’s 5-year-old son inside, all suffering from gunshot wounds.

Jackson and Pettiford were pronounced dead at the scene. The boy was rushed to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, but police later said he was expected to survive.

Police have not indicated they have any suspects in the shooting.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man and woman were shot dead and a young child was critically wounded in an overnight shooting in Kansas City, police there said.

Police were called just before 1 a.m. Monday to an intersection between the Santa Fe and Oak Park West neighborhoods for reports of a shooting, according to a news release issued by Kansas City police. Arriving officers were pointed to a vehicle in a parking lot. Inside the vehicle, police found the two adults and a boy under the age of 10 with gunshot wounds.

Paramedics declared the two adults dead at the scene. The boy was rushed to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, police said. Officials later said the child was in critical but stable condition.

Police were canvassing the area for any witnesses to the shooting. The names of the victims were not immediately released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645462997877.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY(AP) — Police have identified a man and woman killed in a shooting in Kansas City that also critically wounded a 5-year-old boy.The shooting was reported just before 1 a.m. Monday at an intersection between the Santa Fe and Oak Park West neighborhoods, police said. Arriving officers were pointed to a vehicle in a parking lot where they found 34-year-old Jermaine Jackson and 31-year-old Ashley Pettiford and Pettiford’s 5-year-old son inside, all suffering from gunshot wounds.Jackson and Pettiford were pronounced dead at the scene. The boy was rushed to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, but police later said he was expected to survive.Police have not indicated they have any suspects in the shooting.-----------KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man and woman were shot dead and a young child was critically wounded in an overnight shooting in Kansas City, police there said.Police were called just before 1 a.m. Monday to an intersection between the Santa Fe and Oak Park West neighborhoods for reports of a shooting, according to a news release issued by Kansas City police. Arriving officers were pointed to a vehicle in a parking lot. Inside the vehicle, police found the two adults and a boy under the age of 10 with gunshot wounds.Paramedics declared the two adults dead at the scene. The boy was rushed to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, police said. Officials later said the child was in critical but stable condition.Police were canvassing the area for any witnesses to the shooting. The names of the victims were not immediately released.

KC police ID victims in fatal shooting that injured 5-year-old 

MOSCOW (AP) — The White House on Tuesday began referring to Russian troop deployments in eastern Ukraine as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">an “invasion”&nbsp;</a>after initially hesitating to use the term — a red line that President Joe Biden has said would result in the U.S. levying severe sanctions against Moscow.

Several European leaders said earlier in the day that Russian troops have moved into rebel-held areas in eastern Ukraine after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recognized their independence — but some indicated it was not yet the long-feared, full-fledged invasion.

Later, the White House signaled a shift in its own position.

“We think this is, yes, the beginning of an invasion, Russia’s latest invasion into Ukraine,” said Jon Finer, principal deputy national security adviser. “An invasion is an invasion and that is what is underway.”

The White House decided to begin referring to Russia’s actions as an “invasion” because of the situation on the ground, according to a U.S. official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

The administration resisted initially calling the deployment of troops because the White House wanted to see what Russia was actually going to do. After assessing Russian troop movements, it became clear it was a new invasion, the official added.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki also alluded to the Russian action as being an invasion in a twitter post commenting on Germany chancellor Olaf Scholz decision to halt the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in response to Russia’s actions.

The U.S. president “made clear that if Russia invaded Ukraine, we would action would act with Germany to ensure Nord Stream 2 does not move forward,” Psaki said.

For weeks, Western powers have been bracing for an invasion as Russia massed an estimated 150,000 troops on three sides of neighboring Ukraine. They warned an attack would cause massive casualties,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-climate-business-russia-europe-a4e956253d3640084f8bdfaa2c901be8">energy shortages in Europe&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-asia-tokyo-europe-e6b1a6678833d81272b2dd7b130aa25a">economic chaos around the globe&nbsp;</a>— and promised swift and severe sanctions if it materialized. The European Union and Britain announced Tuesday that some of those measures were coming.

Western leaders have long warned Moscow would look for cover to invade — and just such a pretext appeared to come Monday, when Putin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-joe-biden-boris-johnson-europe-emmanuel-macron-2b7c2949ae3168effce9d0cb2584bb32">recognized as independent two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine</a>, where government troops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-vladimir-putin-moscow-bcd0c04a2aa146e76b7e757f482f27bb">have fought Russia-backed rebels</a>&nbsp;in a conflict that has killed over 14,000 people. The Kremlin then raised the stakes further Tuesday, by saying that recognition extends even to the large parts now held by Ukrainian forces.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia has recognized the rebel regions’ independence “in borders that existed when they proclaimed” their independence in 2014 — broad territories that extend far beyond the areas now under the rebel control and that include the major Black Sea port of Mariupol.

Putin’s move to recognize the territories’ independence opened the door for him to formalize his hold on them and send forces in, though Ukraine and its Western allies have charged Russian troops have been fighting there for years. Moscow denies those allegations.

Condemnation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-asia-europe-united-nations-881717d75ad21662562dec7b5c8f43b0">from around the world was quick.</a>&nbsp;Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he would consider breaking diplomatic ties with Russia and Kyiv recalled its ambassador in Moscow.

But confusion over what exactly was happening in eastern Ukraine threatened to hobble a Western response. While the U.S. clearly called it an invasion, some other allies hedged.

“Russian troops have entered in Donbas,” the name for the area where the two separatist regions are located, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in Paris. “We consider Donbas part of Ukraine.”

But in a distinction that could complicate a European and Western response, he added: “I wouldn’t say that (it is) a fully fledged invasion, but Russian troops are on Ukrainian soil.”

Poland’s Defense Ministry and British Health Secretary Sajid Javid also said Russian forces had entered Ukraine’s east, with Javid telling Sky News that “the invasion of Ukraine has begun.”

Not all in Europe saw it that way. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares noted “if Russia uses force against Ukraine, sanctions will be massive.”

The Kremlin hasn’t confirmed any troop deployments to the rebel east, saying it will depend on the security situation. Vladislav Brig, a member of the separatist local council in Donetsk, told reporters that the Russian troops already had moved in, but more senior rebel leaders didn’t confirm that. Late Monday, convoys of armored vehicles were seen rolling across the separatist-controlled territories. It wasn’t immediately clear if they were Russian.

In response to the moves thus far, top EU officials said the bloc was prepared to impose sanctions on several Russian officials and banks financing the Russian armed forces and move to limit Moscow’s access to EU capital and financial markets. They gave few details.

EU foreign ministers are meeting later Tuesday to discuss the measures — but they did not appear to include the massive punishment repeatedly promised in case of a full-fledged invasion.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also said the U.K. would slap sanctions on five Russian banks and three wealthy individuals.

While he said that Russian tanks have already rolled into eastern Ukraine, he warned a full-scale offensive would bring “further powerful sanctions.”

The White House has also moved to respond, issuing an executive order to prohibit U.S. investment and trade in the separatist regions, and additional measures — likely sanctions — were to be announced Tuesday. Those sanctions are independent of what Washington has prepared in the event of a Russian invasion, according to a senior administration official who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity.

The Russian moves also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-germany-europe-berlin-79e3dafb0d231f6a033613b7dab78cdf">pushed Germany</a>&nbsp;to suspend the certification process for Nord Stream 2 pipeline that was to bring natural gas from Russia. The pipeline was built to help Germany meet its energy needs, particularly as it switches off its last three nuclear power plants and phases out the use of coal, and it has resisted calls by the U.S. and others to halt the project.

As world leaders scrambled to decide on their response, legislation that will likely set the stage for a deeper move into Ukrainian territory moved through Russia’s parliament.

The bills, which sailed quickly through the Kremlin-controlled parliament, envisage military ties between Moscow and the separatist regions, including possible deployment of Russian military bases in the separatist regions.

Even as alarm spread across the globe, Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president, sought to project calm, telling the country in an address overnight: “We are not afraid of anyone or anything. We don’t owe anyone anything. And we won’t give anything to anyone.”

His foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, will be in Washington on Tuesday to meet with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the State Department said.

Russia has long denied it has any plans to invade Ukraine, instead blaming the U.S. and its allies for the current crisis and describing Ukraine’s bid to join NATO as an existential challenge to Russia. Putin reiterated those accusations in an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-poland-vladimir-putin-f00872897f338dbedd857cd1d880e9d3">hourlong televised speech</a>&nbsp;on Monday, when he announced that Russia would recognize the rebels.

“Ukraine’s membership in NATO poses a direct threat to Russia’s security,” he said.

