ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a stabbing last month have a suspect in custody.

Shortly after midnight on October 9 police responded to a stabbing that at a residence in the 500 block South 6th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp;

Aa 31-year-old man had suffered a stab wound during an argument with a suspect who fled the area. EMS transported the victim to the hospital in St. Joseph, according to Wilson.

On Saturday afternoon, police located the suspect identified as 52-year-old David W. Barber in the 300 block Santa Fe in Atchison and took him into custody on a District Court warrant for aggravated battery. During that arrest, officers found he was in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636384979230.png" alt="Barber-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Barber-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a stabbing last month have a suspect in custody.Shortly after midnight on October 9 police responded to a stabbing that at a residence in the 500 block South 6th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp;Aa 31-year-old man had suffered a stab wound during an argument with a suspect who fled the area. EMS transported the victim to the hospital in St. Joseph, according to Wilson.On Saturday afternoon, police located the suspect identified as 52-year-old David W. Barber in the 300 block Santa Fe in Atchison and took him into custody on a District Court warrant for aggravated battery. During that arrest, officers found he was in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to Wilson.

Police catch suspect wanted for stabbing at Kansas home

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A trial began Monday for a Kansas City, Missouri, police officer accused of involuntary manslaughter in a 2019 shooting — the first time that a white officer from the city has been criminally accused of killing a black man.

Officer Eric J. DeValkenaere&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-police-donald-trump-mo-state-wire-kansas-city-97ef60a6995d4052c96f00f7d23a9cf2">also is charged with armed criminal action</a>&nbsp;in the death of Cameron Lamb, 26, who was parking a pickup truck in his backyard when he was shot on Dec. 3, 2019. The killing was often evoked in protests last year against racial injustice in Kansas City.

Circuit Court Judge J. Dale Youngs will preside over the bench trial, which is expected to last a week, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article255540531.html">Kansas City Star</a>&nbsp;reported.

Lamb’s killing was among several cases cited by a group of civil rights organizations in a petition urging U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate the Kansas City Police Department. The indictment in the case came days after Lamb’s death garnered renewed attention stemming from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/william-barr-donald-trump-mo-state-wire-racial-injustice-politics-033bd654df2deb5ece62af601d47b5df">his family’s meeting with then-President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;in 2020.

In the past year, prosecutors have brought criminal charges against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-shootings-michael-brown-kansas-city-fd9a8f99323ae247843e5a335fa9b275">five white Kansas City police officers&nbsp;</a>for allegedly using excessive force against black people. DeValkenaere is the only officer charged in an on-duty killing.

Officers investigating a crash reported a red pickup chasing a purple Ford Mustang. A police helicopter located the truck driven by Lamb and followed it to his driveway.

DeValkenaere and another detective, Troy Schwalm, arrived at the home to investigate the crash. Before he was shot, Lamb had his left hand on the truck’s steering wheel and his cellphone in his right hand, prosecutors said.

DeValkenaere said he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at Schwalm. After the shooting, officers found Lamb inside the vehicle with his left arm and head hanging out of the driver’s side window. On the ground near his left hand was a handgun.

Schwalm later told the grand jury that he did not see Lamb with a weapon, prosecutors have said.

Meanwhile, medical records show that Lamb is right-handed and did not have full use of his left hand as a result of an injury sustained four years earlier, prosecutors said. DeValkenaere’s lawyers have previously said that Lamb pulled a gun with his left hand.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker has said DeValkenaere’s conduct during the shooting was “reckless” and violated the Fourth Amendment, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. Her office alleged the detectives, who were in plainclothes, did not ask for permission to walk onto the property and did not have a warrant.

Kansas City’s Fraternal Order of Police has denounced the charges and accused Baker of “abusing her authority for political gain.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619745438017.png" alt="Police on the scene of the Dec. 2019 shooting investigation photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the Dec. 2019 shooting investigation photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A trial began Monday for a Kansas City, Missouri, police officer accused of involuntary manslaughter in a 2019 shooting — the first time that a white officer from the city has been criminally accused of killing a black man.Officer Eric J. DeValkenaere&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-police-donald-trump-mo-state-wire-kansas-city-97ef60a6995d4052c96f00f7d23a9cf2">also is charged with armed criminal action</a>&nbsp;in the death of Cameron Lamb, 26, who was parking a pickup truck in his backyard when he was shot on Dec. 3, 2019. The killing was often evoked in protests last year against racial injustice in Kansas City.Circuit Court Judge J. Dale Youngs will preside over the bench trial, which is expected to last a week, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article255540531.html">Kansas City Star</a>&nbsp;reported.Lamb’s killing was among several cases cited by a group of civil rights organizations in a petition urging U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate the Kansas City Police Department. The indictment in the case came days after Lamb’s death garnered renewed attention stemming from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/william-barr-donald-trump-mo-state-wire-racial-injustice-politics-033bd654df2deb5ece62af601d47b5df">his family’s meeting with then-President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;in 2020.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592994941014.png" alt="DeValkenaere-photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>DeValkenaere-photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>In the past year, prosecutors have brought criminal charges against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-shootings-michael-brown-kansas-city-fd9a8f99323ae247843e5a335fa9b275">five white Kansas City police officers&nbsp;</a>for allegedly using excessive force against black people. DeValkenaere is the only officer charged in an on-duty killing.Officers investigating a crash reported a red pickup chasing a purple Ford Mustang. A police helicopter located the truck driven by Lamb and followed it to his driveway.DeValkenaere and another detective, Troy Schwalm, arrived at the home to investigate the crash. Before he was shot, Lamb had his left hand on the truck’s steering wheel and his cellphone in his right hand, prosecutors said.DeValkenaere said he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at Schwalm. After the shooting, officers found Lamb inside the vehicle with his left arm and head hanging out of the driver’s side window. On the ground near his left hand was a handgun.Schwalm later told the grand jury that he did not see Lamb with a weapon, prosecutors have said.Meanwhile, medical records show that Lamb is right-handed and did not have full use of his left hand as a result of an injury sustained four years earlier, prosecutors said. DeValkenaere’s lawyers have previously said that Lamb pulled a gun with his left hand.Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker has said DeValkenaere’s conduct during the shooting was “reckless” and violated the Fourth Amendment, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. Her office alleged the detectives, who were in plainclothes, did not ask for permission to walk onto the property and did not have a warrant.Kansas City’s Fraternal Order of Police has denounced the charges and accused Baker of “abusing her authority for political gain.”

White Kansas City officer on trial in black man's 2019 death

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly on Monday announced that she will&nbsp; introduce a bill in the Kansas Legislature to “Axe the Food Tax,” and eliminate the state sales tax on food in Kansas, according to a media release from her office.

“I’m pleased to introduce a plan that will ‘Axe the Food Tax’ and end the state sales tax on food,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“For too long, Kansans have been paying more for groceries than people in almost every other state. This legislation will save the average Kansas family $500 dollars or more a year on their grocery bill; and thanks to the fiscally responsible decisions we made before and during the pandemic, we can cut the food sales tax and keep Kansas’ budget intact.

“This tax cut will put money back in Kansans’ pockets and create real savings for those who need it most.”

Kansas is one of seven states in the nation that fully taxes groceries. Kansas’ food sales tax rate is 6.5%, the second-highest rate in the country. Under Governor Kelly’s proposed bill, a Kansas family of 4 will save an average of $500 or more on their grocery bill every year.

The bill is possible thanks to the Kelly administration’s commitment to fiscally responsible budget practices over the past three years, causing Kansas’ revenues to come in ahead of estimates, every month, for over a year.

“This bill will not only support our families, but also our&nbsp;many&nbsp;hardworking businesses&nbsp;by keeping Kansans&nbsp;from going across the border&nbsp;to&nbsp;buy their groceries,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said.&nbsp;“Under Governor Kelly’s leadership, Kansas is riding a record-breaking upward trajectory in economic development. This announcement will continue that momentum,&nbsp;building a stronger economy for Kansans now and into the future.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“With record investment and an ever-strengthening economy, our state is in a prime position to create more opportunity for a better future for Kansas families,”&nbsp;Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes said.&nbsp;“Without exception, this opportunity is hindered by the alarmingly high tax on food sales. Eliminating this regressive tax will reduce food insecurity and improve health outcomes for children, all while providing families further financial flexibility to save for a home, education, and emergencies. We have the means to provide direct relief to all Kansans in every corner of the state, and Senate Democrats are prepared to fight alongside Governor Kelly to get this done, once and for all.”

“Taxing a family’s grocery bill is one of the most widespread and unfair things a state can ask of its residents – a fact that’s been recognized since the tax on food was first put in place in the 1930s. And yet it’s a tax that is paid by every person in Kansas,”&nbsp;House Democratic Leader Tom Sawyer said.&nbsp;“Over the years, the tax on food has been increased 10 times – from an initial 2 percent to 6.5 percent today. Throughout that time, there has been much talk about the unfairness of this tax, but until now, it’s been all talk. Thanks to Governor Kelly’s fiscal responsibility, the Kansas economy is booming, and Kansans will finally get the tax relief they deserve.”

