TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 778 to a total of 297,229, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4,851, an increase of 35.

<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 778 to a total of 297,229, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4,851, an increase of 35.<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/2021/3/1615399528241.png" alt="Wednesday March 10, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday March 10, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas athletic director Jeff Long said he pointedly asked his longtime friend, Les Miles, during the hiring process to be next football coach of the Jayhawks whether there was anything in his background that could potentially embarrass the university.

Miles, according to Long, replied, “No.”

Three years later, that answer has not only contributed to the sudden downfall of a popular coach who took LSU to two national title games and a championship, but also has thrown into disarray a Kansas program that hasn’t had a winning season since 2008 amid a succession of failed coaches, dwindling fan support and overall apathy.

The school and Miles agreed to a settlement late Monday, just days after he was placed on administrative leave amid sexual misconduct allegations from his tenure with the Tigers. Miles had about $8 million remaining on his contract through 2023, and Long said Tuesday that the settlement will amount to paying him through the rest of this year.

“I’m beyond disappointed that the University of Kansas is in this position,” said Long, who has known Miles since their days together at Michigan in the late 1980s and early ’90s, “but it is absolutely the right decision for this university.”

Long said a series of background checks took place before the Jayhawks hired Miles in 2018, and that nobody within the LSU athletic department raised any red flags.

When Kansas officials learned of a legal dispute that was settled out of court, Long said the school “requested copies of any and all reported related to Miles when he was at LSU.”

“We were given a variety of reasons from Miles’ legal counsel why that would not be provided to us,” Long said.

Details surrounding the settlement were not revealed until a lawsuit brought by newspapers forced LSU to make public late last week a report compiled by the law firm Taylor Porter. It describes how two female students within the football program had accused Miles in 2013 of inappropriate behavior but it ultimately found no violations of any law.

One day after the Taylor Porter report became public, a separate report by the law firm Husch Blackwell completed last fall was released. The 148-page review looked at the LSU’s handling of sexual misconduct complaints campus-wide, and at one point described how Miles “tried to sexualize the staff of student workers in the football program by, for instance, allegedly demanding that he wanted blondes with big breasts, and ‘pretty girls.’”

The report also revealed then-Tigers athletic director Joe Alleva recommended firing the coach in 2013 to school officials.

Asked whether Miles lied to him, Long replied: “That’s debatable whether that was a lie.”

“I can’t really answer why Coach Miles responded the way he did,” Long said. “I think much is played about our friendship; it’s a friendship that was certainly not the reason why we were hiring him to be the head coach. He was an established head coach, he was an incredible recruiter — those are the reasons we hired Les Miles at the time.”

An attorney representing Miles argued Saturday, shortly after he was placed on administrative leave, that Kansas had “performed thorough due diligence” before his hiring and had “significant information” about the LSU reports.

“To fail to recognize that a person’s career should not be compromised by unsubstantiated allegations hardly is consistent with the example an institution of higher learning should champion,” Peter Ginsberg said.

The 67-year-old Miles won three games his first season and went winless last season, only the third time that’s happened in school history. And while recruiting, facilities and infrastructure improved under his watch, the school is again facing down an embarrassing situation following the failed tenures of Turner Gill, Charlie Weis and David Beaty.

Mike DeBord has been appointed the acting head coach with spring football about to start, and Long said he’s been visiting with assistant coaches but has yet to decide on an interim coach. Whomever is chosen will handle the program while Long works with a search firm to identify potential head coaches at a difficult time in the calendar with most coaches are well into planning for next season.

There is also debate whether Long should be leading the search. His missteps in hiring Miles came after an underwhelming hiring of Dave Wannstedt at Pittsburgh and his controversial hiring and firing of Bobby Petrino at Arkansas.

“Well, I’m hoping as soon as I can to have those open and candid discussions for what we’re trying to do,” said Long, adding that the settlement with Long will be paid through athletic department revenues and donors to the Williams Fund.

“I’m happy to have those conversations with (donors). We need their support more than ever,” Long added. “This is not a change we anticipate. But despite the record during the COVID season, we see progress here.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615374778058.jpeg" alt="Asked whether Les Miles lied to him, KU Athletic Director Jeff Long replied: “That’s debatable."" />
 <figcaption>Asked whether Les Miles lied to him, KU Athletic Director Jeff Long replied: “That’s debatable."</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas athletic director Jeff Long said he pointedly asked his longtime friend, Les Miles, during the hiring process to be next football coach of the Jayhawks whether there was anything in his background that could potentially embarrass the university.Miles, according to Long, replied, “No.”Three years later, that answer has not only contributed to the sudden downfall of a popular coach who took LSU to two national title games and a championship, but also has thrown into disarray a Kansas program that hasn’t had a winning season since 2008 amid a succession of failed coaches, dwindling fan support and overall apathy.The school and Miles agreed to a settlement late Monday, just days after he was placed on administrative leave amid sexual misconduct allegations from his tenure with the Tigers. Miles had about $8 million remaining on his contract through 2023, and Long said Tuesday that the settlement will amount to paying him through the rest of this year.“I’m beyond disappointed that the University of Kansas is in this position,” said Long, who has known Miles since their days together at Michigan in the late 1980s and early ’90s, “but it is absolutely the right decision for this university.”Long said a series of background checks took place before the Jayhawks hired Miles in 2018, and that nobody within the LSU athletic department raised any red flags.When Kansas officials learned of a legal dispute that was settled out of court, Long said the school “requested copies of any and all reported related to Miles when he was at LSU.”“We were given a variety of reasons from Miles’ legal counsel why that would not be provided to us,” Long said.Details surrounding the settlement were not revealed until a lawsuit brought by newspapers forced LSU to make public late last week a report compiled by the law firm Taylor Porter. It describes how two female students within the football program had accused Miles in 2013 of inappropriate behavior but it ultimately found no violations of any law.One day after the Taylor Porter report became public, a separate report by the law firm Husch Blackwell completed last fall was released. The 148-page review looked at the LSU’s handling of sexual misconduct complaints campus-wide, and at one point described how Miles “tried to sexualize the staff of student workers in the football program by, for instance, allegedly demanding that he wanted blondes with big breasts, and ‘pretty girls.’”The report also revealed then-Tigers athletic director Joe Alleva recommended firing the coach in 2013 to school officials.Asked whether Miles lied to him, Long replied: “That’s debatable whether that was a lie.”“I can’t really answer why Coach Miles responded the way he did,” Long said. “I think much is played about our friendship; it’s a friendship that was certainly not the reason why we were hiring him to be the head coach. He was an established head coach, he was an incredible recruiter — those are the reasons we hired Les Miles at the time.”An attorney representing Miles argued Saturday, shortly after he was placed on administrative leave, that Kansas had “performed thorough due diligence” before his hiring and had “significant information” about the LSU reports.“To fail to recognize that a person’s career should not be compromised by unsubstantiated allegations hardly is consistent with the example an institution of higher learning should champion,” Peter Ginsberg said.The 67-year-old Miles won three games his first season and went winless last season, only the third time that’s happened in school history. And while recruiting, facilities and infrastructure improved under his watch, the school is again facing down an embarrassing situation following the failed tenures of Turner Gill, Charlie Weis and David Beaty.Mike DeBord has been appointed the acting head coach with spring football about to start, and Long said he’s been visiting with assistant coaches but has yet to decide on an interim coach. Whomever is chosen will handle the program while Long works with a search firm to identify potential head coaches at a difficult time in the calendar with most coaches are well into planning for next season.There is also debate whether Long should be leading the search. His missteps in hiring Miles came after an underwhelming hiring of Dave Wannstedt at Pittsburgh and his controversial hiring and firing of Bobby Petrino at Arkansas.“Well, I’m hoping as soon as I can to have those open and candid discussions for what we’re trying to do,” said Long, adding that the settlement with Long will be paid through athletic department revenues and donors to the Williams Fund.“I’m happy to have those conversations with (donors). We need their support more than ever,” Long added. “This is not a change we anticipate. But despite the record during the COVID season, we see progress here.”