Russia says it wants Western guarantees that NATO won’t allow Ukraine and other former Soviet countries to join as members. Moscow has also demanded the alliance halt weapons deployments to Ukraine and roll back its forces from Eastern Europe — demands flatly rejected by the West.

Putin warned Monday that the Western rejection of Moscow’s demands gives Russia the right to take other steps to protect its security.

Sweeping through more than a century of history, Putin painted today’s Ukraine as a modern construct used by the West to contain Russia despite the neighbors inextricable links.

In a stark warning to Ukraine, the Russian leader charged that it has unfairly inherited Russia’s historic land granted to it by the Communist rulers of the Soviet Union and mocked its effort to shed the Communist past in a so-called “decommunization” campaign.

“We are ready to show you what the real decommunization would mean for Ukraine,” Putin added ominously in an apparent signal of his readiness to raise new land claims.

Amid the soaring tensions, U.S. President Joe Biden and Putin tentatively agreed to a meeting in a last-ditch effort to avoid war. But the U.S. always said that if Russia moved in, the meeting would be off.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645539632172.png" alt="On Monday night, President Biden signed an Executive Order to deny Russia the chance to profit from its blatant violations of international law-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>On Monday night, President Biden signed an Executive Order to deny Russia the chance to profit from its blatant violations of international law-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>MOSCOW (AP) — The White House on Tuesday began referring to Russian troop deployments in eastern Ukraine as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">an “invasion”&nbsp;</a>after initially hesitating to use the term — a red line that President Joe Biden has said would result in the U.S. levying severe sanctions against Moscow.Several European leaders said earlier in the day that Russian troops have moved into rebel-held areas in eastern Ukraine after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recognized their independence — but some indicated it was not yet the long-feared, full-fledged invasion.Later, the White House signaled a shift in its own position.“We think this is, yes, the beginning of an invasion, Russia’s latest invasion into Ukraine,” said Jon Finer, principal deputy national security adviser. “An invasion is an invasion and that is what is underway.”The White House decided to begin referring to Russia’s actions as an “invasion” because of the situation on the ground, according to a U.S. official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.The administration resisted initially calling the deployment of troops because the White House wanted to see what Russia was actually going to do. After assessing Russian troop movements, it became clear it was a new invasion, the official added.White House press secretary Jen Psaki also alluded to the Russian action as being an invasion in a twitter post commenting on Germany chancellor Olaf Scholz decision to halt the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in response to Russia’s actions.The U.S. president “made clear that if Russia invaded Ukraine, we would action would act with Germany to ensure Nord Stream 2 does not move forward,” Psaki said.For weeks, Western powers have been bracing for an invasion as Russia massed an estimated 150,000 troops on three sides of neighboring Ukraine. They warned an attack would cause massive casualties,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-climate-business-russia-europe-a4e956253d3640084f8bdfaa2c901be8">energy shortages in Europe&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-asia-tokyo-europe-e6b1a6678833d81272b2dd7b130aa25a">economic chaos around the globe&nbsp;</a>— and promised swift and severe sanctions if it materialized. The European Union and Britain announced Tuesday that some of those measures were coming.Western leaders have long warned Moscow would look for cover to invade — and just such a pretext appeared to come Monday, when Putin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-joe-biden-boris-johnson-europe-emmanuel-macron-2b7c2949ae3168effce9d0cb2584bb32">recognized as independent two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine</a>, where government troops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-vladimir-putin-moscow-bcd0c04a2aa146e76b7e757f482f27bb">have fought Russia-backed rebels</a>&nbsp;in a conflict that has killed over 14,000 people. The Kremlin then raised the stakes further Tuesday, by saying that recognition extends even to the large parts now held by Ukrainian forces.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia has recognized the rebel regions’ independence “in borders that existed when they proclaimed” their independence in 2014 — broad territories that extend far beyond the areas now under the rebel control and that include the major Black Sea port of Mariupol.Putin’s move to recognize the territories’ independence opened the door for him to formalize his hold on them and send forces in, though Ukraine and its Western allies have charged Russian troops have been fighting there for years. Moscow denies those allegations.Condemnation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-asia-europe-united-nations-881717d75ad21662562dec7b5c8f43b0">from around the world was quick.</a>&nbsp;Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he would consider breaking diplomatic ties with Russia and Kyiv recalled its ambassador in Moscow.But confusion over what exactly was happening in eastern Ukraine threatened to hobble a Western response. While the U.S. clearly called it an invasion, some other allies hedged.“Russian troops have entered in Donbas,” the name for the area where the two separatist regions are located, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in Paris. “We consider Donbas part of Ukraine.”But in a distinction that could complicate a European and Western response, he added: “I wouldn’t say that (it is) a fully fledged invasion, but Russian troops are on Ukrainian soil.”Poland’s Defense Ministry and British Health Secretary Sajid Javid also said Russian forces had entered Ukraine’s east, with Javid telling Sky News that “the invasion of Ukraine has begun.”Not all in Europe saw it that way. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares noted “if Russia uses force against Ukraine, sanctions will be massive.”The Kremlin hasn’t confirmed any troop deployments to the rebel east, saying it will depend on the security situation. Vladislav Brig, a member of the separatist local council in Donetsk, told reporters that the Russian troops already had moved in, but more senior rebel leaders didn’t confirm that. Late Monday, convoys of armored vehicles were seen rolling across the separatist-controlled territories. It wasn’t immediately clear if they were Russian.In response to the moves thus far, top EU officials said the bloc was prepared to impose sanctions on several Russian officials and banks financing the Russian armed forces and move to limit Moscow’s access to EU capital and financial markets. They gave few details.EU foreign ministers are meeting later Tuesday to discuss the measures — but they did not appear to include the massive punishment repeatedly promised in case of a full-fledged invasion.British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also said the U.K. would slap sanctions on five Russian banks and three wealthy individuals.While he said that Russian tanks have already rolled into eastern Ukraine, he warned a full-scale offensive would bring “further powerful sanctions.”The White House has also moved to respond, issuing an executive order to prohibit U.S. investment and trade in the separatist regions, and additional measures — likely sanctions — were to be announced Tuesday. Those sanctions are independent of what Washington has prepared in the event of a Russian invasion, according to a senior administration official who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity.The Russian moves also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-germany-europe-berlin-79e3dafb0d231f6a033613b7dab78cdf">pushed Germany</a>&nbsp;to suspend the certification process for Nord Stream 2 pipeline that was to bring natural gas from Russia. The pipeline was built to help Germany meet its energy needs, particularly as it switches off its last three nuclear power plants and phases out the use of coal, and it has resisted calls by the U.S. and others to halt the project.As world leaders scrambled to decide on their response, legislation that will likely set the stage for a deeper move into Ukrainian territory moved through Russia’s parliament.The bills, which sailed quickly through the Kremlin-controlled parliament, envisage military ties between Moscow and the separatist regions, including possible deployment of Russian military bases in the separatist regions.Even as alarm spread across the globe, Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president, sought to project calm, telling the country in an address overnight: “We are not afraid of anyone or anything. We don’t owe anyone anything. And we won’t give anything to anyone.”His foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, will be in Washington on Tuesday to meet with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the State Department said.Russia has long denied it has any plans to invade Ukraine, instead blaming the U.S. and its allies for the current crisis and describing Ukraine’s bid to join NATO as an existential challenge to Russia. Putin reiterated those accusations in an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-poland-vladimir-putin-f00872897f338dbedd857cd1d880e9d3">hourlong televised speech</a>&nbsp;on Monday, when he announced that Russia would recognize the rebels.“Ukraine’s membership in NATO poses a direct threat to Russia’s security,” he said.Russia says it wants Western guarantees that NATO won’t allow Ukraine and other former Soviet countries to join as members. Moscow has also demanded the alliance halt weapons deployments to Ukraine and roll back its forces from Eastern Europe — demands flatly rejected by the West.Putin warned Monday that the Western rejection of Moscow’s demands gives Russia the right to take other steps to protect its security.Sweeping through more than a century of history, Putin painted today’s Ukraine as a modern construct used by the West to contain Russia despite the neighbors inextricable links.In a stark warning to Ukraine, the Russian leader charged that it has unfairly inherited Russia’s historic land granted to it by the Communist rulers of the Soviet Union and mocked its effort to shed the Communist past in a so-called “decommunization” campaign.“We are ready to show you what the real decommunization would mean for Ukraine,” Putin added ominously in an apparent signal of his readiness to raise new land claims.Amid the soaring tensions, U.S. President Joe Biden and Putin tentatively agreed to a meeting in a last-ditch effort to avoid war. But the U.S. always said that if Russia moved in, the meeting would be off.

