TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 244 to a total of 315,099, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 16 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5,100.

<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.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 244 to a total of 315,099, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 16 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5,100.<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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623085602584.png" alt="Monday June 7, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday June 7, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: COVID-19 deaths in Kansas at 5,100 

CAMDEN COUNTY —An 8-year-old Missouri boy died in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Saturday on Lake of the Ozarks.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a propeller from a 2017 Playcraft Tritoon driven by 34-year-old Timmy Isaac of Waynesville struck his 8-year-old son as the boy was exiting the rear of the boat.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home in Camdenton. 

The accident occurred at the six mile mark of Glaize arm.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details early Monday.

CAMDEN COUNTY —An 8-year-old Missouri boy died in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Saturday on Lake of the Ozarks.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a propeller from a 2017 Playcraft Tritoon driven by 34-year-old Timmy Isaac of Waynesville struck his 8-year-old son as the boy was exiting the rear of the boat.He was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home in Camdenton. The accident occurred at the six mile mark of Glaize arm.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details early Monday.

8-year-old killed by boat propeller on Lake of the Ozarks

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have identified the man killed in a motorcycle, tractor-trailer crash early Friday morning west of Solomon as&nbsp;Jesus Martinez, 29, of Salina.

Just before 6:30a.m., a 2022 Volvo tractor pulling a 53-foot trailer and belonging to Great Plains Trucking was westbound on Old Highway 40, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.

The driver, Patrick Heer, 39, of Minneapolis, was attempting to make a left turn onto North Donmyer Road and did not see an eastbound 2003 Yamaha motorcycle driven by Martinez until he was into the turn. Heer told deputies that there was glare in the mirror from the sun.

Martinez was not able to stop in time. The motorcycle struck the rear of the tractor and was destroyed, according to Soldan.

Martinez was pronounced dead at the scene. Heer was cited for failure to yield when making a left turn, according to Soldan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623079169930.jpeg" alt="The&nbsp;2003 Yamaha motorcycle, foreground, was destroyed and its driver, Jesus Martinez, killed Friday morning on Old Highway 40 west of Solomon-Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>The&nbsp;2003 Yamaha motorcycle, foreground, was destroyed and its driver, Jesus Martinez, killed Friday morning on Old Highway 40 west of Solomon-Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have identified the man killed in a motorcycle, tractor-trailer crash early Friday morning west of Solomon as&nbsp;Jesus Martinez, 29, of Salina.Just before 6:30a.m., a 2022 Volvo tractor pulling a 53-foot trailer and belonging to Great Plains Trucking was westbound on Old Highway 40, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.The driver, Patrick Heer, 39, of Minneapolis, was attempting to make a left turn onto North Donmyer Road and did not see an eastbound 2003 Yamaha motorcycle driven by Martinez until he was into the turn. Heer told deputies that there was glare in the mirror from the sun.Martinez was not able to stop in time. The motorcycle struck the rear of the tractor and was destroyed, according to Soldan.Martinez was pronounced dead at the scene. Heer was cited for failure to yield when making a left turn, according to Soldan.

Semi driver cited in crash that killed Kan. motorcycle rider

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the fatal shooting on May 27 of 49-year-old Aaron D. Shepherd outside a Topeka home have made an arrest.

On Sunday, police identified two suspects and through the continued investigation, officers found the suspects through a pedestrian stop and a search warrant, according to Police Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

Police took the suspects identified as Brandon Croskey, 30 and Jeremy Volle, 34, both of Topeka, to the Topeka Police Department and later they were transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.&nbsp;

Croskey is being held on a requested charges of murder in the first degree; in the commission of a felony. Volle is being held on a requested charge for murder in the first degree; intentional and premeditated and&nbsp;Criminal possession of weapon by felon, according to Monasmith.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as&nbsp;Aaron D. Shepherd, 49 of Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

Just before 5a.m. Thursday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 1200 Block SW 17th Street in Topeka, according to Lt. John Sturgeon.

At the scene, officer found Shepherd with a gunshot wound.&nbsp; Emergency crews transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to Sturgeon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622125588529.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation on the morning of May 27 -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation on the morning of May 27 -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the fatal shooting on May 27 of 49-year-old Aaron D. Shepherd outside a Topeka home have made an arrest.On Sunday, police identified two suspects and through the continued investigation, officers found the suspects through a pedestrian stop and a search warrant, according to Police Lt. Jerry Monasmith.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623061909148.png" alt="Volle-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Volle-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police took the suspects identified as Brandon Croskey, 30 and Jeremy Volle, 34, both of Topeka, to the Topeka Police Department and later they were transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623062029517.png" alt="Croskey-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Croskey-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Croskey is being held on a requested charges of murder in the first degree; in the commission of a felony. Volle is being held on a requested charge for murder in the first degree; intentional and premeditated and&nbsp;Criminal possession of weapon by felon, according to Monasmith.-----------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as&nbsp;Aaron D. Shepherd, 49 of Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.Just before 5a.m. Thursday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 1200 Block SW 17th Street in Topeka, according to Lt. John Sturgeon.At the scene, officer found Shepherd with a gunshot wound.&nbsp; Emergency crews transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to Sturgeon.----------

Police capture 2 suspects in Kan. man's shooting death

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court says it won’t take up a case that asked it to decide whether it’s sex discrimination for the government to require only men to register for the draft when they turn 18. In a statement on Monday, three justices said Congress is weighing whether to change the Military Selective Service Act, which requires men but not women to register for the draft. 

They said that was a reason for the court not to take the case. The question of whether it’s unconstitutional to require men but not women to register could be viewed as one with little practical impact. The last time there was a draft was during the Vietnam War, and the military has been all-volunteer since.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is being asked to decide whether it’s sex discrimination for the government to require only men to register for the draft when they turn 18.

The question of whether it’s unconstitutional to require men but not women to register could be viewed as one with little practical impact. The last time there was a draft was during the Vietnam War, and the military has been all-volunteer since. But the registration requirement is one of the few remaining places where federal law treats men and women differently, and women’s groups are among those arguing that allowing it to stand is harmful.

The justices could say as soon as Monday whether they will hear&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/20/20-928/165657/20210108100535699_NCFM%20Petition%20-%20Final.pdf" target="_blank">a case</a>&nbsp;involving the Military Selective Service Act, which requires men to register for the draft.

Ria Tabacco Mar, the director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Women’s Rights Project, who is urging the court to take up the issue, says requiring men to register imposes a “serious burden on men that’s not being imposed on women.”

Men who do not&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sss.gov/" target="_blank">register&nbsp;</a>can lose eligibility for student loans and civil service jobs, and failing to register is also a felony punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 and five years in prison. But Tabacco Mar says the male-only requirement does more than that.

“It’s also sending a tremendously harmful message that women are less fit than men to serve their country in this particular way and conversely that men are less fit than women to stay home as caregivers in the event of an armed conflict. We think those stereotypes demean both men and women,” she said.

Even if the draft is never used again, retaining the men-only requirement sends a “really damaging message,” said Tabacco Mar, who represents the National Coalition For Men and two individual men challenging the law

A group of retired senior military officers and the National Organization for Women Foundation are among the others urging the court to take the case.

If the court agrees to hear the case, it wouldn’t be deciding whether women have to register, just whether the current system is constitutional. If it isn’t, then it would then be up to Congress to decide how to respond, either by passing a law requiring everyone to register or deciding registration is no longer necessary.

The issue of who has to register for the draft has been to the court before. In 1981, the court voted 6-3 to uphold the men-only registration requirement. At the time, the decision was something of an outlier because the court was regularly invalidating gender-based distinctions in cases about other areas of the law. Many of those cases were brought by the founding director of the ACLU’s Women’s Rights Project, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who became a justice in 1993.

The last time the high court considered the Military Selective Service Act, then-Justice William Rehnquist explained that the purpose of registration “was to prepare for a draft of combat troops.” He said that because women could not serve in combat, the law was not unlawful sex discrimination that violated the Constitution.

But military policy has changed. In 2013, the Department of Defense lifted the ban on women serving in combat. Two years later, the department said all military roles would be open to women without exception.

Just last year, a congressional commission concluded that the “time is right” to extend the obligation to register to women. “The current disparate treatment of women unacceptably excludes women from a fundamental civic obligation and reinforces gender stereotypes about the role of women, undermining national security,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inspire2serve.gov/sites/default/files/final-report/Final%20Report.pdf" target="_blank">the commission said in a report.</a>

The Biden administration is urging the justices not to take the case and to let Congress instead tackle the issue. Administration lawyers wrote in a brief that any “reconsideration of the constitutionality of the male-only registration requirement ... would be premature at this time” because Congress is “actively considering” the issue.