The Governor’s bill will be introduced during the 2022 Legislative session. During Monday’s announcement, Governor Kelly called on lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to get a clean bill through the legislature and onto her desk as quickly as possible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636397666116.png" alt="Governor Kelly called on lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to get a clean bill through the legislature and onto her desk as quickly as possible." />
 <figcaption>Governor Kelly called on lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to get a clean bill through the legislature and onto her desk as quickly as possible.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly on Monday announced that she will&nbsp; introduce a bill in the Kansas Legislature to “Axe the Food Tax,” and eliminate the state sales tax on food in Kansas, according to a media release from her office.“I’m pleased to introduce a plan that will ‘Axe the Food Tax’ and end the state sales tax on food,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“For too long, Kansans have been paying more for groceries than people in almost every other state. This legislation will save the average Kansas family $500 dollars or more a year on their grocery bill; and thanks to the fiscally responsible decisions we made before and during the pandemic, we can cut the food sales tax and keep Kansas’ budget intact.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636395054777.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“This tax cut will put money back in Kansans’ pockets and create real savings for those who need it most.”Kansas is one of seven states in the nation that fully taxes groceries. Kansas’ food sales tax rate is 6.5%, the second-highest rate in the country. Under Governor Kelly’s proposed bill, a Kansas family of 4 will save an average of $500 or more on their grocery bill every year.The bill is possible thanks to the Kelly administration’s commitment to fiscally responsible budget practices over the past three years, causing Kansas’ revenues to come in ahead of estimates, every month, for over a year.“This bill will not only support our families, but also our&nbsp;many&nbsp;hardworking businesses&nbsp;by keeping Kansans&nbsp;from going across the border&nbsp;to&nbsp;buy their groceries,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said.&nbsp;“Under Governor Kelly’s leadership, Kansas is riding a record-breaking upward trajectory in economic development. This announcement will continue that momentum,&nbsp;building a stronger economy for Kansans now and into the future.”&nbsp;&nbsp;“With record investment and an ever-strengthening economy, our state is in a prime position to create more opportunity for a better future for Kansas families,”&nbsp;Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes said.&nbsp;“Without exception, this opportunity is hindered by the alarmingly high tax on food sales. Eliminating this regressive tax will reduce food insecurity and improve health outcomes for children, all while providing families further financial flexibility to save for a home, education, and emergencies. We have the means to provide direct relief to all Kansans in every corner of the state, and Senate Democrats are prepared to fight alongside Governor Kelly to get this done, once and for all.”“Taxing a family’s grocery bill is one of the most widespread and unfair things a state can ask of its residents – a fact that’s been recognized since the tax on food was first put in place in the 1930s. And yet it’s a tax that is paid by every person in Kansas,”&nbsp;House Democratic Leader Tom Sawyer said.&nbsp;“Over the years, the tax on food has been increased 10 times – from an initial 2 percent to 6.5 percent today. Throughout that time, there has been much talk about the unfairness of this tax, but until now, it’s been all talk. Thanks to Governor Kelly’s fiscal responsibility, the Kansas economy is booming, and Kansans will finally get the tax relief they deserve.”The Governor’s bill will be introduced during the 2022 Legislative session. During Monday’s announcement, Governor Kelly called on lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to get a clean bill through the legislature and onto her desk as quickly as possible.

Kan. Governor: Axe the state sales tax on your groceries

HARVEY COUNTY —A Kansas man died following a weekend accident while doing maintenance on a large recreational vehicle.

Robert Brooks, 66, of Wichita, was doing maintenance repairs on an RV with another individual in the 6600 block of S. Anderson Road., south of Newton, according to statement from Harvey County officials.

The RV was partially lifted off the ground with a floor jack and wheel chocks. Brooks was working underneath the RV. The RV became unstable, rolled forward off the safety equipment and onto Brooks.

The other individual called 911. The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office and Newton Fire/EMS were dispatched at 5:30 p.m. Brooks was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Sheriff’s Office determined the incident to be accidental. No foul play is suspected.

HARVEY COUNTY —A Kansas man died following a weekend accident while doing maintenance on a large recreational vehicle.Robert Brooks, 66, of Wichita, was doing maintenance repairs on an RV with another individual in the 6600 block of S. Anderson Road., south of Newton, according to statement from Harvey County officials.The RV was partially lifted off the ground with a floor jack and wheel chocks. Brooks was working underneath the RV. The RV became unstable, rolled forward off the safety equipment and onto Brooks.The other individual called 911. The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office and Newton Fire/EMS were dispatched at 5:30 p.m. Brooks was pronounced dead at the scene.The Sheriff’s Office determined the incident to be accidental. No foul play is suspected.

Kan. man dies when RV falls on him while doing maintenance

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 1,929 to a total of 442,232, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 39 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,530.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;

Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 1,929 to a total of 442,232, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 39 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,530.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636394699932.png" alt="Monday November 8, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday November 8, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 1,900 new cases, 39 more COVID deaths

COWLEY COUNTY—Two people died in accident just before 12:30p.m. Sunday in Cowley County.

A car was southbound on 75th Road and hit a combine just south of the 102nd Road intersection, according to Sheriff Dave Faletti.&nbsp; The car went underneath the combine and caught fire.

The driver and a passenger in the car, a man and woman died, according to Faletti. Authorities have not identified them. He did believe they are from Kansas. Officials in Sedgwick County will conduct an autopsy Monday. The driver of the combine was not hurt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636390431252.png" alt="The Cowley County Sheriff said investigators believe the victims are from Kansas- Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>The Cowley County Sheriff said investigators believe the victims are from Kansas- Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY—Two people died in accident just before 12:30p.m. Sunday in Cowley County.A car was southbound on 75th Road and hit a combine just south of the 102nd Road intersection, according to Sheriff Dave Faletti.&nbsp; The car went underneath the combine and caught fire.The driver and a passenger in the car, a man and woman died, according to Faletti. Authorities have not identified them. He did believe they are from Kansas. Officials in Sedgwick County will conduct an autopsy Monday. The driver of the combine was not hurt.

Sheriff: 2 dead after car, combine crash and fire on Kan. highway

WASHINGTON
 — The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers, including 
those who received stimulus payments or advance Child Tax Credit 
payments, to take important steps this fall to help them file their 
federal tax returns in 2022.

Planning ahead can help people file an accurate return and avoid processing delays that can slow tax refunds.

This is the first in a series of reminders to help taxpayers get ready for the upcoming tax filing season. A <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">special page</a>, updated and available on IRS.gov, outlines steps taxpayers can take now to prepare to file a 2021 tax return next year.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc305">Organized tax records</a>
 make preparing a complete and accurate tax return easier. It helps 
avoid errors that lead to processing and refund delays. Individuals 
should have all their tax information available before filing to ensure 
the return is complete and accurate. They should notify the IRS if their
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/faqs/irs-procedures/address-changes">address changes</a> and notify the <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/">Social Security Administration</a> of a legal name change.

Remember, most income is taxable. Recordkeeping for individuals includes:

Income documents can help individuals determine if they're 
eligible for deductions or credits. Additionally, people who need to 
reconcile their advance payments of the Child Tax Credit and Premium Tax
 Credit will need their related 2021 information. Those who received 
third Economic Impact Payments and think they qualify for an additional 
amount will need their stimulus payment and plus-up amounts to figure 
and claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.

Taxpayers should also keep end of year documents including:

Online Account securely provides tax account information on IRS.gov; helps provide important filing information

Taxpayers who access Online Account can securely gain entry to the 
Child Tax Credit Update Portal to see their payment dates and amounts. 
Taxpayers will need this information to reconcile their advance Child 
Tax Credit payments with the Child Tax Credit they can claim when they 
file their 2021 tax returns.

Eligible individuals claiming a 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit can log 
in to their online account to see their Economic Impact Payment amounts 
so they can accurately claim the credit when they file.

Individuals who have not set up an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account">Online Account</a>
 yet should act soon to create an account. People who have already set 
up an Online Account should make sure they can still log in 
successfully.

Taxpayers with questions about how to create an account or how to reset their username or password can find help at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/secure-access-how-to-register-for-certain-online-self-help-tools">How to Register for Certain Online Self-Help Tools</a>.
 Individuals should act now if they need to create an account. If 
they're unable to verify their identity online, there's a mail option 
they can use, but that takes longer.

Taxpayers who have an Online Account may:

Taxpayers should make sure they've withheld enough tax

Individuals may want to consider <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-4">adjusting their withholding</a>
 if they owed taxes or received a large refund the previous year. 
Changing withholding can help avoid a tax bill or let individuals keep 
more money each payday. Life changes – getting married or divorced, 
welcoming a child or taking on a second job – may also be reasons to 
change withholding. Taxpayers might think about completing a new Form 
W-4, Employee's Withholding Certificate, each year and when personal or 
financial situations change.

People also need to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes">consider estimated tax payments</a>. Individuals who receive a substantial amount of non-wage income like self-employment income, investment income, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/are-my-social-security-or-railroad-retirement-tier-i-benefits-taxable">taxable Social Security benefits</a>
 and in some instances, pension and annuity income should make quarterly
 estimated tax payments. The last payment for 2021 is due on Jan. 18, 
2022.

Individuals can log in to their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account">Online Account</a> to make a payment online or go to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.

ITINs need to be renewed only if expired and if needed on a U.S. federal tax return

If an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) was not 
included on a U.S. federal tax return at least once for tax years 2018, 
2019 and 2020, the ITIN will expire on Dec. 31, 2021.

As a reminder, ITINs with middle digits 70 through 88 have expired. 
In addition, ITINs with middle digits 90 through 99, IF assigned before 
2013, have expired. Individuals who previously submitted a renewal 
application that was approved, do not need to renew again.

Want a faster refund? Getting banked speeds tax refunds with direct deposit

<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> gives individuals access to their refund faster than a paper check. Those without a bank account can learn how to open an account at an <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/getbanked/">FDIC-Insured bank</a> or through the National <a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">Credit Union Locator Tool</a>.