White House now calls Russian moves on Ukraine an invasion

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 11p.m. Saturday east of Salina.

A 2000 Ford F150 driven by Chris Engle, 51, of Salina, was westbound on E. Magnolia Road just west of South Cunningham Road,&nbsp;according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.

The pickup traveled off the south side of the road and through two fences before launching over the roadway and striking a culvert on the north side.

Engle was pronounced dead at the scene, Soldan said. He had been properly restrained and there were no signs of impairment, Soldan added.

The pickup, owned by BlueLine Remodeling and Contracting, sustained substantial damage and was towed from the scene. Engle was an employee of BlueLine, according to Soldan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645546563879.png" alt="Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure> By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 11p.m. Saturday east of Salina.A 2000 Ford F150 driven by Chris Engle, 51, of Salina, was westbound on E. Magnolia Road just west of South Cunningham Road,&nbsp;according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.The pickup traveled off the south side of the road and through two fences before launching over the roadway and striking a culvert on the north side.Engle was pronounced dead at the scene, Soldan said. He had been properly restrained and there were no signs of impairment, Soldan added.The pickup, owned by BlueLine Remodeling and Contracting, sustained substantial damage and was towed from the scene. Engle was an employee of BlueLine, according to Soldan.

Sheriff IDs Kan. man who died in violent weekend accident

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect involved in an accident that sent two police officers to the hospital.

Just before 6p.m. Monday, officers&nbsp;were responding to a domestic call in the Oakland area of Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

 As officers were approaching SE 4th and SE Golden, a westbound vehicle&nbsp; ran the stop sign and struck the police car with two officers inside. Both officers were transported to a local hospital for treatment and were later released.

As a result of the investigation, Olbin Adinai Gutierrez-Garcia, 21 of Topeka, was transported to Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of DUI, Reckless Driving, No Driver’s License and No Insurance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645527986797.png" alt="Gutierrez-Garcia" />
 <figcaption>Gutierrez-Garcia</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect involved in an accident that sent two police officers to the hospital.Just before 6p.m. Monday, officers&nbsp;were responding to a domestic call in the Oakland area of Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley. As officers were approaching SE 4th and SE Golden, a westbound vehicle&nbsp; ran the stop sign and struck the police car with two officers inside. Both officers were transported to a local hospital for treatment and were later released.As a result of the investigation, Olbin Adinai Gutierrez-Garcia, 21 of Topeka, was transported to Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of DUI, Reckless Driving, No Driver’s License and No Insurance.

2 Kan. officers hospitalized after crash with alleged drunk driver

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran on Monday night responded to reports that Russian troops invaded Eastern Ukraine:

“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is an avoidable tragedy for which Vladimir Putin is solely responsible. President Biden and our allies&nbsp;must impose punishing sanctions on Russia’s vital economic sectors and provide humanitarian support to Ukrainian victims of Moscow’s aggression. It is also imperative that all NATO allies remain unified against the Russian threat and ensure the security of the alliance’s eastern-most members. While this moment underscores the need for our allies to contribute more to NATO’s defense, the United States’ commitment to our NATO obligations cannot be in doubt.

“I am grateful for our military service members stationed in Europe—and those who have recently deployed there—for demonstrating to our NATO allies in Europe and around the world that the United States can be relied upon.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644151735079.png" alt="U.S. combat troops on the way to Poland in a demonstration of American commitment to NATO allies -photo U.S. Defense Department" />
 <figcaption>U.S. combat troops on the way to Poland in a demonstration of American commitment to NATO allies -photo U.S. Defense Department</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran on Monday night responded to reports that Russian troops invaded Eastern Ukraine:“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is an avoidable tragedy for which Vladimir Putin is solely responsible. President Biden and our allies&nbsp;must impose punishing sanctions on Russia’s vital economic sectors and provide humanitarian support to Ukrainian victims of Moscow’s aggression. It is also imperative that all NATO allies remain unified against the Russian threat and ensure the security of the alliance’s eastern-most members. While this moment underscores the need for our allies to contribute more to NATO’s defense, the United States’ commitment to our NATO obligations cannot be in doubt.“I am grateful for our military service members stationed in Europe—and those who have recently deployed there—for demonstrating to our NATO allies in Europe and around the world that the United States can be relied upon.”

Moran: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is an avoidable tragedy

SHAWNEE COUNTY—There were no serious injuries after a fire at a Kansas home on Monday in Topeka.

Just after 9a.m. fire crews responded to report of a fire in a home at 509 SW 5th Street, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.

Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke coming from the two story wood frame multi-family home. Firefighters found no residents in the home but located two dogs including one of which was semi-conscious. Firefighters removed both dogs and began administering oxygen to one.

A preliminary investigation indicates the fire cause to be accidental, more likely than not associated with a dog turning a stove burner on.

The estimated dollar loss – $1,000.00; of which $500.00 is associated with structure loss and $500.00 in contents loss. Working smoke detectors were not located in the home, according to Harrison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645484485434.png" alt="One of the dogs rescued -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>One of the dogs rescued -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—There were no serious injuries after a fire at a Kansas home on Monday in Topeka.Just after 9a.m. fire crews responded to report of a fire in a home at 509 SW 5th Street, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke coming from the two story wood frame multi-family home. Firefighters found no residents in the home but located two dogs including one of which was semi-conscious. Firefighters removed both dogs and began administering oxygen to one.A preliminary investigation indicates the fire cause to be accidental, more likely than not associated with a dog turning a stove burner on.The estimated dollar loss – $1,000.00; of which $500.00 is associated with structure loss and $500.00 in contents loss. Working smoke detectors were not located in the home, according to Harrison.

Fire Marshal: Dog accidentally started fire at Kansas home

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman for&nbsp;trafficking large quantities of marijuana into Kansas.

On Saturday, a sheriff’s deputy stopped a 2013 Dodge Durango for a traffic infraction in the construction zone on U.S. Highway 75 near Netawaka, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.

 Further investigation into the traffic stop led deputies to discover a large quantity of marijuana in the trunk of the vehicle. 

 The driver, Kristian Renea Shepherd, 36, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was arrested and is being held in the Jackson County Jail for felony distribution of marijuana, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no drug tax stamp, according to Morse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645385042821.png" alt="Shepherd-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Shepherd-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman for&nbsp;trafficking large quantities of marijuana into Kansas.On Saturday, a sheriff’s deputy stopped a 2013 Dodge Durango for a traffic infraction in the construction zone on U.S. Highway 75 near Netawaka, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse. Further investigation into the traffic stop led deputies to discover a large quantity of marijuana in the trunk of the vehicle. The driver, Kristian Renea Shepherd, 36, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was arrested and is being held in the Jackson County Jail for felony distribution of marijuana, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no drug tax stamp, according to Morse.

Sheriff: Woman brought large quantity of marijuana to Kansas

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/21/senate-panel-signs-off-on-kansas-income-tax-deduction-increase-credit-for-teachers/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A Kansas Senate panel 
backed two bills Monday providing tax relief for everyday Kansans and 
teachers using their own money to fund classroom needs.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb519/">Senate Bill 519</a>&nbsp;increases
 the standard deduction by 25% in Kansas from $3,500 to $4,375 for an 
individual filing as single, $8,000 to $10,000 for married couples 
filing together and $6,000 to $7,500 for those filing as a head of 
household beginning in 2023. The Department of Revenue estimated the 
bill would decrease state revenue by $23.4 million in 2024, $78.4 
million in 2025 and $79.1 million in 2026.

Still, some legislators echoed hesitancy expressed in opponent 
testimony that the committee’s time would be better spent on other, more
 pressing tax policies. The Legislature passed a bill last year 
increasing the standard deduction.

Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, said he likes the policy but not its prioritization.

“What are the priorities for Kansas households for tax policy at this
 point?” said Holland, who passed on the vote. “I think there’s some 
debate as to how much room we have for tax policy. I want to see a food 
tax done, and I also want to be sure that we consider a one-time income 
tax rebate versus an ongoing standard deduction.”

Testimony from Kansas Action for Children argued the tax deduction 
was already generous to those who need it and recommended the panel 
focus on amending the tax bracket structure instead. Supporters of the 
measure countered there was more than enough room for the increased 
standard deduction and other tax measures.

The approved measure now goes to the full Senate for consideration.