KU will pay Les Miles a lot of money not to coach football

TOPEKA – In conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance issued Monday for those who have been vaccinated, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is issuing similar guidance in Kansas, according to a media release from the agency.

Two weeks after Kansans receive their completed vaccination (two weeks after the second dose for Pfizer and Moderna, two weeks after the single dose for Johnson &amp; Johnson), Kansans may begin to gather in their private homes with other fully vaccinated people, in small groups, without masks or social distancing.

The guidance also allows for vaccinated people to gather in private homes with unvaccinated people so long as the unvaccinated people are from a single household and are at low risk for developing severe disease.

“These changes are an important step in moving forward,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “This will allow grandparents to socialize with families, friends and neighbors to gather.”

While private home guidance has changed for those who are fully vaccinated, public health measures in public still apply to everyone, including those vaccinated.

“Thank you for continuing to keep your fellow Kansans safe,” Dr. Norman said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610057767019.png" alt="“These changes are an important step in moving forward,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “This will allow grandparents to socialize with families, friends and neighbors to gather.”" />
 <figcaption>“These changes are an important step in moving forward,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “This will allow grandparents to socialize with families, friends and neighbors to gather.”</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – In conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance issued Monday for those who have been vaccinated, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is issuing similar guidance in Kansas, according to a media release from the agency.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In conjunction with new <a href="https://twitter.com/CDCgov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CDCgov</a> guidance, KDHE is issuing similar guidance. Two weeks after completing the vaccination, KSans may gather in private homes with other fully vaccinated people, in small groups, w/out masks or distancing. Complete details: <a href="https://t.co/UsDjFE3CTe">https://t.co/UsDjFE3CTe</a> <a href="https://t.co/d68H3HCxaV">pic.twitter.com/d68H3HCxaV</a>&mdash; KDHE (@KDHE) <a href="https://twitter.com/KDHE/status/1369702030831390722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Two weeks after Kansans receive their completed vaccination (two weeks after the second dose for Pfizer and Moderna, two weeks after the single dose for Johnson &amp; Johnson), Kansans may begin to gather in their private homes with other fully vaccinated people, in small groups, without masks or social distancing.The guidance also allows for vaccinated people to gather in private homes with unvaccinated people so long as the unvaccinated people are from a single household and are at low risk for developing severe disease.“These changes are an important step in moving forward,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “This will allow grandparents to socialize with families, friends and neighbors to gather.”While private home guidance has changed for those who are fully vaccinated, public health measures in public still apply to everyone, including those vaccinated.<ul>
 <li>Wear a mask</li><li>Stay at least 6 feet away from others</li><li>Avoid crowds</li><li>Avoid poorly ventilated spaces</li><li>Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol</li>
 </ul>“Thank you for continuing to keep your fellow Kansans safe,” Dr. Norman said.

KDHE guidance for Kansans who are vaccinated

THOMAS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30a.m. Wednesday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Beech fixed wing, multi engine&nbsp;aircraft piloted by Kelly B. Gabel, 40, Colby, was taking off at the Colby Airport.

The front wheel dolly did not detach from the front wheel. When the pilot got into the air he noticed that the wheel dolly was still attached and called the Fire Department. While the Fire Department was enroute, the right engine failed and the pilot had to conduct a crash landing in a field near the airport.

EMS transported Gabel to Citizen's Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615395321890.png" alt="Colby airport photo city of Colby" />
 <figcaption>Colby airport photo city of Colby</figcaption>
 </figure>THOMAS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30a.m. Wednesday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Beech fixed wing, multi engine&nbsp;aircraft piloted by Kelly B. Gabel, 40, Colby, was taking off at the Colby Airport.The front wheel dolly did not detach from the front wheel. When the pilot got into the air he noticed that the wheel dolly was still attached and called the Fire Department. While the Fire Department was enroute, the right engine failed and the pilot had to conduct a crash landing in a field near the airport.EMS transported Gabel to Citizen's Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.

Pilot hospitalized after small plane crash in NW Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have a suspect in custody.

Just before 5a.m. March 7, police responded to shooting at a home in the 4900 Block of East Elm in Wichita, according to Police Lt. Christian Cory.

At the scene, officers found a 21-year-old woman with a gunshot wound to her neck. 

EMS transported her to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries.&nbsp; Investigators later learned that the victim and her boyfriend Zaniriusz Chambers, 26, got into a disturbance. During the altercation, Chambers pulled out a handgun and shot her one time.

Police arrested Chambers at the scene and he is being h<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20052825">eld on requested charges</a> of aggravated battery, domestic violence, according to Cory.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615233068886.png" alt="Chambers photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Chambers photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have a suspect in custody.Just before 5a.m. March 7, police responded to shooting at a home in the 4900 Block of East Elm in Wichita, according to Police Lt. Christian Cory.At the scene, officers found a 21-year-old woman with a gunshot wound to her neck. EMS transported her to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries.&nbsp; Investigators later learned that the victim and her boyfriend Zaniriusz Chambers, 26, got into a disturbance. During the altercation, Chambers pulled out a handgun and shot her one time.Police arrested Chambers at the scene and he is being h<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20052825">eld on requested charges</a> of aggravated battery, domestic violence, according to Cory.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Police: Kansas man shot girlfriend during dispute

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Kansas could finish immunizing seniors, meatpacking employees and other essential workers and move on to the next phase of coronavirus vaccinations by next month, top officials say.

Dr. Lee Norman, the head of the state health department, said in a webcast Tuesday with University of Kansas Health officials that he anticipated the state would begin the third phase of vaccinations in four weeks or “a little bit less.” The next phase includes people aged 16 to 64 with medical conditions that put them at severe risk if they are infected with COVID-19, including cancer and Type 2 diabetes, as well as workers in critical industries such as information technology and government.

He said some rural communities already have finished vaccinating people in the current phase, which is the state’s largest and includes about 1 million people, or about one-third of the state’s 2.9 million residents.

“They therefore are on pause as we call it for receiving additional vaccine allocation so that we can reallocate to the other counties that are still in phase 2 and moving in an orderly manner through phase 2,” Norman said. “As a state, it is good idea to not have some counties move to phase three, four, five while there are other counties still in phase 2.”

The second phase includes those over the age of 65, critical workers including firefighters, law enforcement officers, meatpacking employees, grocery store workers, teachers and child-care workers, as well as prisoners.

Gov. Laura Kelly said at a new mass vaccination site in a hard hit area of Kansas City, Kansas, that there was “no drop dead date” for moving to the next phase but that she anticipated it would happen at the beginning of April.

“That, of course, is all dependent on getting enough vaccines from the federal government to finish up phase two,” Kelly said after listening to several community leaders discuss challenges that must be overcome to fix racial vaccination disparities.