Veterans should see the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/banking.asp">Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP)</a>&nbsp;for access to financial services at participating banks.

Volunteer to help eligible taxpayers file their returns

The IRS and its community partners are preparing for the upcoming 
filing season and are looking for people around the country to become 
IRS-certified volunteers. Join the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance 
(VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. VITA/TCE 
volunteers provide free tax return preparation for eligible taxpayers. 
With many people experiencing financial changes this year, additional 
volunteers are needed to assist them.

Visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteers">IRS.gov/volunteers</a> to learn more and sign up. After signing up, more information about attending a virtual orientation will be provided.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON
 — The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers, including 
those who received stimulus payments or advance Child Tax Credit 
payments, to take important steps this fall to help them file their 
federal tax returns in 2022.Planning ahead can help people file an accurate return and avoid processing delays that can slow tax refunds.This is the first in a series of reminders to help taxpayers get ready for the upcoming tax filing season. A <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">special page</a>, updated and available on IRS.gov, outlines steps taxpayers can take now to prepare to file a 2021 tax return next year.<h2>Gather and organize tax records</h2><a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc305">Organized tax records</a>
 make preparing a complete and accurate tax return easier. It helps 
avoid errors that lead to processing and refund delays. Individuals 
should have all their tax information available before filing to ensure 
the return is complete and accurate. They should notify the IRS if their
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/faqs/irs-procedures/address-changes">address changes</a> and notify the <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/">Social Security Administration</a> of a legal name change.Remember, most income is taxable. Recordkeeping for individuals includes:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-2">Forms W-2</a> from employer(s)</li><li>Forms 1099 from banks, issuing agencies and other payers including <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc418">unemployment compensation</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc404">dividends</a>, distributions from a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc410">pension, annuity or retirement plan</a></li><li>Form 1099-K, 1099-MISC, W-2 or other income statement for workers in the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/gig-economy-tax-center">gig economy</a></li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1099-int">Form 1099-INT</a> for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc403">interest received</a></li><li>Other income documents and records of <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/virtual-currencies">virtual currency</a> transactions</li>
 </ul>Income documents can help individuals determine if they're 
eligible for deductions or credits. Additionally, people who need to 
reconcile their advance payments of the Child Tax Credit and Premium Tax
 Credit will need their related 2021 information. Those who received 
third Economic Impact Payments and think they qualify for an additional 
amount will need their stimulus payment and plus-up amounts to figure 
and claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.<h2>Taxpayers should also keep end of year documents including:</h2><ul>
 <li>Letter 6419, 2021 Total Advance Child Tax Credit Payments, to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-h-reconciling-your-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-on-your-2021-tax-return">reconcile</a> advance Child Tax Credit payments</li><li>Letter 6475, Your 2021 Economic Impact Payment, to determine eligibility to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/questions-and-answers-about-the-third-economic-impact-payment-topic-h-reconciling-on-your-2021-tax-return">claim</a> the Recovery Rebate Credit</li><li>Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/affordable-care-act/individuals-and-families/premium-tax-credit-claiming-the-credit-and-reconciling-advance-credit-payments">reconcile</a> advance Premium Tax Credits for Marketplace coverage</li>
 </ul><h2>Online Account securely provides tax account information on IRS.gov; helps provide important filing information</h2>Taxpayers who access Online Account can securely gain entry to the 
Child Tax Credit Update Portal to see their payment dates and amounts. 
Taxpayers will need this information to reconcile their advance Child 
Tax Credit payments with the Child Tax Credit they can claim when they 
file their 2021 tax returns.Eligible individuals claiming a 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit can log 
in to their online account to see their Economic Impact Payment amounts 
so they can accurately claim the credit when they file.Individuals who have not set up an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account">Online Account</a>
 yet should act soon to create an account. People who have already set 
up an Online Account should make sure they can still log in 
successfully.Taxpayers with questions about how to create an account or how to reset their username or password can find help at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/secure-access-how-to-register-for-certain-online-self-help-tools">How to Register for Certain Online Self-Help Tools</a>.
 Individuals should act now if they need to create an account. If 
they're unable to verify their identity online, there's a mail option 
they can use, but that takes longer.Taxpayers who have an Online Account may:<ul>
 <li>View the amounts of their Economic Impact Payments</li><li>Access Child Tax Credit Update Portal for information about their advance Child Tax Credit payments</li><li>Approve or reject authorization requests from their tax professional</li><li>Update their email address and opt-out/in for selected paper notice preferences</li>
 </ul><h2>Taxpayers should make sure they've withheld enough tax</h2>Individuals may want to consider <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-4">adjusting their withholding</a>
 if they owed taxes or received a large refund the previous year. 
Changing withholding can help avoid a tax bill or let individuals keep 
more money each payday. Life changes – getting married or divorced, 
welcoming a child or taking on a second job – may also be reasons to 
change withholding. Taxpayers might think about completing a new Form 
W-4, Employee's Withholding Certificate, each year and when personal or 
financial situations change.People also need to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes">consider estimated tax payments</a>. Individuals who receive a substantial amount of non-wage income like self-employment income, investment income, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/are-my-social-security-or-railroad-retirement-tier-i-benefits-taxable">taxable Social Security benefits</a>
 and in some instances, pension and annuity income should make quarterly
 estimated tax payments. The last payment for 2021 is due on Jan. 18, 
2022.Individuals can log in to their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account">Online Account</a> to make a payment online or go to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.<h2>ITINs need to be renewed only if expired and if needed on a U.S. federal tax return</h2>If an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) was not 
included on a U.S. federal tax return at least once for tax years 2018, 
2019 and 2020, the ITIN will expire on Dec. 31, 2021.As a reminder, ITINs with middle digits 70 through 88 have expired. 
In addition, ITINs with middle digits 90 through 99, IF assigned before 
2013, have expired. Individuals who previously submitted a renewal 
application that was approved, do not need to renew again.<h2>Want a faster refund? Getting banked speeds tax refunds with direct deposit</h2><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> gives individuals access to their refund faster than a paper check. Those without a bank account can learn how to open an account at an <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/getbanked/">FDIC-Insured bank</a> or through the National <a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">Credit Union Locator Tool</a>.Veterans should see the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/banking.asp">Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP)</a>&nbsp;for access to financial services at participating banks.<h2>Volunteer to help eligible taxpayers file their returns</h2>The IRS and its community partners are preparing for the upcoming 
filing season and are looking for people around the country to become 
IRS-certified volunteers. Join the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance 
(VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. VITA/TCE 
volunteers provide free tax return preparation for eligible taxpayers. 
With many people experiencing financial changes this year, additional 
volunteers are needed to assist them.Visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteers">IRS.gov/volunteers</a> to learn more and sign up. After signing up, more information about attending a virtual orientation will be provided.

Stimulus, Child Tax Credit and more: Tips on making 2022 tax filing easier

WASHINGTON —President Joe Biden hailed Congress’ passage of his $1 trillion infrastructure package as a “monumental step forward for the nation." This, after fractious fellow Democrats resolved a months-long standoff in their ranks to finally seal the deal. 

The package is a historic investment by any measure, one that Biden compares in its breadth to the building of the interstate highway system in the last century or the transcontinental railroad the century before. 

Approval of the bill sends it to the desk of a president whose approval ratings have dropped and whose party got a cold shoulder from voters in this past week’s off-year elections.

According to a statement from the White House, the legislation will:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 

Deliver clean water to all American families and eliminate the nation’s lead service lines.&nbsp;Currently, up to 10 million American households and 400,000 schools and child care centers lack safe drinking water.&nbsp;

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal will invest $55 billion to expand access to clean drinking water for households, businesses, schools, and child care centers all across the country. From rural towns to struggling cities, the legislation will invest in water infrastructure and eliminate lead service pipes, including in Tribal Nations and disadvantaged communities that need it most.

Ensure every American has access to reliable high-speed internet.&nbsp;Broadband internet is necessary for Americans to do their jobs, to participate equally in school learning, health care, and to stay connected. Yet, by one definition, more than 30 million Americans live in areas where there is no broadband infrastructure that provides minimally acceptable speeds – a particular problem in rural communities throughout the country. 

And, according to the latest OECD data, among 35 countries studied, the United States has the second highest broadband costs. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal will deliver $65 billion to help ensure that every American has access to reliable high-speed internet through a historic investment in broadband infrastructure deployment. The legislation will also help lower prices for internet service and help close the digital divide, so that more Americans can afford internet access. Repair and rebuild our roads and bridges with a focus on climate change mitigation, resilience, equity, and safety for all users.&nbsp;In the United States, 1 in 5 miles of highways and major roads, and 45,000 bridges, are in poor condition.

The legislation will reauthorize surface transportation programs for five years and invest $110 billion in additional funding to repair our roads and bridges and support major, transformational projects. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal makes the single largest investment in repairing and reconstructing our nation’s bridges since the construction of the interstate highway system. 

It will rebuild the most economically significant bridges in the country as well as thousands of smaller bridges. The legislation also includes the first ever Safe Streets and Roads for All program to support projects to reduce traffic fatalities, which claimed more than 20,000 lives in the first half of 2021.