The Selective Service System, the agency that oversees registration, said in a statement that it doesn’t comment on pending litigation but that it is “capable of performing whatever mission Congress should mandate.”

If the court agrees to take the case, arguments wouldn’t happen until the fall at the earliest, after the court’s summer break. The court already has high-profile cases awaiting it then. They include a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-15-week-ban-5d066a9dc0030a4f8297711f341c9f5a">major challenge to abortion rights</a>&nbsp;and an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-guns-public-new-york-be5e3fe54da4eb3b9ca2337665974716">appeal to expand gun rights</a>.

The case about the draft is National Coalition For Men v. Selective Service System, 20-928.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622989198772.png" alt="The last time there was a draft was during the Vietnam War, and the military has been all-volunteer since.-photo courtesy U.S. Army Human Resources Command" />
 <figcaption>The last time there was a draft was during the Vietnam War, and the military has been all-volunteer since.-photo courtesy U.S. Army Human Resources Command</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court says it won’t take up a case that asked it to decide whether it’s sex discrimination for the government to require only men to register for the draft when they turn 18. In a statement on Monday, three justices said Congress is weighing whether to change the Military Selective Service Act, which requires men but not women to register for the draft. They said that was a reason for the court not to take the case. The question of whether it’s unconstitutional to require men but not women to register could be viewed as one with little practical impact. The last time there was a draft was during the Vietnam War, and the military has been all-volunteer since.---------WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is being asked to decide whether it’s sex discrimination for the government to require only men to register for the draft when they turn 18.The question of whether it’s unconstitutional to require men but not women to register could be viewed as one with little practical impact. The last time there was a draft was during the Vietnam War, and the military has been all-volunteer since. But the registration requirement is one of the few remaining places where federal law treats men and women differently, and women’s groups are among those arguing that allowing it to stand is harmful.The justices could say as soon as Monday whether they will hear&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/20/20-928/165657/20210108100535699_NCFM%20Petition%20-%20Final.pdf" target="_blank">a case</a>&nbsp;involving the Military Selective Service Act, which requires men to register for the draft.Ria Tabacco Mar, the director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Women’s Rights Project, who is urging the court to take up the issue, says requiring men to register imposes a “serious burden on men that’s not being imposed on women.”Men who do not&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sss.gov/" target="_blank">register&nbsp;</a>can lose eligibility for student loans and civil service jobs, and failing to register is also a felony punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 and five years in prison. But Tabacco Mar says the male-only requirement does more than that.“It’s also sending a tremendously harmful message that women are less fit than men to serve their country in this particular way and conversely that men are less fit than women to stay home as caregivers in the event of an armed conflict. We think those stereotypes demean both men and women,” she said.Even if the draft is never used again, retaining the men-only requirement sends a “really damaging message,” said Tabacco Mar, who represents the National Coalition For Men and two individual men challenging the lawA group of retired senior military officers and the National Organization for Women Foundation are among the others urging the court to take the case.If the court agrees to hear the case, it wouldn’t be deciding whether women have to register, just whether the current system is constitutional. If it isn’t, then it would then be up to Congress to decide how to respond, either by passing a law requiring everyone to register or deciding registration is no longer necessary.The issue of who has to register for the draft has been to the court before. In 1981, the court voted 6-3 to uphold the men-only registration requirement. At the time, the decision was something of an outlier because the court was regularly invalidating gender-based distinctions in cases about other areas of the law. Many of those cases were brought by the founding director of the ACLU’s Women’s Rights Project, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who became a justice in 1993.The last time the high court considered the Military Selective Service Act, then-Justice William Rehnquist explained that the purpose of registration “was to prepare for a draft of combat troops.” He said that because women could not serve in combat, the law was not unlawful sex discrimination that violated the Constitution.But military policy has changed. In 2013, the Department of Defense lifted the ban on women serving in combat. Two years later, the department said all military roles would be open to women without exception.Just last year, a congressional commission concluded that the “time is right” to extend the obligation to register to women. “The current disparate treatment of women unacceptably excludes women from a fundamental civic obligation and reinforces gender stereotypes about the role of women, undermining national security,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inspire2serve.gov/sites/default/files/final-report/Final%20Report.pdf" target="_blank">the commission said in a report.</a>The Biden administration is urging the justices not to take the case and to let Congress instead tackle the issue. Administration lawyers wrote in a brief that any “reconsideration of the constitutionality of the male-only registration requirement ... would be premature at this time” because Congress is “actively considering” the issue.The Selective Service System, the agency that oversees registration, said in a statement that it doesn’t comment on pending litigation but that it is “capable of performing whatever mission Congress should mandate.”If the court agrees to take the case, arguments wouldn’t happen until the fall at the earliest, after the court’s summer break. The court already has high-profile cases awaiting it then. They include a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-15-week-ban-5d066a9dc0030a4f8297711f341c9f5a">major challenge to abortion rights</a>&nbsp;and an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-guns-public-new-york-be5e3fe54da4eb3b9ca2337665974716">appeal to expand gun rights</a>.The case about the draft is National Coalition For Men v. Selective Service System, 20-928.

Update: High court won't review men-only draft registration law

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police say a teenager has drowned in a lake on a Wichita apartment complex grounds. Authorities say the drowning happened around 2 p.m. Sunday when emergency crews were called to the Kingston Cove apartments in south-central Wichita. 

Officials say the teen was with a group of friends swimming in the lake when he went under the water and did not resurface. The teen's friends tried to rescue him, and several onlookers jumped in the water to try to help, but could not find him. First responders called to the scene found the teen within 30 minutes and pulled him from the water, but were unable to revive him. His name was not immediately released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623073330328.png" alt="Police at the scene of Sunday's emergency -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of Sunday's emergency -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police say a teenager has drowned in a lake on a Wichita apartment complex grounds. Authorities say the drowning happened around 2 p.m. Sunday when emergency crews were called to the Kingston Cove apartments in south-central Wichita. Officials say the teen was with a group of friends swimming in the lake when he went under the water and did not resurface. The teen's friends tried to rescue him, and several onlookers jumped in the water to try to help, but could not find him. First responders called to the scene found the teen within 30 minutes and pulled him from the water, but were unable to revive him. His name was not immediately released.

Police: Teen drowned in Kan. apartment complex lake

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Foreign keyboard criminals with scant fear of repercussions have paralyzed U.S. schools and hospitals, leaked highly sensitive police files, triggered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ga-state-wire-business-c6ef4314af911fb58b8445d2b121e82d">fuel shortages</a>&nbsp;and, most recently, threatened&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jbs-sa-lifestyle-health-coronavirus-pandemic-technology-bf82114d3f54e5be2241bd5f9a0b2639">global food</a>&nbsp;supply chains.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-technology-business-72f25f90d540e5a29b6e758ad89b35cc">escalating havoc&nbsp;</a>caused by ransomware gangs raises an obvious question: Why has the United States, believed to have the world’s greatest cyber capabilities, looked so powerless to protect its citizens from these kind of criminals operating with near impunity out of Russia and allied countries?

The answer is that there are numerous technological, legal and diplomatic hurdles to going after ransomware gangs. Until recently, it just hasn’t been a high priority for the U.S. government.

That has changed as the problem has grown well beyond an economic nuisance. President Joe Biden intends to confront Russia’s leader, Vladimir Putin, about Moscow’s harboring of ransomware criminals when the two men meet in Europe later this month. The Biden administration has also promised to boost defenses against attacks, improve efforts to prosecute those responsible and build diplomatic alliances to pressure countries that harbor ransomware gangs.

Calls are growing for the administration to direct U.S. intelligence agencies and the military to attack ransomware gangs’ technical infrastructure used for hacking, posting sensitive victim data on the dark web and storing digital currency payouts.

Fighting ransomware requires the nonlethal equivalent of the “global war on terrorism” launched after the Sept. 11 attacks, said John Riggi, a former FBI agent and senior adviser for cybersecurity and risk for the America Hospital Association. Its members have been hard hit by ransomware gangs during the coronavirus pandemic.

“It should include a combination of diplomatic, financial, law enforcement, intelligence operations, of course, and military operations,” Riggi said.

