FINNEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have a teen suspect in custody.

Just before 4 p.m. Tuesday, police received a 911 call from an individual who identified himself as 15-year-old Reese Hernandez who told dispatchers he had shot his mother inside their residence, according to Garden City Police Sergeant Tanya Bradley.

Officers were dispatched to the 800 block of East Price Street in Garden City, where Reese immediately surrendered to them in the front yard and was taken into custody without incident. 

 Officers located a woman later identified as Mallory Hernandez, 34,&nbsp; inside the residence suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. EMS transported her to St. Catherine Hospital, where she later died, according to Bradley. 

The boy is being held in the Southwest Kansas Regional Detention Center on a requested charge of first-degree murder, according to Bradley.

FINNEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have a teen suspect in custody.Just before 4 p.m. Tuesday, police received a 911 call from an individual who identified himself as 15-year-old Reese Hernandez who told dispatchers he had shot his mother inside their residence, according to Garden City Police Sergeant Tanya Bradley.Officers were dispatched to the 800 block of East Price Street in Garden City, where Reese immediately surrendered to them in the front yard and was taken into custody without incident. Officers located a woman later identified as Mallory Hernandez, 34,&nbsp; inside the residence suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. EMS transported her to St. Catherine Hospital, where she later died, according to Bradley. The boy is being held in the Southwest Kansas Regional Detention Center on a requested charge of first-degree murder, according to Bradley.

SW Kan. teen surrenders to police after shooting his mother

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man with previous convictions for rape and theft was charged with new sex crimes involving children.

Stacy Munsell, 56 of Wellington, was charged March 26 with 5 counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, 9 counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, attempted aggravated criminal sodomy, criminal sodomy, attempted criminal sodomy, 2 counts of indecent liberties with a child, and furnishing alcoholic liquor or cereal malt beverage to a minor, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.&nbsp; All 20 crimes are felonies.

Following an investigation by the Exploited and Missing Children Unit of the Wichita Police Department involving incidents of sex abuse against five juveniles, police arrested Munsell March 23, according to officer Paul Cruz.

He remains jailed on a bond of $250,000. His next court date is April 8, according to the district attorney.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on child sex allegations.

Following an investigation by the Exploited and Missing Children Unit of the Wichita Police Department involving incidents of sex abuse against five juveniles, police made an arrest, according to a media release.

Just before 11p.m. Tuesday, police <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=75347">booked 56-year-old Stacy Alan Munsell</a> into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, and aggravated indecent liberties.

&nbsp;The crimes occurred over a period of six years, according to police. The case will be presented to the District Attorney’s office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616619505936.png" alt="Munsell-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Munsell-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man with previous convictions for rape and theft was charged with new sex crimes involving children.Stacy Munsell, 56 of Wellington, was charged March 26 with 5 counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, 9 counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, attempted aggravated criminal sodomy, criminal sodomy, attempted criminal sodomy, 2 counts of indecent liberties with a child, and furnishing alcoholic liquor or cereal malt beverage to a minor, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.&nbsp; All 20 crimes are felonies.Following an investigation by the Exploited and Missing Children Unit of the Wichita Police Department involving incidents of sex abuse against five juveniles, police arrested Munsell March 23, according to officer Paul Cruz.He remains jailed on a bond of $250,000. His next court date is April 8, according to the district attorney.------------SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on child sex allegations.Following an investigation by the Exploited and Missing Children Unit of the Wichita Police Department involving incidents of sex abuse against five juveniles, police made an arrest, according to a media release.Just before 11p.m. Tuesday, police <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=75347">booked 56-year-old Stacy Alan Munsell</a> into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, and aggravated indecent liberties.&nbsp;The crimes occurred over a period of six years, according to police. The case will be presented to the District Attorney’s office.

Kan. man charged with sex crimes involving 5 children

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement and USD 336 authorities are investigating threats on social media towards students at the Holton High School and have made an arrest.

The threats that were generated over the weekend and Monday evening,&nbsp;according to Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Just before midnight Monday, police officers and deputies served a search warrant on a residence in the City of Holton. During the search warrant, the suspect, a 15-year-old boy was placed into custody. A number of electronic devices were seized from the residence.

It is believed that the suspect was the sole person involved in making the threats.&nbsp; There was a strong law enforcement presence at the school on Monday and also Tuesday, according to Morse.

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement and USD 336 authorities are investigating threats on social media towards students at the Holton High School and have made an arrest.The threats that were generated over the weekend and Monday evening,&nbsp;according to Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just before midnight Monday, police officers and deputies served a search warrant on a residence in the City of Holton. During the search warrant, the suspect, a 15-year-old boy was placed into custody. A number of electronic devices were seized from the residence.It is believed that the suspect was the sole person involved in making the threats.&nbsp; There was a strong law enforcement presence at the school on Monday and also Tuesday, according to Morse.

Sheriff: Kan. boy accused of social media threat against school

SALINE COUNTY —Multiple fire units were called in for a grass fire that started in far western Saline County late Monday afternoon.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that the fire started near the intersection of Sunnyside Road and Rollman Road. That intersection is located along the west side of the Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range, southwest of Brookville.

The initial call came in at 5 p.m. and the fire was reported to be out at 11:59 p.m. Monday, Soldan said. Firefighters from Saline County Rural Fire Districts 1, 2, 6, and 7, as well as those from Marquette and Ellsworth County responded to the blaze, he said.

At the time, Saline County was under a red flag warning for grassland fire danger. According to reports from the Salina Regional Airport, winds were from the south at 24 to 35 mph, with gusts from 36 to 56 mph during the time of the fire.

A shed was burned, as was a large area of pasture grass, Soldan said.

Because of smoke, Kansas Highway 140 from Brookville west to Kansas Highway 141 in Ellsworth County was close for a time during the fire. The Kansas Department of Transportation reported that the highway had been reopened just before 9 p.m. Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617117991306.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Multiple fire units were called in for a grass fire that started in far western Saline County late Monday afternoon.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that the fire started near the intersection of Sunnyside Road and Rollman Road. That intersection is located along the west side of the Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range, southwest of Brookville.The initial call came in at 5 p.m. and the fire was reported to be out at 11:59 p.m. Monday, Soldan said. Firefighters from Saline County Rural Fire Districts 1, 2, 6, and 7, as well as those from Marquette and Ellsworth County responded to the blaze, he said.At the time, Saline County was under a red flag warning for grassland fire danger. According to reports from the Salina Regional Airport, winds were from the south at 24 to 35 mph, with gusts from 36 to 56 mph during the time of the fire.A shed was burned, as was a large area of pasture grass, Soldan said.Because of smoke, Kansas Highway 140 from Brookville west to Kansas Highway 141 in Ellsworth County was close for a time during the fire. The Kansas Department of Transportation reported that the highway had been reopened just before 9 p.m. Monday.

Grass fire in western Saline County burns nearly 7 hours

WASHINGTON
 — The Internal Revenue Service issued frequently asked questions today 
on how students and higher education institutions should report 
pandemic-related emergency financial aid grants.

Emergency financial aid grants made by a federal agency, state, 
Indian tribe, higher education institution or scholarship-granting 
organization (including a tribal organization) to a student because of 
an event related to the COVID-19 pandemic are not included in the 
student's gross income.

Also, students should not reduce an amount of qualified tuition and 
related expenses by the amount of an emergency financial aid grant. If 
students used any portion of the grants to pay for qualified tuition and
 related expenses on or before December 31, 2020, they may be eligible 
to claim a tuition and fees deduction or the American Opportunity Credit
 or Lifetime Learning Credit on their 2020 tax return. See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/higher-education-emergency-grants-frequently-asked-questions">Higher Education Emergency Grants Frequently Asked Questions</a>.

The tuition and fees deduction is not available for tax years 
beginning after December 31, 2020. For additional information on these 
credits and the tuition and fees deduction, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-970">Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education</a>.

Because students don't include emergency financial aid grants in 
their gross income, higher education institutions are not required to 
file or furnish Forms 1099-MISC reporting the grants made available by 
the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) or 
the COVID-related Tax Relief Act (COVID Relief Act) and do not need to 
report the grants in Box 5 of Form 1098-T.

But any amounts that qualify for the tuition and fees deduction or 
the American Opportunity Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit are 
considered "qualified tuition and related expenses" and trigger the 
reporting requirements of Internal Revenue Code section 6050S. Higher 
education institutions must include qualified tuition and related 
expenses paid by emergency financial aid grants awarded to students in 
Box 1 of Form 1098-T.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON
 — The Internal Revenue Service issued frequently asked questions today 
on how students and higher education institutions should report 
pandemic-related emergency financial aid grants.<h2>Students</h2>Emergency financial aid grants made by a federal agency, state, 
Indian tribe, higher education institution or scholarship-granting 
organization (including a tribal organization) to a student because of 
an event related to the COVID-19 pandemic are not included in the 
student's gross income.Also, students should not reduce an amount of qualified tuition and 
related expenses by the amount of an emergency financial aid grant. If 
students used any portion of the grants to pay for qualified tuition and
 related expenses on or before December 31, 2020, they may be eligible 
to claim a tuition and fees deduction or the American Opportunity Credit
 or Lifetime Learning Credit on their 2020 tax return. See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/higher-education-emergency-grants-frequently-asked-questions">Higher Education Emergency Grants Frequently Asked Questions</a>.The tuition and fees deduction is not available for tax years 
beginning after December 31, 2020. For additional information on these 
credits and the tuition and fees deduction, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-970">Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education</a>.<h2>Higher Education Institutions</h2>Because students don't include emergency financial aid grants in 
their gross income, higher education institutions are not required to 
file or furnish Forms 1099-MISC reporting the grants made available by 
the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) or 
the COVID-related Tax Relief Act (COVID Relief Act) and do not need to 
report the grants in Box 5 of Form 1098-T.But any amounts that qualify for the tuition and fees deduction or 
the American Opportunity Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit are 
considered "qualified tuition and related expenses" and trigger the 
reporting requirements of Internal Revenue Code section 6050S. Higher 
education institutions must include qualified tuition and related 
expenses paid by emergency financial aid grants awarded to students in 
Box 1 of Form 1098-T.