Improve transportation options for millions of Americans and reduce greenhouse emissions through the largest investment in public transit in U.S. history.&nbsp;America’s public transit infrastructure is inadequate – with a multibillion-dollar repair backlog, representing more than 24,000 buses, 5,000 rail cars, 200 stations, and thousands of miles of track, signals, and power systems in need of replacement.&nbsp;Communities of color are twice as likely to take public transportation and many of these communities lack sufficient public transit options. The transportation sector in the United States is now the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions.&nbsp;

The legislation includes $39 billion of new investment to modernize transit, in addition to continuing the existing transit programs for five years as part of surface transportation reauthorization.&nbsp; In total, the new investments and reauthorization in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal provide $89.9 billion in guaranteed funding for public transit over the next five years — the largest Federal investment in public transit in history. The legislation will expand public transit options across every state in the country, replace thousands of deficient transit vehicles, including buses, with clean, zero emission vehicles, and improve accessibility for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Upgrade our nation’s airports and ports to strengthen our supply chains and prevent disruptions that have caused inflation. This will improve U.S. competitiveness, create more and better jobs at these hubs, and reduce emissions.&nbsp;Decades of neglect and underinvestment in our infrastructure have left the links in our goods movement supply chains struggling to keep up with our strong economic recovery from the pandemic. 

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal will make the fundamental changes that are long overdue for our nation’s ports and airports so this will not happen again. The United States built modern aviation, but our airports lag far behind our competitors. According to some rankings, no U.S. airports rank in the top 25 of airports worldwide. Our ports and waterways need repair and reimagination too.&nbsp;

The legislation invests $17 billion in port infrastructure and waterways and $25 billion in airports to address repair and maintenance backlogs, reduce congestion and emissions near ports and airports, and drive electrification and other low-carbon technologies. Modern, resilient, and sustainable port, airport, and freight infrastructure will strengthen our supply chains and support U.S. competitiveness by removing bottlenecks and expediting commerce and reduce the environmental impact on neighboring communities.

Make the largest investment in passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak.&nbsp;U.S. passenger rail lags behind the rest of the world in reliability, speed, and coverage. China already has 22,000 miles of high-speed rail, and is planning to double that by 2035. 

The legislation positions rail to play a central role in our transportation and economic future, investing $66 billion in additional rail funding to eliminate the Amtrak maintenance backlog, modernize the Northeast Corridor, and bring world-class rail service to areas outside the northeast and mid-Atlantic.&nbsp;This is the largest investment in passenger rail since Amtrak’s creation, 50 years ago and will create safe, efficient, and climate-friendly alternatives for moving people and freight.

Build a national network of electric vehicle (EV) chargers.&nbsp;U.S. market share of plug-in EV sales is only one-third the size of the Chinese EV market. That needs to change. The legislation will invest $7.5 billion to build out a national network of EV chargers in the United States. 

This is a critical step in the President’s strategy to fight the climate crisis and it will create good U.S. manufacturing jobs. The legislation will provide funding for deployment of EV chargers along highway corridors to facilitate long-distance travel and within communities to provide convenient charging where people live, work, and shop. This investment will support the President’s goal of building a nationwide network of 500,000 EV chargers to accelerate the adoption of EVs, reduce emissions, improve air quality, and create good-paying jobs across the country.

Upgrade our power infrastructure to deliver clean, reliable energy across the country and deploy cutting-edge energy technology to achieve a zero-emissions future.&nbsp;According to the Department of Energy, power outages cost the U.S. economy up to $70 billion annually. 

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal’s more than $65 billion investment includes the largest investment in clean energy transmission and grid in American history. It will upgrade our power infrastructure, by building thousands of miles of new, resilient transmission lines to facilitate the expansion of renewables and clean energy, while lowering costs. And it will fund new programs to support the development, demonstration, and deployment of cutting-edge clean energy technologies to accelerate our transition to a zero-emission economy.&nbsp; Make our infrastructure resilient against the impacts of climate change, cyber-attacks, and extreme weather events.&nbsp;Millions of Americans feel the effects of climate change each year when their roads wash out, power goes down, or schools get flooded. Last year alone, the United States faced 22 extreme weather and climate-related disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion each – a cumulative price tag of nearly $100 billion. People of color are more likely to live in areas most vulnerable to flooding and other climate change-related weather events.&nbsp;

The legislation makes our communities safer and our infrastructure more resilient to the impacts of climate change and cyber-attacks, with an investment of over $50 billion to protect against droughts, heat, floods and wildfires, in addition to a major investment in weatherization. The legislation is the largest investment in the resilience of physical and natural systems in American history. Deliver the largest investment in tackling legacy pollution in American history by cleaning up Superfund and brownfield sites, reclaiming abandoned mines, and capping orphaned oil and gas wells.&nbsp;In thousands of rural and urban communities around the country, hundreds of thousands of former industrial and energy sites are now idle – sources of blight and pollution.

Proximity to a Superfund site can lead to elevated levels of lead in children’s blood. The bill will invest $21 billion clean up Superfund and brownfield sites, reclaim abandoned mine land and cap orphaned oil and gas wells. 

These projects will remediate environmental harms, address the legacy pollution that harms the public health of communities, create good-paying union jobs, and advance long overdue environmental justice This investment will benefit communities of color as, it has been found that 26% of Black Americans and 29% of Hispanic Americans live within 3 miles of a Superfund site, a higher percentage than for Americans overall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636210096288.png" alt="President Biden held a press briefing early Saturday to celebrate passage of the bill- White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden held a press briefing early Saturday to celebrate passage of the bill- White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —President Joe Biden hailed Congress’ passage of his $1 trillion infrastructure package as a “monumental step forward for the nation." This, after fractious fellow Democrats resolved a months-long standoff in their ranks to finally seal the deal. The package is a historic investment by any measure, one that Biden compares in its breadth to the building of the interstate highway system in the last century or the transcontinental railroad the century before. Approval of the bill sends it to the desk of a president whose approval ratings have dropped and whose party got a cold shoulder from voters in this past week’s off-year elections.According to a statement from the White House, the legislation will:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Deliver clean water to all American families and eliminate the nation’s lead service lines.&nbsp;Currently, up to 10 million American households and 400,000 schools and child care centers lack safe drinking water.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We passed an infrastructure bill tonight that will be huge for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KS03?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KS03</a>. For folks who sit in traffic on US 69, who worry about their home being flooded, or who can’t get online to go to class or work. We got it done: bipartisan, paid for, and ready to be signed into law. <a href="https://t.co/k1Pqz0L9sV">pic.twitter.com/k1Pqz0L9sV</a>&mdash; Rep. Sharice Davids (@RepDavids) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDavids/status/1456826486749601793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal will invest $55 billion to expand access to clean drinking water for households, businesses, schools, and child care centers all across the country. From rural towns to struggling cities, the legislation will invest in water infrastructure and eliminate lead service pipes, including in Tribal Nations and disadvantaged communities that need it most.Ensure every American has access to reliable high-speed internet.&nbsp;Broadband internet is necessary for Americans to do their jobs, to participate equally in school learning, health care, and to stay connected. Yet, by one definition, more than 30 million Americans live in areas where there is no broadband infrastructure that provides minimally acceptable speeds – a particular problem in rural communities throughout the country. And, according to the latest OECD data, among 35 countries studied, the United States has the second highest broadband costs. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal will deliver $65 billion to help ensure that every American has access to reliable high-speed internet through a historic investment in broadband infrastructure deployment. The legislation will also help lower prices for internet service and help close the digital divide, so that more Americans can afford internet access. Repair and rebuild our roads and bridges with a focus on climate change mitigation, resilience, equity, and safety for all users.&nbsp;In the United States, 1 in 5 miles of highways and major roads, and 45,000 bridges, are in poor condition. The legislation will reauthorize surface transportation programs for five years and invest $110 billion in additional funding to repair our roads and bridges and support major, transformational projects. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal makes the single largest investment in repairing and reconstructing our nation’s bridges since the construction of the interstate highway system. It will rebuild the most economically significant bridges in the country as well as thousands of smaller bridges. The legislation also includes the first ever Safe Streets and Roads for All program to support projects to reduce traffic fatalities, which claimed more than 20,000 lives in the first half of 2021.Improve transportation options for millions of Americans and reduce greenhouse emissions through the largest investment in public transit in U.S. history.&nbsp;America’s public transit infrastructure is inadequate – with a multibillion-dollar repair backlog, representing more than 24,000 buses, 5,000 rail cars, 200 stations, and thousands of miles of track, signals, and power systems in need of replacement.&nbsp;Communities of color are twice as likely to take public transportation and many of these communities lack sufficient public transit options. The transportation sector in the United States is now the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions.&nbsp;The legislation includes $39 billion of new investment to modernize transit, in addition to continuing the existing transit programs for five years as part of surface transportation reauthorization.&nbsp; In total, the new investments and reauthorization in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal provide $89.9 billion in guaranteed funding for public transit over the next five years — the largest Federal investment in public transit in history. The legislation will expand public transit options across every state in the country, replace thousands of deficient transit vehicles, including buses, with clean, zero emission vehicles, and improve accessibility for the elderly and people with disabilities.Upgrade our nation’s airports and ports to strengthen our supply chains and prevent disruptions that have caused inflation. This will improve U.S. competitiveness, create more and better jobs at these hubs, and reduce emissions.&nbsp;Decades of neglect and underinvestment in our infrastructure have left the links in our goods movement supply chains struggling to keep up with our strong economic recovery from the pandemic. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal will make the fundamental changes that are long overdue for our nation’s ports and airports so this will not happen again. The United States built modern aviation, but our airports lag far behind our competitors. According to some rankings, no U.S. airports rank in the top 25 of airports worldwide. Our ports and waterways need repair and reimagination too.&nbsp;The legislation invests $17 billion in port infrastructure and waterways and $25 billion in airports to address repair and maintenance backlogs, reduce congestion and emissions near ports and airports, and drive electrification and other low-carbon technologies. Modern, resilient, and sustainable port, airport, and freight infrastructure will strengthen our supply chains and support U.S. competitiveness by removing bottlenecks and expediting commerce and reduce the environmental impact on neighboring communities.Make the largest investment in passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak.&nbsp;U.S. passenger rail lags behind the rest of the world in reliability, speed, and coverage. China already has 22,000 miles of high-speed rail, and is planning to double that by 2035. The legislation positions rail to play a central role in our transportation and economic future, investing $66 billion in additional rail funding to eliminate the Amtrak maintenance backlog, modernize the Northeast Corridor, and bring world-class rail service to areas outside the northeast and mid-Atlantic.&nbsp;This is the largest investment in passenger rail since Amtrak’s creation, 50 years ago and will create safe, efficient, and climate-friendly alternatives for moving people and freight.Build a national network of electric vehicle (EV) chargers.&nbsp;U.S. market share of plug-in EV sales is only one-third the size of the Chinese EV market. That needs to change. The legislation will invest $7.5 billion to build out a national network of EV chargers in the United States. This is a critical step in the President’s strategy to fight the climate crisis and it will create good U.S. manufacturing jobs. The legislation will provide funding for deployment of EV chargers along highway corridors to facilitate long-distance travel and within communities to provide convenient charging where people live, work, and shop. This investment will support the President’s goal of building a nationwide network of 500,000 EV chargers to accelerate the adoption of EVs, reduce emissions, improve air quality, and create good-paying jobs across the country.Upgrade our power infrastructure to deliver clean, reliable energy across the country and deploy cutting-edge energy technology to achieve a zero-emissions future.&nbsp;According to the Department of Energy, power outages cost the U.S. economy up to $70 billion annually. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal’s more than $65 billion investment includes the largest investment in clean energy transmission and grid in American history. It will upgrade our power infrastructure, by building thousands of miles of new, resilient transmission lines to facilitate the expansion of renewables and clean energy, while lowering costs. And it will fund new programs to support the development, demonstration, and deployment of cutting-edge clean energy technologies to accelerate our transition to a zero-emission economy.&nbsp; Make our infrastructure resilient against the impacts of climate change, cyber-attacks, and extreme weather events.&nbsp;Millions of Americans feel the effects of climate change each year when their roads wash out, power goes down, or schools get flooded. Last year alone, the United States faced 22 extreme weather and climate-related disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion each – a cumulative price tag of nearly $100 billion. People of color are more likely to live in areas most vulnerable to flooding and other climate change-related weather events.&nbsp;The legislation makes our communities safer and our infrastructure more resilient to the impacts of climate change and cyber-attacks, with an investment of over $50 billion to protect against droughts, heat, floods and wildfires, in addition to a major investment in weatherization. The legislation is the largest investment in the resilience of physical and natural systems in American history. Deliver the largest investment in tackling legacy pollution in American history by cleaning up Superfund and brownfield sites, reclaiming abandoned mines, and capping orphaned oil and gas wells.&nbsp;In thousands of rural and urban communities around the country, hundreds of thousands of former industrial and energy sites are now idle – sources of blight and pollution. Proximity to a Superfund site can lead to elevated levels of lead in children’s blood. The bill will invest $21 billion clean up Superfund and brownfield sites, reclaim abandoned mine land and cap orphaned oil and gas wells. These projects will remediate environmental harms, address the legacy pollution that harms the public health of communities, create good-paying union jobs, and advance long overdue environmental justice This investment will benefit communities of color as, it has been found that 26% of Black Americans and 29% of Hispanic Americans live within 3 miles of a Superfund site, a higher percentage than for Americans overall.