The rate of vaccinations among Kansas residents has been heavily skewed, with 121.75 out of every 1,000 white residents vaccinated, compared to 54.60 out of every 1,000 black residents and 78.83 out of every 1,000 Hispanic residents, state vaccination data shows.

“We certainly haven’t intentionally not vaccinated in communities of color and our vulnerable communities. In fact, part of the way we have been thinking about this is to look at our vulnerable communities,” Kelly said, adding that it was clear the state had not addressed the problem aggressively enough.

Kelly said one of the reasons that meatpacking workers were moved up on the priority list was to target “socially vulnerable communities.”

Teachers — another priority — have been vaccinated “for the most part,” with the exception of “a few second doses that need to go into people yet this month,” Norman said.

That’s led schools to gradually shift from virtual to in-person learning. The Board of Education in the Wichita district, which is the state’s largest with about 47,000 students, voted 6-0 Monday to allow middle and high school students to head back to class five days a week on March 29.

Elementary students already had been in-person five days a week. But older students are attending hybrid classes — at home part of the time and and in-person the rest of the time. The district will continue a virtual option, though.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Kansas could finish immunizing seniors, meatpacking employees and other essential workers and move on to the next phase of coronavirus vaccinations by next month, top officials say.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkuhospital%2Fvideos%2F1086596078483509%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>Dr. Lee Norman, the head of the state health department, said in a webcast Tuesday with University of Kansas Health officials that he anticipated the state would begin the third phase of vaccinations in four weeks or “a little bit less.” The next phase includes people aged 16 to 64 with medical conditions that put them at severe risk if they are infected with COVID-19, including cancer and Type 2 diabetes, as well as workers in critical industries such as information technology and government.He said some rural communities already have finished vaccinating people in the current phase, which is the state’s largest and includes about 1 million people, or about one-third of the state’s 2.9 million residents.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610104544544.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“They therefore are on pause as we call it for receiving additional vaccine allocation so that we can reallocate to the other counties that are still in phase 2 and moving in an orderly manner through phase 2,” Norman said. “As a state, it is good idea to not have some counties move to phase three, four, five while there are other counties still in phase 2.”The second phase includes those over the age of 65, critical workers including firefighters, law enforcement officers, meatpacking employees, grocery store workers, teachers and child-care workers, as well as prisoners.Gov. Laura Kelly said at a new mass vaccination site in a hard hit area of Kansas City, Kansas, that there was “no drop dead date” for moving to the next phase but that she anticipated it would happen at the beginning of April.“That, of course, is all dependent on getting enough vaccines from the federal government to finish up phase two,” Kelly said after listening to several community leaders discuss challenges that must be overcome to fix racial vaccination disparities.The rate of vaccinations among Kansas residents has been heavily skewed, with 121.75 out of every 1,000 white residents vaccinated, compared to 54.60 out of every 1,000 black residents and 78.83 out of every 1,000 Hispanic residents, state vaccination data shows.“We certainly haven’t intentionally not vaccinated in communities of color and our vulnerable communities. In fact, part of the way we have been thinking about this is to look at our vulnerable communities,” Kelly said, adding that it was clear the state had not addressed the problem aggressively enough.Kelly said one of the reasons that meatpacking workers were moved up on the priority list was to target “socially vulnerable communities.”Teachers — another priority — have been vaccinated “for the most part,” with the exception of “a few second doses that need to go into people yet this month,” Norman said.That’s led schools to gradually shift from virtual to in-person learning. The Board of Education in the Wichita district, which is the state’s largest with about 47,000 students, voted 6-0 Monday to allow middle and high school students to head back to class five days a week on March 29.Elementary students already had been in-person five days a week. But older students are attending hybrid classes — at home part of the time and and in-person the rest of the time. The district will continue a virtual option, though.

🎥 Kansas to move to next vaccination phase in April

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A 26-year-old man was charged Tuesday with second-degree murder in a shooting death of at a motel.

Steven T. Decker of Independence, MIssouri, was also charged with two counts of armed criminal action and two counts of robbery after the shooting early Monday at the Executive Inn and Suites.

According to court records, early Monday police officers were dispatched to the motel in Independence and found the victim, Tomas Galvan, in apparent blood behind the door to a room. 

A witness told police that the victim had called two men to come give him a ride. At some point, the men pulled guns and one shot the victim in the head. Before they fled, they grabbed the victim's property, including his phone. Surveillance video from the hotel showed them leaving in a vehicle that belonged to the defendant, according to the Jackson County Attorney's office.

School staff at the defendant's school told police Decker appeared to be crying when he picked up his son the same day and he stated he was going to prison for 25 years. When a detective contacted the defendant he sounded upset and said he never meant for this to happen.

Decker was arrested at his home Monday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615377745665.png" alt="Decker photo Independence police" />
 <figcaption>Decker photo Independence police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A 26-year-old man was charged Tuesday with second-degree murder in a shooting death of at a motel.Steven T. Decker of Independence, MIssouri, was also charged with two counts of armed criminal action and two counts of robbery after the shooting early Monday at the Executive Inn and Suites.According to court records, early Monday police officers were dispatched to the motel in Independence and found the victim, Tomas Galvan, in apparent blood behind the door to a room. A witness told police that the victim had called two men to come give him a ride. At some point, the men pulled guns and one shot the victim in the head. Before they fled, they grabbed the victim's property, including his phone. Surveillance video from the hotel showed them leaving in a vehicle that belonged to the defendant, according to the Jackson County Attorney's office.School staff at the defendant's school told police Decker appeared to be crying when he picked up his son the same day and he stated he was going to prison for 25 years. When a detective contacted the defendant he sounded upset and said he never meant for this to happen.Decker was arrested at his home Monday afternoon.

Charges filed in man's death at suburban Kansas City hotel

MALDEN, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri preacher went on leave from his church and is seeking professional counseling after giving a sermon that chastised married women who “let themselves go” and held up former first lady Melania Trump as the pinnacle of feminine beauty.

A video widely circulated on social media shows Pastor Stewart-Allen Clark’s sermon before the 1st General Baptist Church in Malden in the state's bootheel. The sermon was roundly panned as sexist and counter to Christian teachings.

In the video, Clark berated wives who gained weight after marriage and admonished that they should look good for their husbands, adding, "it's important that he thinks you’re hot!

“I’m not saying every woman can be the epic — the epic – trophy wife of all time like Melania Trump,” Clark said, as a photo of the former first lady appeared behind him on a screen. “Most women can’t be trophy wives, but you know ... maybe you’re a participation trophy.”

The church's website said Clark began his leave on March 2 and is seeking professional counseling.

A statement from the General Baptist Council of Associations, with which Clark's church is affiliated, also condemned Clark's sermon. “General Baptists believe that every woman was created in the image of God, and they should be valued for that reason," the statement said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615323843583.png" alt="Pastor Stewart-Allen Clark- from the church Facebook page" />
 <figcaption>Pastor Stewart-Allen Clark- from the church Facebook page</figcaption>
 </figure>MALDEN, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri preacher went on leave from his church and is seeking professional counseling after giving a sermon that chastised married women who “let themselves go” and held up former first lady Melania Trump as the pinnacle of feminine beauty.A video widely circulated on social media shows Pastor Stewart-Allen Clark’s sermon before the 1st General Baptist Church in Malden in the state's bootheel. The sermon was roundly panned as sexist and counter to Christian teachings.In the video, Clark berated wives who gained weight after marriage and admonished that they should look good for their husbands, adding, "it's important that he thinks you’re hot!“I’m not saying every woman can be the epic — the epic – trophy wife of all time like Melania Trump,” Clark said, as a photo of the former first lady appeared behind him on a screen. “Most women can’t be trophy wives, but you know ... maybe you’re a participation trophy.”The church's website said Clark began his leave on March 2 and is seeking professional counseling.A statement from the General Baptist Council of Associations, with which Clark's church is affiliated, also condemned Clark's sermon. “General Baptists believe that every woman was created in the image of God, and they should be valued for that reason," the statement said.