A public-private task force including Microsoft and Amazon made similar suggestions in an&nbsp;<a href="https://securityandtechnology.org/ransomwaretaskforce/report/" target="_blank">81-page report</a>&nbsp;that called for intelligence agencies and the Pentagon’s U.S. Cyber Command to work with other agencies to “prioritize ransomware disruption operations.”

“Take their infrastructure away, go after their wallets, their ability to cash out,” said Philip Reiner, a lead author of the report. He worked at the National Security Council during the Obama presidency and is now CEO at The Institute for Security and Technology.

But the difficulties of taking down ransomware gangs and other cybercriminals have long been clear. The FBI’s list of most-wanted cyber fugitives has grown at a rapid clip and now has more than 100 entries, many of whom are not exactly hiding. Evgeniy Bogachev, indicted nearly a decade ago for what prosecutors say was a wave of cyber bank thefts, lives in a Russian resort town and “is known to enjoy boating” on the Black Sea, according to the FBI’s wanted listing.

Ransomware gangs can move around, do not need much infrastructure to operate and can shield their identities. They also operate in a decentralized network. For instance, DarkSide, the group responsible for the Colonial Pipeline attack that led to fuel shortages in the South, rents out its ransomware software to partners to carry out attacks.

Katie Nickels, director of intelligence at the cybersecurity firm Red Canary, said identifying and disrupting ransomware criminals takes time and serious effort.

“A lot of people misunderstand that the government can’t just willy-nilly go out and press a button and say, well, nuke that computer,” she said. “Trying to attribute to a person in cyberspace is not an easy task, even for intelligence communities.”

Reiner said those limits do not mean the United States cannot still make progress against defeating ransomware, comparing it with America’s ability to degrade the terrorist group al-Qaida while not capturing its leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri, who took over after U.S. troops killed Osama bin Laden.

“We can fairly easily make the argument that al-Qaida no longer poses a threat to the homeland,” Reiner said. “So short of getting al-Zawahiri, you destroy his ability to actually operate. That’s what you can do to these (ransomware) guys.”

The White House has been vague about whether it plans to use offensive cyber measures against ransomware gangs. Press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday that “we’re not going to take options off the table,” but she did not elaborate. Her comments followed a ransomware attack by a Russian gang that caused outages at Brazil’s JBS SA, the second-largest producer of beef, pork and chicken in the United States.

Gen. Paul Nakasone, who leads U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency, said at a recent symposium that he believes the U.S. will be “bringing the weight of our nation,” including the Defense Department, “to take down this (ransomware) infrastructure outside the United States.”

Sen. Angus King, an independent from Maine who is a legislative leader on cybersecurity issues, said the debate in Congress over how aggressive the U.S. needs to be against ransomware gangs, as well as state adversaries, will be “front and center of the next month or two.”

“To be honest, it’s complicated because you’re talking about using government agencies, government capabilities to go after private citizens in another country,” he said.

The U.S. is widely believed to have the best offensive cyber capabilities in the world, though details about such highly classified activities are scant. Documents leaked by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden show the U.S. conducted 231 offensive cyber operations in 2011. More than a decade ago a virus called Stuxnet attacked control units for centrifuges in an underground site in Iran, causing the sensitive devices to spin out of control and destroy themselves. The cyberattack was attributed to America and Israel.

U.S. policy called “persistent engagement” already authorizes cyberwarriors to engage hostile hackers in cyberspace and disrupt their operations with code. U.S. Cyber Command has launched offensive operations related to election security, including against Russian misinformation officials during U.S. midterm elections in 2018.

After the Colonial Pipeline attack, Biden promised that his administration was committed to bringing foreign cybercriminals to justice. Yet even as he was speaking from the White House, a different Russian-linked ransomware gang was leaking thousands of highly sensitive internal files — including deeply personal background checks — belonging to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-technology-government-and-politics-1aedfcf42a8dc2b004ef610d0b57edb9">police department&nbsp;</a>in the nation’s capital. Experts believe it’s the worst ransomware attack against a U.S.-based law enforcement agency.

“We are not afraid of anyone,” the hackers wrote in a follow-up post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622905486719.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Foreign keyboard criminals with scant fear of repercussions have paralyzed U.S. schools and hospitals, leaked highly sensitive police files, triggered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ga-state-wire-business-c6ef4314af911fb58b8445d2b121e82d">fuel shortages</a>&nbsp;and, most recently, threatened&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jbs-sa-lifestyle-health-coronavirus-pandemic-technology-bf82114d3f54e5be2241bd5f9a0b2639">global food</a>&nbsp;supply chains.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-technology-business-72f25f90d540e5a29b6e758ad89b35cc">escalating havoc&nbsp;</a>caused by ransomware gangs raises an obvious question: Why has the United States, believed to have the world’s greatest cyber capabilities, looked so powerless to protect its citizens from these kind of criminals operating with near impunity out of Russia and allied countries?The answer is that there are numerous technological, legal and diplomatic hurdles to going after ransomware gangs. Until recently, it just hasn’t been a high priority for the U.S. government.That has changed as the problem has grown well beyond an economic nuisance. President Joe Biden intends to confront Russia’s leader, Vladimir Putin, about Moscow’s harboring of ransomware criminals when the two men meet in Europe later this month. The Biden administration has also promised to boost defenses against attacks, improve efforts to prosecute those responsible and build diplomatic alliances to pressure countries that harbor ransomware gangs.Calls are growing for the administration to direct U.S. intelligence agencies and the military to attack ransomware gangs’ technical infrastructure used for hacking, posting sensitive victim data on the dark web and storing digital currency payouts.Fighting ransomware requires the nonlethal equivalent of the “global war on terrorism” launched after the Sept. 11 attacks, said John Riggi, a former FBI agent and senior adviser for cybersecurity and risk for the America Hospital Association. Its members have been hard hit by ransomware gangs during the coronavirus pandemic.“It should include a combination of diplomatic, financial, law enforcement, intelligence operations, of course, and military operations,” Riggi said.A public-private task force including Microsoft and Amazon made similar suggestions in an&nbsp;<a href="https://securityandtechnology.org/ransomwaretaskforce/report/" target="_blank">81-page report</a>&nbsp;that called for intelligence agencies and the Pentagon’s U.S. Cyber Command to work with other agencies to “prioritize ransomware disruption operations.”“Take their infrastructure away, go after their wallets, their ability to cash out,” said Philip Reiner, a lead author of the report. He worked at the National Security Council during the Obama presidency and is now CEO at The Institute for Security and Technology.But the difficulties of taking down ransomware gangs and other cybercriminals have long been clear. The FBI’s list of most-wanted cyber fugitives has grown at a rapid clip and now has more than 100 entries, many of whom are not exactly hiding. Evgeniy Bogachev, indicted nearly a decade ago for what prosecutors say was a wave of cyber bank thefts, lives in a Russian resort town and “is known to enjoy boating” on the Black Sea, according to the FBI’s wanted listing.Ransomware gangs can move around, do not need much infrastructure to operate and can shield their identities. They also operate in a decentralized network. For instance, DarkSide, the group responsible for the Colonial Pipeline attack that led to fuel shortages in the South, rents out its ransomware software to partners to carry out attacks.Katie Nickels, director of intelligence at the cybersecurity firm Red Canary, said identifying and disrupting ransomware criminals takes time and serious effort.“A lot of people misunderstand that the government can’t just willy-nilly go out and press a button and say, well, nuke that computer,” she said. “Trying to attribute to a person in cyberspace is not an easy task, even for intelligence communities.”Reiner said those limits do not mean the United States cannot still make progress against defeating ransomware, comparing it with America’s ability to degrade the terrorist group al-Qaida while not capturing its leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri, who took over after U.S. troops killed Osama bin Laden.“We can fairly easily make the argument that al-Qaida no longer poses a threat to the homeland,” Reiner said. “So short of getting al-Zawahiri, you destroy his ability to actually operate. That’s what you can do to these (ransomware) guys.”The White House has been vague about whether it plans to use offensive cyber measures against ransomware gangs. Press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday that “we’re not going to take options off the table,” but she did not elaborate. Her comments followed a ransomware attack by a Russian gang that caused outages at Brazil’s JBS SA, the second-largest producer of beef, pork and chicken in the United States.Gen. Paul Nakasone, who leads U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency, said at a recent symposium that he believes the U.S. will be “bringing the weight of our nation,” including the Defense Department, “to take down this (ransomware) infrastructure outside the United States.”Sen. Angus King, an independent from Maine who is a legislative leader on cybersecurity issues, said the debate in Congress over how aggressive the U.S. needs to be against ransomware gangs, as well as state adversaries, will be “front and center of the next month or two.”“To be honest, it’s complicated because you’re talking about using government agencies, government capabilities to go after private citizens in another country,” he said.The U.S. is widely believed to have the best offensive cyber capabilities in the world, though details about such highly classified activities are scant. Documents leaked by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden show the U.S. conducted 231 offensive cyber operations in 2011. More than a decade ago a virus called Stuxnet attacked control units for centrifuges in an underground site in Iran, causing the sensitive devices to spin out of control and destroy themselves. The cyberattack was attributed to America and Israel.U.S. policy called “persistent engagement” already authorizes cyberwarriors to engage hostile hackers in cyberspace and disrupt their operations with code. U.S. Cyber Command has launched offensive operations related to election security, including against Russian misinformation officials during U.S. midterm elections in 2018.After the Colonial Pipeline attack, Biden promised that his administration was committed to bringing foreign cybercriminals to justice. Yet even as he was speaking from the White House, a different Russian-linked ransomware gang was leaking thousands of highly sensitive internal files — including deeply personal background checks — belonging to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-technology-government-and-politics-1aedfcf42a8dc2b004ef610d0b57edb9">police department&nbsp;</a>in the nation’s capital. Experts believe it’s the worst ransomware attack against a U.S.-based law enforcement agency.“We are not afraid of anyone,” the hackers wrote in a follow-up post.