IRS: Emergency aid granted to students due to COVID not taxable

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A federal grand jury has indicted a former Missouri public defender employee on charges that she smuggled heroin into a state prison.

The indictment returned March 26, says that 43-year-old Juliane Colby, of Shawnee, Kansas, hid the drugs in 2019 in an envelope marked “Legal Mail” that contained other information related to a criminal court case.

She faces charges of conspiracy to distribute heroin, illegal use of a communication facility and attempted distribution of heroin. Colby also is accused of trying to bring other contraband into the Western Missouri Correctional Center in Cameron.

Colby was charged with a similar crime while she was working as a mitigation specialist with the Missouri Public Defender office roughly 3 ½ years ago.

In 2017, Colby was accused of helping Ce-Antonyo Kennedy, a client who was awaiting trial in the killing of a 14-year-old girl, conceal a cell phone in the Jackson County Detention Center. Kennedy was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Colby and Kennedy shared text messages with each other, many of them romantic and sexual in nature, according to court records.

A request for comment sent to the federal public defender listed as Colby’s legal representative went unanswered Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617028444632.png" alt="In 2017, Colby was also accused of helping Ce-Antonyo Kennedy, a client who was awaiting trial in the killing of a 14-year-old girl, conceal a cell phone in the Jackson County Detention Center. Kennedy was sentenced to 15 years in prison.-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>In 2017, Colby was also accused of helping Ce-Antonyo Kennedy, a client who was awaiting trial in the killing of a 14-year-old girl, conceal a cell phone in the Jackson County Detention Center. Kennedy was sentenced to 15 years in prison.-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A federal grand jury has indicted a former Missouri public defender employee on charges that she smuggled heroin into a state prison.The indictment returned March 26, says that 43-year-old Juliane Colby, of Shawnee, Kansas, hid the drugs in 2019 in an envelope marked “Legal Mail” that contained other information related to a criminal court case.She faces charges of conspiracy to distribute heroin, illegal use of a communication facility and attempted distribution of heroin. Colby also is accused of trying to bring other contraband into the Western Missouri Correctional Center in Cameron.Colby was charged with a similar crime while she was working as a mitigation specialist with the Missouri Public Defender office roughly 3 ½ years ago.In 2017, Colby was accused of helping Ce-Antonyo Kennedy, a client who was awaiting trial in the killing of a 14-year-old girl, conceal a cell phone in the Jackson County Detention Center. Kennedy was sentenced to 15 years in prison.Colby and Kennedy shared text messages with each other, many of them romantic and sexual in nature, according to court records.A request for comment sent to the federal public defender listed as Colby’s legal representative went unanswered Friday.

Kan. woman indicted for smuggling heroin to inmates

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators are working on a plan for setting aside potentially several hundred million dollars in federal COVID-19 relief funds to pay businesses harmed by state and local restrictions imposed last year to check the virus’ spread.

The state Senate Judiciary Committee is considering&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/committees/ctte_s_jud_1/misc_documents/download_testimony/ctte_s_jud_1_20210326_17_testimony.html" target="_blank">a proposal&nbsp;</a>to set up a fund to pay claims from businesses that either were shut down or had their operations curtailed by state restrictions. The measure also would require counties and cities that imposed restrictions to set up similar funds. The state, cities and counties would be required to set aside 25% of their federal COVID-19 relief funds that aren’t dedicated to a specific purpose.

The committee had hoped to vote on the proposal Monday, but Chair Kellie Warren, a Leawood Republican, said lawmakers and interested parties were still trying to hash out some details.

“It’s a very big issue to contend with, and we want to make sure we look at all facets of it,” she said.

The measure is designed to end the threat that the state, counties and cities could face a larger total payout from lawsuits from business owners. A Wichita fitness studio’s owner and his business sued the state in December, and his attorneys and Attorney General Derek Schmidt agreed to put the lawsuit on hold to allow state lawmakers to consider a plan for compensating businesses.

Ryan Kriegshauser, an attorney for the fitness studio’s owner, said the total that would be set aside still is “a moving target,” but could reach $540 million.

“The general public relied on these businesses to shut down at a specific impact to them, at their expense, and so the general public should compensate them for it,” Kriegshauser told the committee last week.

The Republican-controlled Legislature’s discussions about compensating businesses comes after a sharp drop in COVID-19 cases at the start of spring. Kansas averaged 248 new confirmed and probable cases a day for the seven days ending Monday, according to state health department data, comparable to numbers in late June 2020.

The state added only 429 cases since Friday to its total for the pandemic, bringing the number to 301,862. It also reported 11 additional deaths to bring the total to 4,902.

And in Shawnee County, home to Topeka, county commissioners voted Monday to let any business, church or individual opt out of the county’s mask mandate,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/coronavirus/2021/03/29/any-party-shawnee-county-can-opt-out-mask-mandate/7005261002/" target="_blank">The Topeka Capital-Journal reported.</a>&nbsp;Sedgwick County, home to the state’s largest city of Wichita, ended its mask mandate last week.

GOP legislators have criticized Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly for imposing a statewide stay-at-home order for five weeks last spring and following up with different reopening rules for different kinds of businesses. Schmidt, a Republican who is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-dwight-eisenhower-kansas-legislation-coronavirus-pandemic-87542690cbd10047f1e557f7eb5ff57f">running for governor</a>&nbsp;in 2022, has questioned Kelly’s actions. His office would handle claims under the proposal.

At least a few Republicans wonder whether the proposal sets aside enough money to help the thousands of businesses they believe were hurt by COVID-19 restrictions.

“Are these guys going to get 100 bucks for being shut down for a year?” asked Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican.

But Trey Cocking, deputy director and lobbyist for the League of Kansas Municipalities, expressed concern that the measure wouldn’t require businesses to demonstrate that revenue reductions were a result of restrictions — rather than consumers’ fears about COVID-19.

“People weren’t going to bars. People weren’t going to restaurants, and it wasn’t because of the government shutdown order,” he said. “It was because people were scared for their lives.”

GOP legislators&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/sb286_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">originally considered</a>&nbsp;creating a state fund of $100 million while also allowing businesses to seek a state income tax credit or a break on their local property taxes. Some local officials balked at the idea of being pushed into giving out tax breaks, fearing it would force them either to cut local services or raise taxes for others.

Groups representing city and county officials withdrew their opposition once attorneys for the fitness studio owner and lawmakers abandoned the idea of providing tax breaks.

The lawsuit filed in December in Sedgwick County District Court by Kriegshauser’s clients, Omega Bootcamps Inc. and owner Ryan Floyd, argued that the state used their property for the public’s benefit by imposing restrictions. The lawsuit cited&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020/b2019_20/statute/048_000_0000_chapter/048_009_0000_article/048_009_0033_section/048_009_0033_k/" target="_blank">a provision</a>&nbsp;in the state’s emergency management laws allowing people to seek compensation in court if their property is “commandeered or otherwise used” by state or local officials.

Schmidt said in December that he agrees “in principle,” but added that the laws weren’t written to deal with the restrictions imposed during the pandemic.

Kriegshauser acknowledged that a business might get “pennies on the dollar” compared with what it could win in a lawsuit but litigation could prove expensive and lengthy and come with “a lot of mines.”

