WASHINGTON (AP) — A Capitol Police officer was killed Friday after a man rammed a car into two officers at a barricade outside the U.S. Capitol and then emerged wielding a knife. It was the second line-of-duty death this year for a department still struggling to heal from the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Video shows the driver of the crashed car emerging with a knife in his hand and starting to run at the pair of officers, Capitol Police Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman told reporters. Authorities shot the suspect, who died at a hospital.

Two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press that the suspect stabbed one of the officers. The officials spoke to AP were not authorized to publicly discuss the pending investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity.

“I just ask that the public continue to keep U.S. Capitol Police and their families in your prayers,” Pittman said. “This has been an extremely difficult time for U.S. Capitol Police after the events of Jan. 6 and now the events that have occurred here today.”

Police identified the slain officer as William “Billy” Evans, an 18-year veteran who was a member of the department’s first responders unit.

Authorities said that there wasn’t an ongoing threat and that the attack did not appear to be related to terrorism, though the Capitol was put on lockdown as a precaution. There was also no immediate connection apparent between Friday’s crash and the Jan. 6 riot.

Law enforcement officials identified the slain suspect as 25-year-old Noah Green. Investigators were digging into his background and examining whether he had any mental health history as they tried to discern a motive. They were working to obtain warrants to access his online accounts.

Pittman said the suspect did not appear to have been on the police’s radar. But the attack underscored that the building and campus — and the officers charged with protecting them — remain potential targets for violence.

President Joe Biden said in a statement that he and his wife were heartbroken to learn of the attack and expressed condolences to Evans’ family. He directed flags at the White House to be lowered to half staff.

The crash and shooting happened at a security checkpoint near the Capitol typically used by senators and staff on weekdays, though most are away from the building during the current recess. The attack occurred about 100 yards (91 meters) from the entrance of the building on the Senate side of the Capitol. One witness, the Rev. Patrick Mahoney, said he was finishing a Good Friday service nearby when he heard three shots ring out.

The Washington region remains on edge nearly three months after a mob of armed insurrectionists loyal to former President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol as Congress was voting to certify Biden’s presidential win.

Five people died in the Jan. 6 riot, including Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, who was among a badly outnumbered force trying to fight off invaders seeking to overturn the election. Authorities installed a tall perimeter fence around the Capitol and for months restricted traffic along the roads closest to the building, but they had begun pulling back some of the emergency measures. Fencing that prevented vehicular traffic near that area was only recently removed.

Evans was the seventh Capitol Police member to die in the line of duty in the department’s history, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page, which tracks deaths of law enforcement. In addition, two officers, one from Capitol Police and another from Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department, died by suicide following the Jan. 6 attack.

Almost 140 Capitol Police officers were wounded in that attack, including officers not issued helmets who sustained head injuries and one with cracked ribs, according to the officers’ union. It took hours for the National Guard to arrive, a delay that has driven months of finger-pointing between that day’s key decision makers.

Capitol Police and National Guard troops were called upon soon afterward to secure the Capitol during Biden’s inauguration and faced another potential threat in early March linked to conspiracy theories falsely claiming Trump would retake the presidency.

“Today, once again, these heroes risked their lives to protect our Capitol and our country, with the same extraordinary selflessness and spirit of service seen on January 6,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement. “On behalf of the entire House, we are profoundly grateful.”

The U.S. Capitol complex was placed on lockdown after Friday’s shooting, and staffers were told they could not enter or exit buildings. Video showed Guard troops mobilizing near the area of the crash.

Video posted online showed a dark colored sedan crashed against a vehicle barrier and a police K-9 dog inspecting the vehicle. Law enforcement and paramedics could be seen caring for at least one unidentified individual.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/car-rams-capitol-barricade-add0fea76244f1755344aa856ee64ecd">the lockdown at the U.S. Capitol complex&nbsp;</a>(all times local):

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Capitol Police officer has been killed after a man rammed a car into two officers at a barricade outside the U.S. Capitol and then emerged wielding a knife. The suspect died at a hospital. 

Capitol Police Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman did not identify the slain officer or suspect on Friday afternoon. Authorities said the attack did not appear to be related to terrorism. The crash and shooting happened at a security checkpoint near the Capitol as Congress is on recess. It comes as the Washington region remains on edge nearly three months after a mob of armed insurrectionists stormed the Capitol as Congress was voting to certify Joe Biden’s presidential win.

WASHINGTON (AP) —U.S. Capitol Police say an officer has died after a suspect rammed his car into two officers and lunged at officers with a knife before being shot.

Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman says the officer died after Friday’s incident but did not immediately provide additional details. The officer’s identity was not released.

Pittman says the suspect rammed a barricade near the U.S. Capitol. She says the suspect then exited the vehicle with a knife and lunged at the officers. The suspect was shot and died at the hospital.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two law enforcement officials say a man rammed a car into two Capitol Police officers at a barricade outside the U.S. Capitol before being shot to death by authorities when he climbed out of the vehicle while appearing to brandish a knife. 

The two officials spoke on condition of anonymity on Friday afternoon as the event was unfolding. Both Capitol Police officers were taken to the hospital, with at least one in serious condition. 

The crash comes as Congress is on recess and as the Washington region remains on edge months after a mob of armed insurrectionists stormed the Capitol as lawmakers were voting to certify Joe Biden’s presidential win

WASHINGTON (AP) — A car has rammed a barricade outside the U.S. Capitol, injuring two Capitol Police officers and leading to the driver being shot.

That's according to two law enforcement officials who spoke to The Associated Press on Friday afternoon on condition of anonymity as the event was unfolding. 

At least one officer was in serious condition. The driver is in critical condition. The incident comes as the Washington region remains on edge months after a mob of armed insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol as Congress was voting to certify Joe Biden’s presidential win. The Capitol complex was placed on lockdown after the shooting and staff were told they could not enter or exit buildings