Hurdles hinder U.S. response to global war on ransomware

The
 Federal Trade Commission is returning more than $172 million to 
consumers who overpaid for merchandise they purchased using rent-to-own 
plans provided by Progressive Leasing. More than two million consumers<a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase"></a> will receive refund checks.

The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/progressive_leasing_complaint.docx.pdf">FTC’s complaint against the company</a>, filed in April 2020, alleged that <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/04/rent-own-payment-plan-company-progressive-leasing-will-pay-175">Progressive misled consumers</a>
 about the true price of items purchased through its plans. Consumers 
who visited retailers to buy items such as furniture, jewelry, or 
cellphones frequently were told that Progressive’s payment plans were 
“same as cash” or “no interest” – leading consumers to believe they 
would not be charged more than an item’s sticker price.

Instead, the complaint alleged, consumers paid more
 than the sticker price, and frequently paid approximately twice the 
sticker price if they made all their scheduled payments. The FTC also 
alleged that Progressive was aware of consumers’ confusion about the 
terms of their plans through tens of thousands of consumer complaints, 
with more than 15,000 complaints received just in one 15-month period.

More than two million consumers are receiving 
refunds, averaging $85 each. Consumers who receive checks should deposit
 or cash their checks within 90 days, as indicated on the check. Because
 of the large number of refunds, the checks will be mailed over the next
 two weeks. The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide account information to cash a refund check.

Recipients who have questions about the redress 
payments, or who did not receive a payment but believe they are eligible
 should contact the refund administrator, Rust Consulting, at 
1-877-625-9449.

The FTC’s <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/federal.trade.commission#!/vizhome/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase">interactive dashboards for refund data(link is external)</a>
 provide a state-by-state breakdown of FTC refunds. In 2020, FTC actions
 led to more than $483 million in refunds to consumers across the 
country, but recently the United States Supreme Court ruled the FTC 
lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal 
court going forward. The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a> to restore the FTC’s ability to get money back for consumers.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Like the FTC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/federaltradecommission">Facebook(link is external)</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/FTC">Twitter(link is external)</a>, get <a href="http://ftc.gov/subscribe">consumer alerts</a>, read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>, and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> for the latest FTC news and resources.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe
 Federal Trade Commission is returning more than $172 million to 
consumers who overpaid for merchandise they purchased using rent-to-own 
plans provided by Progressive Leasing. More than two million consumers<a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase"></a> will receive refund checks.The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/progressive_leasing_complaint.docx.pdf">FTC’s complaint against the company</a>, filed in April 2020, alleged that <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/04/rent-own-payment-plan-company-progressive-leasing-will-pay-175">Progressive misled consumers</a>
 about the true price of items purchased through its plans. Consumers 
who visited retailers to buy items such as furniture, jewelry, or 
cellphones frequently were told that Progressive’s payment plans were 
“same as cash” or “no interest” – leading consumers to believe they 
would not be charged more than an item’s sticker price.Instead, the complaint alleged, consumers paid more
 than the sticker price, and frequently paid approximately twice the 
sticker price if they made all their scheduled payments. The FTC also 
alleged that Progressive was aware of consumers’ confusion about the 
terms of their plans through tens of thousands of consumer complaints, 
with more than 15,000 complaints received just in one 15-month period.More than two million consumers are receiving 
refunds, averaging $85 each. Consumers who receive checks should deposit
 or cash their checks within 90 days, as indicated on the check. Because
 of the large number of refunds, the checks will be mailed over the next
 two weeks. The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide account information to cash a refund check.Recipients who have questions about the redress 
payments, or who did not receive a payment but believe they are eligible
 should contact the refund administrator, Rust Consulting, at 
1-877-625-9449.The FTC’s <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/federal.trade.commission#!/vizhome/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase">interactive dashboards for refund data(link is external)</a>
 provide a state-by-state breakdown of FTC refunds. In 2020, FTC actions
 led to more than $483 million in refunds to consumers across the 
country, but recently the United States Supreme Court ruled the FTC 
lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal 
court going forward. The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a> to restore the FTC’s ability to get money back for consumers.The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Like the FTC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/federaltradecommission">Facebook(link is external)</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/FTC">Twitter(link is external)</a>, get <a href="http://ftc.gov/subscribe">consumer alerts</a>, read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>, and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> for the latest FTC news and resources.

FTC: $172M in refunds mailed to victims of rent-to-own deception

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A third suspect has been arrested in connection to a shooting that killed a Wichita teenager in May of 2020.

Police arrested 19-year-old Jakob Oniel Cuble for first-degree murder and aggravated robbery.&nbsp; He's being <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20065648">held on a $250,000</a> bond, according to online jail records.

Cuble is third person arrested in connection to the death of 17-year-old Marcus Sain last year in a Wichita apartment complex shooting, which police say occurred during a drug deal. 

Nathaniel Saunders and Malcolm Ganther have also been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated battery for Sain's death.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have made an arrest.

Just before 3p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting call at an apartment complex in the 1100 block of South Webb Road in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; 

Upon arrival, police located 17-year-old Marcus Sain in a parking lot with critical injuries.&nbsp; He was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment and died, according to Davidson.

Several minutes later, officers responded to an area hospital regarding an 18-year-old male walk-in shooting victim with a gunshot wound to his body.&nbsp; He was treated for a non-life-threatening injury and released.

The investigation revealed&nbsp;22-year-old Malcolm Ganther, a second suspect, Sain, and an 18-year-old male had arranged to meet in the apartment complex parking lot regarding a drug transaction. 

A suspect arrived at the apartment complex parking lot driving a newer-model white mustang, and Ganther arrived at the same time driving a grey Buick.&nbsp; Sain and the 18-year-old walked up and got into the Buick, occupied by Ganther.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the transaction inside the Buick, a disturbance ensued, and the suspect seated in the Mustang exited the car and fired multiple shots at Sain and the 18-year-old, striking them and causing their injuries.&nbsp; Ganther then fled in the Buick, and the second suspect fled in the Mustang.