Details of $1T infrastructure bill Pres. Biden signs this week

SALINE COUNTY —A series of earthquakes continues in central Kansas. The U.S. Geological Survey reported two more quakes in Saline County early Monday.

Just before 12:30a.m., the U.S. Geological Survey reported&nbsp; a 2.6 magnitude quake southwest of Gypsum. Twenty-six minutes later, a 2.5 magnitude quake shook in the same area.

On Saturday, the agency reported a 2.2 magnitude quake near Gypsum and a 2.3 magnitude quake in Smith County. There are no reports of any damage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636383916137.png" alt="Location of the Monday morning quakes-USGS image" />
 <figcaption>Location of the Monday morning quakes-USGS image</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —A series of earthquakes continues in central Kansas. The U.S. Geological Survey reported two more quakes in Saline County early Monday.Just before 12:30a.m., the U.S. Geological Survey reported&nbsp; a 2.6 magnitude quake southwest of Gypsum. Twenty-six minutes later, a 2.5 magnitude quake shook in the same area.On Saturday, the agency reported a 2.2 magnitude quake near Gypsum and a 2.3 magnitude quake in Smith County. There are no reports of any damage.

USGS: Small earthquakes continue to shake north-central Kansas

By KEN CARPENTER <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>

GREAT BEND — Cheyenne 
Bottoms in northern Barton County is well known for an amazing variety 
of birds that live and migrate through the wetlands. The species of 
birds that can be seen&nbsp;there&nbsp;changes throughout the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Employees
 at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center keep track of the birds that 
are sighted at any given time. Curtis Wolf, the Center's director, said 
it is easy to find out what species are in the area.&nbsp;

"We do have a
 recent sightings&nbsp;list that we post on our website,” Wolf explained. 
“We’ll update it every couple of weeks&nbsp;usually just to give people an 
idea of the things that can be seen. That's a good way of figuring out a
 little&nbsp;bit&nbsp;about what’s there.”&nbsp;

A link to the Center's website can be found in this story on <a href="https://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu/">HERE</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The
 Education Center is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 
p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Mondays. Wolf 
says 30-minute and&nbsp;90-minute&nbsp;van tours of Cheyenne Bottoms are available
 to individuals or groups and have been a popular family activity this 
year.&nbsp;

By KEN CARPENTER <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>GREAT BEND — Cheyenne 
Bottoms in northern Barton County is well known for an amazing variety 
of birds that live and migrate through the wetlands. The species of 
birds that can be seen&nbsp;there&nbsp;changes throughout the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Employees
 at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center keep track of the birds that 
are sighted at any given time. Curtis Wolf, the Center's director, said 
it is easy to find out what species are in the area.&nbsp;"We do have a
 recent sightings&nbsp;list that we post on our website,” Wolf explained. 
“We’ll update it every couple of weeks&nbsp;usually just to give people an 
idea of the things that can be seen. That's a good way of figuring out a
 little&nbsp;bit&nbsp;about what’s there.”&nbsp;A link to the Center's website can be found in this story on <a href="https://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu/">HERE</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;The
 Education Center is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 
p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Mondays. Wolf 
says 30-minute and&nbsp;90-minute&nbsp;van tours of Cheyenne Bottoms are available
 to individuals or groups and have been a popular family activity this 
year.&nbsp;

How to find out what birds are visiting Cheyenne Bottoms 

KANSAS CITY(AP) — Authorities are investigating a homicide after a man was found dead in the parking lot of a Sonic restaurant in suburban Kansas City.

Police in Lee's Summit, Missouri, found the man after gunshots were reported in the area Saturday evening.&nbsp;He was identified as 51-year-old Randall Lord of Kansas City.

Police spokesman Sgt. Christopher Depue said witnesses reported hearing a loud disturbance between people in the parking lot before the shots were fired.

The suspect fled shortly before police arrived. Police declined to release a description of the suspect.

But the incident was captured on video by several witnesses and surveillance cameras in the parking lot. Depue said investigators are reviewing that video.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636379673175.png" alt="Photo courtesy KMBC TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMBC TV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY(AP) — Authorities are investigating a homicide after a man was found dead in the parking lot of a Sonic restaurant in suburban Kansas City.Police in Lee's Summit, Missouri, found the man after gunshots were reported in the area Saturday evening.&nbsp;He was identified as 51-year-old Randall Lord of Kansas City.Police spokesman Sgt. Christopher Depue said witnesses reported hearing a loud disturbance between people in the parking lot before the shots were fired.The suspect fled shortly before police arrived. Police declined to release a description of the suspect.But the incident was captured on video by several witnesses and surveillance cameras in the parking lot. Depue said investigators are reviewing that video.

Police ID man killed in parking lot of KC-area fast food restaurant  

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is pushing forward with a massive plan to require millions of private sector employees to get vaccinated by early next year. But first, he has to make sure workers in his own federal government get the shot.

About 4 million federal workers are to be vaccinated by Nov. 22 under the president’s executive order. Some employees, like those at the White House, are nearly all vaccinated. But the rates are lower at other federal agencies, particularly those related to law enforcement and intelligence, according to the agencies and union leaders. And some resistant workers are digging in, filing lawsuits and protesting what they say is unfair overreach by the White House.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-health-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-7e14906b91d1d97126ab60f652cb7b34">The upcoming deadline is the first test of Biden’s push&nbsp;</a>to compel people to get vaccinated. Beyond the federal worker rule, another mandate will take effect in January aimed at around 84 million private sector workers, according to guidelines put out this past week.

On Saturday, a federal appeals court in Louisiana&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/appeals-court-stays-vaccine-mandate-coronavirus-biden-b235b6fa858bd23b02ab5f9c009428db">temporarily halted the vaccine requirement&nbsp;</a>for businesses with 100 or more workers. The administration says it is confident that the requirement will withstand legal challenges in part because its safety rules preempt state laws.