“People could be willing to take less money through an expedited process,” Kriegshauser said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617063317007.png" alt="Members of the Kansas Senate Judiciary Committee had hoped to vote on the proposal during Monday's meeting. They did not." />
 <figcaption>Members of the Kansas Senate Judiciary Committee had hoped to vote on the proposal during Monday's meeting. They did not.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators are working on a plan for setting aside potentially several hundred million dollars in federal COVID-19 relief funds to pay businesses harmed by state and local restrictions imposed last year to check the virus’ spread.The state Senate Judiciary Committee is considering&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/committees/ctte_s_jud_1/misc_documents/download_testimony/ctte_s_jud_1_20210326_17_testimony.html" target="_blank">a proposal&nbsp;</a>to set up a fund to pay claims from businesses that either were shut down or had their operations curtailed by state restrictions. The measure also would require counties and cities that imposed restrictions to set up similar funds. The state, cities and counties would be required to set aside 25% of their federal COVID-19 relief funds that aren’t dedicated to a specific purpose.The committee had hoped to vote on the proposal Monday, but Chair Kellie Warren, a Leawood Republican, said lawmakers and interested parties were still trying to hash out some details.“It’s a very big issue to contend with, and we want to make sure we look at all facets of it,” she said.The measure is designed to end the threat that the state, counties and cities could face a larger total payout from lawsuits from business owners. A Wichita fitness studio’s owner and his business sued the state in December, and his attorneys and Attorney General Derek Schmidt agreed to put the lawsuit on hold to allow state lawmakers to consider a plan for compensating businesses.Ryan Kriegshauser, an attorney for the fitness studio’s owner, said the total that would be set aside still is “a moving target,” but could reach $540 million.“The general public relied on these businesses to shut down at a specific impact to them, at their expense, and so the general public should compensate them for it,” Kriegshauser told the committee last week.The Republican-controlled Legislature’s discussions about compensating businesses comes after a sharp drop in COVID-19 cases at the start of spring. Kansas averaged 248 new confirmed and probable cases a day for the seven days ending Monday, according to state health department data, comparable to numbers in late June 2020.The state added only 429 cases since Friday to its total for the pandemic, bringing the number to 301,862. It also reported 11 additional deaths to bring the total to 4,902.And in Shawnee County, home to Topeka, county commissioners voted Monday to let any business, church or individual opt out of the county’s mask mandate,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/coronavirus/2021/03/29/any-party-shawnee-county-can-opt-out-mask-mandate/7005261002/" target="_blank">The Topeka Capital-Journal reported.</a>&nbsp;Sedgwick County, home to the state’s largest city of Wichita, ended its mask mandate last week.GOP legislators have criticized Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly for imposing a statewide stay-at-home order for five weeks last spring and following up with different reopening rules for different kinds of businesses. Schmidt, a Republican who is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-dwight-eisenhower-kansas-legislation-coronavirus-pandemic-87542690cbd10047f1e557f7eb5ff57f">running for governor</a>&nbsp;in 2022, has questioned Kelly’s actions. His office would handle claims under the proposal.At least a few Republicans wonder whether the proposal sets aside enough money to help the thousands of businesses they believe were hurt by COVID-19 restrictions.“Are these guys going to get 100 bucks for being shut down for a year?” asked Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican.But Trey Cocking, deputy director and lobbyist for the League of Kansas Municipalities, expressed concern that the measure wouldn’t require businesses to demonstrate that revenue reductions were a result of restrictions — rather than consumers’ fears about COVID-19.“People weren’t going to bars. People weren’t going to restaurants, and it wasn’t because of the government shutdown order,” he said. “It was because people were scared for their lives.”GOP legislators&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/sb286_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">originally considered</a>&nbsp;creating a state fund of $100 million while also allowing businesses to seek a state income tax credit or a break on their local property taxes. Some local officials balked at the idea of being pushed into giving out tax breaks, fearing it would force them either to cut local services or raise taxes for others.Groups representing city and county officials withdrew their opposition once attorneys for the fitness studio owner and lawmakers abandoned the idea of providing tax breaks.The lawsuit filed in December in Sedgwick County District Court by Kriegshauser’s clients, Omega Bootcamps Inc. and owner Ryan Floyd, argued that the state used their property for the public’s benefit by imposing restrictions. The lawsuit cited&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020/b2019_20/statute/048_000_0000_chapter/048_009_0000_article/048_009_0033_section/048_009_0033_k/" target="_blank">a provision</a>&nbsp;in the state’s emergency management laws allowing people to seek compensation in court if their property is “commandeered or otherwise used” by state or local officials.Schmidt said in December that he agrees “in principle,” but added that the laws weren’t written to deal with the restrictions imposed during the pandemic.Kriegshauser acknowledged that a business might get “pennies on the dollar” compared with what it could win in a lawsuit but litigation could prove expensive and lengthy and come with “a lot of mines.”“People could be willing to take less money through an expedited process,” Kriegshauser said.___

Legislators consider paying Kan. businesses hit by COVID restrictions 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and a top health official warned that too many Americans are declaring virus victory too quickly, appealing for mask requirements and other restrictions to be maintained or restored to stave off a “fourth surge” of COVID-19. The head of the CDC said she had a feeling of “impending doom” if people keep easing off.

(Click the video below to listen to the CDC director's statement during Monday's virus press conference from the White House)

The double dose of warnings on Monday came even as Biden laid out hopeful new steps to expand coronavirus vaccinations, with all adults to become eligible over the next five weeks. Biden announced plans to expand the number of retail pharmacies that are administering vaccines, and investments to help Americans get to vaccination sites. But the optimism was tempered by stark warnings about the potential for another wave of cases.

“This is deadly serious,” Biden said, urging governors to reinstate mask mandates and other restrictions that some states have been easing.

Hours earlier, during a virtual White House health briefing, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, grew emotional as she reflected on her experience treating COVID-19 patients who are alone at the end of their lives.

“We have so much to look forward to, so much promise and potential of where we are and so much reason for hope,” she said. “But right now, I’m scared.

“I’m going to lose the script, and I’m going to reflect on the recurring feeling I have of impending doom.”

Cases of the virus are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-report-animals-source-covid-19-coronavirus-8a839c179c330c56fa46a763b7286a7f">up about 10% over the past week from the previous week</a>, to about 60,000 cases per day, with both hospitalizations and deaths ticking up as well, Walensky said. She warned that without immediate action the U.S. could follow European countries into another spike in cases and suffer needless deaths.

“I have to share the truth, and I have to hope and trust you will listen,” she said.

Later Monday, Biden addressed the nation from the White House, declaring, “If we let our guard down now, we can see the virus getting worse, not better. People are letting up on precautions, which is a very bad thing.”

Biden delivered a direct appeal to governors, state and local leaders to reinstate mask-wearing requirements if they have lifted them, and said he encouraged leaders to pause plans to further ease virus-related restrictions.

“Please, this is not politics, reinstate the mandate if you let it down,” he said.

Biden announced that by April 19 at least 90% of the adult U.S. population would be eligible for vaccination — and would have access to a vaccination site within 5 miles of home. Quick vaccination would still depend on supply.

Biden had previously directed that all states make all adults eligible for vaccination by May 1, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rochelle-walensky-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-ea8be8945ee27ca7f3d15959b0a7b613">many have moved to lift eligibility requirements sooner</a>&nbsp;in anticipation of supply increases.

Meanwhile, the White House is moving to double the number of pharmacies participating in the federal retail pharmacy program — it has emerged as among the most efficient avenues for administering vaccines — and increase the number of doses for them to deliver. Retail pharmacies are located relatively close to most Americans and have experience delivering vaccines like flu shots.

Biden announced that the U.S. is expecting delivery of 33 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine this week — including 11 million of the single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson shot.

More than 1 in 5 adults and nearly 50% of senior American are fully vaccinated, according to data from the CDC. On Thursday, the U.S. set new single-day record for shots in arms: more than 3.2 million.

“Now is not the time to let down,” Biden said. “Now’s not the time to celebrate. It is time to do what we do best as a country: our duty, our jobs, take care of one another.”

“Fight to the finish,” he added. “Don’t let up now.”

Walensky and Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, appealed to elected officials, community leaders and everyday Americans to maintain social distancing measures and mask wearing.

“We are doing things prematurely,” Fauci said, referring to moves to ease up on restrictions. Walensky appealed to Americans, “Just please hold on a little while longer.”

She added: “We are not powerless, we can change this trajectory of the pandemic.”

Walensky pointed to an uptick in travel and loosening virus restrictions for the increase in cases. “People want to be done with this. I, too, want to be done with this,” she said.

“We’ve seen surges after every single holiday,” she reiterated: “Please limit travel to essential travel for the time being.”

The White House, meanwhile is ruling out the creation of a national “vaccine passport” for Americans to verify their immunization status, saying it is leaving it to the private sector to develop a system for people show they’ve been vaccinated. Some other countries are establishing national databases to allow vaccinated people to resume normal activities.

“We do know that there is a segment of the population that is concerned that the government will play too heavy-handed of a role in monitoring their vaccinations,” said White House COVID-19 adviser Andy Slavitt. He said officials are worried that “it would discourage people” from getting vaccinated if the federal government was involved.

The administration, instead, is developing guidelines for such passports, touching on privacy, accuracy and equity, but the White House has not said when those guidelines will be ready.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made an impassioned plea to Americans Monday not to let their guard down in the fight against COVID-19, warning of a potential fourth wave of the virus and saying she has a recurring feeling “of impending doom.”

Speaking during a virtual White House briefing, Dr. Rochelle Walensky grew emotional as she reflected on her experience treating COVID-19 patients who are alone at the end of their lives.

“We have so much to look forward to, so much promise and potential of where we are and so much reason for hope,” she said. “But right now, I’m scared.”

“I’m going to lose the script, and I’m going to reflect on the recurring feeling I have of impending doom,” she said.

“I have to share the truth, and I have to hope and trust you will listen,” she added.

Walensky’s comments came hours before President Joe Biden was to address the nation Monday afternoon with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-new-york-coronavirus-pandemic-57cde25de803c98503c5ff9937598420">an update on the vaccination effort.</a>

“The president has not held back in calling for governors, leaders, the American people to continue to abide by the public health guidelines,” said White House press secretary Jen Psaki. “He will continue to do that through all of his engagements.”

Walensky and Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert. appealed to elected officials, community leaders and everyday Americans to maintain social distancing measures and mask wearing.

