Kan. man with over a dozen convictions jailed after chase 

WASHINGTON — Biden administration officials are weighing sending masks to every American as they hope to nudge individuals to do their part in lowering coronavirus transmission rates.

White House chief of staff Ron Klain said in an interview with NBC News that administration officials are looking at using mask supplies that the government already has in its stockpile.

Klain said that the administration hopes to make an announcement on a potential move “in the next few days or next week.”

Biden has pleaded for Americans to wear masks during the first 100 days of his administration. It’s a step he said could help save thousands of lives as Americans await their turn to be vaccinated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612486295120.png" alt="President Biden and Vice President Harris wearing masks as the podium is cleaned prior to his foreign policy address at the State Department on Thursday-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden and Vice President Harris wearing masks as the podium is cleaned prior to his foreign policy address at the State Department on Thursday-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — Biden administration officials are weighing sending masks to every American as they hope to nudge individuals to do their part in lowering coronavirus transmission rates.White House chief of staff Ron Klain said in an interview with NBC News that administration officials are looking at using mask supplies that the government already has in its stockpile.Klain said that the administration hopes to make an announcement on a potential move “in the next few days or next week.”Biden has pleaded for Americans to wear masks during the first 100 days of his administration. It’s a step he said could help save thousands of lives as Americans await their turn to be vaccinated.

US officials mull sending masks to every American

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series business burglaries and have made an arrest.

Just after 10:00 p.m. Tuesday, a police officer driving on Interstate 70 in Topeka observed a vehicle matching the description of one believed to be involved in multiple business burglaries, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

The officer conducted a traffic stop and the driver of the vehicle was identified as 54-year-old Raynard Walton.

He is suspected of burglarizing Topeka Sports &amp; Family Chiropractic, Joy &amp; Co CPA and HQ Technologies LLC in recent months.

As a result of the investigation, police arrested Walton and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Correction in requested charges of Burglary, Theft and Criminal damage to property. He remains in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612391496958.png" alt="Walton photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Walton photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series business burglaries and have made an arrest.Just after 10:00 p.m. Tuesday, a police officer driving on Interstate 70 in Topeka observed a vehicle matching the description of one believed to be involved in multiple business burglaries, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.The officer conducted a traffic stop and the driver of the vehicle was identified as 54-year-old Raynard Walton.He is suspected of burglarizing Topeka Sports &amp; Family Chiropractic, Joy &amp; Co CPA and HQ Technologies LLC in recent months.As a result of the investigation, police arrested Walton and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Correction in requested charges of Burglary, Theft and Criminal damage to property. He remains in custody, according to online jail records.

Suspect jailed for series of Kansas business burglaries

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislation that would make it a felony for doctors to provide medical treatments that help transgender youth transition is unlikely to get a hearing, the head of the committee to which it has been assigned said Thursday.

Four conservative GOP members of the Kansas House introduced&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hb2210_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">the measure&nbsp;</a>Wednesday, drawing immediate and strong condemnation from the Legislature’s first transgender member, its two other openly LGBTQ lawmakers and the executive director of the state’s leading LGBTQ-rights organization.

It is among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/montana-bills-judiciary-helena-060d274f606d9e8e08b786be0398efd3">measures in more than a dozen state legislatures</a>&nbsp;targeting transgender youth in sports or medical treatments for them. States are considering them after an executive order from Democratic President Joe Biden prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity in school sports and elsewhere sparked a backlash from conservative groups.

“It turns off the medical interventions that a parent can seek for their child,” said Democratic Rep. Stephanie Byers, of Wichita, a transgender woman who was elected last year.

Byers added: “I’ve known who I am since I was — before kindergarten.”

The House health committee probably will not have a hearing for the measure because it has too much other work, such as proposals for modernizing the state’s mental health system, said Chair Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican.

The bill would apply not only to performing surgery on transgender minors but also to other treatments, such as prescribing drugs to block the onset of puberty to prepare a child for transitioning. Under the measure, doctors could be sentenced to up to eight months in prison for “unlawful gender reassignment service” and lose their medical licenses for unprofessional conduct.

One of the Kansas measure’s sponsors, rural northeast Kansas Republican Rep. Randy Garber, said it is designed to protect minors when they are “too young to be making those decisions.”

Asked about LGBTQ advocates’ statements that transgender people often know from a young age that their identities don’t match the gender assigned to them at birth, Garber said: “They probably know they want to get drunk, too, but we don’t let them drink alcohol, do we? Or smoke, or whatever.”

Kansas is among at least eight states where lawmakers are considering such a measure. At least seven states are considering proposals to restrict transgender students’ participation in sports, a measure that was introduced in the Kansas House last year but died without getting a hearing. Lawmakers in Montana and South Carolina are considering both ideas.

“Ever since (same-sex) marriage was declared constitutional, they’ve changed their targets,” said Tom Witt, executive director of Equality Kansas. “Instead of going after grownups, almost every single one of these bills across the country has been targeted at little kids.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612468437256.png" alt="Rep. Stephanie Byers of Wichita, a transgender woman who was elected last year." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Stephanie Byers of Wichita, a transgender woman who was elected last year.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislation that would make it a felony for doctors to provide medical treatments that help transgender youth transition is unlikely to get a hearing, the head of the committee to which it has been assigned said Thursday.Four conservative GOP members of the Kansas House introduced&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hb2210_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">the measure&nbsp;</a>Wednesday, drawing immediate and strong condemnation from the Legislature’s first transgender member, its two other openly LGBTQ lawmakers and the executive director of the state’s leading LGBTQ-rights organization.It is among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/montana-bills-judiciary-helena-060d274f606d9e8e08b786be0398efd3">measures in more than a dozen state legislatures</a>&nbsp;targeting transgender youth in sports or medical treatments for them. States are considering them after an executive order from Democratic President Joe Biden prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity in school sports and elsewhere sparked a backlash from conservative groups.“It turns off the medical interventions that a parent can seek for their child,” said Democratic Rep. Stephanie Byers, of Wichita, a transgender woman who was elected last year.Byers added: “I’ve known who I am since I was — before kindergarten.”The House health committee probably will not have a hearing for the measure because it has too much other work, such as proposals for modernizing the state’s mental health system, said Chair Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican.The bill would apply not only to performing surgery on transgender minors but also to other treatments, such as prescribing drugs to block the onset of puberty to prepare a child for transitioning. Under the measure, doctors could be sentenced to up to eight months in prison for “unlawful gender reassignment service” and lose their medical licenses for unprofessional conduct.One of the Kansas measure’s sponsors, rural northeast Kansas Republican Rep. Randy Garber, said it is designed to protect minors when they are “too young to be making those decisions.”Asked about LGBTQ advocates’ statements that transgender people often know from a young age that their identities don’t match the gender assigned to them at birth, Garber said: “They probably know they want to get drunk, too, but we don’t let them drink alcohol, do we? Or smoke, or whatever.”Kansas is among at least eight states where lawmakers are considering such a measure. At least seven states are considering proposals to restrict transgender students’ participation in sports, a measure that was introduced in the Kansas House last year but died without getting a hearing. Lawmakers in Montana and South Carolina are considering both ideas.“Ever since (same-sex) marriage was declared constitutional, they’ve changed their targets,” said Tom Witt, executive director of Equality Kansas. “Instead of going after grownups, almost every single one of these bills across the country has been targeted at little kids.”

Kan. measure would criminalize care for transgender youth

SHAWNEE COUNTY– A Topeka Police officer was charged and attacked by a suspect Thursday morning while responding to an unrelated call for service.

Just after 9:00 a.m. the officer was dispatched to a home in the 200 block of SE 34th St. to investigate a possible unwanted subject, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

When the officer arrived on scene at a boarded up home, a man unrelated to the original call came riding by on a bicycle.&nbsp; Police Sgt. Scott Scurlock says the bicyclist tried to get the officer's attention. 

Scurlock says when the officer asked the man to wait, the suspect charged the officer, knocked him over and punched him several times. During the tussle, the man tried unsuccessfully to grab the officer's gun.&nbsp;

A community member immediately stepped in to assist the officer. The suspect later identified as 22-year-old Justin Reed was then taken into custody. The officer was not seriously hurt in the attack, according to Spiker.