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617385738948.png" alt="Two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press that the suspect stabbed one of the officers. &nbsp;-photo courtesy WJLA TV" />
 <figcaption>Two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press that the suspect stabbed one of the officers. &nbsp;-photo courtesy WJLA TV</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A Capitol Police officer was killed Friday after a man rammed a car into two officers at a barricade outside the U.S. Capitol and then emerged wielding a knife. It was the second line-of-duty death this year for a department still struggling to heal from the Jan. 6 insurrection.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">UPDATE: The other USCP officer who was struck by the car is in stable and non-threatening condition.&mdash; U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/CapitolPolice/status/1378105541755539456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Video shows the driver of the crashed car emerging with a knife in his hand and starting to run at the pair of officers, Capitol Police Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman told reporters. Authorities shot the suspect, who died at a hospital.Two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press that the suspect stabbed one of the officers. The officials spoke to AP were not authorized to publicly discuss the pending investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity.“I just ask that the public continue to keep U.S. Capitol Police and their families in your prayers,” Pittman said. “This has been an extremely difficult time for U.S. Capitol Police after the events of Jan. 6 and now the events that have occurred here today.”Police identified the slain officer as William “Billy” Evans, an 18-year veteran who was a member of the department’s first responders unit.Authorities said that there wasn’t an ongoing threat and that the attack did not appear to be related to terrorism, though the Capitol was put on lockdown as a precaution. There was also no immediate connection apparent between Friday’s crash and the Jan. 6 riot.Law enforcement officials identified the slain suspect as 25-year-old Noah Green. Investigators were digging into his background and examining whether he had any mental health history as they tried to discern a motive. They were working to obtain warrants to access his online accounts.Pittman said the suspect did not appear to have been on the police’s radar. But the attack underscored that the building and campus — and the officers charged with protecting them — remain potential targets for violence.President Joe Biden said in a statement that he and his wife were heartbroken to learn of the attack and expressed condolences to Evans’ family. He directed flags at the White House to be lowered to half staff.The crash and shooting happened at a security checkpoint near the Capitol typically used by senators and staff on weekdays, though most are away from the building during the current recess. The attack occurred about 100 yards (91 meters) from the entrance of the building on the Senate side of the Capitol. One witness, the Rev. Patrick Mahoney, said he was finishing a Good Friday service nearby when he heard three shots ring out.The Washington region remains on edge nearly three months after a mob of armed insurrectionists loyal to former President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol as Congress was voting to certify Biden’s presidential win.Five people died in the Jan. 6 riot, including Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, who was among a badly outnumbered force trying to fight off invaders seeking to overturn the election. Authorities installed a tall perimeter fence around the Capitol and for months restricted traffic along the roads closest to the building, but they had begun pulling back some of the emergency measures. Fencing that prevented vehicular traffic near that area was only recently removed.Evans was the seventh Capitol Police member to die in the line of duty in the department’s history, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page, which tracks deaths of law enforcement. In addition, two officers, one from Capitol Police and another from Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department, died by suicide following the Jan. 6 attack.Almost 140 Capitol Police officers were wounded in that attack, including officers not issued helmets who sustained head injuries and one with cracked ribs, according to the officers’ union. It took hours for the National Guard to arrive, a delay that has driven months of finger-pointing between that day’s key decision makers.Capitol Police and National Guard troops were called upon soon afterward to secure the Capitol during Biden’s inauguration and faced another potential threat in early March linked to conspiracy theories falsely claiming Trump would retake the presidency.“Today, once again, these heroes risked their lives to protect our Capitol and our country, with the same extraordinary selflessness and spirit of service seen on January 6,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement. “On behalf of the entire House, we are profoundly grateful.”The U.S. Capitol complex was placed on lockdown after Friday’s shooting, and staffers were told they could not enter or exit buildings. Video showed Guard troops mobilizing near the area of the crash.Video posted online showed a dark colored sedan crashed against a vehicle barrier and a police K-9 dog inspecting the vehicle. Law enforcement and paramedics could be seen caring for at least one unidentified individual.---------WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/car-rams-capitol-barricade-add0fea76244f1755344aa856ee64ecd">the lockdown at the U.S. Capitol complex&nbsp;</a>(all times local):WASHINGTON (AP) — A Capitol Police officer has been killed after a man rammed a car into two officers at a barricade outside the U.S. Capitol and then emerged wielding a knife. The suspect died at a hospital. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617389572630.png" alt="Police block traffic at the intersection of Independence and Washington just before 2p.m. CDT Friday -image DC traffic camera" />
 <figcaption>Police block traffic at the intersection of Independence and Washington just before 2p.m. CDT Friday -image DC traffic camera</figcaption>
 </figure>Capitol Police Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman did not identify the slain officer or suspect on Friday afternoon. Authorities said the attack did not appear to be related to terrorism. The crash and shooting happened at a security checkpoint near the Capitol as Congress is on recess. It comes as the Washington region remains on edge nearly three months after a mob of armed insurrectionists stormed the Capitol as Congress was voting to certify Joe Biden’s presidential win.-------WASHINGTON (AP) —U.S. Capitol Police say an officer has died after a suspect rammed his car into two officers and lunged at officers with a knife before being shot.Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman says the officer died after Friday’s incident but did not immediately provide additional details. The officer’s identity was not released.Pittman says the suspect rammed a barricade near the U.S. Capitol. She says the suspect then exited the vehicle with a knife and lunged at the officers. The suspect was shot and died at the hospital.-----------WASHINGTON (AP) — Two law enforcement officials say a man rammed a car into two Capitol Police officers at a barricade outside the U.S. Capitol before being shot to death by authorities when he climbed out of the vehicle while appearing to brandish a knife. The two officials spoke on condition of anonymity on Friday afternoon as the event was unfolding. Both Capitol Police officers were taken to the hospital, with at least one in serious condition. The crash comes as Congress is on recess and as the Washington region remains on edge months after a mob of armed insurrectionists stormed the Capitol as lawmakers were voting to certify Joe Biden’s presidential win------WASHINGTON (AP) — A car has rammed a barricade outside the U.S. Capitol, injuring two Capitol Police officers and leading to the driver being shot.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">CRITICAL INCIDENT: USCP is responding to the North Barricade vehicle access point along Independence Avenue for reports someone rammed a vehicle into two USCP officers. A suspect is in custody. Both officers are injured. All three have been transported to the hospital. <a href="https://t.co/4TXIdulJc6">pic.twitter.com/4TXIdulJc6</a>&mdash; U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/CapitolPolice/status/1378036076175110145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>That's according to two law enforcement officials who spoke to The Associated Press on Friday afternoon on condition of anonymity as the event was unfolding. At least one officer was in serious condition. The driver is in critical condition. The incident comes as the Washington region remains on edge months after a mob of armed insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol as Congress was voting to certify Joe Biden’s presidential win. The Capitol complex was placed on lockdown after the shooting and staff were told they could not enter or exit buildings

Police ID officer, suspect who died at US Capitol

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police have identified a woman who died in a house fire in Kansas City that also critically injured a child.

Dora Gamble, 66, and the child were pulled Wednesday afternoon from the burning house on the city’s southeast side, police said. Firefighters were called to the scene by someone who called 911 seeking help, police say in a news release. By the time officers arrived on the scene, firefighters had already found the woman and child inside.

Both were taken to nearby hospitals, where the woman was pronounced dead. The child was listed in critical condition. The child's name has not been released.

The fire and the woman’s death are being investigated as suspicious, police said. Detectives with the police department’s bomb and arson unit are investigating alongside homicide detectives, officials said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617296272418.png" alt="The fire and the woman’s death are being investigated as suspicious, according to police. -photo courtesy KC Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>The fire and the woman’s death are being investigated as suspicious, according to police. -photo courtesy KC Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police have identified a woman who died in a house fire in Kansas City that also critically injured a child.Dora Gamble, 66, and the child were pulled Wednesday afternoon from the burning house on the city’s southeast side, police said. Firefighters were called to the scene by someone who called 911 seeking help, police say in a news release. By the time officers arrived on the scene, firefighters had already found the woman and child inside.Both were taken to nearby hospitals, where the woman was pronounced dead. The child was listed in critical condition. The child's name has not been released.The fire and the woman’s death are being investigated as suspicious, police said. Detectives with the police department’s bomb and arson unit are investigating alongside homicide detectives, officials said.

Police ID woman killed in suspicious Kansas City house fire

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a violent attack on a woman have&nbsp; a suspect 34-year-old Brandon Lambert in custody.

Police located him at a north Salina residence Friday and was taken into custody without incident.