“It would generate savings for a majority of families in the state of
 Kansas, much more than what they pay in a food sales tax,” said Sen. 
Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican and chairwoman of the Senate Assessment
 and Taxation Committee. “I would support increasing it, but 25% is a 
good start in the right direction.”

A second measure receiving the panel’s stamp of approval would 
provide an income tax credit to any Kansas resident employed as a public
 or private school teacher for any expenses made for school and 
classroom supplies beginning in 2022. KDOR estimated that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb520/">Senate Bill 520</a>&nbsp;would reduce state revenue by $20.4 million in 2023, $10.4 million in 2024 and $10.5 million in 2025.

The credit may not exceed $250, although the committee discussed the possibility of a higher cap.

Tim Graham, director of legislative and political advocacy at the 
Kansas National Education Association, said teachers were grateful for 
the bill, but he also suggested making the credit available to 
paraprofessionals. The amendment was not added.

“We feel like this dynamic of teachers shelling out money out of 
their own pockets, has been something that has gone on for far too 
long.” Graham said. “It’s almost become a dynamic that is expected.”

An amendment by Sen. Virgil Peck removed the refundability of the tax credit, despite objections from Democrat legislators.

“This is so minimal,” Peck said. “It’s $250, which we might have – 
before it gets out of the Capitol — (to) change that amount, but it 
seems like the refundable part is more administrative headache and 
heartache than what I am willing to do at this time.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645471796551.png" alt="Sen. Tom Holland declined to vote on a measure increasing the standard tax deduction in Kansas by 25% because he felt there are more pressing tax policy needs for the state. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Tom Holland declined to vote on a measure increasing the standard tax deduction in Kansas by 25% because he felt there are more pressing tax policy needs for the state. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/21/senate-panel-signs-off-on-kansas-income-tax-deduction-increase-credit-for-teachers/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A Kansas Senate panel 
backed two bills Monday providing tax relief for everyday Kansans and 
teachers using their own money to fund classroom needs.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb519/">Senate Bill 519</a>&nbsp;increases
 the standard deduction by 25% in Kansas from $3,500 to $4,375 for an 
individual filing as single, $8,000 to $10,000 for married couples 
filing together and $6,000 to $7,500 for those filing as a head of 
household beginning in 2023. The Department of Revenue estimated the 
bill would decrease state revenue by $23.4 million in 2024, $78.4 
million in 2025 and $79.1 million in 2026.Still, some legislators echoed hesitancy expressed in opponent 
testimony that the committee’s time would be better spent on other, more
 pressing tax policies. The Legislature passed a bill last year 
increasing the standard deduction.Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, said he likes the policy but not its prioritization.“What are the priorities for Kansas households for tax policy at this
 point?” said Holland, who passed on the vote. “I think there’s some 
debate as to how much room we have for tax policy. I want to see a food 
tax done, and I also want to be sure that we consider a one-time income 
tax rebate versus an ongoing standard deduction.”Testimony from Kansas Action for Children argued the tax deduction 
was already generous to those who need it and recommended the panel 
focus on amending the tax bracket structure instead. Supporters of the 
measure countered there was more than enough room for the increased 
standard deduction and other tax measures.The approved measure now goes to the full Senate for consideration.“It would generate savings for a majority of families in the state of
 Kansas, much more than what they pay in a food sales tax,” said Sen. 
Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican and chairwoman of the Senate Assessment
 and Taxation Committee. “I would support increasing it, but 25% is a 
good start in the right direction.”A second measure receiving the panel’s stamp of approval would 
provide an income tax credit to any Kansas resident employed as a public
 or private school teacher for any expenses made for school and 
classroom supplies beginning in 2022. KDOR estimated that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb520/">Senate Bill 520</a>&nbsp;would reduce state revenue by $20.4 million in 2023, $10.4 million in 2024 and $10.5 million in 2025.The credit may not exceed $250, although the committee discussed the possibility of a higher cap.Tim Graham, director of legislative and political advocacy at the 
Kansas National Education Association, said teachers were grateful for 
the bill, but he also suggested making the credit available to 
paraprofessionals. The amendment was not added.“We feel like this dynamic of teachers shelling out money out of 
their own pockets, has been something that has gone on for far too 
long.” Graham said. “It’s almost become a dynamic that is expected.”An amendment by Sen. Virgil Peck removed the refundability of the tax credit, despite objections from Democrat legislators.“This is so minimal,” Peck said. “It’s $250, which we might have – 
before it gets out of the Capitol — (to) change that amount, but it 
seems like the refundable part is more administrative headache and 
heartache than what I am willing to do at this time.”

Kan. panel signs off on income tax deduction increase, teacher credit

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service's Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) program office announced today that its 2022 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4134.pdf">Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List</a>&nbsp;PDF, is now available.

IRS Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List, provides 
information about LITCs by geographic area, including contact 
information and details about the languages, in addition to English, in 
which each LITC offers services.

A <a href="https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/about-us/low-income-taxpayer-clinics-litc/">Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC)</a>
 represents individuals whose incomes are generally at or below 250% of 
the federal poverty guideline, and who are seeking to resolve tax 
problems with the IRS, such as audits, appeals and tax collection 
disputes. LITCs can represent taxpayers in court as well as before the 
IRS. They also can provide information about taxpayer rights and 
responsibilities in different languages for English as a Second Language
 (ESL) taxpayers.

The LITC program is a federal grant program administered by the 
Taxpayer Advocate Service, led by National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. 
Collins. Through the LITC program, the IRS awards matching grants of up 
to $100,000 per year to qualifying organizations. LITCs provide services
 for free or a small fee. They receive IRS grants but work independently
 to assist and advocate for taxpayers.

Organizations interested in representing, educating and advocating for low-income and ESL taxpayers can check out this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAHNRTCi7MI">video</a> about applying for an LITC grant and review the most recent <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3319.pdf">application package</a>&nbsp;PDF.

There are presently no LITCs in the states of Montana and North 
Dakota, the territory of Puerto Rico, as well as unserved counties in 
the states of Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Nevada, North Carolina and 
Pennsylvania. Qualifying organizations that will serve taxpayers in 
these states, territories and unserved counties are strongly encouraged 
to apply.

A complete list of organizations that are currently funded and where they are located can be found by looking at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4134.pdf">Publication 4134.</a>&nbsp;PDF
 Individuals who have questions or need additional information about the
 LITC program or application process, can contact Karen Tober with the 
LITC program office via email at <a href="mailto:LITCProgramOffice@irs.gov">litcprogramoffice@irs.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service's Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) program office announced today that its 2022 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4134.pdf">Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List</a>&nbsp;PDF, is now available.IRS Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List, provides 
information about LITCs by geographic area, including contact 
information and details about the languages, in addition to English, in 
which each LITC offers services.<h2>How an LITC can help</h2>A <a href="https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/about-us/low-income-taxpayer-clinics-litc/">Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC)</a>
 represents individuals whose incomes are generally at or below 250% of 
the federal poverty guideline, and who are seeking to resolve tax 
problems with the IRS, such as audits, appeals and tax collection 
disputes. LITCs can represent taxpayers in court as well as before the 
IRS. They also can provide information about taxpayer rights and 
responsibilities in different languages for English as a Second Language
 (ESL) taxpayers.<h2>LITC program information</h2>The LITC program is a federal grant program administered by the 
Taxpayer Advocate Service, led by National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. 
Collins. Through the LITC program, the IRS awards matching grants of up 
to $100,000 per year to qualifying organizations. LITCs provide services
 for free or a small fee. They receive IRS grants but work independently
 to assist and advocate for taxpayers.<h2>Interested in becoming an LITC?</h2>Organizations interested in representing, educating and advocating for low-income and ESL taxpayers can check out this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAHNRTCi7MI">video</a> about applying for an LITC grant and review the most recent <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3319.pdf">application package</a>&nbsp;PDF.There are presently no LITCs in the states of Montana and North 
Dakota, the territory of Puerto Rico, as well as unserved counties in 
the states of Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Nevada, North Carolina and 
Pennsylvania. Qualifying organizations that will serve taxpayers in 
these states, territories and unserved counties are strongly encouraged 
to apply.A complete list of organizations that are currently funded and where they are located can be found by looking at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4134.pdf">Publication 4134.</a>&nbsp;PDF
 Individuals who have questions or need additional information about the
 LITC program or application process, can contact Karen Tober with the 
LITC program office via email at <a href="mailto:LITCProgramOffice@irs.gov">litcprogramoffice@irs.gov</a>.