“The Topeka Police Department is very grateful to the citizen who assisted during the incident. Above and beyond that, we have all been profoundly moved by the widespread community outpouring of support and concern that we received afterwards,” said Topeka Police Chief Bryan Wheeles. “I am very proud of the brave work that our police officers do every day to keep us safe.”

As a result of the investigation Reed was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges including Aggravated battery on LEO, Interference with LEO, Robbery and Possession of marijuana.

The circumstances of this attack remain under investigation. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612474840434.png" alt="Reed photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Reed photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY– A Topeka Police officer was charged and attacked by a suspect Thursday morning while responding to an unrelated call for service.Just after 9:00 a.m. the officer was dispatched to a home in the 200 block of SE 34th St. to investigate a possible unwanted subject, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.When the officer arrived on scene at a boarded up home, a man unrelated to the original call came riding by on a bicycle.&nbsp; Police Sgt. Scott Scurlock says the bicyclist tried to get the officer's attention. Scurlock says when the officer asked the man to wait, the suspect charged the officer, knocked him over and punched him several times. During the tussle, the man tried unsuccessfully to grab the officer's gun.&nbsp;A community member immediately stepped in to assist the officer. The suspect later identified as 22-year-old Justin Reed was then taken into custody. The officer was not seriously hurt in the attack, according to Spiker.“The Topeka Police Department is very grateful to the citizen who assisted during the incident. Above and beyond that, we have all been profoundly moved by the widespread community outpouring of support and concern that we received afterwards,” said Topeka Police Chief Bryan Wheeles. “I am very proud of the brave work that our police officers do every day to keep us safe.”As a result of the investigation Reed was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges including Aggravated battery on LEO, Interference with LEO, Robbery and Possession of marijuana.The circumstances of this attack remain under investigation.

Kan. police officer attacked by man who grabbed for gun

HUTCHINSON— Four people facing charges of smuggling synthetic marijuana into the Hutchinson Correctional Facility were arraigned in Reno County District Court Thursday.

Zachary Wood, 22, faces single counts of possession of marijuana with intent to sell and possession of codeine with intent to sell along with the original charges, which include three counts of conspiracy, three counts of using a communication device to distribute drugs, one count of drug distribution and one count of trafficking contraband into a correctional facility. He was bound over for trial after his preliminary hearing last month.&nbsp;

The three women arrested in the case, Esther Davis, Denisha Starnes and Stephanie Thindiu, all waived their right to a preliminary hearing and were bound over for trial. All four entered not guilty pleas and their cases will now go to trial.

Wood is accused of using three women to help smuggle K2 into the prison over a period of two months while employed at the prison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600357864536.jpeg" alt="Wood -photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>Wood -photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON— Four people facing charges of smuggling synthetic marijuana into the Hutchinson Correctional Facility were arraigned in Reno County District Court Thursday.Zachary Wood, 22, faces single counts of possession of marijuana with intent to sell and possession of codeine with intent to sell along with the original charges, which include three counts of conspiracy, three counts of using a communication device to distribute drugs, one count of drug distribution and one count of trafficking contraband into a correctional facility. He was bound over for trial after his preliminary hearing last month.&nbsp;The three women arrested in the case, Esther Davis, Denisha Starnes and Stephanie Thindiu, all waived their right to a preliminary hearing and were bound over for trial. All four entered not guilty pleas and their cases will now go to trial.Wood is accused of using three women to help smuggle K2 into the prison over a period of two months while employed at the prison.

Former employee enters plea to smuggling K2 into Kan. prison

TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Tuesday morning shooting that critically injured a 1-year-old baby boy and are seeking the community’s assistance in locating and identifying several vehicles and the individuals associated with them.

The vehicle is believed to be a Chevrolet Suburban or GMC Yukon XL. Information about the location of this vehicle can be sent to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:telltpd@topeka.org" target="_blank">telltpd@topeka.org</a>&nbsp;or anonymously to Crime Stoppers.

Just after 4:00 a.m. Monday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center started receiving calls about a shooting that had just occurred in the 800 block of SE Sherman Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

While en route to the shooting scene, officers were flagged down near SE 6th Avenue and SE Golden Avenue by family members of an injured baby who were driving to a local hospital. 

Officers began rendering aid and called for American Medical Response to respond to their location. AMR transported the baby to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

A crime scene was located at 804 SE Sherman Avenue where dozens of shell casings were located.

Investigators continue to working to identify the responsible person(s) and implore anyone with information to contact police. The baby boy was in critical condition late Tuesday.&nbsp; Police did not released additional information on his condition Thursday afternoon and have&nbsp;also not released the names of the baby or family members.

TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Tuesday morning shooting that critically injured a 1-year-old baby boy.

Just after 4:00 a.m. the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center started receiving calls about a shooting that had just occurred in the 800 block of SE Sherman Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

Investigators continue to working to identify the responsible person(s) and implore anyone with information to contact police. The baby boy remained in critical condition as 4p.m. Tuesday, according to Spiker.

Police have not released the names of the baby or family members.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Police in Topeka are investigating an early-morning shooting that left a 1-year-old baby critically injured. 

The shooting happened around 4 a.m. Tuesday, when someone riddled a home near Eighth Street and Southeast Sherman Avenue with gunfire. 

Police say one of the shots hit a baby inside the home. Investigators report they found about two dozen bullet casings in the street outside the home. Officers called to the scene found a family leaving the home with the baby and rushed the child in critical condition to an area hospital. 

The names of the baby and family members were not immediately released, and no arrests have been announced.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612477615451.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Tuesday morning shooting that critically injured a 1-year-old baby boy and are seeking the community’s assistance in locating and identifying several vehicles and the individuals associated with them.The vehicle is believed to be a Chevrolet Suburban or GMC Yukon XL. Information about the location of this vehicle can be sent to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:telltpd@topeka.org" target="_blank">telltpd@topeka.org</a>&nbsp;or anonymously to Crime Stoppers.Just after 4:00 a.m. Monday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center started receiving calls about a shooting that had just occurred in the 800 block of SE Sherman Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.While en route to the shooting scene, officers were flagged down near SE 6th Avenue and SE Golden Avenue by family members of an injured baby who were driving to a local hospital. Officers began rendering aid and called for American Medical Response to respond to their location. AMR transported the baby to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.A crime scene was located at 804 SE Sherman Avenue where dozens of shell casings were located.Investigators continue to working to identify the responsible person(s) and implore anyone with information to contact police. The baby boy was in critical condition late Tuesday.&nbsp; Police did not released additional information on his condition Thursday afternoon and have&nbsp;also not released the names of the baby or family members.-----------TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Tuesday morning shooting that critically injured a 1-year-old baby boy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612303293079.png" alt="Police near the scene of the shooting early Tuesday photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police near the scene of the shooting early Tuesday photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 4:00 a.m. the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center started receiving calls about a shooting that had just occurred in the 800 block of SE Sherman Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.While en route to the shooting scene, officers were flagged down near SE 6th Avenue and SE Golden Avenue by family members of an injured baby who were driving to a local hospital. Officers began rendering aid and called for American Medical Response to respond to their location. AMR transported the baby to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.A crime scene was located at 804 SE Sherman Avenue where dozens of shell casings were located.Investigators continue to working to identify the responsible person(s) and implore anyone with information to contact police. The baby boy remained in critical condition as 4p.m. Tuesday, according to Spiker.Police have not released the names of the baby or family members.-------------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Police in Topeka are investigating an early-morning shooting that left a 1-year-old baby critically injured. The shooting happened around 4 a.m. Tuesday, when someone riddled a home near Eighth Street and Southeast Sherman Avenue with gunfire. Police say one of the shots hit a baby inside the home. Investigators report they found about two dozen bullet casings in the street outside the home. Officers called to the scene found a family leaving the home with the baby and rushed the child in critical condition to an area hospital. The names of the baby and family members were not immediately released, and no arrests have been announced.