On March 20, 0fficers were sent to the 200 block of S. College Avenue in Salina for a domestic violence call. Officers spoke to a 29-year-old Salina woman who reported being the victim of domestic violence related crimes. Lambert had left the area as officers arrived on scene.

According to the police department, an affidavit was submitted to the Saline County Attorney’s Office, and an arrest warrant was issued by the Saline County District Court for Lambert on&nbsp; requested charges that include Attempted first degree murder, Aggravated domestic violence battery, Aggravated kidnapping, Aggravated burglary, Aggravated assault, Aggravated intimidation of a witness, Criminal threat, Criminal damage to property, Violation of protection order and Harassment by telecommunication device.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616591520358.jpeg" alt="Lambert photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Lambert photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a violent attack on a woman have&nbsp; a suspect 34-year-old Brandon Lambert in custody.Police located him at a north Salina residence Friday and was taken into custody without incident.On March 20, 0fficers were sent to the 200 block of S. College Avenue in Salina for a domestic violence call. Officers spoke to a 29-year-old Salina woman who reported being the victim of domestic violence related crimes. Lambert had left the area as officers arrived on scene.According to the police department, an affidavit was submitted to the Saline County Attorney’s Office, and an arrest warrant was issued by the Saline County District Court for Lambert on&nbsp; requested charges that include Attempted first degree murder, Aggravated domestic violence battery, Aggravated kidnapping, Aggravated burglary, Aggravated assault, Aggravated intimidation of a witness, Criminal threat, Criminal damage to property, Violation of protection order and Harassment by telecommunication device.

After 2 weeks, police arrest Kan. suspect in violent attack 

TOPEKA – A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Emerging Variant known as the South African variant has been identified in Kansas, according to a media release from the KDHE.

An individual in Finney County was found to have the B.1.351 variant. A case investigation is being conducted to determine how the person became infected with this particular variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as if others may have been exposed. No further details are being released concerning the patient, including demographics.

The variant was determined through the whole genome sequencing conducted through the laboratories at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The B.1.351 variant was originally identified in South Africa in December and has been&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MDIuMzgxNzczNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi90cmFuc21pc3Npb24vdmFyaWFudC1jYXNlcy5odG1sP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9._nn9ojNVzakEjMi-aimoKpcFAhZD53MiJp-A4pc4JwA/s/1305913448/br/101421661976-l" target="_blank">found in 31 states and territories</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. At this point, it is not known to cause more severe disease and it is not clear whether it spreads more readily than other strains. Although this strain can reduce the effectiveness of some vaccines, vaccines still provide strong protection against severe illness and death.

“We continue to encourage people to take the appropriate precautions. This includes wearing a mask that fits snuggly around the nose and face and has multiple layers of fabric or layering thinner masks with an additional cloth face mask to improve the fit,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Kansans should also follow isolation and quarantine recommendations, practice physical distancing, good hygiene, staying home if ill and getting the vaccine if you are able to.”

Another variant of concern, B.1.1.7, also known as the UK variant, has previously been identified in Kansas. There are currently 76 cases identified in 14 counties.&nbsp; This variant was first reported in the U.S. at the end of December 2020. Evidence from the UK indicates that this variant spreads much more quickly through the population and, given that fact, may rapidly increase the number of hospitalizations and deaths. More studies are needed to confirm this finding.

Testing is available and free for all Kansans. <a href="https://www.gogettested.com/kansas">Click here to find a</a> location near you.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608566572342.png" alt="Virus variant image courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>Virus variant image courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Emerging Variant known as the South African variant has been identified in Kansas, according to a media release from the KDHE.An individual in Finney County was found to have the B.1.351 variant. A case investigation is being conducted to determine how the person became infected with this particular variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as if others may have been exposed. No further details are being released concerning the patient, including demographics.The variant was determined through the whole genome sequencing conducted through the laboratories at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.The B.1.351 variant was originally identified in South Africa in December and has been&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MDIuMzgxNzczNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi90cmFuc21pc3Npb24vdmFyaWFudC1jYXNlcy5odG1sP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9._nn9ojNVzakEjMi-aimoKpcFAhZD53MiJp-A4pc4JwA/s/1305913448/br/101421661976-l" target="_blank">found in 31 states and territories</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. At this point, it is not known to cause more severe disease and it is not clear whether it spreads more readily than other strains. Although this strain can reduce the effectiveness of some vaccines, vaccines still provide strong protection against severe illness and death.“We continue to encourage people to take the appropriate precautions. This includes wearing a mask that fits snuggly around the nose and face and has multiple layers of fabric or layering thinner masks with an additional cloth face mask to improve the fit,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Kansans should also follow isolation and quarantine recommendations, practice physical distancing, good hygiene, staying home if ill and getting the vaccine if you are able to.”Another variant of concern, B.1.1.7, also known as the UK variant, has previously been identified in Kansas. There are currently 76 cases identified in 14 counties.&nbsp; This variant was first reported in the U.S. at the end of December 2020. Evidence from the UK indicates that this variant spreads much more quickly through the population and, given that fact, may rapidly increase the number of hospitalizations and deaths. More studies are needed to confirm this finding.Testing is available and free for all Kansans. <a href="https://www.gogettested.com/kansas">Click here to find a</a> location near you.

KDHE: South African COVID variant identified in Kansas

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 501 to a total of 302,873, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4932, an increase of 19.

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

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 501 to a total of 302,873, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4932, an increase of 19.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617383206301.png" alt="Friday April 2, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday April 2, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a victim to the hospital.

Just after 6p.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting call in the 2600 block of N Broadway in Wichita, according to officer Trevor Macy.

 After arriving on scene, officers located a 34-year-old man inside a business at the location with multiple gunshot wounds. 

EMS transported him to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries, but he is expected to survive. Police did not release the victim's name or report an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617381429956.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a victim to the hospital.Just after 6p.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting call in the 2600 block of N Broadway in Wichita, according to officer Trevor Macy. After arriving on scene, officers located a 34-year-old man inside a business at the location with multiple gunshot wounds. EMS transported him to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries, but he is expected to survive. Police did not release the victim's name or report an arrest.

Police find man with gunshot wounds at Kan. business

SALINA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities have rescued a man who fell into a grain storage facility near Salina and became trapped. Salina Fire Department Fire Marshal Troy Long said the man was apparently trying to remove a clog when he fell into a grain mover system at the Scoular grain elevator. 

The machinery was quickly shut down. Long said crews were able were able to remove part of that grain mover system and safely get the man out. He then was taken to a hospital with unknown injuries. Long said the department trains for situations like this often.

SALINE COUNTY —One person was rescued after an incident at the Scoular Grain elevator, 2880 East Country Club Road in Salina on Thursday, according to Sheriff's Lt. Jeremiah Hayes.