Through the community’s help and the investigation, Ganther was identified and arrested at his home on Thursday in the 300 block of North Edgemoor in Wichita. Investigators also have located the Buick vehicle involved.&nbsp;

Police are still working to identify and locate the suspect that arrived in the white Mustang, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622926965013.png" alt="Cuble photo Sedgwick County." />
 <figcaption>Cuble photo Sedgwick County.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A third suspect has been arrested in connection to a shooting that killed a Wichita teenager in May of 2020.Police arrested 19-year-old Jakob Oniel Cuble for first-degree murder and aggravated robbery.&nbsp; He's being <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20065648">held on a $250,000</a> bond, according to online jail records.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598393802179.png" alt="Saunders-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Saunders-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Cuble is third person arrested in connection to the death of 17-year-old Marcus Sain last year in a Wichita apartment complex shooting, which police say occurred during a drug deal. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590157799937.png" alt="Ganther photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Ganther photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Nathaniel Saunders and Malcolm Ganther have also been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated battery for Sain's death.-------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have made an arrest.Just before 3p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting call at an apartment complex in the 1100 block of South Webb Road in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, police located 17-year-old Marcus Sain in a parking lot with critical injuries.&nbsp; He was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment and died, according to Davidson.Several minutes later, officers responded to an area hospital regarding an 18-year-old male walk-in shooting victim with a gunshot wound to his body.&nbsp; He was treated for a non-life-threatening injury and released.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590090874405.png" alt="Malcom Ganther as seen on security camera images from Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Malcom Ganther as seen on security camera images from Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed&nbsp;22-year-old Malcolm Ganther, a second suspect, Sain, and an 18-year-old male had arranged to meet in the apartment complex parking lot regarding a drug transaction. A suspect arrived at the apartment complex parking lot driving a newer-model white mustang, and Ganther arrived at the same time driving a grey Buick.&nbsp; Sain and the 18-year-old walked up and got into the Buick, occupied by Ganther.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;During the transaction inside the Buick, a disturbance ensued, and the suspect seated in the Mustang exited the car and fired multiple shots at Sain and the 18-year-old, striking them and causing their injuries.&nbsp; Ganther then fled in the Buick, and the second suspect fled in the Mustang.Through the community’s help and the investigation, Ganther was identified and arrested at his home on Thursday in the 300 block of North Edgemoor in Wichita. Investigators also have located the Buick vehicle involved.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590090818345.png" alt="Security camera photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Police are still working to identify and locate the suspect that arrived in the white Mustang, according to Davidson.-------

Police arrest suspect for May 2020 murder of Kansas teen

LINN COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Sunday in Linn County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1994 Chevy S10 Blazer driven by&nbsp; Goodall, Aren Wayne Goodall, 20, Mound City, was eastbound on E 300 Road&nbsp;2 and one half miles west of Prescott.

The vehicles passenger side tire dropped off the road. The driver overcorrected and over the Blazer turned.

Goodall was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

LINN COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Sunday in Linn County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1994 Chevy S10 Blazer driven by&nbsp; Goodall, Aren Wayne Goodall, 20, Mound City, was eastbound on E 300 Road&nbsp;2 and one half miles west of Prescott.The vehicles passenger side tire dropped off the road. The driver overcorrected and over the Blazer turned.Goodall was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after SUV overturns

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

To hear Dr. Jeff Colyer tell it, he was conservative before conservative was cool. Now he's counting on his conservative values to land him back in the Kansas governor's office.

Colyer, a Republican who served as the 47th governor of Kansas from January 31, 2018, to January 14, 2019, stopped in Salina Thursday during a campaign tour and spoke with Salina Post.

"We decided to join the fray and there's a very strong contrast, you know, with Laura Kelly. I'm running on my record," Colyer said of the 2022 governor's race. "What I handed over was more Kansans working than ever before in the history of the state. We had all-time personal income at the time. A $900 million surplus. We'd saved $2.5 billion on Medicaid expenditures by improving care. I think that record is something that, this is where Kansans want to go."

Colyer blasted the Kelly administration's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, particularly the closing of businesses and churches.

"If you go and you contrast that with Nebraska, or Missouri, or Oklahoma, they're beating the socks off us, let alone look at what Texas, and Florida, and South Dakota are doing," Colyer said. "The way forward for us is one where Kansans, you know, we let small businesses grow and thrive, and we need to have startups. Making sure those jobs are available. That we don't have too much government intervention, and we're starting to see this massive intervention coming down from Washington, and being able to push back on it."

Colyer, a board certified craniofacial/plastic surgeon, has been making stops throughout the state to visit with Kansans.

"People want to talk. People are coming out. They wanna see what's going on," he said. "They're very interested, because I'm the conservative candidate in this. I was a conservative before conservative was cool."

Colyer said he started out in politics as an intern for former U.S. Senator Bob Dole. He also was a White House Fellow in the Reagan administration. More recently, at the request of Former President Donald Trump, Colyer chaired the National Advisory Commission on Rural Health.

"I'm running my race. My race is I'm the conservative. I have a proven record on this. Being a fifth generation Kansan from western Kansas, this is my DNA. I wanna see places like Salina and Hays and Goodland, and Scott City grow. To do that, you need a governor who's gonna be active, who's gonna enact conservative principles and that's what we'll do," Colyer said.

As Colyer sees it, Kansas should be a dynamic place and that starts with the governor.

"We have great talent here. We all know kids that we've lost to other states because they didn't see that opportunity here," he said.

Ways to increase those opportunities, he said, are to increase technology across the state and recruit more businesses to come to Kansas.

"One of the things we're doing is we're losing western Kansans. We're losing Kansans in general, and young people, because of no access to broadband and technology. We gotta build this out. That's got to be a priority and you gotta do it now. Having the technology so that you can you can reach out anywhere," Colyer said.

Increasing opportunities starts with the governor, he said.

"That means you're out recruiting businesses. You go to California, you recruit 'em. You recruit 'em from other places. But you stand by your local businesses. You work with local businesses so they can grow and thrive and make some of those international connections, those business connections, so we as a state can really compete," Colyer said.

"As I'm talking to folks, they want to do that, but they want a governor that's gonna make sure that there isn't going to be all these regulations coming down on them. Taxes, we need to make sure that taxes are low and simple and not intrusive. And we have to have good government services," he added.

The way to provide good government services while keeping taxes low is through government efficiency, Colyer said.

"Let me give you an example of that. When I was governor, we were the first state where you get an app where you can do your car tags," he said. "We could do a lot more things like that, where we minimize the bureaucracy and that's actually cheaper in the long run."

Colyer said that issues of conscience also are important.

"We're seeing lots of things happening from Washington. We're seeing, for example, President Biden last week proposed that for the first time in 40 years, that they use taxpayer dollars to fund abortions. That's not who Kansans are," he said. "You know, as Kansans, we value people. We value healthcare. But these issues of conscience are important to Kansans as well as good government."

Where does Colyer want Kansas to be in eight to nine years?

"I want Kansas to be the dynamic state in the Midwest. Low taxes, conservative values. This is the best place to have a small business and to raise a family. We can get there. We all see it. We're Kansans and we know. But, we're falling short" he said.

Colyer said Kansans were common sense conservative.

"What I hear from them is 'We want conservative values, conservative principals.' Sometimes you don't compromise. And other times, you take what you can get and we'll take the other half of the sandwich the next time and move forward," he said.