Police want to ID SUV in Kan. shooting that injured baby

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly unveiled on Thursday an economic development plan that aims to provide a blueprint for the state’s future as it looks to the new normal after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dubbed the&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Framework-for-Growth-Report.pdf" target="_blank">Kansas Framework for Growth</a>, the plan was lauded as the first of its kind in more than 30 years. It was showcased in a virtual announcement joined by two of the state’s former governors, Democrat John Carlin and Republican Mike Hayden.

Work on drafting the plan began in late 2019, but the new challenges brought on by the pandemic created an urgent need to rethink an approach with the flexibility to respond to ever-changing economic conditions, its supporters said.

Kelly called it a “bold plan” to address current and future challenges, saying it takes a long-range view of the headwinds facing Kansas and lays out a set strategy and initiatives to guide state level economic development for decades to come.

“This strategic plan takes a forward thinking, nimble approach to encouraging economic growth and prosperity, particularly when it comes to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Kelly said.

Its key initiatives are based on four pillars: talent, innovation, community assets, and policy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612467982505.png" alt="Governor Kelly joined Lt. Governor Toland and former Governors John Carlin and Mike Hayden to announce the new Framework for Growth plan - the first of its kind in 30 years. "This initiative will act as a blueprint to spur economic development for all Kansans, in every part of Kansas."" />
 <figcaption>Governor Kelly joined Lt. Governor Toland and former Governors John Carlin and Mike Hayden to announce the new Framework for Growth plan - the first of its kind in 30 years. "This initiative will act as a blueprint to spur economic development for all Kansans, in every part of Kansas."</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly unveiled on Thursday an economic development plan that aims to provide a blueprint for the state’s future as it looks to the new normal after the COVID-19 pandemic.Dubbed the&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Framework-for-Growth-Report.pdf" target="_blank">Kansas Framework for Growth</a>, the plan was lauded as the first of its kind in more than 30 years. It was showcased in a virtual announcement joined by two of the state’s former governors, Democrat John Carlin and Republican Mike Hayden.Work on drafting the plan began in late 2019, but the new challenges brought on by the pandemic created an urgent need to rethink an approach with the flexibility to respond to ever-changing economic conditions, its supporters said.Kelly called it a “bold plan” to address current and future challenges, saying it takes a long-range view of the headwinds facing Kansas and lays out a set strategy and initiatives to guide state level economic development for decades to come.“This strategic plan takes a forward thinking, nimble approach to encouraging economic growth and prosperity, particularly when it comes to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Kelly said.Its key initiatives are based on four pillars: talent, innovation, community assets, and policy.

Governor unveils economic plan as Kan. recovers from pandemic

WASHINGTON —New Kansas Congressman Tracey Mann&nbsp; delivered his first floor speech representing the Big First District Thursday.

Mann spoke about what the District means to him, the legislation he introduced this week and his priorities this Congress.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612473865029.png" alt="Kansas First District Rep. Tracey Mann" />
 <figcaption>Kansas First District Rep. Tracey Mann</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —New Kansas Congressman Tracey Mann&nbsp; delivered his first floor speech representing the Big First District Thursday.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qsZXj4td3ds" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Mann spoke about what the District means to him, the legislation he introduced this week and his priorities this Congress.&nbsp;

🎥 Kan. 1st District Rep. gives first speech on House Floor

KANSAS CITY (AP)—As the Super Bowl approaches, officials said Wednesday more than 169,000 counterfeit sports-related items worth $44 million were seized in the past year.

The effort, known as Operation Team Player, begins at the end of each Super Bowl and continues through the next. It's overseen by a unit of Homeland Security Investigations, part of the Homeland Security Department.

Officials appeared at a news conference Wednesday with dozens of counterfeit NFL jerseys and hats, fake Super Bowl rings and numerous other sports items.&nbsp;

Click the video below to watch a replay of the news conference.

Steve Francis, director of HSI's intellectual property rights center, said in addition to fans being scammed with inferior merchandise the money is often used to finance other illegal activity.

“Make no mistake, intellectual property theft is not a victimless crime,” Francis said. “Our efforts here in Tampa will continue.”

Much of the effort leading up to Sunday's Super Bowl in Tampa has focused on flea markets, street vendors and retail outlets selling the fake goods.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Tampa Police Department also are involved in the investigations. Officials say people should take care where and how they buy team merchandise and look for the proper logos and other markings.

“We're prepared and ready to prosecute anyone who commits this crime in the city of Tampa,” said Police Chief Brian Dugan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612469884801.png" alt="Photo courtesy Operation Team Player" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Operation Team Player</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP)—As the Super Bowl approaches, officials said Wednesday more than 169,000 counterfeit sports-related items worth $44 million were seized in the past year.The effort, known as Operation Team Player, begins at the end of each Super Bowl and continues through the next. It's overseen by a unit of Homeland Security Investigations, part of the Homeland Security Department.Officials appeared at a news conference Wednesday with dozens of counterfeit NFL jerseys and hats, fake Super Bowl rings and numerous other sports items.&nbsp;Click the video below to watch a replay of the news conference.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ySh6l6Q7M4g" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Steve Francis, director of HSI's intellectual property rights center, said in addition to fans being scammed with inferior merchandise the money is often used to finance other illegal activity.“Make no mistake, intellectual property theft is not a victimless crime,” Francis said. “Our efforts here in Tampa will continue.”Much of the effort leading up to Sunday's Super Bowl in Tampa has focused on flea markets, street vendors and retail outlets selling the fake goods.U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Tampa Police Department also are involved in the investigations. Officials say people should take care where and how they buy team merchandise and look for the proper logos and other markings.“We're prepared and ready to prosecute anyone who commits this crime in the city of Tampa,” said Police Chief Brian Dugan.

Officials: $44M in fake sports gear seized

BUCHANAN COUNTY, MO. —A second man has confessed to his role in an August drive-by shooting in St. Joseph that killed a two-year-old girl.

Twenty-one-year-old Marcain Kimbrough-Ballard of St. Joseph pleaded guilty to second degree murder Thursday morning during a court appearance at the Buchanan County Courthouse before Judge Daniel Kellogg.

Kimbrough-Ballard admitted he fired shots into another car, stating he didn’t know Raelynn Craig was a passenger.

Earlier, 21-year-old Caimon Ramone Stillman of St. Joseph, pleaded guilty for his role in the deadly shooting.

Both men fired shots into another car near the Frog Hop at 20th and Messanie in St. Joseph on August 9th. The shots hit and wounded two adults in the car, but also hit and killed Raelynn in a car set in the back.

A third man involved in the shooting, 20-year-old Te’Avion Hawkins of Platte City, Missouri, is scheduled to appear in court later this month. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Kimbrough-Ballard for March 15th. Stillman is scheduled to be sentenced April 23rd.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612461440518.jpeg" alt="Marcain Kimbrough-Ballard -photo Buchanan County Sheriff's&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Marcain Kimbrough-Ballard -photo Buchanan County Sheriff's&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBUCHANAN COUNTY, MO. —A second man has confessed to his role in an August drive-by shooting in St. Joseph that killed a two-year-old girl.Twenty-one-year-old Marcain Kimbrough-Ballard of St. Joseph pleaded guilty to second degree murder Thursday morning during a court appearance at the Buchanan County Courthouse before Judge Daniel Kellogg.Kimbrough-Ballard admitted he fired shots into another car, stating he didn’t know Raelynn Craig was a passenger.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598730435442.png" alt="Stillman photo Buchanan Co." />
 <figcaption>Stillman photo Buchanan Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Earlier, 21-year-old Caimon Ramone Stillman of St. Joseph, pleaded guilty for his role in the deadly shooting.Both men fired shots into another car near the Frog Hop at 20th and Messanie in St. Joseph on August 9th. The shots hit and wounded two adults in the car, but also hit and killed Raelynn in a car set in the back.A third man involved in the shooting, 20-year-old Te’Avion Hawkins of Platte City, Missouri, is scheduled to appear in court later this month. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Kimbrough-Ballard for March 15th. Stillman is scheduled to be sentenced April 23rd.

2nd man admits to drive-by shooting that killed 2-year-old

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the death of a 17-year-old boy from Wichita have located the body of his missing girlfriend.

Early Thursday, a police lieutenant was patrolling and located Kayla Blackmon’s 2005 Ford Escape in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 500 block of West 27th Street South in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. Officers located Blackmon in the vehicle deceased.