Baptist pastor on leave after offensive sermon on wives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cold case murder of Kan. mother of 6 gets new attention from FBI

KEARNEY, NEB. (AP) — A Nebraska man has been sentenced to a year in jail for brutally beating and stabbing his dog to death before burying the animal in his back yard.

Khaleem Baringer, 22, Kearney, was sentenced Monday in Buffalo County District Court for felony intentional cruelty to an animal. He had faced up to three years in prison.

A witness told police Baringer hit the blue heeler mix repeatedly with a baseball bat after it defecated on the floor and nipped at a woman as she tried to place the dog into a kennel. Investigators said Baringer left the dog for dead in a bathtub, then later stabbed the dog after discovering it still alive.

Police said Baringer then wrapped the dog in several towels and buried it behind a shed in the yard.

Police later dug up the dogs remains, and a veterinarian documented its numerous injuries, including the stab wound, a broken skull and broken jaw.

KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) - A Nebraska man faces felony charges after allegedly killing his dog with a baseball bat and then burying it in his backyard.

Khaleem Baringer, 21, of Kearney is charged in Buffalo County Court with felony use of a weapon to commit a felony and intentional felony animal cruelty of his dog, Mary Jane, a week ago,&nbsp;

A witness told police Baringer hit the dog several times in the head with the bat after it defecated on the floor and nipped at a woman as she tried to place the dog into a kennel.

Records show the dog was stabbed at least once before it was wrapped it in several towels and buried behind a shed in the yard.

Police found blood spatter on the wall and window of the master bedroom, in the bathroom, and inside and outside of a trash can.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615310601493.png" alt="Khaleem Baringer -photo Buffalo Co." />
 <figcaption>Khaleem Baringer -photo Buffalo Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KEARNEY, NEB. (AP) — A Nebraska man has been sentenced to a year in jail for brutally beating and stabbing his dog to death before burying the animal in his back yard.Khaleem Baringer, 22, Kearney, was sentenced Monday in Buffalo County District Court for felony intentional cruelty to an animal. He had faced up to three years in prison.A witness told police Baringer hit the blue heeler mix repeatedly with a baseball bat after it defecated on the floor and nipped at a woman as she tried to place the dog into a kennel. Investigators said Baringer left the dog for dead in a bathtub, then later stabbed the dog after discovering it still alive.Police said Baringer then wrapped the dog in several towels and buried it behind a shed in the yard.Police later dug up the dogs remains, and a veterinarian documented its numerous injuries, including the stab wound, a broken skull and broken jaw.----------KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) - A Nebraska man faces felony charges after allegedly killing his dog with a baseball bat and then burying it in his backyard.Khaleem Baringer, 21, of Kearney is charged in Buffalo County Court with felony use of a weapon to commit a felony and intentional felony animal cruelty of his dog, Mary Jane, a week ago,&nbsp;A witness told police Baringer hit the dog several times in the head with the bat after it defecated on the floor and nipped at a woman as she tried to place the dog into a kennel.Records show the dog was stabbed at least once before it was wrapped it in several towels and buried behind a shed in the yard.Police found blood spatter on the wall and window of the master bedroom, in the bathroom, and inside and outside of a trash can.

Man sentenced for fatally beating, stabbing dog

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man has been charged more than two months after police say he fired several shots with an assault-style rifle at a suburban Kansas City office for the Missouri State Highway Patrol before being shot by troopers.

Tayland Rahim, 28, of Kansas City, was charged Monday with two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, according to court records.

Rahim remains hospitalized for his injuries from the shootout. Online court records did not list an attorney for Rahim as of Tuesday morning.

Investigators have said that people inside the Troop A headquarters in Lee’s Summit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-shootings-michael-brown-cb5af7a0d3f9cd5cc744d8f702c8b552">heard shots</a>&nbsp;the night of Jan. 4. Troopers then saw Rahim holding the rifle as he approached the main entrance and fired several shots.

Rahim was shot after he didn't comply with several orders from the troopers, officials said. No law enforcement officials were injured in the shooting. Authorities haven't released details about a possible motive.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609853537829.png" alt="Authorities at the scene of the Jan. 4 investigation photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Authorities at the scene of the Jan. 4 investigation photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man has been charged more than two months after police say he fired several shots with an assault-style rifle at a suburban Kansas City office for the Missouri State Highway Patrol before being shot by troopers.Tayland Rahim, 28, of Kansas City, was charged Monday with two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, according to court records.Rahim remains hospitalized for his injuries from the shootout. Online court records did not list an attorney for Rahim as of Tuesday morning.Investigators have said that people inside the Troop A headquarters in Lee’s Summit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-shootings-michael-brown-cb5af7a0d3f9cd5cc744d8f702c8b552">heard shots</a>&nbsp;the night of Jan. 4. Troopers then saw Rahim holding the rifle as he approached the main entrance and fired several shots.Rahim was shot after he didn't comply with several orders from the troopers, officials said. No law enforcement officials were injured in the shooting. Authorities haven't released details about a possible motive.

Man charged after shooting at state trooper headquarters 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon accused in a March 3 shooting death in Wichita made his first court appearance Monday.

Michael Swinney was charged with second degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 1a.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police responded to a home in the 2400 Block of North Sunny Lane in Wichita, according to&nbsp;Captain Jason Stephens.&nbsp; In the backyard of that location, police located 22-year-old Jacob Kalese with several gunshot wounds.&nbsp; EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The investigation revealed Kalese, his girlfriend and the 41-year-old Swinney were at a small gathering at the home with several other individuals.&nbsp; A disturbance occurred between Swinney and Kalese, multiple shots were fired and&nbsp; Swinney fled the scene.

Through the investigation, investigators learned of Swinney’s involvement and he was arrested Wednesday afternoon at a home in the 100 block of South Young in Wichita without incident, according to Davidson.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting in the backyard of a home during a small gathering in Wichita have arrested&nbsp;41-year-old Michael Swinney, according to officer Charley Davidson.

The investigation revealed Kalese, his girlfriend and Swinney were at a small gathering at the home with several other individuals.&nbsp; A disturbance occurred between Swinney and Kalese, multiple shots were fired and&nbsp; Swinney fled the scene.