Walensky pointed to an uptick in travel and loosening virus restrictions for the increase in cases. “People want to be done with this. I, too, want to be done with this,” Walensky said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617040790970.png" alt="On Monday, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky and Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert appealed to elected officials, community leaders and everyday Americans to maintain social distancing measures and mask wearing-image courtesy White. House" />
 <figcaption>On Monday, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky and Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert appealed to elected officials, community leaders and everyday Americans to maintain social distancing measures and mask wearing-image courtesy White. House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and a top health official warned that too many Americans are declaring virus victory too quickly, appealing for mask requirements and other restrictions to be maintained or restored to stave off a “fourth surge” of COVID-19. The head of the CDC said she had a feeling of “impending doom” if people keep easing off.(Click the video below to listen to the CDC director's statement during Monday's virus press conference from the White House)<div><iframe width=512 height=330 src='https://www.c-span.org/video/standalone/?c4954773/cdc-director-rochelle-walensky-right-now-scared-rising-covid-19-cases-us' allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' frameborder=0></iframe></div>The double dose of warnings on Monday came even as Biden laid out hopeful new steps to expand coronavirus vaccinations, with all adults to become eligible over the next five weeks. Biden announced plans to expand the number of retail pharmacies that are administering vaccines, and investments to help Americans get to vaccination sites. But the optimism was tempered by stark warnings about the potential for another wave of cases.“This is deadly serious,” Biden said, urging governors to reinstate mask mandates and other restrictions that some states have been easing.Hours earlier, during a virtual White House health briefing, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, grew emotional as she reflected on her experience treating COVID-19 patients who are alone at the end of their lives.“We have so much to look forward to, so much promise and potential of where we are and so much reason for hope,” she said. “But right now, I’m scared.“I’m going to lose the script, and I’m going to reflect on the recurring feeling I have of impending doom.”Cases of the virus are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-report-animals-source-covid-19-coronavirus-8a839c179c330c56fa46a763b7286a7f">up about 10% over the past week from the previous week</a>, to about 60,000 cases per day, with both hospitalizations and deaths ticking up as well, Walensky said. She warned that without immediate action the U.S. could follow European countries into another spike in cases and suffer needless deaths.“I have to share the truth, and I have to hope and trust you will listen,” she said.Later Monday, Biden addressed the nation from the White House, declaring, “If we let our guard down now, we can see the virus getting worse, not better. People are letting up on precautions, which is a very bad thing.”Biden delivered a direct appeal to governors, state and local leaders to reinstate mask-wearing requirements if they have lifted them, and said he encouraged leaders to pause plans to further ease virus-related restrictions.“Please, this is not politics, reinstate the mandate if you let it down,” he said.Biden announced that by April 19 at least 90% of the adult U.S. population would be eligible for vaccination — and would have access to a vaccination site within 5 miles of home. Quick vaccination would still depend on supply.Biden had previously directed that all states make all adults eligible for vaccination by May 1, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rochelle-walensky-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-ea8be8945ee27ca7f3d15959b0a7b613">many have moved to lift eligibility requirements sooner</a>&nbsp;in anticipation of supply increases.Meanwhile, the White House is moving to double the number of pharmacies participating in the federal retail pharmacy program — it has emerged as among the most efficient avenues for administering vaccines — and increase the number of doses for them to deliver. Retail pharmacies are located relatively close to most Americans and have experience delivering vaccines like flu shots.Biden announced that the U.S. is expecting delivery of 33 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine this week — including 11 million of the single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson shot.More than 1 in 5 adults and nearly 50% of senior American are fully vaccinated, according to data from the CDC. On Thursday, the U.S. set new single-day record for shots in arms: more than 3.2 million.“Now is not the time to let down,” Biden said. “Now’s not the time to celebrate. It is time to do what we do best as a country: our duty, our jobs, take care of one another.”“Fight to the finish,” he added. “Don’t let up now.”Walensky and Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, appealed to elected officials, community leaders and everyday Americans to maintain social distancing measures and mask wearing.“We are doing things prematurely,” Fauci said, referring to moves to ease up on restrictions. Walensky appealed to Americans, “Just please hold on a little while longer.”She added: “We are not powerless, we can change this trajectory of the pandemic.”Walensky pointed to an uptick in travel and loosening virus restrictions for the increase in cases. “People want to be done with this. I, too, want to be done with this,” she said.“We’ve seen surges after every single holiday,” she reiterated: “Please limit travel to essential travel for the time being.”The White House, meanwhile is ruling out the creation of a national “vaccine passport” for Americans to verify their immunization status, saying it is leaving it to the private sector to develop a system for people show they’ve been vaccinated. Some other countries are establishing national databases to allow vaccinated people to resume normal activities.“We do know that there is a segment of the population that is concerned that the government will play too heavy-handed of a role in monitoring their vaccinations,” said White House COVID-19 adviser Andy Slavitt. He said officials are worried that “it would discourage people” from getting vaccinated if the federal government was involved.The administration, instead, is developing guidelines for such passports, touching on privacy, accuracy and equity, but the White House has not said when those guidelines will be ready.--------WASHINGTON (AP) — The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made an impassioned plea to Americans Monday not to let their guard down in the fight against COVID-19, warning of a potential fourth wave of the virus and saying she has a recurring feeling “of impending doom.”Speaking during a virtual White House briefing, Dr. Rochelle Walensky grew emotional as she reflected on her experience treating COVID-19 patients who are alone at the end of their lives.“We have so much to look forward to, so much promise and potential of where we are and so much reason for hope,” she said. “But right now, I’m scared.”“I’m going to lose the script, and I’m going to reflect on the recurring feeling I have of impending doom,” she said.Cases of the virus are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-report-animals-source-covid-19-coronavirus-8a839c179c330c56fa46a763b7286a7f">up about 10% over the past week from the previous week</a>, to about 60,000 cases per day, with both hospitalizations and deaths ticking up as well, Walensky said. She warned that without immediate action the U.S. could follow European countries into another spike in cases and suffer needless deaths.“I have to share the truth, and I have to hope and trust you will listen,” she added.Walensky’s comments came hours before President Joe Biden was to address the nation Monday afternoon with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-new-york-coronavirus-pandemic-57cde25de803c98503c5ff9937598420">an update on the vaccination effort.</a>“The president has not held back in calling for governors, leaders, the American people to continue to abide by the public health guidelines,” said White House press secretary Jen Psaki. “He will continue to do that through all of his engagements.”Walensky and Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert. appealed to elected officials, community leaders and everyday Americans to maintain social distancing measures and mask wearing.“We are doing things prematurely,” Fauci said, referring to moves to ease up on restrictions. Walensky appealed to Americans, “Just please hold on a little while longer.”She added: “We are not powerless, we can change this trajectory of the pandemic.”Walensky pointed to an uptick in travel and loosening virus restrictions for the increase in cases. “People want to be done with this. I, too, want to be done with this,” Walensky said.“We’ve seen surges after every single holiday,” she reiterated: “Please limit travel to essential travel for the time being.”The White House, meanwhile is ruling out the creation of a national “vaccine passport” for Americans to verify their immunization status, saying it is leaving it to the private sector to develop a system for people show they’ve been vaccinated. Some other countries are establishing national databases to allow vaccinated people to resume normal activities.“We do know that there is a segment of the population that is concerned that the government will play too heavy-handed of a role in monitoring their vaccinations,” said White House COVID-19 adviser Andy Slavitt. He said officials are worried that “it would discourage people” from getting vaccinated if the federal government was involved.The administration, instead, is developing guidelines for such passports, touching on privacy, accuracy and equity, but the White House has not said when those guidelines will be ready.

 🎥 Biden, CDC director warn of virus rebound if nation lets up

TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities investigating a weekend shooting have arrested 35-year-old Misty Lake after she turned herself in on Monday.

Just before 9p.m. Saturday, police&nbsp;responded to a report of a possible shooting in the parking lot of Skinny’s Bar, 4016 SW Huntoon Street in Topeka, according to Lt. Shane Hilton. One victim transported themselves to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. When officers arrived, they learned that an altercation inside of the bar spilled out into the parking lot where the shooting occurred.

The Topeka Police Department the public for assistance in locating&nbsp; Lake in connection with the incident. After turning herself in, she was booked on a requested charge of aggravated battery, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and asking the public for help to locate a person on interest in the case.

The Topeka Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Misty M. Lake, 35, of Topeka, in connection with the incident. Anyone with information about Lake’s location, including past sightings is asked to call police. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617052015840.png" alt="Lake photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Lake photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities investigating a weekend shooting have arrested 35-year-old Misty Lake after she turned herself in on Monday.Just before 9p.m. Saturday, police&nbsp;responded to a report of a possible shooting in the parking lot of Skinny’s Bar, 4016 SW Huntoon Street in Topeka, according to Lt. Shane Hilton. One victim transported themselves to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. When officers arrived, they learned that an altercation inside of the bar spilled out into the parking lot where the shooting occurred.The Topeka Police Department the public for assistance in locating&nbsp; Lake in connection with the incident. After turning herself in, she was booked on a requested charge of aggravated battery, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.---------TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and asking the public for help to locate a person on interest in the case.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616944014824.png" alt="Lake photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Lake photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 9p.m. Saturday, police&nbsp;responded to a report of a possible shooting in the parking lot of Skinny’s Bar, 4016 SW Huntoon Street in Topeka, according to Lt. Shane Hilton. One victim transported themselves to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. When officers arrived, they learned that an altercation inside of the bar spilled out into the parking lot where the shooting occurred.The Topeka Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Misty M. Lake, 35, of Topeka, in connection with the incident. Anyone with information about Lake’s location, including past sightings is asked to call police.

Suspect in shooting outside Kansas bar turns herself in

LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) — The death sentence of an avowed anti-Semite who fatally shot three people at two suburban Kansas City Jewish sites in 2014 should be overturned because he was incapable of understanding the legal intricacies when he represented himself at trial and during sentencing, his attorney said Monday.

Attorney Reid Nelson also argued before the Kansas Supreme Court that Frazier Glenn Miller Jr.’s sentence should be overturned because the state’s death penalty law is unconstitutionally vague. He said Miller’s standby attorneys should have been allowed to intervene during the penalty phase.

Miller was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/049dd23899154d8ba71e596143520fa8">convicted&nbsp;</a>in August 2015 on one count of capital murder, three counts of attempted murder, and assault and weapons charges.

Attorneys also argued in an afternoon session over whether the state’s death penalty law itself is unconstitutional.