On Tuesday, police alerted the public that Blackmon may be in danger and asked the public for help to find her SUV.&nbsp; Police found her 17-year-old boyfriend Michael Beasley deceased in the 1000 block of North Ash in Wichita on Monday.

Police are still working to determine the circumstances of what occurred in this case. Davidson released no additional details.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities continue to search for 18-year-old Kayla Blackmon of Wichita. On Tuesday, police investigating a reported shooting identified the victim as Blackmon's boyfriend Michael Beasley, 17, of Wichita.

As part of the investigation, police are asking  for assistance to locate Blackm0n and her grey, 2005 Ford Escape with Kansas license plate 566 NPK.

Police believe Blackmon may be in danger. Authorities ask that if you see the vehicle, please call 911.

Just after 9:30a.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting call in the 1000 Block of North Ash in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

A passerby saw a man lying in the grass on the north side of an abandoned church. When the passerby approached the man later identified as Beasley to see if he needed help, he discovered the man was unresponsive and called police. Sedgwick County EMS and additional first responders arrived and determined Beasley was dead.&nbsp; 

Police have released no new information in the case.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a reported shooting have identified a victim as 17-year-old Michael Beasley of Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

As part of the investigation, police are asking&nbsp; for assistance to locate Beasley's 18-year-old girlfriend Kayla Blackm0n of Wichita and her grey, 2005 Ford Escape with Kansas license plate 566 NPK.

Just after 9:30a.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting call in the 1000 Block of North Ash in Wichita, according to Davidson.

Davidson released no additional information including Beasley's cause of death on Tuesday morning.&nbsp; Police also have not reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612284535821.png" alt="Officer Charley Davidson explained during a Tuesday press briefing that authorities needed help to locate Kayla Blackmon and her 2005 Ford&nbsp; Escape ." />
 <figcaption>Officer Charley Davidson explained during a Tuesday press briefing that authorities needed help to locate Kayla Blackmon and her 2005 Ford&nbsp; Escape .</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the death of a 17-year-old boy from Wichita have located the body of his missing girlfriend.Early Thursday, a police lieutenant was patrolling and located Kayla Blackmon’s 2005 Ford Escape in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 500 block of West 27th Street South in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. Officers located Blackmon in the vehicle deceased.On Tuesday, police alerted the public that Blackmon may be in danger and asked the public for help to find her SUV.&nbsp; Police found her 17-year-old boyfriend Michael Beasley deceased in the 1000 block of North Ash in Wichita on Monday.Police are still working to determine the circumstances of what occurred in this case. Davidson released no additional details.-------------SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities continue to search for 18-year-old Kayla Blackmon of Wichita. On Tuesday, police investigating a reported shooting identified the victim as Blackmon's boyfriend Michael Beasley, 17, of Wichita.As part of the investigation, police are asking for assistance to locate Blackm0n and her grey, 2005 Ford Escape with Kansas license plate 566 NPK.Police believe Blackmon may be in danger. Authorities ask that if you see the vehicle, please call 911.Just after 9:30a.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting call in the 1000 Block of North Ash in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.A passerby saw a man lying in the grass on the north side of an abandoned church. When the passerby approached the man later identified as Beasley to see if he needed help, he discovered the man was unresponsive and called police. Sedgwick County EMS and additional first responders arrived and determined Beasley was dead.&nbsp; Police have released no new information in the case.------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a reported shooting have identified a victim as 17-year-old Michael Beasley of Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.As part of the investigation, police are asking&nbsp; for assistance to locate Beasley's 18-year-old girlfriend Kayla Blackm0n of Wichita and her grey, 2005 Ford Escape with Kansas license plate 566 NPK.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612285744552.png" alt="Blackmon-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Blackmon-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Police believe Blackmon may be in danger. Authorities ask that if you see the vehicle, please call 911.Just after 9:30a.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting call in the 1000 Block of North Ash in Wichita, according to Davidson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612285804058.png" alt="2005 Ford Escape with Kansas license plate 566 NPK." />
 <figcaption>2005 Ford Escape with Kansas license plate 566 NPK.</figcaption>
 </figure>A passerby saw a man lying in the grass on the north side of an abandoned church. When the passerby approached the man later identified as Beasley to see if he needed help, he discovered the man was unresponsive and called police. Sedgwick County EMS and additional first responders arrived and determined Beasley was dead.&nbsp; Davidson released no additional information including Beasley's cause of death on Tuesday morning.&nbsp; Police also have not reported an arrest.

Police find body of Kan. teen following death of boyfriend

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-02-03/this-new-map-shows-where-to-get-a-coronavirus-vaccine-in-kansas">Kansas News Service</a>

Kansas has launched an online map that shows which hospitals and other locations offer COVID-19 vaccinations.

The tool — called <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine" target="_blank">Find My Vaccine</a> — shows dozens of sites across Kansas marked in either orange or blue.

Those colors show you where the latest shipments of vaccine doses went.

Orange sites
 haven’t received doses this week that would be available to people 
seeking their first shot. Those sites may have doses on hand reserved 
for people who are scheduled to receive their second shot. But 
that detail — second doses — doesn’t show up on the map, because it 
wouldn’t help the average person who is hoping to get their first shot.

Blue sites have received a shipment of doses this week that are meant for people looking to get their first shot.

If you see your county hospital or another site near you is offering shots, call and ask to get onto their wait list.

Keep in mind, Kansas still only receives about 45,000 doses a week from the federal government for use outside of nursing homes.

Compare that to the approximately 1 million Kansans that meet the current criteria for getting shots.

Kansas is in Phase 2 of its vaccine rollout. It includes
 people over the age of 65. It also covers teachers, grocery workers, 
first responders, prison inmates and many others. The state offers more 
detail <a href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/de/a6/100975e84c238fc4db5592eb3a9d/clj-phase-2-definition.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.

Right
 now, the state’s vaccine map mostly shows county health departments and
 hospitals, but as vaccine supply increases, it’s likely more providers 
will appear on the map.

Pharmacies, for example, have made clear that they want to participate.

For more on how vaccine distribution works in Kansas and how widespread coronavirus is in the state, check out <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/heres-latest-where-and-how-get-covid-vaccine-kansas" target="_blank">our FAQ</a>.

Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celia_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612385640072.png" alt="Okun Fieldhouse in Shawnee, Kansas, is one place where people can get their shot, but only by appointment. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Okun Fieldhouse in Shawnee, Kansas, is one place where people can get their shot, but only by appointment. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-02-03/this-new-map-shows-where-to-get-a-coronavirus-vaccine-in-kansas">Kansas News Service</a>Kansas has launched an online map that shows which hospitals and other locations offer COVID-19 vaccinations.The tool — called <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine" target="_blank">Find My Vaccine</a> — shows dozens of sites across Kansas marked in either orange or blue.Those colors show you where the latest shipments of vaccine doses went.Orange sites
 haven’t received doses this week that would be available to people 
seeking their first shot. Those sites may have doses on hand reserved 
for people who are scheduled to receive their second shot. But 
that detail — second doses — doesn’t show up on the map, because it 
wouldn’t help the average person who is hoping to get their first shot.Blue sites have received a shipment of doses this week that are meant for people looking to get their first shot.If you see your county hospital or another site near you is offering shots, call and ask to get onto their wait list.Keep in mind, Kansas still only receives about 45,000 doses a week from the federal government for use outside of nursing homes.Compare that to the approximately 1 million Kansans that meet the current criteria for getting shots.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610374737400.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas is in Phase 2 of its vaccine rollout. It includes
 people over the age of 65. It also covers teachers, grocery workers, 
first responders, prison inmates and many others. The state offers more 
detail <a href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/de/a6/100975e84c238fc4db5592eb3a9d/clj-phase-2-definition.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.Right
 now, the state’s vaccine map mostly shows county health departments and
 hospitals, but as vaccine supply increases, it’s likely more providers 
will appear on the map.Pharmacies, for example, have made clear that they want to participate.For more on how vaccine distribution works in Kansas and how widespread coronavirus is in the state, check out <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/heres-latest-where-and-how-get-covid-vaccine-kansas" target="_blank">our FAQ</a>.Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celia_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.