2022 Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List now available

Reported fraud losses increase more than 70 percent over 2020 to more than $5.8B    

Newly released <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2021">Federal Trade Commission data</a>&nbsp;shows
 that consumers reported losing more than $5.8 billion to fraud in 2021,
 an increase of more than 70 percent over the previous year.

The FTC received fraud reports from more than 2.8 million consumers 
last year, with the most commonly reported category once again being 
imposter scams, followed by online shopping scams.

Prizes, sweepstakes, and lotteries; internet services; and business 
and job opportunities rounded out the top five fraud categories.

Of the losses reported by consumers, more than $2.3 billion of losses
 reported last year were due to imposter scams—up from $1.2 billion in 
2020, while online shopping accounted for about $392 million in reported
 losses from consumers—up from $246 million in 2020.

The FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network (Sentinel) is a database that 
receives reports directly from consumers, as well as from federal, 
state, and local law enforcement agencies, the Better Business Bureau, 
industry members, and non-profit organizations. Twenty-five states now 
contribute to Sentinel. Reports from around the country about consumer 
protection issues are a key resource for FTC investigations that stop 
illegal activities and, when possible, provide refunds to consumers.

Sentinel received more than 5.7 million reports in 2021; these 
include the fraud reports detailed above, as well as identity theft 
reports and complaints related to other consumer issues, such as 
problems with credit bureaus and banks and lenders. In 2021, there were 
nearly 1.4 million reports of identity theft received by the FTC.

The FTC uses the reports it receives through Sentinel as the starting
 point for many of its law enforcement investigations, and the agency 
also shares these reports with approximately 2,800 federal, state, 
local, and international law enforcement professionals. While the FTC 
does not intervene in individual complaints, Sentinel reports are a 
vital part of the agency’s law enforcement mission.

A full breakdown of reports received in 2021 is now available on the FTC’s data analysis site at <a href="https://ftc.gov/exploredata">ftc.gov/exploredata</a>.
 The data dashboards there break down the reports across a numbers of 
categories, including by state and metropolitan area, as well as 
exploring a number of subcategories of fraud reports.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Reported fraud losses increase more than 70 percent over 2020 to more than $5.8B </h2>FTCNewly released <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2021">Federal Trade Commission data</a>&nbsp;shows
 that consumers reported losing more than $5.8 billion to fraud in 2021,
 an increase of more than 70 percent over the previous year.The FTC received fraud reports from more than 2.8 million consumers 
last year, with the most commonly reported category once again being 
imposter scams, followed by online shopping scams.Prizes, sweepstakes, and lotteries; internet services; and business 
and job opportunities rounded out the top five fraud categories.Of the losses reported by consumers, more than $2.3 billion of losses
 reported last year were due to imposter scams—up from $1.2 billion in 
2020, while online shopping accounted for about $392 million in reported
 losses from consumers—up from $246 million in 2020.The FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network (Sentinel) is a database that 
receives reports directly from consumers, as well as from federal, 
state, and local law enforcement agencies, the Better Business Bureau, 
industry members, and non-profit organizations. Twenty-five states now 
contribute to Sentinel. Reports from around the country about consumer 
protection issues are a key resource for FTC investigations that stop 
illegal activities and, when possible, provide refunds to consumers.Sentinel received more than 5.7 million reports in 2021; these 
include the fraud reports detailed above, as well as identity theft 
reports and complaints related to other consumer issues, such as 
problems with credit bureaus and banks and lenders. In 2021, there were 
nearly 1.4 million reports of identity theft received by the FTC.The FTC uses the reports it receives through Sentinel as the starting
 point for many of its law enforcement investigations, and the agency 
also shares these reports with approximately 2,800 federal, state, 
local, and international law enforcement professionals. While the FTC 
does not intervene in individual complaints, Sentinel reports are a 
vital part of the agency’s law enforcement mission.A full breakdown of reports received in 2021 is now available on the FTC’s data analysis site at <a href="https://ftc.gov/exploredata">ftc.gov/exploredata</a>.
 The data dashboards there break down the reports across a numbers of 
categories, including by state and metropolitan area, as well as 
exploring a number of subcategories of fraud reports.

Report: FTC received 2.8M fraud reports from consumers in 2021

Buying a home can be one of the most important financial investments you will ever make. But
 how do you know if the house is everything it appears to be? If your 
new home has hidden structural issues and needs major repairs, you may 
be buying into a money pit and sleepless nights. A home inspection is one of the smartest ways to educate yourself about the physical condition of a property before you buy.&nbsp;

A home inspection is a visual inspection of the physical structure 
and mechanical condition of a home - from roof to foundation. The 
inspection is designed to identify problems, advise of repairs needed 
and, in some cases, provide preventive maintenance advice. A home 
inspection points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the 
maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. A 
home inspector may be a residential architect, structural engineer, or 
building contractor. Currently, home inspectors are not regulated on a 
federal level in either the United State or Canada. But many states and 
provinces have their own licensing requirments. To find out what your 
region requires, check out <a href="https://www.homeinspector.org/StateRegulations" target="_blank">this list from American Society of Home Inspectors</a> or <a href="https://www.homeinspectioninstitute.com/cregulations.php" target="_blank">Professional Home Inspection Institute in Canada</a>. For structural engineer licensing requirements in the U.S., see the <a href="http://www.ncsea.com/resources/licensure/" target="_blank">National Council of Structural Engineers Association (NCSEA)</a> website.

Pick a home inspector who has experience, positive references, and is
 known for being very comprehensive. While this may cost more upfront, 
hiring a great inspector will save you money in the long run. If you 
don’t get a complete, accurate inspection, you may miss major problems 
and your chance to negotiate repairs with the seller.&nbsp;

Ultimately, no inspection can guarantee that something won’t go wrong
 with a home, but getting a thorough inspection job can really help 
prevent expensive, nasty surprises.

For more help buying a home, check out our tips on <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/19906-bbb-tip-how-to-shop-for-financial-services" target="_blank">shopping for financial services</a> or <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20147-bbb-tip-how-to-choose-a-real-estate-agent" target="_blank">hiring a real estate agent.</a> Find <a href="https://bbb.org/near-me/home-inspection" target="_blank">home inspectors near you</a>.