Nelson admitted Miller presented the case he wanted to, but said his standby attorneys were better trained to present evidence to the jury in the penalty phase about Miller’s difficult life, mental health issues and other factors that might have prompted the shootings.

“It is absolutely required that these proceedings have a heightened standard of reliability, which this case didn’t have,” Nelson said, adding that no defendant representing himself at sentencing in a capital murder case is ever capable.

Miller&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1d7ae9912d1941e6be9179d0af85074f">frequently interrupted</a>&nbsp;court proceedings and, after he was convicted, he said he didn’t care if he was sentenced to death.

Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe, who prosecuted Miller, argued Monday that the U.S. Constitution allows defendants to serve as their own lawyers and that trumps any legal argument over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/75bf9753ed13445f86f3e81c0dac5a2d">whether they are able to represent themselves</a>.

“I go back to the fact that this is his right to have the trial the way he wants the trial, and the lawyers can’t tell him what to do,” Howe said. “He made that abundantly clear and, as far as I’m concerned, the Sixth Amendment says, whether its a good idea or not, you have a right to be your own lawyer.”

He also argued that Miller’s outbursts and actions during court proceedings did not prove he had mental health issues. Howe noted that Miller methodically planned the killings and was able to participate in all aspects of the trial.

He said Miller used the court proceedings to present his anti-Semitic and racist views, and that prosecutors and the judge “went the extra mile” by explaining the legal process as well as accommodating Miller’s desire to talk about his beliefs.

Nelson also argued that the state’s death penalty law is so broad that any first-degree, premeditated murder could be subject to the death penalty. He said a clause that allows juries to consider whether any action is “especially henious” is unconstitutionally vague and needs to be changed to limit juries’ discretion.

Howe responded that Kansas law has specific factors that would not allow every murder to be considered a death penalty case, and allows juries to consider motivations, intent and conduct to determine state of mind in such cases.

“Kansas, as I think everyone would agree, is very limited on when you can meet capital murder,” Howe said. “... I do think Kansas has constructed this in a way that it’s clear what the Legislature’s intent was and that things like conduct, intent and motive were all things they contemplated as things for the juries to consider in a death penalty case.”

On Wednesday afternoon, Meryl Carver-Allmond, an attorney for Miller, argued the death penalty is unconstitutional and violates “the fundamental right to life” under Kansas’ Bill of Rights.

The argument comes after an April 2019 state Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">ruling</a>&nbsp;that protected abortion rights. The justices ruled language protecting “equal and inalienable rights” in the Kansas Constitution’s Bill of Rights includes the right to personal autonomy and to control one’s own body.

After the ruling, attorneys for Miller and other death row inmates argued executing prisoners violates their “inalienable” right to life.

Carver-Allmond said she was not arguing the death penalty should be banned forever in Kansas. Instead, she said, the law should be more narrowly tailored and, under the 2019 ruling, Miller should be resentenced to life without parole.

Brant Laue, solicitor general of Kansas, argued for the state that the 2019 ruling has no effect on death penalty being constitutional in Kansas under the Bill of Rights. He said Miller moved outside private autonomy when he committed multiple murders and the state Constitution does not prevent the Kansas from executing him.

Miller, testified during trial that he drove to the Kansas City area in April 2014&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1d7ae9912d1941e6be9179d0af85074f">to kill Jews</a>&nbsp;and that he didn’t expect to live long because he had chronic emphysema.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cab94ee0c9c84db0ae5c4e69f02a7a3c">He ambushed and killed</a>&nbsp;William Corporon, 69, and Corporon’s 14-year-old grandson, Reat Griffin Underwood, at the Jewish Community Center in Overland Park, Kansas. He then shot 53-year-old Terri LaManno at the nearby Village Shalom retirement center.

In his closing arguments during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7e13a00dfb6f4d3cb06a3b9918c072ba">penalty phase</a>, Miller spent nearly an hour complaining that Jewish people were running the government, media and Federal Reserve. He yelled “Heil Hitler” when he was sentenced to death.

Miller is a Vietnam War veteran who founded the Carolina Knights of the Ku Klux Klan in his native North Carolina and later the White Patriot Party. He also ran on a white-power platform during campaigns for the U.S. House in 2006 and the U.S. Senate in 2010 in Missouri.

LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) — An avowed anti-Semite who shot three people to death at two suburban Kansas City Jewish sites in 2014 is asking the Kansas Supreme Court to overturn&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1600964728d24cd4ab072fb1094bcaec">his death sentence</a>, saying he should not have been allowed him to represent himself at trial.

The appeal from Frazier Glenn Miller Jr. is scheduled to go before the state Supreme Court on Monday. He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/049dd23899154d8ba71e596143520fa8">convicted&nbsp;</a>of one count of capital murder, three counts of attempted murder, and assault and weapons charges in August 2015.

Miller’s attorneys argue that the Johnson County Court judge who oversaw his trial should not have allowed him to represent himself. They say the judge did not consider whether Miller had mental health issues that would make him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/75bf9753ed13445f86f3e81c0dac5a2d">incompetent to represent himself</a>&nbsp;in a complex capital case.

Miller, from Aurora, Missouri, also argues that the judge should have allowed him to present mitigating evidence during the penalty phase, and that the death penalty itself is unconstitutional.

Miller, who is also known as Frazier Glenn Close, testified during trial that he drove to the Kansas City area in April 2014&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1d7ae9912d1941e6be9179d0af85074f">to kill Jews</a>&nbsp;before he died. He said at the time that he didn’t expect to live long because he had chronic emphysema.

During the trial, Miller frequently interrupted proceedings with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/72b20e419cee413da9a0f8409ffca4a7">outbursts&nbsp;</a>aimed at the judge, jury and prosecutor. After he was convicted, he said he didn’t care if he was sentenced to death.

In his closing arguments during the penalty phase, Miller spent nearly an hour complaining that Jewish people were running the government, media and Federal Reserve. He yelled “Heil Hitler” when he was sentenced to death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617015166450.png" alt="Miller photo Johnson County Sheriff&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Miller photo Johnson County Sheriff&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) — The death sentence of an avowed anti-Semite who fatally shot three people at two suburban Kansas City Jewish sites in 2014 should be overturned because he was incapable of understanding the legal intricacies when he represented himself at trial and during sentencing, his attorney said Monday.Attorney Reid Nelson also argued before the Kansas Supreme Court that Frazier Glenn Miller Jr.’s sentence should be overturned because the state’s death penalty law is unconstitutionally vague. He said Miller’s standby attorneys should have been allowed to intervene during the penalty phase.Miller was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/049dd23899154d8ba71e596143520fa8">convicted&nbsp;</a>in August 2015 on one count of capital murder, three counts of attempted murder, and assault and weapons charges.Attorneys also argued in an afternoon session over whether the state’s death penalty law itself is unconstitutional.Nelson admitted Miller presented the case he wanted to, but said his standby attorneys were better trained to present evidence to the jury in the penalty phase about Miller’s difficult life, mental health issues and other factors that might have prompted the shootings.“It is absolutely required that these proceedings have a heightened standard of reliability, which this case didn’t have,” Nelson said, adding that no defendant representing himself at sentencing in a capital murder case is ever capable.Miller&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1d7ae9912d1941e6be9179d0af85074f">frequently interrupted</a>&nbsp;court proceedings and, after he was convicted, he said he didn’t care if he was sentenced to death.Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe, who prosecuted Miller, argued Monday that the U.S. Constitution allows defendants to serve as their own lawyers and that trumps any legal argument over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/75bf9753ed13445f86f3e81c0dac5a2d">whether they are able to represent themselves</a>.“I go back to the fact that this is his right to have the trial the way he wants the trial, and the lawyers can’t tell him what to do,” Howe said. “He made that abundantly clear and, as far as I’m concerned, the Sixth Amendment says, whether its a good idea or not, you have a right to be your own lawyer.”He also argued that Miller’s outbursts and actions during court proceedings did not prove he had mental health issues. Howe noted that Miller methodically planned the killings and was able to participate in all aspects of the trial.He said Miller used the court proceedings to present his anti-Semitic and racist views, and that prosecutors and the judge “went the extra mile” by explaining the legal process as well as accommodating Miller’s desire to talk about his beliefs.Nelson also argued that the state’s death penalty law is so broad that any first-degree, premeditated murder could be subject to the death penalty. He said a clause that allows juries to consider whether any action is “especially henious” is unconstitutionally vague and needs to be changed to limit juries’ discretion.Howe responded that Kansas law has specific factors that would not allow every murder to be considered a death penalty case, and allows juries to consider motivations, intent and conduct to determine state of mind in such cases.“Kansas, as I think everyone would agree, is very limited on when you can meet capital murder,” Howe said. “... I do think Kansas has constructed this in a way that it’s clear what the Legislature’s intent was and that things like conduct, intent and motive were all things they contemplated as things for the juries to consider in a death penalty case.”On Wednesday afternoon, Meryl Carver-Allmond, an attorney for Miller, argued the death penalty is unconstitutional and violates “the fundamental right to life” under Kansas’ Bill of Rights.The argument comes after an April 2019 state Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">ruling</a>&nbsp;that protected abortion rights. The justices ruled language protecting “equal and inalienable rights” in the Kansas Constitution’s Bill of Rights includes the right to personal autonomy and to control one’s own body.After the ruling, attorneys for Miller and other death row inmates argued executing prisoners violates their “inalienable” right to life.Carver-Allmond said she was not arguing the death penalty should be banned forever in Kansas. Instead, she said, the law should be more narrowly tailored and, under the 2019 ruling, Miller should be resentenced to life without parole.Brant Laue, solicitor general of Kansas, argued for the state that the 2019 ruling has no effect on death penalty being constitutional in Kansas under the Bill of Rights. He said Miller moved outside private autonomy when he committed multiple murders and the state Constitution does not prevent the Kansas from executing him.Miller, testified during trial that he drove to the Kansas City area in April 2014&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1d7ae9912d1941e6be9179d0af85074f">to kill Jews</a>&nbsp;and that he didn’t expect to live long because he had chronic emphysema.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cab94ee0c9c84db0ae5c4e69f02a7a3c">He ambushed and killed</a>&nbsp;William Corporon, 69, and Corporon’s 14-year-old grandson, Reat Griffin Underwood, at the Jewish Community Center in Overland Park, Kansas. He then shot 53-year-old Terri LaManno at the nearby Village Shalom retirement center.All of his victims were Christians.In his closing arguments during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7e13a00dfb6f4d3cb06a3b9918c072ba">penalty phase</a>, Miller spent nearly an hour complaining that Jewish people were running the government, media and Federal Reserve. He yelled “Heil Hitler” when he was sentenced to death.Miller is a Vietnam War veteran who founded the Carolina Knights of the Ku Klux Klan in his native North Carolina and later the White Patriot Party. He also ran on a white-power platform during campaigns for the U.S. House in 2006 and the U.S. Senate in 2010 in Missouri.--------LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) — An avowed anti-Semite who shot three people to death at two suburban Kansas City Jewish sites in 2014 is asking the Kansas Supreme Court to overturn&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1600964728d24cd4ab072fb1094bcaec">his death sentence</a>, saying he should not have been allowed him to represent himself at trial.The appeal from Frazier Glenn Miller Jr. is scheduled to go before the state Supreme Court on Monday. He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/049dd23899154d8ba71e596143520fa8">convicted&nbsp;</a>of one count of capital murder, three counts of attempted murder, and assault and weapons charges in August 2015.Miller’s attorneys argue that the Johnson County Court judge who oversaw his trial should not have allowed him to represent himself. They say the judge did not consider whether Miller had mental health issues that would make him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/75bf9753ed13445f86f3e81c0dac5a2d">incompetent to represent himself</a>&nbsp;in a complex capital case.Miller, from Aurora, Missouri, also argues that the judge should have allowed him to present mitigating evidence during the penalty phase, and that the death penalty itself is unconstitutional.Miller, who is also known as Frazier Glenn Close, testified during trial that he drove to the Kansas City area in April 2014&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1d7ae9912d1941e6be9179d0af85074f">to kill Jews</a>&nbsp;before he died. He said at the time that he didn’t expect to live long because he had chronic emphysema.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cab94ee0c9c84db0ae5c4e69f02a7a3c">He ambushed and killed</a>&nbsp;William Corporon, 69, and Corporon’s 14-year-old grandson, Reat Griffin Underwood, at the Jewish Community Center in Overland Park, Kansas. He then shot 53-year-old Terri LaManno at the nearby Village Shalom retirement center.All of his victims were Christians.During the trial, Miller frequently interrupted proceedings with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/72b20e419cee413da9a0f8409ffca4a7">outbursts&nbsp;</a>aimed at the judge, jury and prosecutor. After he was convicted, he said he didn’t care if he was sentenced to death.In his closing arguments during the penalty phase, Miller spent nearly an hour complaining that Jewish people were running the government, media and Federal Reserve. He yelled “Heil Hitler” when he was sentenced to death.Miller is a Vietnam War veteran who founded the Carolina Knights of the Ku Klux Klan in his native North Carolina and later the White Patriot Party. He also ran on a white-power platform during campaigns for the U.S. House in 2006 and the U.S. Senate in 2010 in Missouri.