Kansas map helps you find COVID-19 vaccine providers 

BARTON COUNTY—A Kansas man drown in a creek on Wednesday in Barton County.

Just after 9:30.am., deputies were dispatched to a location on the Wet Walnut Creek near 387 NW. 40th Road, north and west of Great Bend, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

A 911 caller reported an unresponsive individual in the water at that location.

A family member had called to report they had located 20-year-old Manuel Castillo in the creek. The Great Bend Fire Department and EMS services had also arrived at the scene and began resuscitation efforts. Castillo was transported the hospital in Great Bend where he was later pronounced deceased.

A Sheriff’s Office investigation indicates Castillo was walking along the creek bank at which time he evidently fell approximately 40 feet down the embankment. Evidence of the fall was found at the scene, according to Bellendir.

At that particular location, the embankment was covered with rock, metal rods and corrugated steel to prevent erosion. Castillo received numerous abrasions and lacerations during the fall. Further investigation indicates he was incapacitated by the fall and went into about 2 feet of water.

Forensic examination by Dr. Lyle Norhook indicates the cause of death was drowning. Preliminary findings indicate the death was accidental in nature.

BARTON COUNTY—A Kansas man drown in a creek on Wednesday in Barton County.Just after 9:30.am., deputies were dispatched to a location on the Wet Walnut Creek near 387 NW. 40th Road, north and west of Great Bend, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.A 911 caller reported an unresponsive individual in the water at that location.A family member had called to report they had located 20-year-old Manuel Castillo in the creek. The Great Bend Fire Department and EMS services had also arrived at the scene and began resuscitation efforts. Castillo was transported the hospital in Great Bend where he was later pronounced deceased.A Sheriff’s Office investigation indicates Castillo was walking along the creek bank at which time he evidently fell approximately 40 feet down the embankment. Evidence of the fall was found at the scene, according to Bellendir.At that particular location, the embankment was covered with rock, metal rods and corrugated steel to prevent erosion. Castillo received numerous abrasions and lacerations during the fall. Further investigation indicates he was incapacitated by the fall and went into about 2 feet of water.Forensic examination by Dr. Lyle Norhook indicates the cause of death was drowning. Preliminary findings indicate the death was accidental in nature.

Sheriff: 20-year-old Kan. man drowns after fall into creek

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have asked the public for help to locate a suspect.

Just after 5:30 p.m. Monday, police responded to South Madison Avenue and East Skinner Street, according to Officer Paul Cruz.

A 49-year-old male victim reported to police that a suspect identified as Bryan Conner came to Auto Kings Car Dealership, 3205 South Broadway and requested to test-drive a blue Jeep Cherokee. 

The victim and Conner got into the Jeep and while they were test driving the vehicle, Conner stopped at Madison and Skinner, brandished a handgun and ordered the victim out of the vehicle.&nbsp; Conner then took the vehicle keys, got out of the vehicle, and left north bound on foot.

Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to call police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612449876172.png" alt="On Thursday, police released a booking photo from a prior arrest for the suspect identified as 32-year-old Bryan Conner" />
 <figcaption>On Thursday, police released a booking photo from a prior arrest for the suspect identified as 32-year-old Bryan Conner</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have asked the public for help to locate a suspect.Just after 5:30 p.m. Monday, police responded to South Madison Avenue and East Skinner Street, according to Officer Paul Cruz.A 49-year-old male victim reported to police that a suspect identified as Bryan Conner came to Auto Kings Car Dealership, 3205 South Broadway and requested to test-drive a blue Jeep Cherokee. The victim and Conner got into the Jeep and while they were test driving the vehicle, Conner stopped at Madison and Skinner, brandished a handgun and ordered the victim out of the vehicle.&nbsp; Conner then took the vehicle keys, got out of the vehicle, and left north bound on foot.Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to call police.

Update: Kan. car salesman robbed during test drive

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Assurances from labor officials that new security protocols are blocking thousands of fraudulent attempts every hour to access Kansas’ unemployment benefits system did little Wednesday to dispel the concerns of Republican lawmakers who fear the state is losing millions of dollars to COVID-19 pandemic scammers.

The state Department of Labor reported that it blocked more than 649,000 attempts from internet bots or human scammers to log into its unemployment system within 34 hours after a shutdown of the system ended Tuesday morning. The department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-f79ed0b839ad8501cf50650ca51dcbb1">shut down the system</a>&nbsp;Saturday afternoon to add new security protocols after a flood of fraudulent claims for benefits.

Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature have criticized Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and her administration for months over problems at the Department of Labor in providing benefits to workers who’ve lost their jobs in the pandemic. She and department officials have blamed the struggles on a decades-old computer system.

“I’m not going to deny that it has been a tough road and that many Kansans are frustrated by the inadequacy of the system that is 40, 45 years old,” Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference on COVID-19.

GOP lawmakers have become increasingly focused on fraudulent claims and have said they’re worried that employers, who cover at least part of the benefits for their ex-workers, will be on the hook for bogus claims if the fraud is not detected. The department also is mailing forms to individuals telling them they owe income taxes on past unemployment benefits — creating a headache for people who learn that bogus claims have been filed in their names.

The department said before the unemployment system’s reboot that it was catching about 2,300 fraudulent claims a day — or roughly 96 an hour. But its latest data means it stopped almost 19,400 fraudulent log-in attempts an hour since the reboot — or a little more than five every second.

“How many actually got through is my concern,” said House commerce committee Chair Sean Tarwater, a Stilwell Republican.

GOP lawmakers have been at odds with Kelly almost since COVID-19 reached the state in early March 2020 over her closing non-essential businesses and trying to mandate mask wearing, and Republicans have signaled that it will make what they view as her mistakes a key issue when she seeks a second term in 2022. But in recent weeks, as the number of new COVID-19 cases has declined, GOP criticism has focused on the Department of Labor and issues with the rollout of vaccines.

Kansas averaged 914 new confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases a day for the seven days ending Wednesday, the first time the rolling seven-day average was below 1,000 since Oct. 28, according to state health department data. The state added 2,247 cases to its pandemic tally since Monday, bringing it to 278,915, close to one for every 10 of its 2.9 million residents.

The health department added 86 deaths to the state’s pandemic total since Monday, making it 3,895. Kansas averaged 25 additional COVID-19 deaths a day for the seven days ending Wednesday.

But the health department said Wednesday evening that it had confirmed a case in Ellis County in northwest Kansas of a more contagious coronavirus variant first identified in Great Britain. Public health officials worry that it could lead to an increase in new hospitalizations and deaths.

Kelly issued a statewide stay-at-home order in late March to contain the spread of COVID-19, and unemployment claims surged. They dropped before surging again starting in late November, fueling concerns that many of the claims were bogus.

Julie Menghini, the Department of Labor’s director of government affairs, told legislators in an email Tuesday evening that it has this year mailed out its largest number of forms notifying people they owed income taxes on unemployment benefits. She said the department made “every effort” to ensure that the forms didn’t go to people who had bogus claims filed in their names.

“However, despite our best efforts and in light of the historic level of forms issued as well as the high level of fraudulent activity, we expect a small universe of victims to receive these forms in error for compensation they never received,” Menghini wrote.

But GOP lawmakers said they’re getting complaints from people getting the forms who also can’t get through to the department’s special fraud call center.

University of Kansas journalism professor Teri Finneman received a notice saying that she owed taxes on $1,500 in unemployment benefits that she never received. She’s tried repeatedly to get through to the Department of Labor by phone and in frustration wrote a letter last week.

Finneman, who has covered state government in other states as a former political reporter, said she has never seen anything like it from a state agency. She said the fact that Kansas let an agency operate with a decades-old computer system is “completely inexcusable.”