EMS transported the man to the hospital in Salina.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.&nbsp; 

Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617306805267.jpeg" alt="Emergency crews responded to Scoular Grain elevator east of Salina this afternoon.Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Emergency crews responded to Scoular Grain elevator east of Salina this afternoon.Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities have rescued a man who fell into a grain storage facility near Salina and became trapped. Salina Fire Department Fire Marshal Troy Long said the man was apparently trying to remove a clog when he fell into a grain mover system at the Scoular grain elevator. The machinery was quickly shut down. Long said crews were able were able to remove part of that grain mover system and safely get the man out. He then was taken to a hospital with unknown injuries. Long said the department trains for situations like this often.------------SALINE COUNTY —One person was rescued after an incident at the Scoular Grain elevator, 2880 East Country Club Road in Salina on Thursday, according to Sheriff's Lt. Jeremiah Hayes.EMS transported the man to the hospital in Salina.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.&nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

Update: Man freed after entrapment at Kan. grain elevator 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman for an April Fool's Day&nbsp; prank.

Just after 8:30 a.m. Thursday, police responded to report of a shooting at a home in the 4800 block of East Arlene in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Multiple officers responded to the call along with the Wichita Fire Department and Sedgwick County EMS.&nbsp;

Officers surrounded the home, blocked streets, and attempted to make contact with anyone inside.&nbsp; After they were not able to contact anyone, officers wearing shields and with weapons drawn, broke down the door.

Through further investigation, it was learned that&nbsp; 58-year-old Arnthia Willis of Wichita  had called a family member claiming to be shot as an April fool’s joke. The family member called 911. 

Police in Derby located Willis and arrested her without incident.

Willis was booked and remained in jail overnight on a charge of unlawful request for emergency service assistance in violation of K.S.A. 21-6207(b3), according to Davidson.&nbsp;

Wichita Polict Lt. Ron Hunt said the prank was dangerous and the woman could face charges. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617363315226.png" alt="Willis photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Willis photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman for an April Fool's Day&nbsp; prank.Just after 8:30 a.m. Thursday, police responded to report of a shooting at a home in the 4800 block of East Arlene in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Multiple officers responded to the call along with the Wichita Fire Department and Sedgwick County EMS.&nbsp;Officers surrounded the home, blocked streets, and attempted to make contact with anyone inside.&nbsp; After they were not able to contact anyone, officers wearing shields and with weapons drawn, broke down the door.Through further investigation, it was learned that&nbsp; 58-year-old Arnthia Willis of Wichita had called a family member claiming to be shot as an April fool’s joke. The family member called 911. Police in Derby located Willis and arrested her without incident.Willis was booked and remained in jail overnight on a charge of unlawful request for emergency service assistance in violation of K.S.A. 21-6207(b3), according to Davidson.&nbsp;Wichita Polict Lt. Ron Hunt said the prank was dangerous and the woman could face charges. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.------------

Kansas woman jailed for April Fools' Day joke 

HOUSTON (AP) — A&nbsp;federal judge did not immediately rule this week on a closely watched case over the fate of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which confers limited protections on hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought into the U.S. as children.

U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen set an early April deadline for lawyers on both sides to provide more information.

Texas&nbsp;heads a coalition of Republican-led states that want Hanen to invalidate the DACA program, instituted in 2012 by then-President Barack Obama. Defending the program is the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the state of&nbsp;New Jersey.

DACA recipients are granted a two-year reprieve from deportation that can be extended and receive a work permit and a Social Security number. The more than 600,000 people currently in the program must meet several requirements, including having no criminal record. Immigrants who are accepted and later get arrested face deportation to their country of origin.

Hanen declined in 2018 to issue a preliminary injunction, saying Texas and other states had waited too long to sue. But in that ruling, he said he believed DACA was unconstitutional and called on Congress to enact legislation shielding people under the program, often known as “Dreamers." Separate federal court rulings barred former President Donald Trump from ending the program and required him to reinstitute admissions.

But the program remains on potentially precarious ground. Lawyers for Texas&nbsp; pushed Hanen to quickly invalidate DACA. MALDEF has asked Hanen to delay any new order as President Joe Biden's administration and Congress consider legislation addressing DACA recipients.

Proposals on Capitol Hill have already faced strong Republican opposition and the politics of immigration have been complicated by a sharp increase in border crossings by immigrant children unaccompanied by a parent. GOP lawmakers have alleged Biden's limited reversal of Trump immigration restrictions have driven families to attempt to cross the border, though migrant families and experts interviewed by The Associated Press have offered a multitude of reasons.

Hanen noted that there had been dozens of failed proposals in the years since Obama enacted DACA

HOUSTON (AP) — A&nbsp;federal judge did not immediately rule this week on a closely watched case over the fate of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which confers limited protections on hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought into the U.S. as children.U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen set an early April deadline for lawyers on both sides to provide more information.Texas&nbsp;heads a coalition of Republican-led states that want Hanen to invalidate the DACA program, instituted in 2012 by then-President Barack Obama. Defending the program is the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the state of&nbsp;New Jersey.DACA recipients are granted a two-year reprieve from deportation that can be extended and receive a work permit and a Social Security number. The more than 600,000 people currently in the program must meet several requirements, including having no criminal record. Immigrants who are accepted and later get arrested face deportation to their country of origin.Hanen declined in 2018 to issue a preliminary injunction, saying Texas and other states had waited too long to sue. But in that ruling, he said he believed DACA was unconstitutional and called on Congress to enact legislation shielding people under the program, often known as “Dreamers." Separate federal court rulings barred former President Donald Trump from ending the program and required him to reinstitute admissions.But the program remains on potentially precarious ground. Lawyers for Texas&nbsp; pushed Hanen to quickly invalidate DACA. MALDEF has asked Hanen to delay any new order as President Joe Biden's administration and Congress consider legislation addressing DACA recipients.Proposals on Capitol Hill have already faced strong Republican opposition and the politics of immigration have been complicated by a sharp increase in border crossings by immigrant children unaccompanied by a parent. GOP lawmakers have alleged Biden's limited reversal of Trump immigration restrictions have driven families to attempt to cross the border, though migrant families and experts interviewed by The Associated Press have offered a multitude of reasons.Hanen noted that there had been dozens of failed proposals in the years since Obama enacted DACA

Judge delays ruling on DACA immigration program

TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt has called on the CEOs of three online platforms to act immediately to prevent the sale of fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination cards.

Schmidt joined a coalition of 44 other state and territorial attorneys general who wrote the CEOs of Twitter, eBay and Shopify as reports of fraudulent cards that have the appearance of being issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began appearing in online marketplaces.

“The false and deceptive marketing and sales of fake COVID vaccine cards threatens the health of our communities, slows progress in getting our residents protected from the virus, and are a violation of the laws of many states,” the attorneys general wrote. “Multiple states’ laws provide for injunctive relief, damages, penalties, and other remedies for such conduct.”

Legitimate vaccination cards are given by health care providers when they administer the vaccine. People who buy fake cards can have their own information added to the card or add it in themselves, making it appear they have been vaccinated when they have not.&nbsp;

In their letter, the attorneys general ask the CEOs to:

Schmidt’s Consumer Protection Division has worked over the past year to protect the public from pandemic-related scams, including the sale of bogus cures, price gouging and attempts to steal federally approved COVID-19 payments. More information on how to protect yourself from these and other scams is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.inyourcornerkansas.org/">www.InYourCornerKansas.org</a>.&nbsp;

Schmidt joins Attorneys General of North Carolina, Tennessee, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/naag-vaccine-cards-letter---final.pdf?sfvrsn=675caa1a_2">Click here to read </a>a copy of the letter sent to the CEOs regarding fake vaccination cards.

TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt has called on the CEOs of three online platforms to act immediately to prevent the sale of fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination cards.Schmidt joined a coalition of 44 other state and territorial attorneys general who wrote the CEOs of Twitter, eBay and Shopify as reports of fraudulent cards that have the appearance of being issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began appearing in online marketplaces.“The false and deceptive marketing and sales of fake COVID vaccine cards threatens the health of our communities, slows progress in getting our residents protected from the virus, and are a violation of the laws of many states,” the attorneys general wrote. “Multiple states’ laws provide for injunctive relief, damages, penalties, and other remedies for such conduct.”Legitimate vaccination cards are given by health care providers when they administer the vaccine. People who buy fake cards can have their own information added to the card or add it in themselves, making it appear they have been vaccinated when they have not.&nbsp;In their letter, the attorneys general ask the CEOs to:<ul>
 <li>Monitor their platforms for ads or links selling blank or fraudulently-completed vaccination cards.</li><li>Promptly take down ads or links that are selling cards.</li><li>Preserve records and information about the ads and the people who were selling them.</li>
 </ul>Schmidt’s Consumer Protection Division has worked over the past year to protect the public from pandemic-related scams, including the sale of bogus cures, price gouging and attempts to steal federally approved COVID-19 payments. More information on how to protect yourself from these and other scams is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.inyourcornerkansas.org/">www.InYourCornerKansas.org</a>.&nbsp;Schmidt joins Attorneys General of North Carolina, Tennessee, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/naag-vaccine-cards-letter---final.pdf?sfvrsn=675caa1a_2">Click here to read </a>a copy of the letter sent to the CEOs regarding fake vaccination cards.

Kan. fights sale of fake COVID-19 vaccination cards

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting say the wounded officer is out of the hospital, according to a social media report from police.

The shooting suspect identified as Aaron C. Pouche, 35, from independence, Missouri died in the exchange of gunfire, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Just before 11:30p.m. Wednesday, Independence police&nbsp;were notified of a person shooting a rifle into a residence on Carlisle Avenue, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol who is in charge of the investigation.

 Upon arrival the suspect fired a weapon and one Independence police officer was shot in the head and was transported to the hospital.

The suspect later identified as Pouche was transported to the hospital and subsequently pronounced dead. The initial call was the result of a dispute between neighbors, according to the Patrol.&nbsp; Authorities have not released the name of the officer.

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating an officer-involved shooting have identified the suspect as Aaron C. Pouche, 35, from independence, Missouri, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.&nbsp;

Officers also have located a rifle at the scene.

 Upon arrival the suspect fired a weapon and one Independence police officer was shot in the head and was transported to the hospital. 

 He was reportedly conscious and in stable condition, according to the Patrol.

The suspect later identified as Pouche was transported to the hospital and subsequently pronounced dead.  The initial call was the result of a dispute between neighbors, according to the Patrol.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617285987523.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting say the wounded officer is out of the hospital, according to a social media report from police.The shooting suspect identified as Aaron C. Pouche, 35, from independence, Missouri died in the exchange of gunfire, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.Just before 11:30p.m. Wednesday, Independence police&nbsp;were notified of a person shooting a rifle into a residence on Carlisle Avenue, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol who is in charge of the investigation. Upon arrival the suspect fired a weapon and one Independence police officer was shot in the head and was transported to the hospital.The suspect later identified as Pouche was transported to the hospital and subsequently pronounced dead. The initial call was the result of a dispute between neighbors, according to the Patrol.&nbsp; Authorities have not released the name of the officer.-------JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating an officer-involved shooting have identified the suspect as Aaron C. Pouche, 35, from independence, Missouri, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.&nbsp;Officers also have located a rifle at the scene.Just before 11:30p.m. Wednesday, Independence police&nbsp;were notified of a person shooting a rifle into a residence on Carlisle Avenue, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol who is in charge of the investigation. Upon arrival the suspect fired a weapon and one Independence police officer was shot in the head and was transported to the hospital. He was reportedly conscious and in stable condition, according to the Patrol.The suspect later identified as Pouche was transported to the hospital and subsequently pronounced dead. The initial call was the result of a dispute between neighbors, according to the Patrol.&nbsp;

KC-area officer shot in dispute between neighbors is out of hospital

TOPEKA —Law enforcement are investigating a violent domestic altercation and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 2a.m. March 30, police responded to a home SW 9th Street and SW Tyler Street in Topeka on a report of a possible domestic disturbance involving an armed suspect, according to Lt. Kelvin Johnson.

Upon arrival, officers located a woman with several serious injuries. The suspect had left the scene prior to officers arrival.

On Wednesday, police located the suspect, later identified as Winston T. Roberts, 25, of Auburn in the 3800 block of SW Topeka Blvd, according to Johnson.

 Roberts remains in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Domestic Battery, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Intimidation of a Witness/Victim, Criminal Discharge of a firearm, Criminal Damage to Property, Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

The victim and suspect are known to one another, according to Johnson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617364478687.png" alt="Roberts has previous convictions for ID theft, burglary, theft and possession of&nbsp; of paraphernailia to consume controlled substances, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections- photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Roberts has previous convictions for ID theft, burglary, theft and possession of&nbsp; of paraphernailia to consume controlled substances, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections- photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Law enforcement are investigating a violent domestic altercation and have a suspect in custody.Just after 2a.m. March 30, police responded to a home SW 9th Street and SW Tyler Street in Topeka on a report of a possible domestic disturbance involving an armed suspect, according to Lt. Kelvin Johnson.Upon arrival, officers located a woman with several serious injuries. The suspect had left the scene prior to officers arrival.On Wednesday, police located the suspect, later identified as Winston T. Roberts, 25, of Auburn in the 3800 block of SW Topeka Blvd, according to Johnson. Roberts remains in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Domestic Battery, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Intimidation of a Witness/Victim, Criminal Discharge of a firearm, Criminal Damage to Property, Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonThe victim and suspect are known to one another, according to Johnson.

Police arrest Kan. felon for violent attack on a woman

WASHINGTON — Today, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department
 of the Treasury and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service announced they are
 disbursing several million more payments in the third batch of Economic
 Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan. This brings the total 
disbursed so far to more than 130 million payments worth approximately 
$335 billion.

As <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-begins-delivering-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments-to-americans">announced</a>
 on March 12, Economic Impact Payments continue to roll out in batches 
to millions of Americans. The third batch of payments began processing 
on Friday, March 26, with an official payment date of March 31, with 
some people receiving direct payments in their accounts earlier as 
provisional or pending deposits. Here is additional information on this 
batch of payments:

For the first two batches of payments (which began processing on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disbursed-90-million-economic-impact-payments-from-the-american-rescue-plan">March 12</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-another-37-million-economic-impact-payments-from-the-american-rescue-plan">March 19</a>),
 payments were primarily sent to eligible taxpayers who filed 2019 or 
2020 returns. People who don't typically file a return but who 
successfully used the Non-Filers tool on IRS.gov last year were also 
sent payments in these first two batches, either as a direct deposit or 
by paper check or an EIP Card, a prepaid debit card.