Update: Shooter at Kan. Jewish centers appeals death sentence

WASHINGTON — As work continues on issuing millions of Economic Impact
 Payments to Americans, the Internal Revenue Service and Treasury 
Department announced today that they anticipate payments will begin to 
be issued this weekend to Social Security recipients and other federal 
beneficiaries who do not normally file a tax return, with the projection
 that the majority of these payments would be sent electronically and 
received on April 7.

After receiving data from the Social Security Administration on 
Thursday, March 25, the IRS began the multi-step process to review, 
validate, and test tens of millions of records to ensure eligibility and
 proper calculation of Economic Impact Payments. If no additional issues
 arise, the IRS currently expects to complete that work and to begin 
processing these payment files at the end of this week. Because the 
majority of these payments will be disbursed electronically – through 
direct deposits and payments to existing Direct Express cards – they 
would be received on the official payment date of April 7.

Many federal beneficiaries who filed 2019 or 2020 returns or used the
 Non-Filers tool last year were issued Economic Impact Payments, if 
eligible, during the last three weeks. The update today applies to 
Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Railroad 
Retirement Board (RRB) beneficiaries who did not file a 2019 or 2020 tax
 return or did not use the Non-Filers tool.

"IRS employees are working tirelessly to once again deliver Economic 
Impact Payments to the nation's taxpayers as quickly as possible," said 
IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Our teams immediately began processing 
data we received last week for federal benefit recipients. We know how 
important these payments are, and we are doing everything we can to make
 these payments as fast as possible to these important individuals."

The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>
 tool is updated for eligible individuals once their payment is 
processed. The IRS notes that the Get My Payment&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov will 
not be updated until the weekend of April 3-4 with information for 
federal beneficiaries expecting payments next week.

The IRS continues to review data received for Veterans Affairs (VA) 
benefit recipients and expects to determine a payment date and provide 
more details soon. Currently, the IRS estimates that Economic Impact 
Payments for VA beneficiaries who do not regularly file tax returns 
could be disbursed by mid-April. VA beneficiary payment information will
 be available in the Get My Payment tool at a future date.

Federal benefit payments automatic; no action for most

Most Social Security retirement and disability beneficiaries, 
railroad retirees and recipients of veterans benefits who are eligible 
for an Economic Impact Payment do not need to take any action to receive
 a payment. These payments will be automatic. Like the previous Economic
 Impact Payments, Social Security and other federal beneficiaries will 
generally receive this third payment the same way that they receive 
their regular benefits.

Some federal benefit recipients may need to file a 2020 tax return, 
even if they don't usually file, to provide information the IRS needs to
 send payments for any qualified dependent. Eligible individuals in this
 group should file a 2020 tax return to be considered for an additional 
payment for their qualified dependent as quickly as possible.

Some federal benefit recipients already have received an Economic Impact Payment

The IRS emphasizes that federal benefit recipients in these groups 
who file tax returns already started to receive Economic Impact Payments
 earlier this month, along with other taxpayers.

Because some federal benefit recipients do not file tax returns, the 
IRS did not have in its tax systems the current information needed to 
generate the Economic Impact Payments. Last year, the IRS took the 
unprecedented step to receive and review data from other federal 
agencies and use that data to deliver payments automatically to these 
recipients. This action – which had never occurred in previous stimulus 
efforts – minimized risk and burdens for the American public during the 
pandemic. Due to regular changes in the federal benefits population, the
 IRS needed to receive updated information this month from other 
government agencies. With these critical updates, eligible federal 
benefit recipients who don't normally file an income tax return will get
 a payment automatically in the next few weeks.

Making these automatic payments to federal beneficiaries involves a 
complex, multi-step process to handle recipient data from the other 
agencies. For the first round of Economic Impact Payments last year, 
recipients in these groups received payments within four to six weeks 
after the CARES Act was signed into law. For the American Rescue Plan 
signed March 11, the IRS projects that it is on track to deliver 
Economic Impact Payments to federal beneficiaries at the same or faster 
speed.

More details on this third round of Economic Impact Payments and federal benefit recipients will be available soon on IRS.gov.

Other work continues on Economic Impact Payments; watch mail for checks, EIP Cards

In addition to work for federal benefit recipients, the IRS also 
continues to prepare and deliver additional Economic Impact Payments for
 other eligible individuals – as well as deliver tax refunds.

For those receiving payments in the mail, the IRS urges these 
taxpayers to continue to watch their mail for these payments, which 
could include a paper Treasury check or a special prepaid debit card 
called an EIP Card.

Taxpayers should note that the form of payment for the third Economic
 Impact Payment, including for some Social Security and other federal 
beneficiaries, may be different than earlier stimulus payments. More 
people are receiving direct deposits, while those receiving payments in 
the mail may receive either a paper check or an EIP Card – which may be 
different than how they received their previous Economic Impact 
Payments.

Special reminder for those who don't normally file a tax return

People who don't normally file a tax return and don't receive federal
 benefits may qualify for these Economic Impact Payments. This includes 
those experiencing homelessness, the rural poor, and others. For those 
eligible individuals who didn't get a first or second Economic Impact 
Payment or got less than the full amounts, they may be eligible for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>, but they'll need to file a 2020 tax return. See the special section on IRS.gov: <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit-topic-a-claiming-the-recovery-rebate-credit-if-you-arent-required-to-file-a-tax-return">Claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren't required to file a tax return</a>.

Free <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">tax return preparation</a> is available for qualifying people.

The IRS reminds taxpayers that the income levels in this new round of
 Economic Impact Payments have changed. This means that some people 
won't be eligible for the third payment even if they received a first or
 second Economic Impact Payment or claimed a 2020 Recovery Rebate 
Credit. Payments will begin to be reduced for individuals making $75,000
 or above in Adjusted Gross Income ($150,000 for married filing 
jointly). The payments end at $80,000 for individuals ($160,000 for 
married filing jointly); people with Adjusted Gross Incomes above these 
levels are ineligible for a payment.