“It is extremely frustrating how many Kansans have been impacted by this,” she said in an email to The AP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612392146635.png" alt="“I’m not going to deny that it has been a tough road and that many Kansans are frustrated by the inadequacy of the system that is 40, 45 years old,” Gov. Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference on COVID-19." />
 <figcaption>“I’m not going to deny that it has been a tough road and that many Kansans are frustrated by the inadequacy of the system that is 40, 45 years old,” Gov. Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference on COVID-19.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Assurances from labor officials that new security protocols are blocking thousands of fraudulent attempts every hour to access Kansas’ unemployment benefits system did little Wednesday to dispel the concerns of Republican lawmakers who fear the state is losing millions of dollars to COVID-19 pandemic scammers.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F252521489829194%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The state Department of Labor reported that it blocked more than 649,000 attempts from internet bots or human scammers to log into its unemployment system within 34 hours after a shutdown of the system ended Tuesday morning. The department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-f79ed0b839ad8501cf50650ca51dcbb1">shut down the system</a>&nbsp;Saturday afternoon to add new security protocols after a flood of fraudulent claims for benefits.Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature have criticized Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and her administration for months over problems at the Department of Labor in providing benefits to workers who’ve lost their jobs in the pandemic. She and department officials have blamed the struggles on a decades-old computer system.“I’m not going to deny that it has been a tough road and that many Kansans are frustrated by the inadequacy of the system that is 40, 45 years old,” Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference on COVID-19.GOP lawmakers have become increasingly focused on fraudulent claims and have said they’re worried that employers, who cover at least part of the benefits for their ex-workers, will be on the hook for bogus claims if the fraud is not detected. The department also is mailing forms to individuals telling them they owe income taxes on past unemployment benefits — creating a headache for people who learn that bogus claims have been filed in their names.The department said before the unemployment system’s reboot that it was catching about 2,300 fraudulent claims a day — or roughly 96 an hour. But its latest data means it stopped almost 19,400 fraudulent log-in attempts an hour since the reboot — or a little more than five every second.“How many actually got through is my concern,” said House commerce committee Chair Sean Tarwater, a Stilwell Republican.GOP lawmakers have been at odds with Kelly almost since COVID-19 reached the state in early March 2020 over her closing non-essential businesses and trying to mandate mask wearing, and Republicans have signaled that it will make what they view as her mistakes a key issue when she seeks a second term in 2022. But in recent weeks, as the number of new COVID-19 cases has declined, GOP criticism has focused on the Department of Labor and issues with the rollout of vaccines.Kansas averaged 914 new confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases a day for the seven days ending Wednesday, the first time the rolling seven-day average was below 1,000 since Oct. 28, according to state health department data. The state added 2,247 cases to its pandemic tally since Monday, bringing it to 278,915, close to one for every 10 of its 2.9 million residents.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612376064354.png" alt="Wednesday February 3, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday February 3, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>The health department added 86 deaths to the state’s pandemic total since Monday, making it 3,895. Kansas averaged 25 additional COVID-19 deaths a day for the seven days ending Wednesday.But the health department said Wednesday evening that it had confirmed a case in Ellis County in northwest Kansas of a more contagious coronavirus variant first identified in Great Britain. Public health officials worry that it could lead to an increase in new hospitalizations and deaths.Kelly issued a statewide stay-at-home order in late March to contain the spread of COVID-19, and unemployment claims surged. They dropped before surging again starting in late November, fueling concerns that many of the claims were bogus.Julie Menghini, the Department of Labor’s director of government affairs, told legislators in an email Tuesday evening that it has this year mailed out its largest number of forms notifying people they owed income taxes on unemployment benefits. She said the department made “every effort” to ensure that the forms didn’t go to people who had bogus claims filed in their names.“However, despite our best efforts and in light of the historic level of forms issued as well as the high level of fraudulent activity, we expect a small universe of victims to receive these forms in error for compensation they never received,” Menghini wrote.But GOP lawmakers said they’re getting complaints from people getting the forms who also can’t get through to the department’s special fraud call center.University of Kansas journalism professor Teri Finneman received a notice saying that she owed taxes on $1,500 in unemployment benefits that she never received. She’s tried repeatedly to get through to the Department of Labor by phone and in frustration wrote a letter last week.Finneman, who has covered state government in other states as a former political reporter, said she has never seen anything like it from a state agency. She said the fact that Kansas let an agency operate with a decades-old computer system is “completely inexcusable.”“It is extremely frustrating how many Kansans have been impacted by this,” she said in an email to The AP.

🎥 GOP lawmakers not mollified on COVID-19 scams against Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden told House Democrats on Wednesday he’s “not married” to an absolute number on his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-coronavirus-action-plan-3d8d5841bb9098a81ad9452fb2619024">$1.9 trillion COVID rescue plan</a>&nbsp;but Congress needs to “act fast” on relief for the pandemic and the economic crisis.

Biden also said he doesn’t want to budge from his proposed $1,400 in direct payments that he said were promised to Americans.

“Look, we got a lot of people hurting in our country today,” Biden said. “We need to act. We need to act fast. We need to restore the soul of the country.”

On the direct payments, he said, “I’m not going to start my administration by breaking a promise to the American people.”

The meeting with House Democrats comes as the president steps up his public engagements with lawmakers on pandemic aid and an economic recovery package, together his first legislative priority and a test of the administration’s ability to deliver. Biden’s remarks to the Democratic caucus were relayed by two people who requested anonymity to discuss the private conference call.

While Biden is trying to build bipartisan support from Republicans, he is also prepared to rely on the Democratic majority in Congress to push his top agenda item into law. Republicans object to his package as excessive, preferring a $618 billion alternative, but Biden panned that as insufficient even as he continues private talks with Republicans on potential areas of compromise.

Meeting later with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and top Senate Democrats in the Oval Office, the president expressed confidence Wednesday that the relief would still win over GOP votes be bipartisan.

“I think we’ll get some Republicans,” he said at the start of the meeting.

With a rising virus death toll and strained economy, the goal is to have COVID-19 relief approved by March, when extra unemployment assistance and other pandemic aid measures expire. Money for vaccine distributions, direct payments to households, school reopenings and business aid are at stake.

As lawmakers in Congress begin drafting the details of the package under a budget process, Biden is taking care to shore up his allies while also ensuring that the final product fulfills his promise for bold relief to a battered nation.

House Democrats were told on the call with the president that they could be flexible on some numbers and programs, and could “better target” the direct payments, but should not back down on the size or scope of the aid.

“We have to go big, not small,” Biden told the Democrats. “I’ve got your back, and you’ve got mine.”

As the White House reaches for a bipartisan bill, Democrats marshaled their ever-slim Senate majority, voting 50-49 on Tuesday to start a lengthy process for approving Biden’s bill with or without Republican support. The House is due to start its process with preliminary votes later Wednesday.

The swift action follows Tuesday’s outreach to Congress as Biden and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-politics-janet-yellen-coronavirus-pandemic-ec4e791e08664fb9c0d72972e65b3e04">Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen</a>&nbsp;joined the Democratic senators for a private virtual meeting, both declaring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-gop-coronavirus-aid-plans-73dd5842fda2ecdeddcc73a74cbeac47">the Republicans’ $618 billion offer</a>&nbsp;was too small.

Both Biden and Yellen recalled the lessons of the government response to the 2009 financial crisis, which some have since said was inadequate as conditions worsened.

Schumer said of the Republican proposal: “If we did a package that small, we’d be mired in the COVID crisis for years.”

Biden is emphasizing the need not to forget working and middle-class families — those nurses and pipefitters making $150,000 for a family of four.

Earlier in the week,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-618-billion-coronavirus-aid-a96acb5c835de5bffec28dbdbce5cd4e">Biden met with 10 Republican senators</a>&nbsp;who were pitching their $618 billion alternative, and told them it was not enough. He said he won’t delay aid in hopes of winning GOP support.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell criticized the Democrats for pressing ahead largely on their own as the GOP senators try to provide bipartisan alternatives.

“They’ve chosen a totally partisan path,” McConnell said. “That’s unfortunate.”

The two sides are far apart. The cornerstone of the GOP plan is $160 billion for the health care response — vaccine distribution, a “massive expansion” of testing, protective gear and money for rural hospitals,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-jen-psaki-coronavirus-pandemic-united-states-73dd5842fda2ecdeddcc73a74cbeac47">similar to what Biden has proposed for aid specific to the pandemic.</a>

But from there, the two plans drastically diverge. Biden proposes $170 billion for schools, compared with $20 billion in the Republican plan. Republicans also would give nothing to states, money that Democrats argue is just as important, with $350 billion in Biden’s plan to keep police, fire and other workers on the job.