"So why I'm running is I am the conservative. I worked for President Reagan. I know how to do this," Colyer said. "And we have kind of a unique situation where we can contrast our record with Laura Kelly's record and that's why we're gonna win."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623028022005.jpeg" alt="Though his campaign is less than a month old, Dr. Jeff Colyer, right, has already received the endorsements of two prominent Kansas Republicans: U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and First District Congressman Tracey Mann, left, who served as Colyer's lieutenant governor.Photo courtesy the Colyer campaign" />
 <figcaption>Though his campaign is less than a month old, Dr. Jeff Colyer, right, has already received the endorsements of two prominent Kansas Republicans: U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and First District Congressman Tracey Mann, left, who served as Colyer's lieutenant governor.Photo courtesy the Colyer campaign</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostTo hear Dr. Jeff Colyer tell it, he was conservative before conservative was cool. Now he's counting on his conservative values to land him back in the Kansas governor's office.Colyer, a Republican who served as the 47th governor of Kansas from January 31, 2018, to January 14, 2019, stopped in Salina Thursday during a campaign tour and spoke with Salina Post."We decided to join the fray and there's a very strong contrast, you know, with Laura Kelly. I'm running on my record," Colyer said of the 2022 governor's race. "What I handed over was more Kansans working than ever before in the history of the state. We had all-time personal income at the time. A $900 million surplus. We'd saved $2.5 billion on Medicaid expenditures by improving care. I think that record is something that, this is where Kansans want to go."Colyer blasted the Kelly administration's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, particularly the closing of businesses and churches."If you go and you contrast that with Nebraska, or Missouri, or Oklahoma, they're beating the socks off us, let alone look at what Texas, and Florida, and South Dakota are doing," Colyer said. "The way forward for us is one where Kansans, you know, we let small businesses grow and thrive, and we need to have startups. Making sure those jobs are available. That we don't have too much government intervention, and we're starting to see this massive intervention coming down from Washington, and being able to push back on it."Colyer, a board certified craniofacial/plastic surgeon, has been making stops throughout the state to visit with Kansans."People want to talk. People are coming out. They wanna see what's going on," he said. "They're very interested, because I'm the conservative candidate in this. I was a conservative before conservative was cool."Colyer said he started out in politics as an intern for former U.S. Senator Bob Dole. He also was a White House Fellow in the Reagan administration. More recently, at the request of Former President Donald Trump, Colyer chaired the National Advisory Commission on Rural Health."I'm running my race. My race is I'm the conservative. I have a proven record on this. Being a fifth generation Kansan from western Kansas, this is my DNA. I wanna see places like Salina and Hays and Goodland, and Scott City grow. To do that, you need a governor who's gonna be active, who's gonna enact conservative principles and that's what we'll do," Colyer said.As Colyer sees it, Kansas should be a dynamic place and that starts with the governor."We have great talent here. We all know kids that we've lost to other states because they didn't see that opportunity here," he said.Ways to increase those opportunities, he said, are to increase technology across the state and recruit more businesses to come to Kansas."One of the things we're doing is we're losing western Kansans. We're losing Kansans in general, and young people, because of no access to broadband and technology. We gotta build this out. That's got to be a priority and you gotta do it now. Having the technology so that you can you can reach out anywhere," Colyer said.Increasing opportunities starts with the governor, he said."That means you're out recruiting businesses. You go to California, you recruit 'em. You recruit 'em from other places. But you stand by your local businesses. You work with local businesses so they can grow and thrive and make some of those international connections, those business connections, so we as a state can really compete," Colyer said."As I'm talking to folks, they want to do that, but they want a governor that's gonna make sure that there isn't going to be all these regulations coming down on them. Taxes, we need to make sure that taxes are low and simple and not intrusive. And we have to have good government services," he added.The way to provide good government services while keeping taxes low is through government efficiency, Colyer said."Let me give you an example of that. When I was governor, we were the first state where you get an app where you can do your car tags," he said. "We could do a lot more things like that, where we minimize the bureaucracy and that's actually cheaper in the long run."Colyer said that issues of conscience also are important."We're seeing lots of things happening from Washington. We're seeing, for example, President Biden last week proposed that for the first time in 40 years, that they use taxpayer dollars to fund abortions. That's not who Kansans are," he said. "You know, as Kansans, we value people. We value healthcare. But these issues of conscience are important to Kansans as well as good government."Where does Colyer want Kansas to be in eight to nine years?"I want Kansas to be the dynamic state in the Midwest. Low taxes, conservative values. This is the best place to have a small business and to raise a family. We can get there. We all see it. We're Kansans and we know. But, we're falling short" he said.Colyer said Kansans were common sense conservative."What I hear from them is 'We want conservative values, conservative principals.' Sometimes you don't compromise. And other times, you take what you can get and we'll take the other half of the sandwich the next time and move forward," he said."So why I'm running is I am the conservative. I worked for President Reagan. I know how to do this," Colyer said. "And we have kind of a unique situation where we can contrast our record with Laura Kelly's record and that's why we're gonna win."

Colyer counting on conservative values in run for governor

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City woman was sentenced Friday to 20 years in prison for a 2018 crash that killed four people while she was fleeing from police, the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office said.

Victoria M. Brown, 27, was sentenced after she pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree murder. Each charges carries a 20-year penalty but the sentences will run concurrently.

Prosecutors said Independence police began chasing a stolen Jeep driven by Brown after she failed to stop at an intersection. She fled into Kansas City, where the Jeep&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fe8c3ac01a8d4a369cb55385bbcdf3b9">crashed</a>&nbsp;into a vehicle carrying four passengers.

Three people in the vehicle died and a passenger in the Jeep also was killed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622911969088.png" alt="Brown photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Brown photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City woman was sentenced Friday to 20 years in prison for a 2018 crash that killed four people while she was fleeing from police, the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office said.Victoria M. Brown, 27, was sentenced after she pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree murder. Each charges carries a 20-year penalty but the sentences will run concurrently.Prosecutors said Independence police began chasing a stolen Jeep driven by Brown after she failed to stop at an intersection. She fled into Kansas City, where the Jeep&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fe8c3ac01a8d4a369cb55385bbcdf3b9">crashed</a>&nbsp;into a vehicle carrying four passengers.Three people in the vehicle died and a passenger in the Jeep also was killed.

Kansas City woman sentenced for crash that killed 4

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit-and-run incident that critically injured a 26-year-old woman.

Just before 9:30 p.m. Saturday, police responded to a hit-and-run injury accident at Douglas and Greenwood in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidso

&nbsp;Upon arrival, officers located the victim with critical injuries.&nbsp; EMS transported her to an area hospital for medical treatment.

Investigators learned the woman was crossing the street, leaving a business in the 100 block of South Greenwood and a newer white northbound sedan struck her.It is believed the sedan was traveling at a high rate of speed, according to Davidson.&nbsp; &nbsp;

On Sunday, police found the unoccupied vehicle at a hotel at 36th&nbsp;and Rock Road. Police released no additional details Sunday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623008016375.png" alt="Police on the scene of the Saturday night investigation-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the Saturday night investigation-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit-and-run incident that critically injured a 26-year-old woman.Just before 9:30 p.m. Saturday, police responded to a hit-and-run injury accident at Douglas and Greenwood in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidso&nbsp;Upon arrival, officers located the victim with critical injuries.&nbsp; EMS transported her to an area hospital for medical treatment.Investigators learned the woman was crossing the street, leaving a business in the 100 block of South Greenwood and a newer white northbound sedan struck her.It is believed the sedan was traveling at a high rate of speed, according to Davidson.&nbsp; &nbsp;On Sunday, police found the unoccupied vehicle at a hotel at 36th&nbsp;and Rock Road. Police released no additional details Sunday afternoon.

Police find hit and run car that critically injured Kan. woman

COFFEY COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a boating accident that left a Kansas woman and two children dead Saturday night in Coffey County.

Just after 6:30p.m.&nbsp;Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) game wardens, the Water Rescue Division of the Coffey County Fire District #1, Coffey County Sheriff’s Office, and Burlington Police Department responded to a report of a boat accident on the Neosho River in the area of the Burlington City Dam, according to the Coffey County Sheriff's office.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a family of two adults and two children were boating on the river. As the boat approached the low-head dam, it stalled in rapid, aerated water, at which point the operator lost control of the vessel and all occupants were ejected. 

One adult male, identified as Wesley Sharp of Shawnee, was rescued from the scene and transported to Burlington Hospital and was reported in stable condition on Sunday afternoon.

One adult female, identified as Maribel Moran, and the couple’s two children, ages 3 and 5, were recovered unresponsive at the scene and transported to Burlington Hospital where they were later pronounced deceased. 

KDWPT law enforcement is in charge of the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623010750853.png" alt="KDWPT law enforcement is in charge of the investigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>KDWPT law enforcement is in charge of the investigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>COFFEY COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a boating accident that left a Kansas woman and two children dead Saturday night in Coffey County.Just after 6:30p.m.&nbsp;Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) game wardens, the Water Rescue Division of the Coffey County Fire District #1, Coffey County Sheriff’s Office, and Burlington Police Department responded to a report of a boat accident on the Neosho River in the area of the Burlington City Dam, according to the Coffey County Sheriff's office.The preliminary investigation revealed that a family of two adults and two children were boating on the river. As the boat approached the low-head dam, it stalled in rapid, aerated water, at which point the operator lost control of the vessel and all occupants were ejected. One adult male, identified as Wesley Sharp of Shawnee, was rescued from the scene and transported to Burlington Hospital and was reported in stable condition on Sunday afternoon.One adult female, identified as Maribel Moran, and the couple’s two children, ages 3 and 5, were recovered unresponsive at the scene and transported to Burlington Hospital where they were later pronounced deceased. KDWPT law enforcement is in charge of the investigation.

Kan. woman, 2 children dead after boating accident

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A state board unanimously recommended Friday that the Kansas Supreme Court disbar a prosecutor who’s accused of misleading juries in two separate cases, actions that caused them to be overturned by higher courts.

The Kansas Board for Discipline of Attorneys argued that Jacqie Spradling embraced a “win at all costs” attitude in two cases: the 2012 double homicide case and a 2016 rape and sodomy case.

Spradling is accused of falsely leading a jury to believe that Dana Chandler in Shawnee County had violated a protection order obtained by her ex-husband, who was killed along with his fiance. No abuse order was ever found to have existed.

Similar accusations were made against Spradling in the case of Jacob Ewing, a Jackson County man convicted in the rape and sodomy case.

In both cases, appeals courts tossed out the convictions.

The report argued that Spradling’s actions undermine confidence in the judicial system and resulted in significant financial costs.