Individuals can check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov to see the payment status of these payments. Additional information on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments">Economic Impact Payments</a> is available on IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — As work continues on issuing millions of Economic Impact
 Payments to Americans, the Internal Revenue Service and Treasury 
Department announced today that they anticipate payments will begin to 
be issued this weekend to Social Security recipients and other federal 
beneficiaries who do not normally file a tax return, with the projection
 that the majority of these payments would be sent electronically and 
received on April 7.After receiving data from the Social Security Administration on 
Thursday, March 25, the IRS began the multi-step process to review, 
validate, and test tens of millions of records to ensure eligibility and
 proper calculation of Economic Impact Payments. If no additional issues
 arise, the IRS currently expects to complete that work and to begin 
processing these payment files at the end of this week. Because the 
majority of these payments will be disbursed electronically – through 
direct deposits and payments to existing Direct Express cards – they 
would be received on the official payment date of April 7.Many federal beneficiaries who filed 2019 or 2020 returns or used the
 Non-Filers tool last year were issued Economic Impact Payments, if 
eligible, during the last three weeks. The update today applies to 
Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Railroad 
Retirement Board (RRB) beneficiaries who did not file a 2019 or 2020 tax
 return or did not use the Non-Filers tool."IRS employees are working tirelessly to once again deliver Economic 
Impact Payments to the nation's taxpayers as quickly as possible," said 
IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Our teams immediately began processing 
data we received last week for federal benefit recipients. We know how 
important these payments are, and we are doing everything we can to make
 these payments as fast as possible to these important individuals."The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>
 tool is updated for eligible individuals once their payment is 
processed. The IRS notes that the Get My Payment&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov will 
not be updated until the weekend of April 3-4 with information for 
federal beneficiaries expecting payments next week.The IRS continues to review data received for Veterans Affairs (VA) 
benefit recipients and expects to determine a payment date and provide 
more details soon. Currently, the IRS estimates that Economic Impact 
Payments for VA beneficiaries who do not regularly file tax returns 
could be disbursed by mid-April. VA beneficiary payment information will
 be available in the Get My Payment tool at a future date.<h2>Federal benefit payments automatic; no action for most</h2>Most Social Security retirement and disability beneficiaries, 
railroad retirees and recipients of veterans benefits who are eligible 
for an Economic Impact Payment do not need to take any action to receive
 a payment. These payments will be automatic. Like the previous Economic
 Impact Payments, Social Security and other federal beneficiaries will 
generally receive this third payment the same way that they receive 
their regular benefits.Some federal benefit recipients may need to file a 2020 tax return, 
even if they don't usually file, to provide information the IRS needs to
 send payments for any qualified dependent. Eligible individuals in this
 group should file a 2020 tax return to be considered for an additional 
payment for their qualified dependent as quickly as possible.<h2>Some federal benefit recipients already have received an Economic Impact Payment</h2>The IRS emphasizes that federal benefit recipients in these groups 
who file tax returns already started to receive Economic Impact Payments
 earlier this month, along with other taxpayers.Because some federal benefit recipients do not file tax returns, the 
IRS did not have in its tax systems the current information needed to 
generate the Economic Impact Payments. Last year, the IRS took the 
unprecedented step to receive and review data from other federal 
agencies and use that data to deliver payments automatically to these 
recipients. This action – which had never occurred in previous stimulus 
efforts – minimized risk and burdens for the American public during the 
pandemic. Due to regular changes in the federal benefits population, the
 IRS needed to receive updated information this month from other 
government agencies. With these critical updates, eligible federal 
benefit recipients who don't normally file an income tax return will get
 a payment automatically in the next few weeks.Making these automatic payments to federal beneficiaries involves a 
complex, multi-step process to handle recipient data from the other 
agencies. For the first round of Economic Impact Payments last year, 
recipients in these groups received payments within four to six weeks 
after the CARES Act was signed into law. For the American Rescue Plan 
signed March 11, the IRS projects that it is on track to deliver 
Economic Impact Payments to federal beneficiaries at the same or faster 
speed.More details on this third round of Economic Impact Payments and federal benefit recipients will be available soon on IRS.gov.<h2>Other work continues on Economic Impact Payments; watch mail for checks, EIP Cards</h2>In addition to work for federal benefit recipients, the IRS also 
continues to prepare and deliver additional Economic Impact Payments for
 other eligible individuals – as well as deliver tax refunds.For those receiving payments in the mail, the IRS urges these 
taxpayers to continue to watch their mail for these payments, which 
could include a paper Treasury check or a special prepaid debit card 
called an EIP Card.Taxpayers should note that the form of payment for the third Economic
 Impact Payment, including for some Social Security and other federal 
beneficiaries, may be different than earlier stimulus payments. More 
people are receiving direct deposits, while those receiving payments in 
the mail may receive either a paper check or an EIP Card – which may be 
different than how they received their previous Economic Impact 
Payments.<h2>Special reminder for those who don't normally file a tax return</h2>People who don't normally file a tax return and don't receive federal
 benefits may qualify for these Economic Impact Payments. This includes 
those experiencing homelessness, the rural poor, and others. For those 
eligible individuals who didn't get a first or second Economic Impact 
Payment or got less than the full amounts, they may be eligible for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">2020 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>, but they'll need to file a 2020 tax return. See the special section on IRS.gov: <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit-topic-a-claiming-the-recovery-rebate-credit-if-you-arent-required-to-file-a-tax-return">Claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren't required to file a tax return</a>.Free <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">tax return preparation</a> is available for qualifying people.The IRS reminds taxpayers that the income levels in this new round of
 Economic Impact Payments have changed. This means that some people 
won't be eligible for the third payment even if they received a first or
 second Economic Impact Payment or claimed a 2020 Recovery Rebate 
Credit. Payments will begin to be reduced for individuals making $75,000
 or above in Adjusted Gross Income ($150,000 for married filing 
jointly). The payments end at $80,000 for individuals ($160,000 for 
married filing jointly); people with Adjusted Gross Incomes above these 
levels are ineligible for a payment.Individuals can check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov to see the payment status of these payments. Additional information on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments">Economic Impact Payments</a> is available on IRS.gov.

IRS: Stimulus payments to non-filer Social Security, other beneficiaries will be disbursed later this week

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service on Tuesday announced that 
individuals have until May 17, 2021 to meet certain deadlines that would
 normally fall on April 15, such as making IRA contributions and filing 
certain claims for refund.

This follows a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-for-individuals-extended-to-may-17-treasury-irs-extend-filing-and-payment-deadline">previous announcement</a>
 from the IRS on March 17, that the federal income tax filing due date 
for individuals for the 2020 tax year was extended from April 15, 2021, 
to May 17, 2021. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-21-21.pdf">Notice 2021-21&nbsp;PDF</a> provides details on the additional tax deadlines which have been postponed until May 17.

Time to make contributions to IRAs and health savings accounts extended to May 17

In extending the deadline to file Form 1040 series returns to May 17,
 the IRS is automatically postponing to the same date the time for 
individuals to make 2020 contributions to their individual retirement 
arrangements (IRAs and Roth IRAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), 
Archer Medical Savings Accounts (Archer MSAs), and Coverdell education 
savings accounts (Coverdell ESAs). This postponement also automatically 
postpones to May 17, 2021, the time for reporting and payment of the 10%
 additional tax on amounts includible in gross income from 2020 
distributions from IRAs or workplace-based retirement plans. Notice 
2021-21 also postpones the due date for Form 5498 series returns related
 to these accounts to June 30, 2021.

2017 unclaimed refunds – deadline extended to May 17

For tax year 2017 Federal income tax returns, the normal April 15 
deadline to claim a refund has also been extended to May 17, 2021. The 
law provides a three-year window of opportunity to claim a refund. If 
taxpayers do not file a return within three years, the money becomes 
property of the U.S. Treasury. The law requires taxpayers to properly 
address, mail and ensure the tax return is postmarked by the May 17, 
2021, date.

Additionally, foreign trusts and estates with federal income tax 
filing or payment obligations, who file Form 1040-NR, now have until May
 17, 2021.

Tax preparers interested in voluntarily participating in the Annual 
Filing Season Program (AFSP) for calendar-year 2021 now have until May 
17, 2021 to file their application with the Internal Revenue Service. 
The normal due date is April 15.

Details on this extension are in Notice 2021-21, posted on IRS.gov. For more information about the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/annual-filing-season-program">Annual Filing Season Program</a>, visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals">Tax Pros</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov.

Notice 2021-21, issued today does not alter the April 15, 2021, 
deadline for estimated tax payments; these payments are still due on 
April 15. Taxes must be paid as taxpayers earn or receive income during 
the year, either through withholding or estimated tax payments. In 
general, estimated tax payments are made quarterly to the IRS by people 
whose income isn't subject to income tax withholding, including 
self-employment income, interest, dividends, alimony or rental income. 
Most taxpayers automatically have their taxes withheld from their 
paychecks and submitted to the IRS by their employer.