“The president and the administration wouldn’t have put these requirements in place if they didn’t think that they were appropriate and necessary,” Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said Sunday on ABC’s “This Week.” “And the administration is certainly prepared to defend them.”

If the mandates are a success, they could make the most serious dent in new coronavirus cases since the vaccine first became available, especially with the news this past week that children ages 5-11 can get the shot making an additional 64 million people eligible.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-health-travel-army-9ae47e40bec45bf709b3bae7b8451a50">But with two weeks remaining until the federal worker&nbsp;</a>deadline, some leaders of unions representing the employees say that convincing the unvaccinated to change their mind is increasingly challenging.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632773278988.png" alt="About 4 million federal workers are to be vaccinated by Nov. 22 under the president’s executive order-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>About 4 million federal workers are to be vaccinated by Nov. 22 under the president’s executive order-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is pushing forward with a massive plan to require millions of private sector employees to get vaccinated by early next year. But first, he has to make sure workers in his own federal government get the shot.About 4 million federal workers are to be vaccinated by Nov. 22 under the president’s executive order. Some employees, like those at the White House, are nearly all vaccinated. But the rates are lower at other federal agencies, particularly those related to law enforcement and intelligence, according to the agencies and union leaders. And some resistant workers are digging in, filing lawsuits and protesting what they say is unfair overreach by the White House.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-health-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-7e14906b91d1d97126ab60f652cb7b34">The upcoming deadline is the first test of Biden’s push&nbsp;</a>to compel people to get vaccinated. Beyond the federal worker rule, another mandate will take effect in January aimed at around 84 million private sector workers, according to guidelines put out this past week.On Saturday, a federal appeals court in Louisiana&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/appeals-court-stays-vaccine-mandate-coronavirus-biden-b235b6fa858bd23b02ab5f9c009428db">temporarily halted the vaccine requirement&nbsp;</a>for businesses with 100 or more workers. The administration says it is confident that the requirement will withstand legal challenges in part because its safety rules preempt state laws.“The president and the administration wouldn’t have put these requirements in place if they didn’t think that they were appropriate and necessary,” Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said Sunday on ABC’s “This Week.” “And the administration is certainly prepared to defend them.”If the mandates are a success, they could make the most serious dent in new coronavirus cases since the vaccine first became available, especially with the news this past week that children ages 5-11 can get the shot making an additional 64 million people eligible.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-health-travel-army-9ae47e40bec45bf709b3bae7b8451a50">But with two weeks remaining until the federal worker&nbsp;</a>deadline, some leaders of unions representing the employees say that convincing the unvaccinated to change their mind is increasingly challenging.

Biden vaccine mandates face first test with federal workers

By Scott Edger&nbsp; Little Apple Post&nbsp;

At last Wednesday’s meeting of the Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Board of Education, the&nbsp;boiling&nbsp;debate over Manhattan High School’s Indian mascot&nbsp;spilled over the rim and onto the public burner once again.&nbsp;

BOE Vice President Kristin Brighton&nbsp;brought up the issue during the meeting, calling for continued discussion leading toward the&nbsp;“respectful retirement” of the&nbsp;MHS Indian name and imagery.&nbsp;

Brighton said she is for&nbsp;respectfully retiring the mascot&nbsp;and&nbsp;would like to see a museum-type display discussing the use of the historical&nbsp;mascot, but also noting&nbsp;that as social norms changed,&nbsp;the way we talk about and treat other cultures in the United States changed as well.&nbsp;

“Society&nbsp;is completely different than it was 80 years ago,” Brighton said.&nbsp;

In 2017, the board voted to change the mascot from the Indians to the Wolves, but the plan was scrapped following heated opposition, with MHS ultimately removing Indian imagery from athletic uniforms and the football field logo.&nbsp;

Officials elected to retain the various large Native American “Chief” depictions on campus and decorating walls within the existing high school facility.&nbsp;

Brighton&nbsp;noted that as a marketing professional, “If a client says they are not using their logo because it's embarrassing&nbsp;or it's out-of-date, I tell them it's time for a new brand,” she said.&nbsp;

“I believe that the Manhattan High School brand needs an overhaul for 2022.”&nbsp;

While contemporary society reconsiders the&nbsp;historic&nbsp;treatment&nbsp;and current&nbsp;sensibilities of largely ignored peoples,&nbsp;the Manhattan community seems positioned in opposing trench lines.&nbsp;

Opponents of native imagery say that at&nbsp;a time&nbsp;of&nbsp;mass&nbsp;efforts to&nbsp;improve&nbsp;cultural&nbsp;awareness&nbsp;of&nbsp;myriad&nbsp;racial&nbsp;and&nbsp;ethnic&nbsp;groups,&nbsp;Indigenous&nbsp;peoples are all but forgotten.&nbsp;

Board member Brandy Santos was unable to attend Wednesday’s meeting, but said she is not a proponent of changing the mascot name or removing native images.&nbsp;

“I don't see it&nbsp;as disparaging and I'm not of the opinion that we should change anything,” she said.&nbsp;

Santos said that the imagery is meant to pay tribute to Native Americans, and naming a team&nbsp;the&nbsp;“Indians” is a matter of honor.&nbsp;

“When I hear the word&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;I don’t think of it as a word that reflects warriors and fighting,” she said. “I think of a good people who were here before my some of my own&nbsp;ancestors, people who persevered and had a positive influence.”&nbsp;

Santos points to the placement of a statue depicting a Kansa warrior on top of the capitol building in Topeka as indicative of the high regard in which native history and contributions are held.&nbsp;

“It’s our job to teach students that respect and honor,” she said.&nbsp;

Santos is open to discussions about the&nbsp;mascot .&nbsp;

“I would sit down and talk about it, but I’m not going to blindly vote&nbsp;to remove these images because somebody is offended,” she said.&nbsp;

Santos said that the solution is not erasing history.&nbsp;“We’ve got to come up with something better than that,” she said.&nbsp;

By contemporary social justice standards, the issue is not whether or not the use of native images is embracing and honoring Indigenous culture, but rather how it reinforces antiquated notions and whether or not Indigenous people want to be embraced and honored in that manner in the first place.&nbsp;

Dr. Alex&nbsp;Red Corn is an assistant professor at Kansas State University and co-chair of the K-State Indigenous Faculty and Staff Alliance.&nbsp;

Red Corn acknowledged the purported honor&nbsp;and respect&nbsp;bestowed on Indigenous populations with the portrayals.&nbsp;

“That’s a&nbsp;sticking point in a lot of communities,” Red Corn said. In the&nbsp;larger picture, Red Corn said that people are inundated with a&nbsp;“stuck-in-the-past" imagery of American Indians.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It's not just a mascot problem,” Red Corn said. “It’s&nbsp;all over the place, it's a media problem, and it's also a curriculum problem. The conversation isn't just about the images, it's about the collection of imagery and stereotypes that we are exposed to.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

He noted that when student&nbsp;go through an institution all of their learning is based on the textbooks,&nbsp;standards, and&nbsp;curriculum available that outdated stereotypes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“They don't have a modern, nuanced understanding of who American Indians are in the present,” Red Corn said. “Mascots are just one of a handful of things that are propping up these stereotypes.&nbsp;

Redcorn&nbsp;noted that Wichita North Atchison and Shawnee Mission North made changes after examining district policies and determining that using the mascots violated&nbsp;their own guidelines.&nbsp;

According to Red Corn,&nbsp;we are propping up&nbsp;the old&nbsp;stereotypes in state&nbsp;curriculum and textbook&nbsp;choices&nbsp;and modifying&nbsp;their curriculum to learn about the four tribes of Kansas in their&nbsp;modern context, and exposure to contemporary native authors.&nbsp;

“This helps paint a more accurate picture of who American Indian people are in the modern context,” Red Corn said,&nbsp;“because we all inherited this awkward and entangled history.&nbsp;

“The productive thing would to be focus on what does that look like now, and&nbsp;engage&nbsp;and&nbsp;expose our students to current Native&nbsp;issues so that when they go out in the world and they meet in American Indian they are operating from a better understanding of who that person is and not relying&nbsp;on an image of a&nbsp;stuck-in-the-past, feather-wearing people that does not&nbsp;exist in the present.”&nbsp;