Swinney is being held on requested charges of first-degree murder, an arrest and detain order through the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), and outstanding warrants, according to Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614870081716.png" alt="Swinney has numerous convictions that include aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, criminal discharge of a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm, violation of the offender registration act and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections- photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Swinney has numerous convictions that include aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, criminal discharge of a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm, violation of the offender registration act and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections- photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon accused in a March 3 shooting death in Wichita made his first court appearance Monday.Michael Swinney was charged with second degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just before 1a.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police responded to a home in the 2400 Block of North Sunny Lane in Wichita, according to&nbsp;Captain Jason Stephens.&nbsp; In the backyard of that location, police located 22-year-old Jacob Kalese with several gunshot wounds.&nbsp; EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614789091458.png" alt="Police on the scene of the Wednesday morning shooting investigation photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the Wednesday morning shooting investigation photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed Kalese, his girlfriend and the 41-year-old Swinney were at a small gathering at the home with several other individuals.&nbsp; A disturbance occurred between Swinney and Kalese, multiple shots were fired and&nbsp; Swinney fled the scene.Through the investigation, investigators learned of Swinney’s involvement and he was arrested Wednesday afternoon at a home in the 100 block of South Young in Wichita without incident, according to Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;----------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting in the backyard of a home during a small gathering in Wichita have arrested&nbsp;41-year-old Michael Swinney, according to officer Charley Davidson.Just before 1a.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police responded to a home in the 2400 Block of North Sunny Lane in Wichita, according to&nbsp;Captain Jason Stephens.&nbsp; In the backyard of that location, police located 22-year-old Jacob Kalese with several gunshot wounds.&nbsp; EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614789091458.png" alt="Police on the scene of the Wednesday morning shooting investigation photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the Wednesday morning shooting investigation photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed Kalese, his girlfriend and Swinney were at a small gathering at the home with several other individuals.&nbsp; A disturbance occurred between Swinney and Kalese, multiple shots were fired and&nbsp; Swinney fled the scene.Through the investigation, investigators learned of Swinney’s involvement and he was arrested Wednesday afternoon at a home in the 100 block of South Young in Wichita without incident, according to Davidson.Swinney is being held on requested charges of first-degree murder, an arrest and detain order through the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), and outstanding warrants, according to Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kan. man charged with murder for shooting at backyard gathering 

TOPEKA —&nbsp; The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) issued an Order opening seven company specific investigations pertaining to the impacts of the February weather emergency, according to a media release from the agency.

The investigations will examine each utility’s proposal to minimize the financial impacts of the February weather emergency on its customers. The high demand, along with generation facility issues due to cold weather, created supply shortages and extraordinarily high energy prices. An Emergency Order issued by the Commission on February 15 ordered regulated utilities to defer those costs for review and to present a plan to minimize ratepayer impact over a reasonable timeframe.

The investigations will also address the cause of reduced natural gas supplies, high natural gas prices, supply and demand imbalances in the Southwest Power Pool Integrated Market, and what steps can be taken to make sure utilities are better prepared for future extreme weather events. The seven companies listed in today’s order are Evergy (Kansas Metro and Kansas Central), Liberty Empire, Southern Pioneer, Kansas Gas Service, Atmos Energy, Black Hills Energy, and American Energies Gas Service.

A report and recommendation filed by KCC Staff on March 1 stated that company specific investigatory dockets would allow staff to tailor its investigation to match each utility’s unique circumstances.&nbsp;

<a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/20210309102105.pdf?Id=8360b142-9f83-4d64-af94-06a09d85daf7">Click here to view</a> today’s order

TOPEKA —&nbsp; The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) issued an Order opening seven company specific investigations pertaining to the impacts of the February weather emergency, according to a media release from the agency.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LWd05BQtALc?start=139" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The investigations will examine each utility’s proposal to minimize the financial impacts of the February weather emergency on its customers. The high demand, along with generation facility issues due to cold weather, created supply shortages and extraordinarily high energy prices. An Emergency Order issued by the Commission on February 15 ordered regulated utilities to defer those costs for review and to present a plan to minimize ratepayer impact over a reasonable timeframe. The investigations will also address the cause of reduced natural gas supplies, high natural gas prices, supply and demand imbalances in the Southwest Power Pool Integrated Market, and what steps can be taken to make sure utilities are better prepared for future extreme weather events. The seven companies listed in today’s order are Evergy (Kansas Metro and Kansas Central), Liberty Empire, Southern Pioneer, Kansas Gas Service, Atmos Energy, Black Hills Energy, and American Energies Gas Service.A report and recommendation filed by KCC Staff on March 1 stated that company specific investigatory dockets would allow staff to tailor its investigation to match each utility’s unique circumstances.&nbsp;<a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/20210309102105.pdf?Id=8360b142-9f83-4d64-af94-06a09d85daf7">Click here to view</a> today’s order

🎥  KCC opens investigations on impacts of cold weather emergency

WASHINGTON (AP) — The massive coronavirus relief plan making its way to President Joe Biden’s desk includes a plan to temporarily raise the child tax credit that could end up permanently changing the way the country deals with child poverty.

It also sets up a potential political showdown with Republicans over an issue that Democrats believe could drive significant wins for the party in the 2022 midterm elections and beyond.

The American Rescue Plan, expected to receive final approval this week, temporarily raises the child tax credit, now at a maximum of $2,000, to as much as $3,600 per child annually. The plan also expands the credit so it’s fully available to the poorest families, instead of restricting it based on the parents’ tax liability. And it will be paid out in monthly installments, to offer families struggling during the pandemic a more consistent lifeline.

In the short term, said Democratic strategist Josh Schwerin, the expansion of the tax credit and other immediate aid included in the $1.9 trillion bill provide real evidence of Democratic action to help middle-class families.

“One of the good things politically about this bill is the direct and obvious impact it’s going to have on American families in a way they can see and feel in an immediate way,” he said.

The legislation gives families up to $3,600 annually for each child under age 6 and as much as $3,000 for those up to 17. The credit starts to phase out for individual parents earning more than $75,000 and couples making $150,000. The legislation also expands the credit to millions of families currently making too little to qualify for the full benefits.

The benefit is aimed at providing support to millions of families affected by the coronavirus pandemic, with parents forced to cut down on work or give up their jobs entirely to take care of children after losing access to childcare. Democrats have&nbsp;<a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5743308460b5e922a25a6dc7/t/600f2123fdfa730101a4426a/1611604260458/Poverty-Reduction-Analysis-American-Family-Act-CPSP-2020.pdf" target="_blank">embraced</a>&nbsp;an analysis that found the proposal would cut child poverty among Black families by more than 50%, and by 45% overall.

Republicans charge the move amounts to an expansion of the welfare state that will disincentivize parents from seeking work. But Democrats hold out the proposal as a fundamental rethinking of the way the country approaches child poverty and an opportunity to address the income inequality that’s been exacerbated by the pandemic.

Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a Democrat who has been advocating for an expansion of the credit since 2003, said in a statement that “this legislation forever changes the way that our nation supports both middle class families and children in poverty.”

DeLauro and other Democrats on Capitol Hill see the current legislation as laying the groundwork for a permanent expansion of the credit. Indeed, Biden himself told House Democrats during a private call last week that he supports legislation that would permanently increase the child tax credit to $3,000 per child.

While Republicans broadly support the idea of expanding benefits for children, some have opposed the Biden plan for its price tag, and others have criticized it for divorcing the benefit from any work requirement.

Scott Winship, director of poverty studies at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, said his concern is that a permanent child allowance might make parents less likely to work and reduce the number of two-parent households, since there would be a stream of income from the government. He wants to reduce child poverty but is concerned that doing so this way might worsen factors such as unemployment and single-parenthood that contribute to policy.

“The feeling is we win the battle against child poverty but we lose the war in the long run because we’ve created incentives that make it tougher to reduce poverty,” Winship said.

That’s the case made by some Republican lawmakers in offering an alternative to the Biden proposal. Sens. Mike Lee of Utah and Marco Rubio of Florida have released their own expansion of the credit that ties the benefit to work.