Spradling, who works as a prosecutor in Bourbon and Allen counties, admitted in a December hearing that she erred in handling the cases, although her legal team has said the mistakes don’t rise to the level of misconduct.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607294326646.png" alt="Spradling, who works as a prosecutor in Bourbon and Allen counties, admitted in a December hearing that she erred in handling the cases-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Spradling, who works as a prosecutor in Bourbon and Allen counties, admitted in a December hearing that she erred in handling the cases-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A state board unanimously recommended Friday that the Kansas Supreme Court disbar a prosecutor who’s accused of misleading juries in two separate cases, actions that caused them to be overturned by higher courts.The Kansas Board for Discipline of Attorneys argued that Jacqie Spradling embraced a “win at all costs” attitude in two cases: the 2012 double homicide case and a 2016 rape and sodomy case.Spradling is accused of falsely leading a jury to believe that Dana Chandler in Shawnee County had violated a protection order obtained by her ex-husband, who was killed along with his fiance. No abuse order was ever found to have existed.Similar accusations were made against Spradling in the case of Jacob Ewing, a Jackson County man convicted in the rape and sodomy case.In both cases, appeals courts tossed out the convictions.The report argued that Spradling’s actions undermine confidence in the judicial system and resulted in significant financial costs.Spradling, who works as a prosecutor in Bourbon and Allen counties, admitted in a December hearing that she erred in handling the cases, although her legal team has said the mistakes don’t rise to the level of misconduct.

State panel recommends Kansas prosecutor be disbarred

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Some wildlife species that were previously absent or rare in Kansas are appearing more often now, including a mountain lion that was caught on video last month roaming through an alley in Wichita. 

Mountain lion sighting continues a trend in recent decades that has brought an increased presence of wildlife, including elk, black bears, river otters and armadillos. 

Matt Peek of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism says some animal populations that been reduced significantly by hunting have also gone from very rare to very abundant in Kansas. Those animals include wild turkey, Canada goose and deer populations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620829476424.png" alt="A mountain lion that was caught on video last month roaming through an alley in Wichita-image courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>A mountain lion that was caught on video last month roaming through an alley in Wichita-image courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Some wildlife species that were previously absent or rare in Kansas are appearing more often now, including a mountain lion that was caught on video last month roaming through an alley in Wichita. Mountain lion sighting continues a trend in recent decades that has brought an increased presence of wildlife, including elk, black bears, river otters and armadillos. Matt Peek of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism says some animal populations that been reduced significantly by hunting have also gone from very rare to very abundant in Kansas. Those animals include wild turkey, Canada goose and deer populations.

Kansas seeing more mountain lions, black bears, elk

WASHINGTON
 — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers who missed the recent 
tax-filing deadline who are due a refund that there is no penalty for 
filing late. Those who owe and missed the deadline without requesting an
 extension should file quickly to limit penalties and interest.

Extra time to file and pay any taxes due without penalties and interest is available for some taxpayers. Included are:

The only way to get a refund is to file a tax return. There is no 
penalty for filing after the deadline if a refund is due. Use electronic
 filing options including IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> available on IRS.gov through October 15 to prepare and file returns electronically.

COVID-19 continues to cause delays in some IRS services. If a 
taxpayer filed a paper tax return, the IRS will process it in the order 
it was received. Taxpayers should not file a second tax return or call 
the IRS. The IRS issues more than nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21
 days. However, it's possible a tax return may require <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions">additional review</a> and take longer.

Taxpayers can track a refund using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a> tool on IRS.gov, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a> and by phone at <a href="tel:800-829-1954">800-829-1954</a>.
 Taxpayers need the primary Social Security number on the tax return, 
the filing status and the expected refund amount. The tool updates once 
daily, usually overnight, so there's no need to check more frequently. 
The Where's My Refund?&nbsp;tool cannot be used to track Economic Impact 
Payments.

Normally, taxpayers should file their tax return, or request an 
extension, and pay any taxes they owe by the deadline to avoid penalties
 and interest. An extension to file is not an extension to pay. 
Penalties and interest will apply to taxes owed after May 17.

Even if a taxpayer can't afford to immediately pay the taxes they 
owe, they should still file a tax return as soon as possible to reduce 
possible penalties. The IRS has more information for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/what-if-i-cant-pay-my-taxes">taxpayers who owe the IRS, but cannot afford to pay</a>.

Ordinarily, the failure to file penalty is 5% of the tax owed for 
each month or part of a month that a tax return is late, up to five 
months, reduced by the failure to pay penalty amount for any month where
 both penalties apply. If a return is filed more than 60 days after the 
due date, the minimum penalty is either $435 or 100% of the unpaid tax, 
whichever is less. Filing and paying as much as possible is important 
because the late-filing penalty and late-payment penalty add up quickly.
 The failure to pay penalty rate is generally 0.5% of unpaid tax owed 
for each month or part of a month until the tax is fully paid or until 
25% is reached. The rate is subject to change. For more information see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalties">IRS.gov/penalties</a>.

Taxpayers who have a history of filing and paying on time often 
qualify for penalty relief. A taxpayer will usually qualify if they have
 filed and paid timely for the past three years and meet other 
requirements. For more information, see the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/penalty-relief-due-to-first-time-penalty-abatement-or-other-administrative-waiver">first-time penalty abatement</a> page on IRS.gov.

Interest is charged on tax and penalties until the balance is <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">paid in full</a>.

Those who owe taxes can pay with IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>, by <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card">debit or credit card</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application">apply online for a payment plan (including an installment agreement)</a>. For more electronic payment options visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.
 They are secure and easy to use. Taxpayers paying electronically 
receive immediate confirmation when they submit their payment. With 
Direct Pay and the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>, taxpayers can opt in to receive email notifications about their payments.

The IRS offers tips to help taxpayers choose a tax return preparer wisely. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">Choosing a Tax Professional</a> page has information about tax return preparer <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/understanding-tax-return-preparer-credentials-and-qualifications">credentials and qualification</a>s and guidance on avoiding unscrupulous tax return preparers

The <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>
 can help taxpayers find tax return preparers who hold a professional 
credential recognized by the IRS or who have completed the requirements 
for the IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/annual-filing-season-program">Annual Filing Season Program</a>.