By Scott Edger&nbsp; Little Apple Post&nbsp;At last Wednesday’s meeting of the Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Board of Education, the&nbsp;boiling&nbsp;debate over Manhattan High School’s Indian mascot&nbsp;spilled over the rim and onto the public burner once again.&nbsp;BOE Vice President Kristin Brighton&nbsp;brought up the issue during the meeting, calling for continued discussion leading toward the&nbsp;“respectful retirement” of the&nbsp;MHS Indian name and imagery.&nbsp;Brighton said she is for&nbsp;respectfully retiring the mascot&nbsp;and&nbsp;would like to see a museum-type display discussing the use of the historical&nbsp;mascot, but also noting&nbsp;that as social norms changed,&nbsp;the way we talk about and treat other cultures in the United States changed as well.&nbsp;“Society&nbsp;is completely different than it was 80 years ago,” Brighton said.&nbsp;In 2017, the board voted to change the mascot from the Indians to the Wolves, but the plan was scrapped following heated opposition, with MHS ultimately removing Indian imagery from athletic uniforms and the football field logo.&nbsp;Officials elected to retain the various large Native American “Chief” depictions on campus and decorating walls within the existing high school facility.&nbsp;Brighton&nbsp;noted that as a marketing professional, “If a client says they are not using their logo because it's embarrassing&nbsp;or it's out-of-date, I tell them it's time for a new brand,” she said.&nbsp;“I believe that the Manhattan High School brand needs an overhaul for 2022.”&nbsp;While contemporary society reconsiders the&nbsp;historic&nbsp;treatment&nbsp;and current&nbsp;sensibilities of largely ignored peoples,&nbsp;the Manhattan community seems positioned in opposing trench lines.&nbsp;Opponents of native imagery say that at&nbsp;a time&nbsp;of&nbsp;mass&nbsp;efforts to&nbsp;improve&nbsp;cultural&nbsp;awareness&nbsp;of&nbsp;myriad&nbsp;racial&nbsp;and&nbsp;ethnic&nbsp;groups,&nbsp;Indigenous&nbsp;peoples are all but forgotten.&nbsp;Board member Brandy Santos was unable to attend Wednesday’s meeting, but said she is not a proponent of changing the mascot name or removing native images.&nbsp;“I don't see it&nbsp;as disparaging and I'm not of the opinion that we should change anything,” she said.&nbsp;Santos said that the imagery is meant to pay tribute to Native Americans, and naming a team&nbsp;the&nbsp;“Indians” is a matter of honor.&nbsp;“When I hear the word&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;I don’t think of it as a word that reflects warriors and fighting,” she said. “I think of a good people who were here before my some of my own&nbsp;ancestors, people who persevered and had a positive influence.”&nbsp;Santos points to the placement of a statue depicting a Kansa warrior on top of the capitol building in Topeka as indicative of the high regard in which native history and contributions are held.&nbsp;“It’s our job to teach students that respect and honor,” she said.&nbsp;Santos is open to discussions about the&nbsp;mascot .&nbsp;“I would sit down and talk about it, but I’m not going to blindly vote&nbsp;to remove these images because somebody is offended,” she said.&nbsp;Santos said that the solution is not erasing history.&nbsp;“We’ve got to come up with something better than that,” she said.&nbsp;By contemporary social justice standards, the issue is not whether or not the use of native images is embracing and honoring Indigenous culture, but rather how it reinforces antiquated notions and whether or not Indigenous people want to be embraced and honored in that manner in the first place.&nbsp;Dr. Alex&nbsp;Red Corn is an assistant professor at Kansas State University and co-chair of the K-State Indigenous Faculty and Staff Alliance.&nbsp;Red Corn acknowledged the purported honor&nbsp;and respect&nbsp;bestowed on Indigenous populations with the portrayals.&nbsp;“That’s a&nbsp;sticking point in a lot of communities,” Red Corn said. In the&nbsp;larger picture, Red Corn said that people are inundated with a&nbsp;“stuck-in-the-past" imagery of American Indians.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It's not just a mascot problem,” Red Corn said. “It’s&nbsp;all over the place, it's a media problem, and it's also a curriculum problem. The conversation isn't just about the images, it's about the collection of imagery and stereotypes that we are exposed to.”&nbsp;&nbsp;He noted that when student&nbsp;go through an institution all of their learning is based on the textbooks,&nbsp;standards, and&nbsp;curriculum available that outdated stereotypes.&nbsp;&nbsp;“They don't have a modern, nuanced understanding of who American Indians are in the present,” Red Corn said. “Mascots are just one of a handful of things that are propping up these stereotypes.&nbsp;Redcorn&nbsp;noted that Wichita North Atchison and Shawnee Mission North made changes after examining district policies and determining that using the mascots violated&nbsp;their own guidelines.&nbsp;According to Red Corn,&nbsp;we are propping up&nbsp;the old&nbsp;stereotypes in state&nbsp;curriculum and textbook&nbsp;choices&nbsp;and modifying&nbsp;their curriculum to learn about the four tribes of Kansas in their&nbsp;modern context, and exposure to contemporary native authors.&nbsp;“This helps paint a more accurate picture of who American Indian people are in the modern context,” Red Corn said,&nbsp;“because we all inherited this awkward and entangled history.&nbsp;“The productive thing would to be focus on what does that look like now, and&nbsp;engage&nbsp;and&nbsp;expose our students to current Native&nbsp;issues so that when they go out in the world and they meet in American Indian they are operating from a better understanding of who that person is and not relying&nbsp;on an image of a&nbsp;stuck-in-the-past, feather-wearing people that does not&nbsp;exist in the present.”&nbsp;

School mascot debate boiling again in Manhattan

BOURBON COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Sunday in Bourbon County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Cadillac DTS driven by Nelson T. Blythe, 27, Uniontown, Kan., was eastbound on U.S. 54 two miles east of Kansas Highway 3. The car struck a black cow.

EMS transported a passenger Euna K.Blythe, 28, Uniontown, to KU Medical Center. The driver was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

BOURBON COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Sunday in Bourbon County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Cadillac DTS driven by Nelson T. Blythe, 27, Uniontown, Kan., was eastbound on U.S. 54 two miles east of Kansas Highway 3. The car struck a black cow.EMS transported a passenger Euna K.Blythe, 28, Uniontown, to KU Medical Center. The driver was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman seriously injured after car strikes a cow

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Sunday morning shooting in Osage County.

Just after 1a.m. Sunday, the Osage County Communications Center received 911 call of shots being fired at a vehicle that had stopped at 165th and South Osage Road, northwest of Burlingame, according to the sheriff's department.

Deputies along with a Burlingame Police Officer responded to the scene. While searching the area, several more shots were fired toward law enforcement. 

A Kansas Highway Patrol helicopter and an Osage County K9 unit responded to the scene to assist. After an extensive search, deputies did not locate those responsible.&nbsp;

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact the Osage County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit.

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Sunday morning shooting in Osage County.Just after 1a.m. Sunday, the Osage County Communications Center received 911 call of shots being fired at a vehicle that had stopped at 165th and South Osage Road, northwest of Burlingame, according to the sheriff's department.Deputies along with a Burlingame Police Officer responded to the scene. While searching the area, several more shots were fired toward law enforcement. A Kansas Highway Patrol helicopter and an Osage County K9 unit responded to the scene to assist. After an extensive search, deputies did not locate those responsible.&nbsp;Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact the Osage County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit.

Sheriff asks for help to ID suspect who shot at Kansas deputies 

The Federal Trade Commission obtained an <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/2-1.pdf">order</a>&nbsp;permanently
 banning a payment processor that facilitated a fraudulent student loan 
debt relief scheme from processing debt relief payments.&nbsp; The order also
 requires the company and its owner to surrender $500,000 to the FTC for
 consumer redress.

The FTC’s <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/complaint_7.pdf">complaint</a>&nbsp;against
 Automatic Funds Transfer Services, Inc. (AFTS) and its owner, Eric 
Johnson, alleges that AFTS processed at least $31 million in consumer 
payments for <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/07/ftc-stops-student-loan-debt-relief-scheme-charges-operators">a fraudulent student loan debt relief scheme</a> sued by the FTC in 2019. The debt relief scheme used numerous names, including The Student Loan Group (SLG).

“Firms
 that facilitate fraud—especially against struggling student 
borrowers—need to pay a price,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the 
FTC’s Consumer Protection Bureau. “Many of these firms may operate in 
the background, but they’re very much in our sights.”

AFTS and 
Johnson processed payments from tens of thousands of consumers deceived 
by SLG into paying illegal upfront fees with false promises to lower the
 consumers’ monthly student loan payments. The complaint cites 
correspondence showing that AFTS and Johnson were aware of numerous 
issues with the scheme.

The FTC alleges that the company and 
Johnson received complaints from, among others, consumers and banks; 
were aware that SLG had high return rates and was collecting illegal 
upfront fees from consumers; and knew that SLG kept changing company and
 brand names to, among other reasons, mitigate negative publicity. 
Despite numerous warning signs, AFTS and Johnson continued processing 
consumer payments for SLG right until the scheme was ultimately shut 
down following an enforcement action by the FTC.

The settlement 
permanently prohibits AFTS and Johnson from processing payments for debt
 relief or student loan companies. They will also be prohibited from 
processing payments indirectly for any merchant that does not have a 
signed contract with AFTS, and will be required to apply enhanced 
screening and monitoring of certain high risk clients to ensure such 
clients are not operating illegally.

The settlement includes a 
monetary judgment of $27,584,969, which is largely suspended due to an 
inability to pay. AFTS and Johnson will be required to surrender 
$500,000 to the FTC, and if they are found to have misrepresented their 
financial status, the full amount of the judgment would be immediately 
due.

The Commission vote authorizing the staff to file the 
complaint and stipulated final order was 4-0. The FTC filed the 
complaint and final order in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

NOTE: The
 Commission files a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the 
named defendants are violating or are about to violate the law and it 
appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. 
Stipulated final orders have the force of law when approved and signed 
by the District Court judge.