Starting Friday, a large set of payments will begin going to Social 
Security and other federal beneficiaries who didn't file a 2020 or 2019 
tax return and didn't use the Non-Filers tool last year. These payments 
will go to Social Security retirement, survivor or disability (SSDI), 
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) 
beneficiaries. As <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-projects-stimulus-payments-to-non-filer-social-security-and-other-federal-beneficiaries-will-be-disbursed-later-this-week">announced</a>
 previously, these payments will begin to be issued this weekend, with 
the projection that the majority of these payments will be sent 
electronically and received on April 7.

No action is needed by most people to obtain this round of Economic Impact Payments. People can check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>
 tool on IRS.gov on to see if&nbsp;their payment has been scheduled. The IRS 
notes that the Get My Payment tool on IRS.gov will not be updated until 
the weekend of April 3-4 with information for Social Security and other 
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

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

Some federal benefits 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.

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> 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 — Today, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department
 of the Treasury and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service announced they are
 disbursing several million more payments in the third batch of Economic
 Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan. This brings the total 
disbursed so far to more than 130 million payments worth approximately 
$335 billion.As <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-begins-delivering-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments-to-americans">announced</a>
 on March 12, Economic Impact Payments continue to roll out in batches 
to millions of Americans. The third batch of payments began processing 
on Friday, March 26, with an official payment date of March 31, with 
some people receiving direct payments in their accounts earlier as 
provisional or pending deposits. Here is additional information on this 
batch of payments:<ul>
 <li>This batch includes the first of ongoing supplemental payments 
for people who earlier in March received payments based on their 2019 
tax returns but are eligible for a new or larger payment based on their 
recently processed 2020 tax returns. These "plus-up" payments could 
include a situation where a person's income dropped in 2020 compared to 
2019, or a person had a new child or dependent on their 2020 tax return,
 and other situations.</li><li>The payments announced today also include payments for people for 
whom the IRS previously did not have information to issue a payment but 
who recently filed a tax return and qualify for an Economic Impact 
Payment. Payments to this group -- and the "plus-up" payments noted 
above -- will continue on a weekly basis going forward, as the IRS 
continues processing tax returns from 2020 and 2019.</li><li>In total, this third batch includes more than 4 million payments, with a total value of more than $10 billion.</li><li>This batch of payments contains more than 2 million direct deposit 
payments (with a total value of more than $5 billion) and approximately 2
 million paper check payments (with a total value of nearly $5 billion).</li>
 </ul>For the first two batches of payments (which began processing on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disbursed-90-million-economic-impact-payments-from-the-american-rescue-plan">March 12</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-treasury-disburse-another-37-million-economic-impact-payments-from-the-american-rescue-plan">March 19</a>),
 payments were primarily sent to eligible taxpayers who filed 2019 or 
2020 returns. People who don't typically file a return but who 
successfully used the Non-Filers tool on IRS.gov last year were also 
sent payments in these first two batches, either as a direct deposit or 
by paper check or an EIP Card, a prepaid debit card.Starting Friday, a large set of payments will begin going to Social 
Security and other federal beneficiaries who didn't file a 2020 or 2019 
tax return and didn't use the Non-Filers tool last year. These payments 
will go to Social Security retirement, survivor or disability (SSDI), 
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) 
beneficiaries. As <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-projects-stimulus-payments-to-non-filer-social-security-and-other-federal-beneficiaries-will-be-disbursed-later-this-week">announced</a>
 previously, these payments will begin to be issued this weekend, with 
the projection that the majority of these payments will be sent 
electronically and received on April 7.No action is needed by most people to obtain this round of Economic Impact Payments. People can check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment">Get My Payment</a>
 tool on IRS.gov on to see if&nbsp;their payment has been scheduled. The IRS 
notes that the Get My Payment tool on IRS.gov will not be updated until 
the weekend of April 3-4 with information for Social Security and other 
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>Special reminder for those who don't normally file a tax return</h2>Some federal benefits 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.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> 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: Third batch of COVID stimulus checks being sent

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities continue working to determine the cause of a house fire in Topeka.

Just after 10:30a.m., Wednesday firefighters responded to the fire in a home at 1601 NW Taylor Street, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.

&nbsp;Upon arrival, fire crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from a two story residential house. Firefighters began an offensive fire attack, but due to the condition of the house and the advanced fire conditions, firefighters were forced to evacuate and continue with a defensive fire attack.&nbsp; 

A single occupant who was inside the residence was evacuated to safety by two bystanders, who are members of the United Steel Workers Local 307. 

American Medical response transported the occupant to an area hospital with medical issues not related to the fire, according to Harrison.

The estimated dollar loss – $26,260.00; of which $21,260.00 is associated with a total structural loss and $5,000.00 associated with contents loss.

It is unknown if the home had working smoke detectors. Authorities released no additional details.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities continue working to determine the cause of a house fire in Topeka.Just after 10:30a.m., Wednesday firefighters responded to the fire in a home at 1601 NW Taylor Street, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.&nbsp;Upon arrival, fire crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from a two story residential house. Firefighters began an offensive fire attack, but due to the condition of the house and the advanced fire conditions, firefighters were forced to evacuate and continue with a defensive fire attack.&nbsp; A single occupant who was inside the residence was evacuated to safety by two bystanders, who are members of the United Steel Workers Local 307. American Medical response transported the occupant to an area hospital with medical issues not related to the fire, according to Harrison.The estimated dollar loss – $26,260.00; of which $21,260.00 is associated with a total structural loss and $5,000.00 associated with contents loss.It is unknown if the home had working smoke detectors. Authorities released no additional details.

Fire Marshal: Bystanders rescue resident from burning home

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A federal judge has thrown out a rule allowing pork plants to speed up production lines because the U.S. Department of Agriculture didn’t properly consider the risks to workers.

The judge in Minnesota ruled Wednesday that the agency’s Food Safety and Inspection Service didn’t follow proper procedures before President Donald Trump’s administration issued the rule in 2019. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7e2dc2b3c13c4fd1b857cfab0962f89e">lawsuit&nbsp;</a>was filed by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union along with local unions in Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri and Oklahoma and the nonprofit consumer advocacy group Public Citizen.

U.S. District Judge Joan Ericksen said the agency “expressly identified worker safety as an important consideration and requested public comment on whether increasing line speeds would harm workers. Then, after receiving many comments raising worker safety concerns, FSIS rejected the comments and eliminated line speed limits without considering worker safety.”

The USDA said Thursday that the agency is reviewing the ruling, and it remains “deeply committed to worker safety and a safe, reliable food supply.”

Union officials praised the ruling because they say faster line speeds at pork plants increase the risk of knife injuries, knee, back, shoulder and neck traumas, and repetitive motion injuries for workers.

“With the success of this lawsuit, our country’s essential workers have sent a powerful message that the safety of America’s food and workers is not for sale and that these companies will finally be forced to stop these dangerous practices,” UFCW International President Marc Perrone said.

Public Citizen attorney Adam Pulver, who represented the unions, said the agency should have considered worker safety.

“An agency can’t put its hands over its ears and refuse to consider facts that cut against its policy preferences, as USDA did here in ignoring workers and public health advocates, and blindly following industry’s wishes,” Pulver said.