See&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/your-home-hq" target="_blank">BBB's Home HQ</a>&nbsp;for information on buying, selling, building and where to find help for improving the inside and outside of your home.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-serving-metropolitan-new-york" target="_blank">BBB serving Metropolitan New York</a> contributed to this article.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBBuying a home can be one of the most important financial investments you will ever make. But
 how do you know if the house is everything it appears to be? If your 
new home has hidden structural issues and needs major repairs, you may 
be buying into a money pit and sleepless nights. A home inspection is one of the smartest ways to educate yourself about the physical condition of a property before you buy.&nbsp;<h2>What's a home inspection?&nbsp;</h2>A home inspection is a visual inspection of the physical structure 
and mechanical condition of a home - from roof to foundation. The 
inspection is designed to identify problems, advise of repairs needed 
and, in some cases, provide preventive maintenance advice. A home 
inspection points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the 
maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. A 
home inspector may be a residential architect, structural engineer, or 
building contractor. Currently, home inspectors are not regulated on a 
federal level in either the United State or Canada. But many states and 
provinces have their own licensing requirments. To find out what your 
region requires, check out <a href="https://www.homeinspector.org/StateRegulations" target="_blank">this list from American Society of Home Inspectors</a> or <a href="https://www.homeinspectioninstitute.com/cregulations.php" target="_blank">Professional Home Inspection Institute in Canada</a>. For structural engineer licensing requirements in the U.S., see the <a href="http://www.ncsea.com/resources/licensure/" target="_blank">National Council of Structural Engineers Association (NCSEA)</a> website.<h2>Tips for hiring a home inspector</h2>Pick a home inspector who has experience, positive references, and is
 known for being very comprehensive. While this may cost more upfront, 
hiring a great inspector will save you money in the long run. If you 
don’t get a complete, accurate inspection, you may miss major problems 
and your chance to negotiate repairs with the seller.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Ask friends and acquaintances for recommendations. Ask for and experienced home inspector who is known for being very thorough. </li><li>Find someone familiar with your type of home and the issues you need to inspect.
 Be sure your inspector specializes in homes, not commercial properties,
 and any issues you anticipate finding. For example, if you’re concerned
 about a home’s structure, consider hiring a professional engineer or 
architect who also does general home inspections. Also, be sure your 
agreement with the inspector covers the systems you most need to have 
examined.&nbsp; </li><li>Ask prospective inspectors questions about their 
professional training, relevant experience and/or length of time in 
business. Find out if the inspector belongs to a professional 
association, such as the <a href="https://www.homeinspector.org/" target="_blank">American Society of Home Inspectors</a>, the <a href="https://www.nspe.org/" target="_blank">National Society of Professional Engineers</a>, or the <a href="https://www.cahpi.ca/" target="_blank">Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors</a>. Membership in professional associations may offer added assurance of an inspector's qualifications and training. </li><li>Make sure your home inspector is working in your best interests.
 For example, many home inpectors rely on referrals from real estate 
agents for their business. This means that the inspector may be more 
interested in maintaining that relationship than providing you a 
thorough inspection. They may be less inclined to identify major repair 
issues that hold up the sale of your home. Also, be cautious about 
hiring a home inspector who is looking to get contracting work from you. </li><li>Be present during the inspection. The majority of 
inspectors will allow you to tour the home with them and ask questions 
during or after the inspection. The inspection can last anywhere from 
two to five hours, depending on the size of the house. </li><li>Ask how soon after the inspection will you receive a copy of the home inspection final written report.
 Carefully read your home inspection report and make a list of items 
that need correction. Understand that the home inspection report records
 the condition of the home, both positives and negatives. This will help
 you to determine your future expenditures for repairs and maintenance. 
The report will contain useful information that serves as a reference 
for you in the future. &nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.bbb.org/search" target="_blank">Check BBB.org</a>
 to see if the home inspector is a BBB Accredited Business and read 
reviews. Ensure that the business responds to complaints in a timely 
fashion.&nbsp; Find <a href="https://bbb.org/near-me/home-inspection" target="_blank">home inspectors near you</a>.</li>
 </ul>Ultimately, no inspection can guarantee that something won’t go wrong
 with a home, but getting a thorough inspection job can really help 
prevent expensive, nasty surprises.<h2>For More Information</h2>For more help buying a home, check out our tips on <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/19906-bbb-tip-how-to-shop-for-financial-services" target="_blank">shopping for financial services</a> or <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20147-bbb-tip-how-to-choose-a-real-estate-agent" target="_blank">hiring a real estate agent.</a> Find <a href="https://bbb.org/near-me/home-inspection" target="_blank">home inspectors near you</a>.See&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/your-home-hq" target="_blank">BBB's Home HQ</a>&nbsp;for information on buying, selling, building and where to find help for improving the inside and outside of your home.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-serving-metropolitan-new-york" target="_blank">BBB serving Metropolitan New York</a> contributed to this article.&nbsp;

BBB Tip: Hiring a home inspector

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that 
interest rates will increase for the calendar quarter beginning April 1,
 2022. The rates will be:

Under the Internal Revenue Code, the rate of interest is 
determined on a quarterly basis. For taxpayers other than corporations, 
the overpayment and underpayment rate is the federal short-term rate 
plus 3 percentage points.

Generally, in the case of a corporation, the underpayment rate is the
 federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points and the overpayment 
rate is the federal short-term rate plus 2 percentage points. The rate 
for large corporate underpayments is the federal short-term rate plus 5 
percentage points. The rate on the portion of a corporate overpayment of
 tax exceeding $10,000 for a taxable period is the federal short-term 
rate plus one-half (0.5) of a percentage point.

The interest rates announced today are computed from the federal 
short-term rate determined during January 2022 to take effect February 
1, 2022, based on daily compounding.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rr-22-05.pdf">Revenue Ruling 2022-05</a>&nbsp;PDF announcing the rates of interest, will appear in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2022-10, dated March 7, 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that 
interest rates will increase for the calendar quarter beginning April 1,
 2022. The rates will be:<ul>
 <li>4% for overpayments (3% in the case of a corporation);</li><li>1.5% for the portion of a corporate overpayment exceeding $10,000;</li><li>4% for underpayments; and</li><li>6% for large corporate underpayments.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Under the Internal Revenue Code, the rate of interest is 
determined on a quarterly basis. For taxpayers other than corporations, 
the overpayment and underpayment rate is the federal short-term rate 
plus 3 percentage points.Generally, in the case of a corporation, the underpayment rate is the
 federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points and the overpayment 
rate is the federal short-term rate plus 2 percentage points. The rate 
for large corporate underpayments is the federal short-term rate plus 5 
percentage points. The rate on the portion of a corporate overpayment of
 tax exceeding $10,000 for a taxable period is the federal short-term 
rate plus one-half (0.5) of a percentage point.The interest rates announced today are computed from the federal 
short-term rate determined during January 2022 to take effect February 
1, 2022, based on daily compounding.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rr-22-05.pdf">Revenue Ruling 2022-05</a>&nbsp;PDF announcing the rates of interest, will appear in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2022-10, dated March 7, 2022.

IRS announces interest rate increase for second quarter of 2022

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after an unusual traffic stop.

Just before 11a.m. Friday, an Osage County Sheriff’s Deputy received a call from a citizen who reported a subject who appeared to be using narcotics while driving, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

Shortly later, the deputy contacted the driver identified as 31-year-old Levi N. Ludwick near Overbrook. 

During the encounter, the deputy located narcotics and arrested Ludwick of Auburn and transported him to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

"This was a great example of “if you see something, say something," according to Wells.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645287664443.png" alt="Ludwick-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Ludwick-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after an unusual traffic stop.Just before 11a.m. Friday, an Osage County Sheriff’s Deputy received a call from a citizen who reported a subject who appeared to be using narcotics while driving, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.Shortly later, the deputy contacted the driver identified as 31-year-old Levi N. Ludwick near Overbrook. During the encounter, the deputy located narcotics and arrested Ludwick of Auburn and transported him to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia."This was a great example of “if you see something, say something," according to Wells.

Sheriff: Kansas man observed using meth while driving

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A 25-year-old man was convicted of killing a man he was trying to remove from his home. 

Steven Drake was convicted Friday of killing 26-year-old Bryce Holladay in September 2017. 

Drake was charged with first-degree murder but the jury convicted him on the lesser charge. Drake testified during the trial that he shot Holladay in self-defense as he was trying to get Holladay to leave his duplex. 

He testified that Holladay was stealing from the home and was violent. Prosecutors said Drake shot Holladay with premeditation, citing texts he sent to other people saying he was going to shoot Holladay.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645310066439.png" alt="Drake-photo Douglas County" />
 <figcaption>Drake-photo Douglas County</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A 25-year-old man was convicted of killing a man he was trying to remove from his home. Steven Drake was convicted Friday of killing 26-year-old Bryce Holladay in September 2017. Drake was charged with first-degree murder but the jury convicted him on the lesser charge. Drake testified during the trial that he shot Holladay in self-defense as he was trying to get Holladay to leave his duplex. He testified that Holladay was stealing from the home and was violent. Prosecutors said Drake shot Holladay with premeditation, citing texts he sent to other people saying he was going to shoot Holladay.

Man guilty in killing of man he tried to remove from his Kan. home

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Monday morning accident have identified 21-year-old Amill Williams and 20-year-old Alonzo Montgomery, both of Wichita, as the victims, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

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

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

The two additional occupants, Williams and Montgomery, were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Officers located evidence of a shooting in the area. The investigation revealed that the three occupants of of the Ford Fusion were being followed by an unknown vehicle. 

The occupants of the unknown vehicle began firing shots at them. None of the victims appear to have been struck by the gunfire. It is believed at this time that drugs are involved, according to Macy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645465620879.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Monday morning accident have identified 21-year-old Amill Williams and 20-year-old Alonzo Montgomery, both of Wichita, as the victims, according to Officer Trevor Macy.Just after 1:30 a.m. Monday, 911 dispatch received several check shot calls between Harry and Lincoln along George Washington Boulevard, according to Macy. When officers checked the area, they located a tan Ford Fusion crash at Lincoln and George Washington Blvd. A 22-year-old woman had been ejected from the vehicle and was transported to an area hospital for treatment of serious injuries, but she is expected to survive. The two additional occupants, Williams and Montgomery, were pronounced deceased at the scene.Officers located evidence of a shooting in the area. The investigation revealed that the three occupants of of the Ford Fusion were being followed by an unknown vehicle. The occupants of the unknown vehicle began firing shots at them. None of the victims appear to have been struck by the gunfire. It is believed at this time that drugs are involved, according to Macy.

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

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit and run accident and asking the public for help to locate a&nbsp; silver 2012-2018 Ford Focus, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.

Just before 2p.m. Monday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call regarding a vehicle versus a bicycle accident in the 5500 block of SW Burlingame Road. 