The GOP’s $1,000 direct payments would go to fewer people — those earning up to $40,000 a year, or $80,000 for couples. Biden’s bigger $1,400 payments would extend to higher income levels, up to $300,000 for some families.

The Republicans offer $40 billion for Paycheck Protection Program business aid. But gone are Democratic priorities such as a gradual lifting of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-rashida-tlaib-coronavirus-pandemic-minimum-wage-ee0e8cc7c96a30d9581723b2c6bb4189?utm_source=Twitter&amp;utm_campaign=SocialFlow&amp;utm_medium=AP_Politics">the federal minimum wage</a>&nbsp;to $15 an hour.

Winning the support of 10 Republicans would be significant, potentially giving Biden the votes needed in the 50-50 Senate to reach the 60-vote threshold typically required to advance legislation.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-race-and-ethnicity-symone-sanders-south-asia-coronavirus-pandemic-d11545d09f132366909d492822df692d">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;is the tie-breaker.

But Democrats pushed ahead with Tuesday’s vote, laying groundwork for eventual approval under the budget reconciliation process that would allow the bill to pass with a 51-vote Senate majority.

White House officials have previously cited the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as evidence of broad support for their plan, but the nation’s most prominent business group on Tuesday urged a compromise.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden panned a Republican alternative to his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-coronavirus-action-plan-3d8d5841bb9098a81ad9452fb2619024">$1.9 trillion COVID rescue plan&nbsp;</a>as insufficient as Senate Democrats pushed ahead, voting to launch a process that could approve his sweeping rescue package on their own, if Republicans refuse to support it.

Biden and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-politics-janet-yellen-coronavirus-pandemic-ec4e791e08664fb9c0d72972e65b3e04">Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen</a>&nbsp;joined the Democratic senators including Kansas Senator Jerry Moran for a private virtual meeting Tuesday, both declaring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-gop-coronavirus-aid-plans-73dd5842fda2ecdeddcc73a74cbeac47">the Republicans’ $618 billion offer</a>&nbsp;was too small. They urged big fast action to stem&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;crisis and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/31ffad3ea17ef1d07e2724dd8fc25d50">its economic fallout</a>.

As the White House reaches for a bipartisan bill, Democrats marshaled their ever-slim Senate majority, voting 50-49, to start a lengthy process for approving Biden’s bill with or without GOP support. The goal is to have COVID-19 relief approved by March, when extra unemployment assistance and other pandemic aid expires.

“President Biden spoke about the need for Congress to respond boldly and quickly,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said after the lunch meeting. “If we did a package that small, we’d be mired in the COVID crisis for years.”

The swift action from Democrats on Capitol Hill underscores the urgency of delivering Biden’s top legislative priority even as talks are progressing privately between Republicans and the White House, as well as with centrist Democrats, on potential changes to the package to win over broader bipartisan support.

Biden framed his views during the virtual lunch meeting with Democrats by talking about the need not to forget working and middle-class families — even those like nurses and pipefitters making $150,000 for a family of four — who are straining during the crisis, according to a person granted anonymity to discuss the private call.

The night before,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-618-billion-coronavirus-aid-a96acb5c835de5bffec28dbdbce5cd4e">Biden met with 10 Republican senators</a>&nbsp;pitching their $618 billion alternative, and let them know it was insufficient to meet the country’s needs. The president made it clear that he won’t delay aid in hopes of winning GOP support.

While no compromise was reached during the late Monday session, White House talks with Republicans are privately underway.

The outcome will test the new president striving to unify the country but confronting&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html" target="_blank">a rising COVID-19 death toll</a>&nbsp;and stubbornly high jobless numbers, with political risks for all sides. Vaccine distributions, direct $1,400 payments to households, school reopenings and business aid are all on the line.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell criticized the Democrats for pressing ahead on their own. He said he had spoken to Biden ahead of his meeting with the 10 GOP senators.

The two sides are far apart, with the Republican group of 10 senators focused primarily on the health care crisis and smaller $1,000 direct aid to Americans than the $1,400 payments Biden proposed, while the president is leading Democrats toward a more sweeping rescue plan to shore up households, local governments and a partly shuttered economy.

At the White House, press secretary Jen Psaki reiterated Biden’s view that the risk is not in crafting too large a package, but in providing too little aid. She said the president was hopeful GOP ideas will be brought forward, and said nothing precludes Republicans from participating in the process.

“We need to make sure people get the relief they need,” she said.

White House officials have previously cited the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as evidence of broad support for their plan, but the nation’s most prominent business group issued&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uschamber.com/letters-congress/us-chamber-letter-the-american-rescue-plan" target="_blank">a letter&nbsp;</a>Tuesday that urged a bipartisan compromise.