The judge said her ruling won’t take effect for 90 days to allow regulators time to determine how the change will affect plants that already switched to faster line speeds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589997771819.png" alt="Photo courtesy Tyson Foods" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Tyson Foods</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A federal judge has thrown out a rule allowing pork plants to speed up production lines because the U.S. Department of Agriculture didn’t properly consider the risks to workers.The judge in Minnesota ruled Wednesday that the agency’s Food Safety and Inspection Service didn’t follow proper procedures before President Donald Trump’s administration issued the rule in 2019. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7e2dc2b3c13c4fd1b857cfab0962f89e">lawsuit&nbsp;</a>was filed by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union along with local unions in Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri and Oklahoma and the nonprofit consumer advocacy group Public Citizen.U.S. District Judge Joan Ericksen said the agency “expressly identified worker safety as an important consideration and requested public comment on whether increasing line speeds would harm workers. Then, after receiving many comments raising worker safety concerns, FSIS rejected the comments and eliminated line speed limits without considering worker safety.”The USDA said Thursday that the agency is reviewing the ruling, and it remains “deeply committed to worker safety and a safe, reliable food supply.”Union officials praised the ruling because they say faster line speeds at pork plants increase the risk of knife injuries, knee, back, shoulder and neck traumas, and repetitive motion injuries for workers.“With the success of this lawsuit, our country’s essential workers have sent a powerful message that the safety of America’s food and workers is not for sale and that these companies will finally be forced to stop these dangerous practices,” UFCW International President Marc Perrone said.Public Citizen attorney Adam Pulver, who represented the unions, said the agency should have considered worker safety.“An agency can’t put its hands over its ears and refuse to consider facts that cut against its policy preferences, as USDA did here in ignoring workers and public health advocates, and blindly following industry’s wishes,” Pulver said.The judge said her ruling won’t take effect for 90 days to allow regulators time to determine how the change will affect plants that already switched to faster line speeds.

Judge rejects rule that let pork plants speed up production

ANDERSON, Mo. (AP) — A woman who was named “Grace Doe” after her remains were found in 1990 in southwest Missouri has been identified, McDonald County authorities announced Wednesday.

Investigators and f<a href="https://dnasolves.com/articles/grace_doe/">orensic science identified </a>the remains as Shawna Beth Garber, 53, formerly of Kansas.

Her body was found on Dec. 2, 1990 in farmland in McDonald County. An autopsy determined she was raped and strangled about two months before the discovery.

In September 2020, the remains were sent to Othram, a forensics company, which extracted DNA and built a profile to find distant relatives, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.

In January, Othram notified the McDonald County sheriff’s office that possible relatives had been located.

A detective eventually located Danielle Pixler, who said she had a half-sister named Shawna Garber who had been in foster care in Garnett, Kansas, before going back into state care. Pixler said she didn’t know what had happened to Garber after she left foster care.

Pixler donated DNA in February. Othram notified the McDonald County sheriff’s office on Monday that Pixler’s DNA was a match as a half-sibling for “Grace Doe.”

The sheriff’s office said it will try to trace Garber’s movements before her death to determine what happened to her.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617274045546.png" alt="'Grace Doe' photo McDonald Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>'Grace Doe' photo McDonald Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>ANDERSON, Mo. (AP) — A woman who was named “Grace Doe” after her remains were found in 1990 in southwest Missouri has been identified, McDonald County authorities announced Wednesday.Investigators and f<a href="https://dnasolves.com/articles/grace_doe/">orensic science identified </a>the remains as Shawna Beth Garber, 53, formerly of Kansas.Her body was found on Dec. 2, 1990 in farmland in McDonald County. An autopsy determined she was raped and strangled about two months before the discovery.In September 2020, the remains were sent to Othram, a forensics company, which extracted DNA and built a profile to find distant relatives, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.In January, Othram notified the McDonald County sheriff’s office that possible relatives had been located.A detective eventually located Danielle Pixler, who said she had a half-sister named Shawna Garber who had been in foster care in Garnett, Kansas, before going back into state care. Pixler said she didn’t know what had happened to Garber after she left foster care.Pixler donated DNA in February. Othram notified the McDonald County sheriff’s office on Monday that Pixler’s DNA was a match as a half-sibling for “Grace Doe.”The sheriff’s office said it will try to trace Garber’s movements before her death to determine what happened to her.

Authorities ID 'Grace Doe' found in 1990 as Kan. woman

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspect on drug charges after a traffic stop.

&nbsp;Shortly before 4 pm Tuesday,  a Sheriff’s deputy stopped a 1995 Chevrolet Blazer near 150th and U.S. Highway 75 for an alleged registration violation, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Further investigation during the traffic stop led to the discovery of drug paraphernalia. 

The occupants of the vehicle were arrested by deputies. The driver, Ronald Jeffery Bonham, 38, of Topeka, is being held on a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

 A passenger, Andre Carlos Brown, 31, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Another passenger, Tiffany Lynn Williams, 43, of Topeka, was arrested on a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. All three suspects were booked into the Jackson County Jail, according to Morse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617213510802.png" alt="Brown photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Brown photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspect on drug charges after a traffic stop.&nbsp;Shortly before 4 pm Tuesday, a Sheriff’s deputy stopped a 1995 Chevrolet Blazer near 150th and U.S. Highway 75 for an alleged registration violation, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617213539629.png" alt="Bonham photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Bonham photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Further investigation during the traffic stop led to the discovery of drug paraphernalia. The occupants of the vehicle were arrested by deputies. The driver, Ronald Jeffery Bonham, 38, of Topeka, is being held on a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. A passenger, Andre Carlos Brown, 31, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617213488367.png" alt="Williams photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Williams photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Another passenger, Tiffany Lynn Williams, 43, of Topeka, was arrested on a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. All three suspects were booked into the Jackson County Jail, according to Morse.

Sheriff: 3 caught with drugs during Kan. traffic stop

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer shooting and have identified the suspect as 35-year-old Jennifer Miller of Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.

CAUTION: Graphic video of Wednesday's officer-involved shooting in Wichita.&nbsp;

Just before 9a.m. Wednesday, two police officers were proactively checking the Red Roof Inn, 7335 East Kellogg and Sky Palace, 7321 East Kellogg after numerous calls and complaints over several months involving assaults, burglaries, drugs, stolen cars, underage parties and other things that would constitute a nuisance to the neighborhood and the businesses.

While checking the businesses, the officers saw a stolen Subaru Legacy behind the Red Roof Inn. The car had been reported stolen on Tuesday. As they approached the car, they saw Miller enter the car's trunk, grab items and walk toward her room at the Sky Palace.

One officer approached Miller. A second officer arrived to assist and asked Miller for identification. Miller reached into her purse, pulled out a black handgun and pointed it at both officers, according to Stephens.