The driver of the vehicle fled the scene southbound after striking the bicyclist.&nbsp;The bicyclist was transported to a local hospital by American Medical Response with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Sheriff’s Office is attempting to locate the driver of the silver Ford Focus.&nbsp;The vehicle is missing the passenger side mirror. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office (785-251-2200)

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit and run accident and asking the public for help to locate a&nbsp; silver 2012-2018 Ford Focus, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.Just before 2p.m. Monday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call regarding a vehicle versus a bicycle accident in the 5500 block of SW Burlingame Road. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene southbound after striking the bicyclist.&nbsp;The bicyclist was transported to a local hospital by American Medical Response with non-life-threatening injuries.The Sheriff’s Office is attempting to locate the driver of the silver Ford Focus.&nbsp;The vehicle is missing the passenger side mirror. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office (785-251-2200)

Sheriff asks for help to locate car that struck Kan. bicyclist 

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A man has pleaded guilty to killing his 3-year-old daughter, whose body was found in a wooded area of Kansas City, Kansas, in July 2020.

Howard Jansen III, 30, pleaded guilty last week to second-degree murder, three counts of aggravated endangerment of a child, one count of abuse of a child and one count of interference with law enforcement, KSHB-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/crime/father-pleads-guilty-in-murder-of-his-3-year-old-daughter" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Police found the body of Olivia Jansen on July 10, 2020, hours after Jansen had reported her missing. An autopsy found she had signs of physical abuse and had died of a brain bleed.

Jansen’s girlfriend, Jacqulyn Kirkpatrick, is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kake.com/story/45499291/woman-sentenced-to-31-years-for-murder-of-3yearold-kansas-girl">serving a 31-year prison sentence</a>&nbsp;after pleading guilty in November 2021 to second-degree murder and interfering with a law enforcement investigation.

Howard Jansen III is scheduled to be sentenced on March 25 in Wyandotte County Court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594403105823.png" alt="Olivia Jansen-photo from the KBI Amber Alert" />
 <figcaption>Olivia Jansen-photo from the KBI Amber Alert</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A man has pleaded guilty to killing his 3-year-old daughter, whose body was found in a wooded area of Kansas City, Kansas, in July 2020.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594468009097.png" alt="Jansen-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Jansen-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Howard Jansen III, 30, pleaded guilty last week to second-degree murder, three counts of aggravated endangerment of a child, one count of abuse of a child and one count of interference with law enforcement, KSHB-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/crime/father-pleads-guilty-in-murder-of-his-3-year-old-daughter" target="_blank">reported</a>.Police found the body of Olivia Jansen on July 10, 2020, hours after Jansen had reported her missing. An autopsy found she had signs of physical abuse and had died of a brain bleed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594490776368.png" alt="Kirkpatrick-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Kirkpatrick-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Jansen’s girlfriend, Jacqulyn Kirkpatrick, is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kake.com/story/45499291/woman-sentenced-to-31-years-for-murder-of-3yearold-kansas-girl">serving a 31-year prison sentence</a>&nbsp;after pleading guilty in November 2021 to second-degree murder and interfering with a law enforcement investigation.Howard Jansen III is scheduled to be sentenced on March 25 in Wyandotte County Court.

Kansas man pleads guilty in death of 3-year-old daughter

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2022-02-20/fallout-from-video-about-white-privilege-roils-derby-school-district">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA&nbsp;— A video about racial profiling and 
discrimination was “not appropriate” for students or teachers at Derby 
High School, according to a Derby school board member who requested an 
apology from the principal who showed the video.

Emails obtained 
through a Kansas Open Records Act request show that Derby school board 
member Andy Watkins requested the apology, which principal <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-02-09/a-kansas-principal-shared-a-video-about-speaking-up-against-racism-he-was-ordered-to-apologize" target="_blank">Tim Hamblin issued in an email to staff</a> earlier this month.

“I don’t think the community would support that video and the terminology used,” Watkins wrote in an email to Hamblin.

“I
 think Derby is a unique place that can look past the color/race of an 
individual and not discount those people by their race, but rather, 
encourage integrity, academic achievement, community and treating others
 as they want to be treated.”

In the email, Watkins writes, “My request was only a request of one board member, and not a requirement.”

Watkins, who was first elected to the Derby board in 2017, did not return emails or phone calls asking for comment.

Last
 week, before releasing the records, Derby school board members met in 
closed session for three hours with their attorney, Calvin Rider.

In
 an email that accompanied the records, Rider said: “At no time did the 
Derby Board of Education, any member of the board, Superintendent of 
Schools or other school district leadership require Mr. Hamblin … to 
apologize for the showing of the video in question.”

Hamblin, the 
Derby High principal, emailed his staff on Feb. 7, apologizing for 
showing a video during an employee meeting in January.

The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf9QBnPK6Yg" target="_blank">four-minute video</a>
 features Black author Joy DeGruy relating a story about being treated 
differently at a grocery store because of her race. A lighter-skinned 
family member “used her white privilege and … pointed out the 
injustice,” DeGruy says in the video.

Late last year, some members
 of the Derby High girls  basketball team were the target of hurtful 
race-based comments on social media. Coach Dan Harrison shared the same 
video during a meeting with team members in an effort “to help his team 
heal and move on,” Hamblin said in an email.

The principal played the video for employees in January so they would know what the students had seen, he said.

School board member Jennifer Neel was the first to raise concerns about the video, according to the records obtained by KMUW.

In
 a Jan. 26 email to Hamblin and Superintendent Heather Bohaty — subject 
line “White Privilege -DHS” — Neel said she “heard from a couple 
teachers” about the video and wanted more information.

“The staff 
that I spoke with explained to me that they felt like it was harassment 
in the workplace, &amp; a push of biased propaganda,” Neel wrote. 
“Ultimately, I think we need to investigate what actually occurred &amp;
 I would like to know where this information is coming from.

“Are 
we trying to push this divisive information into our schools? I am 
afraid this is negatively affecting our culture, both staff &amp; 
students.”

Reached by phone, Neel declined comment and said all questions should go through the district’s communications department.

In
 her initial email to Hamblin, Neel writes, “Side note: I actually had a
 DMS (Derby Middle School) teacher tell me a story about a black teen 
who was acting VERY inappropriate so she corrected him &amp; he told her
 ‘but I am black,’ they went back and forth 2 more times, she asked him 
‘does this normally work for you’ then he giggled &amp; said ‘well most 
of the times it works.’ We have to be careful with the kind of standards
 we are setting.”

In subsequent emails to Neel, Hamblin wrote, 
“Every human being is entitled to their opinion and how they choose to 
take things. … I know that what I presented to my staff was completely 
appropriate and justified given what some within the DHS family have 
been dealing with over the last few months.

“The claim of biased 
propaganda is nothing more than a deliberate orchestrated attempt to 
create controversy within our school, district, and potentially the 
community at a very difficult time.”

Hamblin issued his apology to employees about two weeks after that exchange.

“I
 was informed this afternoon that another BOE member wants there to be 
an apology to both staff and students for my actions,” Hamblin said in 
the email to staff.

“I apologize to anyone that felt the video or 
its content which referenced white privilege made them feel 
uncomfortable, awkward, harassed, or that it created a hostile work 
environment.”

In an email to Neel, Hamblin said he took “extreme 
unbelievable exception” to claims that the video caused a hostile work 
environment or that he would retaliate against a staff member who 
complained.

“I am more upset at this moment than I have ever been 
in my entire career and quite possibly in my entire life in this 
community,” Hamblin said.

It’s unusual for an individual board member to issue directives or requests about classroom or staff development materials.

<a href="https://derbyschools.com/district/board_of_education/board_policies" target="_blank">Derby district policies</a>
 say the superintendent has “general supervision of all the schools” and
 is “responsible for managing the schools in compliance with board 
policies.”

District policy also requires any employee with a 
grievance to file a written complaint to their supervisor within 20 
days. If the employee disagrees with the supervisor’s decision, he or 
she can appeal to the superintendent, whose “decision shall be final.”

Superintendent Heather Bohaty has not commented publicly about the video or subsequent apology.

Hamblin’s apology to staff came on the day school board members were slated to consider the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/12LquYeN0_WcUae9m7_kI0dCRB0ZhEcsX/view" target="_blank">annual renewal of Bohaty’s contract</a>,
 along with those of two assistant superintendents. The board voted 
unanimously Feb. 7 to renew Bohaty’s contract through the 2023-24 school
 year.