“There ought to be common ground for a bipartisan proposal that can become law,” Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer, said in an interview.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612221614309.png" alt="President Biden and Vice President Harris met with Senators including Jerry Moran in the Oval Office on Monday. The meeting apparently accomplished very little.-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Biden and Vice President Harris met with Senators including Jerry Moran in the Oval Office on Monday. The meeting apparently accomplished very little.-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden told House Democrats on Wednesday he’s “not married” to an absolute number on his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-coronavirus-action-plan-3d8d5841bb9098a81ad9452fb2619024">$1.9 trillion COVID rescue plan</a>&nbsp;but Congress needs to “act fast” on relief for the pandemic and the economic crisis.Biden also said he doesn’t want to budge from his proposed $1,400 in direct payments that he said were promised to Americans.“Look, we got a lot of people hurting in our country today,” Biden said. “We need to act. We need to act fast. We need to restore the soul of the country.”On the direct payments, he said, “I’m not going to start my administration by breaking a promise to the American people.”The meeting with House Democrats comes as the president steps up his public engagements with lawmakers on pandemic aid and an economic recovery package, together his first legislative priority and a test of the administration’s ability to deliver. Biden’s remarks to the Democratic caucus were relayed by two people who requested anonymity to discuss the private conference call.While Biden is trying to build bipartisan support from Republicans, he is also prepared to rely on the Democratic majority in Congress to push his top agenda item into law. Republicans object to his package as excessive, preferring a $618 billion alternative, but Biden panned that as insufficient even as he continues private talks with Republicans on potential areas of compromise.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612378208993.png" alt="President Biden during his Wednesday visit with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden during his Wednesday visit with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>Meeting later with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and top Senate Democrats in the Oval Office, the president expressed confidence Wednesday that the relief would still win over GOP votes be bipartisan.“I think we’ll get some Republicans,” he said at the start of the meeting.With a rising virus death toll and strained economy, the goal is to have COVID-19 relief approved by March, when extra unemployment assistance and other pandemic aid measures expire. Money for vaccine distributions, direct payments to households, school reopenings and business aid are at stake.As lawmakers in Congress begin drafting the details of the package under a budget process, Biden is taking care to shore up his allies while also ensuring that the final product fulfills his promise for bold relief to a battered nation.House Democrats were told on the call with the president that they could be flexible on some numbers and programs, and could “better target” the direct payments, but should not back down on the size or scope of the aid.“We have to go big, not small,” Biden told the Democrats. “I’ve got your back, and you’ve got mine.”As the White House reaches for a bipartisan bill, Democrats marshaled their ever-slim Senate majority, voting 50-49 on Tuesday to start a lengthy process for approving Biden’s bill with or without Republican support. The House is due to start its process with preliminary votes later Wednesday.The swift action follows Tuesday’s outreach to Congress as Biden and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-politics-janet-yellen-coronavirus-pandemic-ec4e791e08664fb9c0d72972e65b3e04">Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen</a>&nbsp;joined the Democratic senators for a private virtual meeting, both declaring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-gop-coronavirus-aid-plans-73dd5842fda2ecdeddcc73a74cbeac47">the Republicans’ $618 billion offer</a>&nbsp;was too small.Both Biden and Yellen recalled the lessons of the government response to the 2009 financial crisis, which some have since said was inadequate as conditions worsened.Schumer said of the Republican proposal: “If we did a package that small, we’d be mired in the COVID crisis for years.”Biden is emphasizing the need not to forget working and middle-class families — those nurses and pipefitters making $150,000 for a family of four.Earlier in the week,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-618-billion-coronavirus-aid-a96acb5c835de5bffec28dbdbce5cd4e">Biden met with 10 Republican senators</a>&nbsp;who were pitching their $618 billion alternative, and told them it was not enough. He said he won’t delay aid in hopes of winning GOP support.Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell criticized the Democrats for pressing ahead largely on their own as the GOP senators try to provide bipartisan alternatives.“They’ve chosen a totally partisan path,” McConnell said. “That’s unfortunate.”The two sides are far apart. The cornerstone of the GOP plan is $160 billion for the health care response — vaccine distribution, a “massive expansion” of testing, protective gear and money for rural hospitals,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-jen-psaki-coronavirus-pandemic-united-states-73dd5842fda2ecdeddcc73a74cbeac47">similar to what Biden has proposed for aid specific to the pandemic.</a>But from there, the two plans drastically diverge. Biden proposes $170 billion for schools, compared with $20 billion in the Republican plan. Republicans also would give nothing to states, money that Democrats argue is just as important, with $350 billion in Biden’s plan to keep police, fire and other workers on the job.The GOP’s $1,000 direct payments would go to fewer people — those earning up to $40,000 a year, or $80,000 for couples. Biden’s bigger $1,400 payments would extend to higher income levels, up to $300,000 for some families.The Republicans offer $40 billion for Paycheck Protection Program business aid. But gone are Democratic priorities such as a gradual lifting of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-rashida-tlaib-coronavirus-pandemic-minimum-wage-ee0e8cc7c96a30d9581723b2c6bb4189?utm_source=Twitter&amp;utm_campaign=SocialFlow&amp;utm_medium=AP_Politics">the federal minimum wage</a>&nbsp;to $15 an hour.Winning the support of 10 Republicans would be significant, potentially giving Biden the votes needed in the 50-50 Senate to reach the 60-vote threshold typically required to advance legislation.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-race-and-ethnicity-symone-sanders-south-asia-coronavirus-pandemic-d11545d09f132366909d492822df692d">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;is the tie-breaker.But Democrats pushed ahead with Tuesday’s vote, laying groundwork for eventual approval under the budget reconciliation process that would allow the bill to pass with a 51-vote Senate majority.White House officials have previously cited the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as evidence of broad support for their plan, but the nation’s most prominent business group on Tuesday urged a compromise.------------WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden panned a Republican alternative to his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-coronavirus-action-plan-3d8d5841bb9098a81ad9452fb2619024">$1.9 trillion COVID rescue plan&nbsp;</a>as insufficient as Senate Democrats pushed ahead, voting to launch a process that could approve his sweeping rescue package on their own, if Republicans refuse to support it.Biden and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-politics-janet-yellen-coronavirus-pandemic-ec4e791e08664fb9c0d72972e65b3e04">Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen</a>&nbsp;joined the Democratic senators including Kansas Senator Jerry Moran for a private virtual meeting Tuesday, both declaring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-gop-coronavirus-aid-plans-73dd5842fda2ecdeddcc73a74cbeac47">the Republicans’ $618 billion offer</a>&nbsp;was too small. They urged big fast action to stem&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;crisis and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/31ffad3ea17ef1d07e2724dd8fc25d50">its economic fallout</a>.As the White House reaches for a bipartisan bill, Democrats marshaled their ever-slim Senate majority, voting 50-49, to start a lengthy process for approving Biden’s bill with or without GOP support. The goal is to have COVID-19 relief approved by March, when extra unemployment assistance and other pandemic aid expires.“President Biden spoke about the need for Congress to respond boldly and quickly,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said after the lunch meeting. “If we did a package that small, we’d be mired in the COVID crisis for years.”The swift action from Democrats on Capitol Hill underscores the urgency of delivering Biden’s top legislative priority even as talks are progressing privately between Republicans and the White House, as well as with centrist Democrats, on potential changes to the package to win over broader bipartisan support.Biden framed his views during the virtual lunch meeting with Democrats by talking about the need not to forget working and middle-class families — even those like nurses and pipefitters making $150,000 for a family of four — who are straining during the crisis, according to a person granted anonymity to discuss the private call.The night before,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-618-billion-coronavirus-aid-a96acb5c835de5bffec28dbdbce5cd4e">Biden met with 10 Republican senators</a>&nbsp;pitching their $618 billion alternative, and let them know it was insufficient to meet the country’s needs. The president made it clear that he won’t delay aid in hopes of winning GOP support.While no compromise was reached during the late Monday session, White House talks with Republicans are privately underway.The outcome will test the new president striving to unify the country but confronting&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html" target="_blank">a rising COVID-19 death toll</a>&nbsp;and stubbornly high jobless numbers, with political risks for all sides. Vaccine distributions, direct $1,400 payments to households, school reopenings and business aid are all on the line.Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell criticized the Democrats for pressing ahead on their own. He said he had spoken to Biden ahead of his meeting with the 10 GOP senators.“They’ve chosen a totally partisan path,” McConnell said. “That’s unfortunate.”The two sides are far apart, with the Republican group of 10 senators focused primarily on the health care crisis and smaller $1,000 direct aid to Americans than the $1,400 payments Biden proposed, while the president is leading Democrats toward a more sweeping rescue plan to shore up households, local governments and a partly shuttered economy.At the White House, press secretary Jen Psaki reiterated Biden’s view that the risk is not in crafting too large a package, but in providing too little aid. She said the president was hopeful GOP ideas will be brought forward, and said nothing precludes Republicans from participating in the process.“We need to make sure people get the relief they need,” she said.White House officials have previously cited the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as evidence of broad support for their plan, but the nation’s most prominent business group issued&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uschamber.com/letters-congress/us-chamber-letter-the-american-rescue-plan" target="_blank">a letter&nbsp;</a>Tuesday that urged a bipartisan compromise.“There ought to be common ground for a bipartisan proposal that can become law,” Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer, said in an interview.The cornerstone of the GOP plan is $160 billion for the health care response — vaccine distribution, a “massive expansion” of testing, protective gear and funds for rural hospitals,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-jen-psaki-coronavirus-pandemic-united-states-73dd5842fda2ecdeddcc73a74cbeac47">similar to what Biden has proposed</a>.But from there, the two plans drastically diverge. Biden proposes $170 billion for schools, compared to $20 billion in the Republican plan. Republicans also would give nothing to states, money that Democrats argue is just as important, with $350 billion in Biden’s plan to keep police, fire and other workers on the job.The GOP’s $1,000 direct payments would go to fewer households, individuals earning up to $40,000 a year, or $80,000 for couples. That’s less than Biden’s proposal of $1,400 direct payments at higher income levels, up to $300,000 for some households..The Republicans offer $40 billion for Paycheck Protection Program business aid. But gone are Democratic priorities such as a gradual lifting of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-rashida-tlaib-coronavirus-pandemic-minimum-wage-ee0e8cc7c96a30d9581723b2c6bb4189?utm_source=Twitter&amp;utm_campaign=SocialFlow&amp;utm_medium=AP_Politics">the federal minimum wage</a>&nbsp;to $15 an hour.According to Schumer, Biden told Democratic senators he had let the Republicans know “he’s willing to make some modifications.”But both Biden and Yellen recalled the lessons of the government response to the 2009 financial crisis, which some have since said was inadequate as conditions worsened. Biden said he told the Republicans their offer was “way too small,” Schumer said.Winning the support of 10 Republicans would be significant, potentially giving Biden the votes needed in the 50-50 Senate to the 60-vote threshold typically required to advance legislation.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-race-and-ethnicity-symone-sanders-south-asia-coronavirus-pandemic-d11545d09f132366909d492822df692d">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;is the tie-breaker.Wary Democrats pushed ahead with Tuesday’s vote, unwilling to take too much time in courting GOP support that may not materialize or may lead to too meager a package.The procedural steps are groundwork for eventual approval under the budget reconciliation process that would allow the bill to pass with a 51-vote majority in the Senate, rather than the 60 votes typically needed.The vote Tuesday opens 50 hours of debate on a budget resolution, with amendment votes expected later this week. The House is poised to launch a similar process.___