One officer pulled his handgun and fired one shot striking Miller in the neck. The officers began life saving measures and called EMS.&nbsp; She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

When she is released from the hospital in a couple of days she will be booked on requested charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of stolen property, auto theft and felon in possession of a firearm, according to Stephens.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617291763952.png" alt="Photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer shooting and have identified the suspect as 35-year-old Jennifer Miller of Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.CAUTION: Graphic video of Wednesday's officer-involved shooting in Wichita.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWichitaPolice%2Fvideos%2F293964315460951%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>Just before 9a.m. Wednesday, two police officers were proactively checking the Red Roof Inn, 7335 East Kellogg and Sky Palace, 7321 East Kellogg after numerous calls and complaints over several months involving assaults, burglaries, drugs, stolen cars, underage parties and other things that would constitute a nuisance to the neighborhood and the businesses.While checking the businesses, the officers saw a stolen Subaru Legacy behind the Red Roof Inn. The car had been reported stolen on Tuesday. As they approached the car, they saw Miller enter the car's trunk, grab items and walk toward her room at the Sky Palace.One officer approached Miller. A second officer arrived to assist and asked Miller for identification. Miller reached into her purse, pulled out a black handgun and pointed it at both officers, according to Stephens.One officer pulled his handgun and fired one shot striking Miller in the neck. The officers began life saving measures and called EMS.&nbsp; She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617293757915.png" alt="Miller has previous convictions that include ID theft, forgery, theft and flee and elude, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Sedgwick County&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Miller has previous convictions that include ID theft, forgery, theft and flee and elude, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Sedgwick County&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>When she is released from the hospital in a couple of days she will be booked on requested charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of stolen property, auto theft and felon in possession of a firearm, according to Stephens.

🎥 Police ID Kan. woman shot after pointing gun at officer

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas outperformed the March estimate by $52.3 million, or 9.7%, with $590.1 million received in total tax collections. That is $66.7 million more than last March, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Recenue.

“While this revenue growth is encouraging, we must continue practicing fiscal responsibility – particularly as we’re getting a clearer picture of how federal and state tax legislation could impact the state’s ending balance,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“We cannot risk passing any tax bill that would put Kansas back into a self-inflicted budget crisis, and jeopardize our COVID-19 recovery efforts.”

With the late start of tax season and refunds going out in March, individual income tax collections were lower than the estimate by $4.8 million, or 1.9%, with $255.2 million collected. Corporate income tax collections were $25.3 million, beating the estimate by 26.7%, or $5.3 million.

Consumer spending has not slowed down as both retail sales tax and compensating use tax collections were more than estimated. Retail sales tax collections were up $19.2 million for the month, with $194.2 million collected. Compensating use sales tax was $2.6 million more than the estimate with $42.6 million collected.

The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group will meet later this month to reassess future estimates and consider the impact COVID-19 related federal legislation has on revenue number

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas outperformed the March estimate by $52.3 million, or 9.7%, with $590.1 million received in total tax collections. That is $66.7 million more than last March, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Recenue.“While this revenue growth is encouraging, we must continue practicing fiscal responsibility – particularly as we’re getting a clearer picture of how federal and state tax legislation could impact the state’s ending balance,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“We cannot risk passing any tax bill that would put Kansas back into a self-inflicted budget crisis, and jeopardize our COVID-19 recovery efforts.”With the late start of tax season and refunds going out in March, individual income tax collections were lower than the estimate by $4.8 million, or 1.9%, with $255.2 million collected. Corporate income tax collections were $25.3 million, beating the estimate by 26.7%, or $5.3 million.Consumer spending has not slowed down as both retail sales tax and compensating use tax collections were more than estimated. Retail sales tax collections were up $19.2 million for the month, with $194.2 million collected. Compensating use sales tax was $2.6 million more than the estimate with $42.6 million collected.The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group will meet later this month to reassess future estimates and consider the impact COVID-19 related federal legislation has on revenue number

Kan. tax collections $66.7M ahead of March 2020

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Top Kansas legislators on Thursday revoked an order aimed at encouraging counties to keep mask mandates amid the coronavirus pandemic, just hours after Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly issued it.

<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/EO-21-14-Executed.pdf" target="_blank">Kelly’s order</a>&nbsp;required people to wear masks indoors at businesses and public spaces and outdoors when they can’t socially distance. State law gives counties the final say, but her order meant that elected county commissions had to vote to set less restrictive rules or opt out.

The governor said in a statement that the order would ensure that past efforts to check the virus “will not have been wasted.”

The order was similar to a mask policy she issued in November. She was required to reissue it under&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/ccrb_sb40_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a new Kansas law&nbsp;</a>that also gives eight top legislators the power to revoke an order issued by the governor because of a pandemic or other emergency. And they immediately did so.

Their vote came after Republicans in both chambers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-topeka-92837a6b1f26af90f8429fa816a17909">approved resolutions</a>&nbsp;this week directing legislative leaders to rescind any statewide mask policy.

Speaker Pro Tem Blaine Finch, of Ottawa, said the earlier order was issued as case numbers soared and things have changed drastically since.

“Thankfully they have come down, and we just want to encourage people to be safe and practice infection control. But the numbers don’t support a statewide mandate at this time,” he said.

Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, said counties can still pass and enforce their own rules.

“I would like to remind everyone that this is simply a revocation of a statewide mandate,” he said. “It does not prevent anyone from wearing a mask. The local controls are all still in place.”

But the two Democrats in the group — Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, of Lenexa, and House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer, of Wichita — voted against overturning Kelly’s order, saying it sent a stronger message than any individual county orders.

“It just sends a better message and it is protecting the economy and it is boosting consumer confidence instead of just those counties because it is a broader,” Skyes said.

Sawyer said most residents still aren’t fully vaccinated and that virus numbers are creeping up in some areas of the country as variants spread.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Top Kansas legislators on Thursday revoked an order aimed at encouraging counties to keep mask mandates amid the coronavirus pandemic, just hours after Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly issued it.<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/EO-21-14-Executed.pdf" target="_blank">Kelly’s order</a>&nbsp;required people to wear masks indoors at businesses and public spaces and outdoors when they can’t socially distance. State law gives counties the final say, but her order meant that elected county commissions had to vote to set less restrictive rules or opt out.The governor said in a statement that the order would ensure that past efforts to check the virus “will not have been wasted.”The order was similar to a mask policy she issued in November. She was required to reissue it under&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/ccrb_sb40_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a new Kansas law&nbsp;</a>that also gives eight top legislators the power to revoke an order issued by the governor because of a pandemic or other emergency. And they immediately did so.Their vote came after Republicans in both chambers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-topeka-92837a6b1f26af90f8429fa816a17909">approved resolutions</a>&nbsp;this week directing legislative leaders to rescind any statewide mask policy.Speaker Pro Tem Blaine Finch, of Ottawa, said the earlier order was issued as case numbers soared and things have changed drastically since.“Thankfully they have come down, and we just want to encourage people to be safe and practice infection control. But the numbers don’t support a statewide mandate at this time,” he said.Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, said counties can still pass and enforce their own rules.“I would like to remind everyone that this is simply a revocation of a statewide mandate,” he said. “It does not prevent anyone from wearing a mask. The local controls are all still in place.”But the two Democrats in the group — Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, of Lenexa, and House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer, of Wichita — voted against overturning Kelly’s order, saying it sent a stronger message than any individual county orders.“It just sends a better message and it is protecting the economy and it is boosting consumer confidence instead of just those counties because it is a broader,” Skyes said.Sawyer said most residents still aren’t fully vaccinated and that virus numbers are creeping up in some areas of the country as variants spread.“We don’t want to declare victory too soon,” he said. “If people quit being careful then cases are going to go up and more people are going to get sick and unfortunately some of them are going to die.”___