Rubio, in a recent National Review op-ed, called the Biden proposal “corrosive.”

“If pulling families out of poverty were as simple as handing moms and dads a check, we would have solved poverty a long time ago,” he wrote.

But the expanded benefits included in the coronavirus relief plan set up a precedent that could put Republicans on defense on the issue. Because the benefit currently expires after a year, the Biden plan essentially creates a potential fiscal cliff for child poverty. This could set up a political showdown during an election year on whether voters believe it’s acceptable for millions of children to lose the added aid and become impoverished once again.

“When it’s up for renewal, Republicans will be in the awkward position of opposing payments to families delivered through a credit that they pioneered, and championed as recently as 2017,” said Samuel Hammond, director of poverty and welfare policy at the Niskanen Center. “The alternative is to rally behind some Plan B.”

“No Republican wants to run on taking money away from families of any income,” Hammond said.

Hammond helped to develop one such “Plan B” for Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, whose plan is different from Biden’s because it eliminates some other popular tax breaks to make the proposal deficit-neutral, which means it’s unlikely to gain much support from Democrats.

Indeed, Schwerin suggested that, looking toward the midterm elections, the attack ads aimed at Republicans would simply highlight the party’s votes for tax cuts during the Trump administration in contrast with their votes against the Biden plan.

“It’s as simple as, when it was a vote on tax cuts for billionaires, Republicans voted yes, and when it was a check for you, they voted no,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615314451462.png" alt="On Saturday, President Biden praised the Senate’s passage of the American Rescue Plan. The House is expected to vote on the plan this week-photo White House " />
 <figcaption>On Saturday, President Biden praised the Senate’s passage of the American Rescue Plan. The House is expected to vote on the plan this week-photo White House </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The massive coronavirus relief plan making its way to President Joe Biden’s desk includes a plan to temporarily raise the child tax credit that could end up permanently changing the way the country deals with child poverty.It also sets up a potential political showdown with Republicans over an issue that Democrats believe could drive significant wins for the party in the 2022 midterm elections and beyond.The American Rescue Plan, expected to receive final approval this week, temporarily raises the child tax credit, now at a maximum of $2,000, to as much as $3,600 per child annually. The plan also expands the credit so it’s fully available to the poorest families, instead of restricting it based on the parents’ tax liability. And it will be paid out in monthly installments, to offer families struggling during the pandemic a more consistent lifeline.In the short term, said Democratic strategist Josh Schwerin, the expansion of the tax credit and other immediate aid included in the $1.9 trillion bill provide real evidence of Democratic action to help middle-class families.“One of the good things politically about this bill is the direct and obvious impact it’s going to have on American families in a way they can see and feel in an immediate way,” he said.The legislation gives families up to $3,600 annually for each child under age 6 and as much as $3,000 for those up to 17. The credit starts to phase out for individual parents earning more than $75,000 and couples making $150,000. The legislation also expands the credit to millions of families currently making too little to qualify for the full benefits.The benefit is aimed at providing support to millions of families affected by the coronavirus pandemic, with parents forced to cut down on work or give up their jobs entirely to take care of children after losing access to childcare. Democrats have&nbsp;<a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5743308460b5e922a25a6dc7/t/600f2123fdfa730101a4426a/1611604260458/Poverty-Reduction-Analysis-American-Family-Act-CPSP-2020.pdf" target="_blank">embraced</a>&nbsp;an analysis that found the proposal would cut child poverty among Black families by more than 50%, and by 45% overall.Republicans charge the move amounts to an expansion of the welfare state that will disincentivize parents from seeking work. But Democrats hold out the proposal as a fundamental rethinking of the way the country approaches child poverty and an opportunity to address the income inequality that’s been exacerbated by the pandemic.Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a Democrat who has been advocating for an expansion of the credit since 2003, said in a statement that “this legislation forever changes the way that our nation supports both middle class families and children in poverty.”DeLauro and other Democrats on Capitol Hill see the current legislation as laying the groundwork for a permanent expansion of the credit. Indeed, Biden himself told House Democrats during a private call last week that he supports legislation that would permanently increase the child tax credit to $3,000 per child.While Republicans broadly support the idea of expanding benefits for children, some have opposed the Biden plan for its price tag, and others have criticized it for divorcing the benefit from any work requirement.Scott Winship, director of poverty studies at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, said his concern is that a permanent child allowance might make parents less likely to work and reduce the number of two-parent households, since there would be a stream of income from the government. He wants to reduce child poverty but is concerned that doing so this way might worsen factors such as unemployment and single-parenthood that contribute to policy.“The feeling is we win the battle against child poverty but we lose the war in the long run because we’ve created incentives that make it tougher to reduce poverty,” Winship said.That’s the case made by some Republican lawmakers in offering an alternative to the Biden proposal. Sens. Mike Lee of Utah and Marco Rubio of Florida have released their own expansion of the credit that ties the benefit to work.Rubio, in a recent National Review op-ed, called the Biden proposal “corrosive.”“If pulling families out of poverty were as simple as handing moms and dads a check, we would have solved poverty a long time ago,” he wrote.But the expanded benefits included in the coronavirus relief plan set up a precedent that could put Republicans on defense on the issue. Because the benefit currently expires after a year, the Biden plan essentially creates a potential fiscal cliff for child poverty. This could set up a political showdown during an election year on whether voters believe it’s acceptable for millions of children to lose the added aid and become impoverished once again.“When it’s up for renewal, Republicans will be in the awkward position of opposing payments to families delivered through a credit that they pioneered, and championed as recently as 2017,” said Samuel Hammond, director of poverty and welfare policy at the Niskanen Center. “The alternative is to rally behind some Plan B.”“No Republican wants to run on taking money away from families of any income,” Hammond said.Hammond helped to develop one such “Plan B” for Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, whose plan is different from Biden’s because it eliminates some other popular tax breaks to make the proposal deficit-neutral, which means it’s unlikely to gain much support from Democrats.Indeed, Schwerin suggested that, looking toward the midterm elections, the attack ads aimed at Republicans would simply highlight the party’s votes for tax cuts during the Trump administration in contrast with their votes against the Biden plan.“It’s as simple as, when it was a vote on tax cuts for billionaires, Republicans voted yes, and when it was a check for you, they voted no,” he said.

Congress set for showdown over child tax credit expansion

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a bank robbery and have released security camera images of the suspect.

Just after 9:30a.m. Tuesday, the suspect robbed the Bank of the West on Noland Road in Independence, Missouri, according to the FBI.&nbsp;

&nbsp;If you have information on the robbery or the suspect's identity, please contact the FBI office in Kansas City at 816-512-8200.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615311928023.png" alt="FBI Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>FBI Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a bank robbery and have released security camera images of the suspect.Just after 9:30a.m. Tuesday, the suspect robbed the Bank of the West on Noland Road in Independence, Missouri, according to the FBI.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you have information on the robbery or the suspect's identity, please contact the FBI office in Kansas City at 816-512-8200.

FBI working to ID suspect in Kansas City-area bank robbery

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The state of Kansas continues to see a drop in COVID-19 cases while vaccination efforts expand, health officials said Monday.

More than 16% of the state’s residents had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported. More than 698,000 doses have been administered, with 232,986 people receiving second doses.

Another 590 COVID-19 cases were recorded between Friday and Monday, raising the state’s total since the pandemic began to 296,451. Four new deaths were reported, raising the total number of deaths to 4,816.