The Federal Trade Commission works to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-competition">promote competition</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">stop deceptive and unfair business practices and scams</a>, and <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/">educate consumers</a>. Report fraud, scams, or bad business practices at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Get consumer advice at <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/">consumer.ftc.gov</a>. Also, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/social-media">follow the FTC on social media</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a>, and read the FTC’s <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe Federal Trade Commission obtained an <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/2-1.pdf">order</a>&nbsp;permanently
 banning a payment processor that facilitated a fraudulent student loan 
debt relief scheme from processing debt relief payments.&nbsp; The order also
 requires the company and its owner to surrender $500,000 to the FTC for
 consumer redress.The FTC’s <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/complaint_7.pdf">complaint</a>&nbsp;against
 Automatic Funds Transfer Services, Inc. (AFTS) and its owner, Eric 
Johnson, alleges that AFTS processed at least $31 million in consumer 
payments for <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/07/ftc-stops-student-loan-debt-relief-scheme-charges-operators">a fraudulent student loan debt relief scheme</a> sued by the FTC in 2019. The debt relief scheme used numerous names, including The Student Loan Group (SLG).“Firms
 that facilitate fraud—especially against struggling student 
borrowers—need to pay a price,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the 
FTC’s Consumer Protection Bureau. “Many of these firms may operate in 
the background, but they’re very much in our sights.”AFTS and 
Johnson processed payments from tens of thousands of consumers deceived 
by SLG into paying illegal upfront fees with false promises to lower the
 consumers’ monthly student loan payments. The complaint cites 
correspondence showing that AFTS and Johnson were aware of numerous 
issues with the scheme.The FTC alleges that the company and 
Johnson received complaints from, among others, consumers and banks; 
were aware that SLG had high return rates and was collecting illegal 
upfront fees from consumers; and knew that SLG kept changing company and
 brand names to, among other reasons, mitigate negative publicity. 
Despite numerous warning signs, AFTS and Johnson continued processing 
consumer payments for SLG right until the scheme was ultimately shut 
down following an enforcement action by the FTC.The settlement 
permanently prohibits AFTS and Johnson from processing payments for debt
 relief or student loan companies. They will also be prohibited from 
processing payments indirectly for any merchant that does not have a 
signed contract with AFTS, and will be required to apply enhanced 
screening and monitoring of certain high risk clients to ensure such 
clients are not operating illegally.The settlement includes a 
monetary judgment of $27,584,969, which is largely suspended due to an 
inability to pay. AFTS and Johnson will be required to surrender 
$500,000 to the FTC, and if they are found to have misrepresented their 
financial status, the full amount of the judgment would be immediately 
due.The Commission vote authorizing the staff to file the 
complaint and stipulated final order was 4-0. The FTC filed the 
complaint and final order in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.NOTE: The
 Commission files a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the 
named defendants are violating or are about to violate the law and it 
appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. 
Stipulated final orders have the force of law when approved and signed 
by the District Court judge.The Federal Trade Commission works to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-competition">promote competition</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">stop deceptive and unfair business practices and scams</a>, and <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/">educate consumers</a>. Report fraud, scams, or bad business practices at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Get consumer advice at <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/">consumer.ftc.gov</a>. Also, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/social-media">follow the FTC on social media</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a>, and read the FTC’s <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>.

FTC: Company processed millions in payments in student debt relief scheme 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire that did damage to several homes in Topeka.

Just before 4:00 PM, fire crews responded to a house fire at 1271 S.W. Western Avenue, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison. As they arrived, fire crews observed heavy fire and smoke present at the rear of the residence and spreading rapidly to the adjacent structures. 

A search of this residence revealed that it was vacant at the time of the incident. The fire was extinguished at 1271 S.W. Western Ave. but not before 1269 S.W. Western Ave. and 1275 S.W. Western Ave. sustained exterior siding fire damage. Estimated total damage is listed at $38,000, according to Harrison.

1271 S.W. Western Ave. sustained an estimated $32,000 to the structure and no contents loss. 1269 S.W. Western Ave. sustained an estimated $2,500 structural damage and no contents loss. 1275 S.W. Western Ave. sustained an estimated $3,500 structural damage, no contents loss.

Fire investigators did not find working smoke detectors in the home. Anyone with information on the fire is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (785) 234-0007 or Toll Free at 1-800-222 TIPS (8477).

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire that did damage to several homes in Topeka.Just before 4:00 PM, fire crews responded to a house fire at 1271 S.W. Western Avenue, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison. As they arrived, fire crews observed heavy fire and smoke present at the rear of the residence and spreading rapidly to the adjacent structures. A search of this residence revealed that it was vacant at the time of the incident. The fire was extinguished at 1271 S.W. Western Ave. but not before 1269 S.W. Western Ave. and 1275 S.W. Western Ave. sustained exterior siding fire damage. Estimated total damage is listed at $38,000, according to Harrison.1271 S.W. Western Ave. sustained an estimated $32,000 to the structure and no contents loss. 1269 S.W. Western Ave. sustained an estimated $2,500 structural damage and no contents loss. 1275 S.W. Western Ave. sustained an estimated $3,500 structural damage, no contents loss.Fire investigators did not find working smoke detectors in the home. Anyone with information on the fire is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (785) 234-0007 or Toll Free at 1-800-222 TIPS (8477).

Kansas house fire spreads to neighbor's homes

BBB is receiving several reports from seniors reporting that they are receiving <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21903-scam-alert-mandatory-covid-19-test-texts-are-a-scam" target="_blank">text messages from scammers</a>
 posing as the U.S. Department of Health, about taking a mandatory 
online COVID-19 test in order to receive the recently approved stimulus 
payment. Others are receiving emails stating they qualify for a payment 
and to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21774-scam-alert-government-relief-checks-trigger-latest-coronavirus-scam" target="_blank">click on a link to claim a check</a>.
 During this time of uncertainty, it is the ideal time for a scammer to 
prey on fear. The bottom-line is don’t respond to a text, email or phone
 call from a sender that is unfamiliar, even if it looks official or 
from a respected agency.

These schemes often manifest as someone impersonating a respected 
agency or government entity, like the Social Security Administration or 
police, insisting a potential victim act immediately or face 
consequences. In fact, a <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21781-coronavirus-creates-perfect-storm-for-scammers" target="_blank">research report</a>
 released by the Better Business Bureau, FINRA Investor Education 
Foundation, and the Stanford Center on Longevity found that the top 
reason people said they lose money was because the scammer “seemed 
official.”

Seniors aged 65 and over reported losing a median of $350 last year 
when falling victim to a scam – which is more than double the loss 
across all age groups ($160). However, seniors 65 and older are more 
likely to walk away from a scam and avoid financial loss, with one in 
four seniors reporting a loss this past year (versus one in three across
 all ages).

With the current coronavirus pandemic, scammers will constantly 
change their tactics to catch people off guard. Here are some tips for 
seniors to protect against scams:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Better Business BureauBBB is receiving several reports from seniors reporting that they are receiving <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21903-scam-alert-mandatory-covid-19-test-texts-are-a-scam" target="_blank">text messages from scammers</a>
 posing as the U.S. Department of Health, about taking a mandatory 
online COVID-19 test in order to receive the recently approved stimulus 
payment. Others are receiving emails stating they qualify for a payment 
and to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21774-scam-alert-government-relief-checks-trigger-latest-coronavirus-scam" target="_blank">click on a link to claim a check</a>.
 During this time of uncertainty, it is the ideal time for a scammer to 
prey on fear. The bottom-line is don’t respond to a text, email or phone
 call from a sender that is unfamiliar, even if it looks official or 
from a respected agency.These schemes often manifest as someone impersonating a respected 
agency or government entity, like the Social Security Administration or 
police, insisting a potential victim act immediately or face 
consequences. In fact, a <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21781-coronavirus-creates-perfect-storm-for-scammers" target="_blank">research report</a>
 released by the Better Business Bureau, FINRA Investor Education 
Foundation, and the Stanford Center on Longevity found that the top 
reason people said they lose money was because the scammer “seemed 
official.”Seniors aged 65 and over reported losing a median of $350 last year 
when falling victim to a scam – which is more than double the loss 
across all age groups ($160). However, seniors 65 and older are more 
likely to walk away from a scam and avoid financial loss, with one in 
four seniors reporting a loss this past year (versus one in three across
 all ages).With the current coronavirus pandemic, scammers will constantly 
change their tactics to catch people off guard. Here are some tips for 
seniors to protect against scams:<ul>
 <li>Don’t be afraid to contact someone. Reach out to a 
family member, neighbor, or a company or organization you trust for 
advice. Research shows that individuals that are living alone, widowed, 
or those feeling isolated from others are more likely to engage with and
 lose money to scammers. If a scammer tries to keep you on the phone or 
rush you to a decision, hang up and ask someone for advice. </li><li>Avoid “miracle” product claims that can protect you
 or your home from disease. Companies targeting older consumers with 
products and services claiming to protect from diseases like COVID-19 
are shams without a proven cure. Don’t just believe testimonials on a 
company’s website; instead, research the company and product through 
trusted organizations like the <a href="https://www.bbb.org">Better Business Bureau</a>. </li><li>Be wary of offers sounding too good to be true. 
They won’t help you get ahead. Scammers look for individuals looking to 
“catch up” or “get ahead” financially, and if your retirement was 
affected by the market's ups and downs – don’t panic. Periods of high 
emotion are rarely the right time to re-evaluate your financial future. 
Instead, take a deep breath and contact a trustworthy broker or <a href="http://www.bbb.org/near-me/financial-planning-consultants" target="_blank">financial advisor</a>. </li><li>Be smart and aware. Knowing about the scams out 
there significantly reduces the likelihood of financial loss. When 
someone contacts you about an “amazing opportunity,” it’s easier to 
separate fact from fiction.</li>
 </ul>Learn more about COVID-19 scams at <a href="https://www.BBB.org/coronavirus" target="_blank">BBB.org/coronavirus</a>, and review reports from other consumers at <a href="https://www.BBB.org/ScamTracker" target="_blank">BBB.org/ScamTracker.</a> You can help protect your friends and family by passing on what you’ve learned!Cover image courtesy Pixabay