Taxpayers have fundamental rights under the law that protect taxpayers when they interact with the IRS. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxpayer-bill-of-rights">Taxpayer Bill of Rights</a> presents these rights in 10 categories. IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-1">Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer</a>, highlights these rights and the agency's obligation to protect them.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON
 — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers who missed the recent 
tax-filing deadline who are due a refund that there is no penalty for 
filing late. Those who owe and missed the deadline without requesting an
 extension should file quickly to limit penalties and interest.<h2>Extra time to file and pay any taxes due without penalties and interest is available for some taxpayers. Included are:</h2><ul>
 <li>Members of the military who served or are currently in a combat zone. They may qualify for an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p3#idm139848472538848">additional extension of at least 180 days</a> to file and pay taxes.</li><li>Support personnel in combat zones or a contingency operation in support of the Armed Forces. They may also <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/extension-of-deadlines-combat-zone-service">qualify for a filing and payment extension</a> of at least 180 days.</li><li>Some disaster victims. Those who qualify have <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/disaster-assistance-and-emergency-relief-for-individuals-and-businesses">more time to file and pay</a> what they owe.</li>
 </ul><h2>Here are some tips for late filers:</h2><h2>File to get a tax refund</h2>The only way to get a refund is to file a tax return. There is no 
penalty for filing after the deadline if a refund is due. Use electronic
 filing options including IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> available on IRS.gov through October 15 to prepare and file returns electronically.COVID-19 continues to cause delays in some IRS services. If a 
taxpayer filed a paper tax return, the IRS will process it in the order 
it was received. Taxpayers should not file a second tax return or call 
the IRS. The IRS issues more than nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21
 days. However, it's possible a tax return may require <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions">additional review</a> and take longer.Taxpayers can track a refund using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a> tool on IRS.gov, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a> and by phone at <a href="tel:800-829-1954">800-829-1954</a>.
 Taxpayers need the primary Social Security number on the tax return, 
the filing status and the expected refund amount. The tool updates once 
daily, usually overnight, so there's no need to check more frequently. 
The Where's My Refund?&nbsp;tool cannot be used to track Economic Impact 
Payments.<h2>File to reduce penalties and interest</h2>Normally, taxpayers should file their tax return, or request an 
extension, and pay any taxes they owe by the deadline to avoid penalties
 and interest. An extension to file is not an extension to pay. 
Penalties and interest will apply to taxes owed after May 17.Even if a taxpayer can't afford to immediately pay the taxes they 
owe, they should still file a tax return as soon as possible to reduce 
possible penalties. The IRS has more information for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/what-if-i-cant-pay-my-taxes">taxpayers who owe the IRS, but cannot afford to pay</a>.Ordinarily, the failure to file penalty is 5% of the tax owed for 
each month or part of a month that a tax return is late, up to five 
months, reduced by the failure to pay penalty amount for any month where
 both penalties apply. If a return is filed more than 60 days after the 
due date, the minimum penalty is either $435 or 100% of the unpaid tax, 
whichever is less. Filing and paying as much as possible is important 
because the late-filing penalty and late-payment penalty add up quickly.
 The failure to pay penalty rate is generally 0.5% of unpaid tax owed 
for each month or part of a month until the tax is fully paid or until 
25% is reached. The rate is subject to change. For more information see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalties">IRS.gov/penalties</a>.Taxpayers who have a history of filing and paying on time often 
qualify for penalty relief. A taxpayer will usually qualify if they have
 filed and paid timely for the past three years and meet other 
requirements. For more information, see the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/penalty-relief-due-to-first-time-penalty-abatement-or-other-administrative-waiver">first-time penalty abatement</a> page on IRS.gov.Interest is charged on tax and penalties until the balance is <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">paid in full</a>.<h2>Pay taxes due electronically</h2>Those who owe taxes can pay with IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>, by <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card">debit or credit card</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application">apply online for a payment plan (including an installment agreement)</a>. For more electronic payment options visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.
 They are secure and easy to use. Taxpayers paying electronically 
receive immediate confirmation when they submit their payment. With 
Direct Pay and the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>, taxpayers can opt in to receive email notifications about their payments.<h2>Selecting a tax professional</h2>The IRS offers tips to help taxpayers choose a tax return preparer wisely. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">Choosing a Tax Professional</a> page has information about tax return preparer <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/understanding-tax-return-preparer-credentials-and-qualifications">credentials and qualification</a>s and guidance on avoiding unscrupulous tax return preparersThe <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>
 can help taxpayers find tax return preparers who hold a professional 
credential recognized by the IRS or who have completed the requirements 
for the IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/annual-filing-season-program">Annual Filing Season Program</a>.<h2>Taxpayer Bill of Rights</h2>Taxpayers have fundamental rights under the law that protect taxpayers when they interact with the IRS. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxpayer-bill-of-rights">Taxpayer Bill of Rights</a> presents these rights in 10 categories. IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-1">Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer</a>, highlights these rights and the agency's obligation to protect them.

Missed your tax filing deadline? There is still time to get help, relief

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities spent two hours persuading a wanted fugitive from Nemaha County to surrender to law enforcement Friday night, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.

The sheriff’s office received information that Robert Lee Rye III, 35, of Wetmore, was at a residence at 12349 244th&nbsp;Lane, Holton.

Rye was wanted out of Nemaha County on a felony probation warrant, according to Morse.

At 11:16 p.m. Rye surrendered without incident to law enforcement. Rye was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of interference with law enforcement and on a felony probation warrant. The Holton Police and Kansas Highway Patrol assisted with the arrest, according to Morse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622984691829.png" alt="Rye has previous convictions for aggravated battery, aggravated domestic battery, criminal threat and burglary, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. He had been out of custody since June of of 2020." />
 <figcaption>Rye has previous convictions for aggravated battery, aggravated domestic battery, criminal threat and burglary, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. He had been out of custody since June of of 2020.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities spent two hours persuading a wanted fugitive from Nemaha County to surrender to law enforcement Friday night, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.The sheriff’s office received information that Robert Lee Rye III, 35, of Wetmore, was at a residence at 12349 244th&nbsp;Lane, Holton.Rye was wanted out of Nemaha County on a felony probation warrant, according to Morse.At 11:16 p.m. Rye surrendered without incident to law enforcement. Rye was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of interference with law enforcement and on a felony probation warrant. The Holton Police and Kansas Highway Patrol assisted with the arrest, according to Morse.

Sheriff: Standoff ends with arrest of wanted Kan. fugitive

TOPEKA– Lansing Correctional Facility resident William Smith&nbsp; died on Friday, June 4, 2021, at the correctional facility, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Smith, 42, was pronounced dead by emergency medical services personnel at approximately 10:00 p.m. The cause of death is pending an autopsy but is not believed to be COVID-19 related.&nbsp;

Per protocol when a resident dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Smith was serving a 37-month sentence for a 2018 Sedgwick County conviction for Drug Possession and Theft as well as other prior offenses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622926366227.png" alt="Smith had previous convictions for theft, criminal threat, aggravated battery and for drugs, according to the KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Smith had previous convictions for theft, criminal threat, aggravated battery and for drugs, according to the KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA– Lansing Correctional Facility resident William Smith&nbsp; died on Friday, June 4, 2021, at the correctional facility, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.Smith, 42, was pronounced dead by emergency medical services personnel at approximately 10:00 p.m. The cause of death is pending an autopsy but is not believed to be COVID-19 related.&nbsp;Per protocol when a resident dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.Smith was serving a 37-month sentence for a 2018 Sedgwick County conviction for Drug Possession and Theft as well as other prior offenses.

42-year-old inmate dies in Kansas prison

Minority farmers who for decades have faced systemic discrimination will begin to receive debt relief beginning in this month under what Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack called one of the most significant pieces of civil rights legislation in decades.

In an op-ed piece published in USA Today, Vilsack also called the debt relief a “major civil rights victory,” saying it responds to systemic discrimination perpetrated against farmers and ranchers of color by the Agriculture Department.

By ROXANA HEGEMAN, Associated PressMinority farmers who for decades have faced systemic discrimination will begin to receive debt relief beginning in this month under what Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack called one of the most significant pieces of civil rights legislation in decades.In an op-ed piece published in USA Today, Vilsack also called the debt relief a “major civil rights victory,” saying it responds to systemic discrimination perpetrated against farmers and ranchers of color by the Agriculture Department.“It is a historic move that will symbolize that USDA actually cares and that the Biden administration is doing whatever they can to mend fences and show the minority farmers that they do care about them during his administration,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-race-and-ethnicity-tom-vilsack-agriculture-barack-obama-669c46ed87d24d3d14692c4b89eb04de">Abraham Carpenter</a>, a 59-year-old Black farmer whose family grows fruits and vegetables on about 1,500 acres near Grady, Arkansas.Carpenter expects the debt relief will pay off about $200,000 in farm loans, freeing up money that can now be put toward farm operations like buying seed and equipment instead of making loan payments.“I know they have said it about a thousand times that they wanted to bring everybody together to make sure everybody was treated fairly. You can say it a million times., but until you show it nobody really believes it,” he said. “But this action of paying off debts for the minority farmers shows they actually do care about treating everybody fairly.”The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency has published the first notice of funding availability under the American Rescue Plan Act for borrowers with qualifying direct farm loans. A subsequent notice for farmers with government-guaranteed agricultural loans held by private lenders will be published within 120 days.A provision in the pandemic relief law directs USDA to pay off the farm loans of nearly 16,000 minority farmers and begin to address racial equity challenges. It authorizes the Agriculture Department to pay up to 120% of direct and guaranteed loan outstanding balances for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.“I’m feeling really good,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-discrimination-kansas-cultures-agriculture-871f463bcf1e1e4fac8aa3492f7c8264">Rod Bradshaw</a>, a 68-year-old Black farmer who raises wheat, cattle and milo on 2,000 acres near Jetmore, Kansas. “We knew it was coming, we didn’t know when.”Bradshaw, who has been farming since buying his first ground in 1976, has made several discrimination complaints with Agriculture Department over the years. He said he has four direct loans totaling more than $300,000 with USDA that he anticipates will be paid off under the debt relief plan.“It’s going to free us up and let us halfway conduct business as usual,” Bradshaw said upon learning of Friday’s announcement. “This has been going on for so long, this is the first step of getting Black farmers and farmers of color back to where they need to be.”The Agriculture Department said in its news release that for much of its history, socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers have faced discrimination, sometimes overt and sometimes through deeply embedded rules and policies.“USDA is recommitting itself to gaining the trust and confidence of America’s farmers and ranchers using a new set of tools provided in the American Rescue Plan to increase opportunity, advance equity and address systemic discrimination in USDA programs,” Vilsack said.