Despite improving vaccination figures, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Kansas still ranks 46th in the number of shots administered per 100,000 residents.

State health officials argue the state is doing better than the CDC reports, and the differences are caused by a data glitch. Gov. Laura Kelly has said progress is being made to correct the issues but Kansas hasn’t improved in the rankings in the two weeks since the steps were announced.

Statewide, only 137 individuals were hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Sunday, the lowest figure since the state began reporting that data in July.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612292181344.png" alt="Photo courtesy Walgreens" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Walgreens</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The state of Kansas continues to see a drop in COVID-19 cases while vaccination efforts expand, health officials said Monday.More than 16% of the state’s residents had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported. More than 698,000 doses have been administered, with 232,986 people receiving second doses.Another 590 COVID-19 cases were recorded between Friday and Monday, raising the state’s total since the pandemic began to 296,451. Four new deaths were reported, raising the total number of deaths to 4,816.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615226577323.png" alt="Monday March 8, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday March 8, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Despite improving vaccination figures, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Kansas still ranks 46th in the number of shots administered per 100,000 residents.State health officials argue the state is doing better than the CDC reports, and the differences are caused by a data glitch. Gov. Laura Kelly has said progress is being made to correct the issues but Kansas hasn’t improved in the rankings in the two weeks since the steps were announced.Statewide, only 137 individuals were hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Sunday, the lowest figure since the state began reporting that data in July.

Kansas vaccine numbers increase while COVID-19 cases drop

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt launched his campaign for governor on Tuesday after weeks of heightened visibility for the three-term Republican amid the GOP-controlled Legislature’s debates over Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Schmidt, 53, is the first major Republican to formally enter the race against Kelly in 2022, though former GOP Gov. Jeff Colyer on Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dwight-eisenhower-kansas-topeka-derek-schmidt-d7017c6210f48aac003b826d8aeaf639">signaled his plans to run</a>&nbsp;by naming a granddaughter of President Dwight Eisenhower as the treasurer for “our campaign.”

Top Republican lawmakers said they haven’t intentionally been trying to boost Schmidt’s visibility by pushing legislation that would give the attorney general a check on the governor’s power during future emergencies. Schmidt has clashed with Kelly during the pandemic, including by objecting to her unsuccessful attempt last spring to restrict indoor religious services.

Schmidt also has increased his political profile by joining battles over the 2020 election, siding with fellow Republicans who have spread former President Donald Trump’s unfounded allegations of voter fraud even though he acknowledges the legitimacy Democrat Joe Biden’s victory. He is also involved in legislative debates over gun rights and has backed a proposal that would require high school students to pass a civics test to graduate.

“Stability, practicality, less-is-more all ought to be guiding principles,” he said in a pre-announcement interview. “Most Kansans, generally, prefer instinctively conservative leadership.”

Many Republicans are still smarting over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/32816d964acc49e188c9de18b9acb3b9">Kelly’s 2018 defeat</a>&nbsp;of polarizing conservative Kris Kobach after Kobach, who was Kansas’ secretary of state at the time,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3fb2cb1264394eb2b0325c872f8c59cf">narrowly defeated</a>&nbsp;Colyer in the GOP primary.

Republicans have criticized Kelly for months over her pandemic response, including a five-week statewide stay-at-home order, the closure of K-12 school buildings last spring and her attempts to impose mask mandates. They also have highlighted ongoing problems with the state’s unemployment system.

“No. 1, Republicans want to beat Laura Kelly,” said former Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican. “And No. 2, they want an authentic, reliable conservative in that seat.”

Kelly has professed indifference to the emerging race. Her campaign issued a statement Friday saying that she’s not focused “on an election that’s two years away.”

Both Schmidt and Colyer are running as limited-government conservatives who oppose abortion, limits on gun rights and an expansion of the state’s Medicaid health coverage for the needy. They’ll also play to Trump’s supporters in a state Trump carried comfortably in two elections. Both also come across as affable and usually low key.

Colyer is running as “an authentic, effective conservative.” He was governor for a little less than a year, starting when GOP Gov. Sam Brownback resigned in January 2018 for an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/4626e11a24c1415195cc4774b23961de">ambassador’s</a>&nbsp;post,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9291de4d840f4bb88dde5fa699d87abc">elevating Colyer&nbsp;</a>after seven years as lieutenant governor.

Brownback was deeply unpopular with voters when he left the governor’s office because of persistent budget shortfalls that followed his notorious 2012-13 experiment in slashing income taxes. Legislators repealed most of the tax cuts in 2017, and Kelly ran&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f5741d8d0d8c40979857c9d2d6afae9f">largely against Brownback’s legacy</a>&nbsp;in 2018.

Even after Schmidt argued that Kansas needs a low-tax and low-regulation environment that fosters business growth, he said wouldn’t bring back the Brownback era because, “The math has to work.”

“I don’t think there’s any need to experiment with novel ideas,” he said. “I’m not particularly driven by abstract ideas.”

Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop, another Wichita Republican, said Republicans will worry about needing to get past the “Brownback-Colyer era” but also about perception on the right that Schmidt has been a “soft” conservative in the past.

“Those two issues are going to clash,” he said.

University of Kansas political scientist Patrick Miller sees the main difference between Schmidt and seemingly more Trump-like figures&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c2a150d5705044aeb44174c1ef359ae5">such as Kobach</a>&nbsp;as their approach — not being “a bomb thrower.”

“Does he have the substance? Sure, in many ways,” Miller said.

Meanwhile, measures approved by the state House and Senate would require a review by the attorney general before a governor could issue executive orders during a state of emergency. House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins, also a Wichita Republican, sees those measures as an extension of GOP leaders’ regular consultations with Schmidt, not a push to help him politically. Hawkins supported Colyer in 2018.

“Either one of them wins, I’m OK,” Hawkins said.

Schmidt was a Kansas Senate majority leader in 2010 when he made his first run for attorney general and unseated a Democrat after promising to push back against the Affordable Care Act championed by then-President Barack Obama. Schmidt’s participation in lawsuits with other GOP attorneys general have been a regular feature of his tenure.

Schmidt brought Kansas in December into an unsuccessful effort by Texas’ GOP attorney general to overturn election results in four battleground states won by Biden. Schmidt’s announcement of it came after Colyer called on social media for him to do it.

Schmidt joined other attorneys general Friday in writing to congressional leaders protesting Democratic voting rights legislation approved by the U.S. House, suggesting it would unconstitutionally infringed on states’ right to run elections. He argued that the measure would exacerbate problems arising after “the 2020 general elections generated mass confusion and distrust.”