Updates regarding <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments">tax relief as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic</a> can be found at IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service on Tuesday announced that 
individuals have until May 17, 2021 to meet certain deadlines that would
 normally fall on April 15, such as making IRA contributions and filing 
certain claims for refund.This follows a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-for-individuals-extended-to-may-17-treasury-irs-extend-filing-and-payment-deadline">previous announcement</a>
 from the IRS on March 17, that the federal income tax filing due date 
for individuals for the 2020 tax year was extended from April 15, 2021, 
to May 17, 2021. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-21-21.pdf">Notice 2021-21&nbsp;PDF</a> provides details on the additional tax deadlines which have been postponed until May 17.<h2>Time to make contributions to IRAs and health savings accounts extended to May 17</h2>In extending the deadline to file Form 1040 series returns to May 17,
 the IRS is automatically postponing to the same date the time for 
individuals to make 2020 contributions to their individual retirement 
arrangements (IRAs and Roth IRAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), 
Archer Medical Savings Accounts (Archer MSAs), and Coverdell education 
savings accounts (Coverdell ESAs). This postponement also automatically 
postpones to May 17, 2021, the time for reporting and payment of the 10%
 additional tax on amounts includible in gross income from 2020 
distributions from IRAs or workplace-based retirement plans. Notice 
2021-21 also postpones the due date for Form 5498 series returns related
 to these accounts to June 30, 2021.<h2>2017 unclaimed refunds – deadline extended to May 17</h2>For tax year 2017 Federal income tax returns, the normal April 15 
deadline to claim a refund has also been extended to May 17, 2021. The 
law provides a three-year window of opportunity to claim a refund. If 
taxpayers do not file a return within three years, the money becomes 
property of the U.S. Treasury. The law requires taxpayers to properly 
address, mail and ensure the tax return is postmarked by the May 17, 
2021, date.Additionally, foreign trusts and estates with federal income tax 
filing or payment obligations, who file Form 1040-NR, now have until May
 17, 2021.<h2>2021 AFSP deadline postponed to May 17</h2>Tax preparers interested in voluntarily participating in the Annual 
Filing Season Program (AFSP) for calendar-year 2021 now have until May 
17, 2021 to file their application with the Internal Revenue Service. 
The normal due date is April 15.Details on this extension are in Notice 2021-21, posted on IRS.gov. For more information about the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/annual-filing-season-program">Annual Filing Season Program</a>, visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals">Tax Pros</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov.<h2>Estimated tax payment due April 15</h2>Notice 2021-21, issued today does not alter the April 15, 2021, 
deadline for estimated tax payments; these payments are still due on 
April 15. Taxes must be paid as taxpayers earn or receive income during 
the year, either through withholding or estimated tax payments. In 
general, estimated tax payments are made quarterly to the IRS by people 
whose income isn't subject to income tax withholding, including 
self-employment income, interest, dividends, alimony or rental income. 
Most taxpayers automatically have their taxes withheld from their 
paychecks and submitted to the IRS by their employer.Updates regarding <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments">tax relief as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic</a> can be found at IRS.gov.

IRS extends additional tax deadlines for individuals to May 17

KANSAS CITY - The FBI Kansas City Division along with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation is seeking information to identify the unknown individual(s) responsible for the 1998 murder of Rhonda Tribue, according to a media release from the agency.

FBI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Timothy Langan announced Monday that the FBI is offering up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the murder.

 Rhonda Tribue may also have been known by her maiden name Rhonda Easley.

Rhonda, 34-years-old and a mother of six children, living in Kansas City, Kansas, was found dead from apparent blunt force trauma at approximately 4:40 a.m. on October 8, 1998. Her body was discovered in the roadway at the 500 block of S. 94th Street near Edwardsville, Kansas.

In the early morning hours of that same day, Rhonda had been seen at the Firelight lounge. She was known to frequent the lounge and the area of 7th Street and Quindaro Blvd. in Kansas City, Kansas.

At the time of her death, she was wearing a High-Sierra brand, dark-purple corduroy jacket over a gold lace top, pumpkin colored jeans, and brown sandals. Rhonda was described as follow 5-foot-5 inches tall, 145 pounds, medium build, light-skinned black female with brown eyes and&nbsp;dark brown hair with deep orange and yellow highlights

This cold case investigation was initiated again in 2020. Based upon new information developed during this investigation, law enforcement is asking for the public’s assistance. Anyone with information regarding this homicide should call the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615225616112.png" alt="Rhonda Tribue-Easley photo taken Sept. 1998&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Rhonda Tribue-Easley photo taken Sept. 1998&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY - The FBI Kansas City Division along with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation is seeking information to identify the unknown individual(s) responsible for the 1998 murder of Rhonda Tribue, according to a media release from the agency.FBI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Timothy Langan announced Monday that the FBI is offering up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the murder. Rhonda Tribue may also have been known by her maiden name Rhonda Easley.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617047951265.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rhonda, 34-years-old and a mother of six children, living in Kansas City, Kansas, was found dead from apparent blunt force trauma at approximately 4:40 a.m. on October 8, 1998. Her body was discovered in the roadway at the 500 block of S. 94th Street near Edwardsville, Kansas.In the early morning hours of that same day, Rhonda had been seen at the Firelight lounge. She was known to frequent the lounge and the area of 7th Street and Quindaro Blvd. in Kansas City, Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615225573969.png" alt="Rhonda Tribue-Easley" />
 <figcaption>Rhonda Tribue-Easley</figcaption>
 </figure>At the time of her death, she was wearing a High-Sierra brand, dark-purple corduroy jacket over a gold lace top, pumpkin colored jeans, and brown sandals. Rhonda was described as follow 5-foot-5 inches tall, 145 pounds, medium build, light-skinned black female with brown eyes and&nbsp;dark brown hair with deep orange and yellow highlightsThis cold case investigation was initiated again in 2020. Based upon new information developed during this investigation, law enforcement is asking for the public’s assistance. Anyone with information regarding this homicide should call the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

$50K reward offered in Kansas cold case murder

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas medical marijuana supporters have found support from some conservative Republican legislators, allowing a proposal to advance Monday after weeks of deliberations.

(Click below to listen to Monday's discussion on medical marijuana.)

Some Republicans say they have been motivated by conservative neighbors Missouri and Oklahoma legalizing medical marijuana in 2018 through ballot initiatives, while others say many of their constituents support it.

Legalization advocates are glad state lawmakers are seriously considering the matter. But the measure has received pushback, mainly from law enforcement groups that say that there’s not enough evidence that marijuana can treat medical conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and Parkinson’s disease.

The state House Federal and State Affairs Committee on Monday approved the bill 13-8, sending it to the full House for approval.

“I think the majority of Kansans want it and I think we need to listen to our voters,” said Rep. John Eplee, an Atchison Republican committee member and a physician, told The Associated Press.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas medical marijuana supporters have found support from some conservative Republican legislators, allowing a proposal to advance Monday after weeks of deliberations.(Click below to listen to Monday's discussion on medical marijuana.)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hTN8CJfRHaA?start=1496" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Some Republicans say they have been motivated by conservative neighbors Missouri and Oklahoma legalizing medical marijuana in 2018 through ballot initiatives, while others say many of their constituents support it.Legalization advocates are glad state lawmakers are seriously considering the matter. But the measure has received pushback, mainly from law enforcement groups that say that there’s not enough evidence that marijuana can treat medical conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and Parkinson’s disease.The state House Federal and State Affairs Committee on Monday approved the bill 13-8, sending it to the full House for approval.“I think the majority of Kansans want it and I think we need to listen to our voters,” said Rep. John Eplee, an Atchison Republican committee member and a physician, told The Associated Press.The bill would authorize the state health department to issue medical marijuana identification cards to patients and caregivers for a list of conditions that include cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Medical marijuana could be sold as oils, tinctures, patches or potent edibles, but not in smoking or vaping products. The bill would also set up a licensing process for growers and dispensary owners.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/committees/ctte_h_fed_st_1/misc_documents/download_testimony/ctte_h_fed_st_1_20210323_06_testimony.html" target="_blank">An amendment approved Monday&nbsp;</a>prohibits a cap on the number of licenses state agencies can issue to dispensaries, laboratories and cultivation facilities. It also lowered license fees about half.“I certainly never want to see us at recreational marijuana,” Eplee said without elaborating. “I think we have the capacity and the ability as a state to make it medical marijuana and leave it at that.”In testimony to lawmakers last month, Darrell G. Atteberry, legislative chair of the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police, noted that the federal Department of Veterans Affairs states on its website that there’s no evidence that marijuana is an effective treatment for PTSD and that it could be harmful for those with the condition.But medical marijuana advocates note it’s been tough to get evidence due to pot’s legal status in the U.S. Parents of children with disabilities have testified to lawmakers that marijuana would help relieve symptoms such as seizures. Veterans pushing for the bill say marijuana has reduced trauma-induced dreams by helping them get a deep sleep.Todd Scattini, a Platte City, Missouri, resident and Afghanistan veteran, testified to Kansas legislators in last month’s meeting. In an interview, Scattini said marijuana helped him treat chronic pain from military exercises and manage recurring nightmares.“For a lot of veterans today, there’s a lot of survivor’s guilt and I suffer from that as well,” Scattini said. “A lot of people spend their time asking ‘Why did my buddy go who was a way better soldier and person than me and I’m still here?’ So there’s a lot of nightmares and anxiety and depression, bad dreams and negative thoughts that take place.”Christine Gordon, former vice president of the advocacy group Bleeding Kansas, said she has worked for six years to legalize medical marijuana. In 2018, she moved from Lenexa to Littleton, Colorado, seeking cannabis treatment for her now 9-year-old daughter, who has Dravet syndrome and severe autism.“The fact that they’re even looking at it seriously, not just trying to appease the community, but they’re actually working it is pretty exciting,” Gordon said.Garber said hearing stories like Gordon’s has played a role in his support of medical marijuana legalization.“I understand the law enforcement’s concerns, I really do. But what is our job? In my opinion, as a legislator, it is to help the people of Kansas,” Garber said. “And I believe this medical marijuana does help people in need.”