Controversy about the video 
centers on its mention of white privilege, a phrase that refers to 
inherent advantages that white people have over people of color on the 
basis of their race.

Concepts such as white privilege and systemic racism have become targets in the <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-02-15/kansas-lawmakers-want-schools-to-post-class-lessons-online-as-a-tool-against-critical-race-theory" target="_blank">battle over critical race theory</a>, which opponents increasingly link to diversity initiatives in schools and workplaces.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645452417446.png" alt="Suzanne Perez / KMUW " />
 <figcaption>Suzanne Perez / KMUW </figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2022-02-20/fallout-from-video-about-white-privilege-roils-derby-school-district">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA&nbsp;— A video about racial profiling and 
discrimination was “not appropriate” for students or teachers at Derby 
High School, according to a Derby school board member who requested an 
apology from the principal who showed the video.Emails obtained 
through a Kansas Open Records Act request show that Derby school board 
member Andy Watkins requested the apology, which principal <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-02-09/a-kansas-principal-shared-a-video-about-speaking-up-against-racism-he-was-ordered-to-apologize" target="_blank">Tim Hamblin issued in an email to staff</a> earlier this month.“I don’t think the community would support that video and the terminology used,” Watkins wrote in an email to Hamblin.“I
 think Derby is a unique place that can look past the color/race of an 
individual and not discount those people by their race, but rather, 
encourage integrity, academic achievement, community and treating others
 as they want to be treated.”In the email, Watkins writes, “My request was only a request of one board member, and not a requirement.”Watkins, who was first elected to the Derby board in 2017, did not return emails or phone calls asking for comment.Last
 week, before releasing the records, Derby school board members met in 
closed session for three hours with their attorney, Calvin Rider.In
 an email that accompanied the records, Rider said: “At no time did the 
Derby Board of Education, any member of the board, Superintendent of 
Schools or other school district leadership require Mr. Hamblin … to 
apologize for the showing of the video in question.”Hamblin, the 
Derby High principal, emailed his staff on Feb. 7, apologizing for 
showing a video during an employee meeting in January.The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf9QBnPK6Yg" target="_blank">four-minute video</a>
 features Black author Joy DeGruy relating a story about being treated 
differently at a grocery store because of her race. A lighter-skinned 
family member “used her white privilege and … pointed out the 
injustice,” DeGruy says in the video.Late last year, some members
 of the Derby High girls basketball team were the target of hurtful 
race-based comments on social media. Coach Dan Harrison shared the same 
video during a meeting with team members in an effort “to help his team 
heal and move on,” Hamblin said in an email.The principal played the video for employees in January so they would know what the students had seen, he said.<h2>‘Biased propaganda’</h2>School board member Jennifer Neel was the first to raise concerns about the video, according to the records obtained by KMUW.In
 a Jan. 26 email to Hamblin and Superintendent Heather Bohaty — subject 
line “White Privilege -DHS” — Neel said she “heard from a couple 
teachers” about the video and wanted more information.“The staff 
that I spoke with explained to me that they felt like it was harassment 
in the workplace, &amp; a push of biased propaganda,” Neel wrote. 
“Ultimately, I think we need to investigate what actually occurred &amp;
 I would like to know where this information is coming from.“Are 
we trying to push this divisive information into our schools? I am 
afraid this is negatively affecting our culture, both staff &amp; 
students.”Reached by phone, Neel declined comment and said all questions should go through the district’s communications department.In
 her initial email to Hamblin, Neel writes, “Side note: I actually had a
 DMS (Derby Middle School) teacher tell me a story about a black teen 
who was acting VERY inappropriate so she corrected him &amp; he told her
 ‘but I am black,’ they went back and forth 2 more times, she asked him 
‘does this normally work for you’ then he giggled &amp; said ‘well most 
of the times it works.’ We have to be careful with the kind of standards
 we are setting.”In subsequent emails to Neel, Hamblin wrote, 
“Every human being is entitled to their opinion and how they choose to 
take things. … I know that what I presented to my staff was completely 
appropriate and justified given what some within the DHS family have 
been dealing with over the last few months.“The claim of biased 
propaganda is nothing more than a deliberate orchestrated attempt to 
create controversy within our school, district, and potentially the 
community at a very difficult time.”Hamblin issued his apology to employees about two weeks after that exchange.“I
 was informed this afternoon that another BOE member wants there to be 
an apology to both staff and students for my actions,” Hamblin said in 
the email to staff.“I apologize to anyone that felt the video or 
its content which referenced white privilege made them feel 
uncomfortable, awkward, harassed, or that it created a hostile work 
environment.”In an email to Neel, Hamblin said he took “extreme 
unbelievable exception” to claims that the video caused a hostile work 
environment or that he would retaliate against a staff member who 
complained.“I am more upset at this moment than I have ever been 
in my entire career and quite possibly in my entire life in this 
community,” Hamblin said.<h2>District protocol</h2>It’s unusual for an individual board member to issue directives or requests about classroom or staff development materials.<a href="https://derbyschools.com/district/board_of_education/board_policies" target="_blank">Derby district policies</a>
 say the superintendent has “general supervision of all the schools” and
 is “responsible for managing the schools in compliance with board 
policies.”District policy also requires any employee with a 
grievance to file a written complaint to their supervisor within 20 
days. If the employee disagrees with the supervisor’s decision, he or 
she can appeal to the superintendent, whose “decision shall be final.”Superintendent Heather Bohaty has not commented publicly about the video or subsequent apology.Hamblin’s apology to staff came on the day school board members were slated to consider the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/12LquYeN0_WcUae9m7_kI0dCRB0ZhEcsX/view" target="_blank">annual renewal of Bohaty’s contract</a>,
 along with those of two assistant superintendents. The board voted 
unanimously Feb. 7 to renew Bohaty’s contract through the 2023-24 school
 year.<h2>White privilege</h2>Controversy about the video 
centers on its mention of white privilege, a phrase that refers to 
inherent advantages that white people have over people of color on the 
basis of their race.Concepts such as white privilege and systemic racism have become targets in the <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-02-15/kansas-lawmakers-want-schools-to-post-class-lessons-online-as-a-tool-against-critical-race-theory" target="_blank">battle over critical race theory</a>, which opponents increasingly link to diversity initiatives in schools and workplaces.In
 the video shared with Derby teachers, DeGruy, who is Black, talks about
 being in a grocery store with her biracial sister-in-law, who looks 
white. The sister-in-law writes a check without incident. Immediately 
afterward, DeGruy writes a check and is asked for identification. The 
cashier then checks DeGruy’s license against a list of people who have 
written bad checks.DeGruy’s sister-in-law speaks up on her behalf, first to the cashier and then the store manager.“So
 you see, she used her white privilege,” DeGruy says. “And even though 
Kathleen is half black and half white, she recognizes what that means, 
and she made the statement. She pointed out the injustice and she, as a 
result of that one act, influenced everyone in that space.”But some critics say conversations about white privilege can make people feel uncomfortable and accelerate racial conflict.Last fall, Kansas Rep. Kristey Williams of Augusta, a top Republican on education issues, told a committee she feared that <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/education/2021/10/28/kansas-legislator-argues-critical-race-theory-leads-depression/8582384002/" target="_blank">students “internalizing shame”</a> about racial guilt could lead to more depression among youth.Watkins, the Derby board member, did not offer specifics about why he thought the video was not appropriate.“I
 do believe that racial issues exist, not only at DHS but in our 
community. However, I think we have to be very careful how (we) address 
those issues,” Watkins said in an email.“I do realize some face greater challenges than others on a daily basis, but everyone faces challenges.”<h2>Support for Hamblin</h2>Included among the board emails were several from Derby High School employees voicing support for the principal.“The
 topic of racism makes people uncomfortable; it should; it is a terrible
 truth in our society, again proven quite clearly on social media,” 
wrote Adam DeVault, director of bands at Derby High School.“As a 
society if we fail to discuss difficult problems in an educated, civil 
way, we will never find solutions. … Most of the staff viewed the 
training as helpful and necessary.”Christy Higginbotham, Derby 
High’s school nurse, called Hamblin “the strongest, fairest, most 
conscientious and inclusive leader I’ve ever worked with.”Another letter was signed by 75 teachers and staff members.“The
 majority of DHS staff is white and the entire school board is white. If
 we truly believe in the power of education, we must believe in the 
ability to learn empathy and compassion even if we personally have no 
idea what it is like to worry about walking down a street after dark,” 
it says.“The fact that members of this board felt the need to demand an apology is frankly despicable.”Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645452514996.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>