Pressed about Trump and many Republicans promoting a false narrative of widespread voter fraud, Schmidt said he is leaving “factual disputes” to others and trying to “insist that states all play by the same rules to the extent that they apply to all of us.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1577912879508.png" alt="Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt launched his campaign for governor on Tuesday after weeks of heightened visibility for the three-term Republican amid the GOP-controlled Legislature’s debates over Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.<div><iframe title="Bonus Podcast: Kansas AG Derek Schmidt on Governor's Race" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/ibcss-fd19eb?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Schmidt, 53, is the first major Republican to formally enter the race against Kelly in 2022, though former GOP Gov. Jeff Colyer on Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dwight-eisenhower-kansas-topeka-derek-schmidt-d7017c6210f48aac003b826d8aeaf639">signaled his plans to run</a>&nbsp;by naming a granddaughter of President Dwight Eisenhower as the treasurer for “our campaign.”Top Republican lawmakers said they haven’t intentionally been trying to boost Schmidt’s visibility by pushing legislation that would give the attorney general a check on the governor’s power during future emergencies. Schmidt has clashed with Kelly during the pandemic, including by objecting to her unsuccessful attempt last spring to restrict indoor religious services.Schmidt also has increased his political profile by joining battles over the 2020 election, siding with fellow Republicans who have spread former President Donald Trump’s unfounded allegations of voter fraud even though he acknowledges the legitimacy Democrat Joe Biden’s victory. He is also involved in legislative debates over gun rights and has backed a proposal that would require high school students to pass a civics test to graduate.“Stability, practicality, less-is-more all ought to be guiding principles,” he said in a pre-announcement interview. “Most Kansans, generally, prefer instinctively conservative leadership.”Many Republicans are still smarting over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/32816d964acc49e188c9de18b9acb3b9">Kelly’s 2018 defeat</a>&nbsp;of polarizing conservative Kris Kobach after Kobach, who was Kansas’ secretary of state at the time,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3fb2cb1264394eb2b0325c872f8c59cf">narrowly defeated</a>&nbsp;Colyer in the GOP primary.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I welcome Derek Schmidt to the race. Kansans now have the opportunity to decide between a true conservative leader that always fights for Kansas values, and a reactive moderate. My full statement below: <a href="https://t.co/n9HkkIZj0y">pic.twitter.com/n9HkkIZj0y</a>&mdash; Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. (@DrJeffColyer) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrJeffColyer/status/1369308455761293314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Republicans have criticized Kelly for months over her pandemic response, including a five-week statewide stay-at-home order, the closure of K-12 school buildings last spring and her attempts to impose mask mandates. They also have highlighted ongoing problems with the state’s unemployment system.“No. 1, Republicans want to beat Laura Kelly,” said former Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican. “And No. 2, they want an authentic, reliable conservative in that seat.”Kelly has professed indifference to the emerging race. Her campaign issued a statement Friday saying that she’s not focused “on an election that’s two years away.”Both Schmidt and Colyer are running as limited-government conservatives who oppose abortion, limits on gun rights and an expansion of the state’s Medicaid health coverage for the needy. They’ll also play to Trump’s supporters in a state Trump carried comfortably in two elections. Both also come across as affable and usually low key.Colyer is running as “an authentic, effective conservative.” He was governor for a little less than a year, starting when GOP Gov. Sam Brownback resigned in January 2018 for an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/4626e11a24c1415195cc4774b23961de">ambassador’s</a>&nbsp;post,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9291de4d840f4bb88dde5fa699d87abc">elevating Colyer&nbsp;</a>after seven years as lieutenant governor.Brownback was deeply unpopular with voters when he left the governor’s office because of persistent budget shortfalls that followed his notorious 2012-13 experiment in slashing income taxes. Legislators repealed most of the tax cuts in 2017, and Kelly ran&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f5741d8d0d8c40979857c9d2d6afae9f">largely against Brownback’s legacy</a>&nbsp;in 2018.Even after Schmidt argued that Kansas needs a low-tax and low-regulation environment that fosters business growth, he said wouldn’t bring back the Brownback era because, “The math has to work.”“I don’t think there’s any need to experiment with novel ideas,” he said. “I’m not particularly driven by abstract ideas.”Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop, another Wichita Republican, said Republicans will worry about needing to get past the “Brownback-Colyer era” but also about perception on the right that Schmidt has been a “soft” conservative in the past.“Those two issues are going to clash,” he said.University of Kansas political scientist Patrick Miller sees the main difference between Schmidt and seemingly more Trump-like figures&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c2a150d5705044aeb44174c1ef359ae5">such as Kobach</a>&nbsp;as their approach — not being “a bomb thrower.”“Does he have the substance? Sure, in many ways,” Miller said.Meanwhile, measures approved by the state House and Senate would require a review by the attorney general before a governor could issue executive orders during a state of emergency. House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins, also a Wichita Republican, sees those measures as an extension of GOP leaders’ regular consultations with Schmidt, not a push to help him politically. Hawkins supported Colyer in 2018.“Either one of them wins, I’m OK,” Hawkins said.Schmidt was a Kansas Senate majority leader in 2010 when he made his first run for attorney general and unseated a Democrat after promising to push back against the Affordable Care Act championed by then-President Barack Obama. Schmidt’s participation in lawsuits with other GOP attorneys general have been a regular feature of his tenure.Schmidt brought Kansas in December into an unsuccessful effort by Texas’ GOP attorney general to overturn election results in four battleground states won by Biden. Schmidt’s announcement of it came after Colyer called on social media for him to do it.Schmidt joined other attorneys general Friday in writing to congressional leaders protesting Democratic voting rights legislation approved by the U.S. House, suggesting it would unconstitutionally infringed on states’ right to run elections. He argued that the measure would exacerbate problems arising after “the 2020 general elections generated mass confusion and distrust.”Pressed about Trump and many Republicans promoting a false narrative of widespread voter fraud, Schmidt said he is leaving “factual disputes” to others and trying to “insist that states all play by the same rules to the extent that they apply to all of us.”

🎥 GOP Kan. attorney general launches campaign for governor

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal accident that occurred just before 11p.m. Monday in Riley County have identified the victim as 37-year-0ld Jason Bly of Manhattan, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.

Bly was driving a 2000 Toyota Celica westbound in the 1800 Block of Anderson Avenue when it crossed over traffic and struck a retaining wall. Bly was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the RCPD..

Authorities released no additional details early Tuesday.&nbsp;

Anderson Ave. in Manhattan was temporarily closed from Sunset Ave. to 17th Street during the early morning hours while emergency crews worked the scene of the accident.

RCPD is asking anyone who witnessed the accident to contact them at 785-537-2112 or 911.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal accident that occurred just before 11p.m. Monday in Riley County have identified the victim as 37-year-0ld Jason Bly of Manhattan, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.Bly was driving a 2000 Toyota Celica westbound in the 1800 Block of Anderson Avenue when it crossed over traffic and struck a retaining wall. Bly was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the RCPD..Authorities released no additional details early Tuesday.&nbsp;Anderson Ave. in Manhattan was temporarily closed from Sunset Ave. to 17th Street during the early morning hours while emergency crews worked the scene of the accident.RCPD is asking anyone who witnessed the accident to contact them at 785-537-2112 or 911.

Police ID Kansas man who died in single-vehicle crash


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt officially announced Tuesday his run for Governor in 2022.

"I'm running for Governor because I believe our state can do better," Schmidt said. "I think our overarching goal has to be to foster a climate of opportunity in this state where, if people can dream it, they can do it. That means we have to reward entrepreneurship and hard work and we have to keep our eyes on that objective, always."

Schmidt says the state has to start with its own house.

"We have to have an efficient and effective state government, which means we have to go out and proactively find and fix problems, those things that don't work and fix them before they become crises like the unemployment compensation system has," Schmidt said. "It was neglected for a decade, then became a crisis when it was most needed, then left unfixed for nearly a year, losing hundreds of millions of tax dollars and at the same time, not providing the help to those Kansans who needed it the most."

Schmidt understands that government can't continue to grow unchecked.

"I think the objective has to be to slow the rate of growth of state government, to give a growing economy time to catch up," Schmidt said. "One of the untold stories is that, a decade ago, when I left the Legislature, the total state budget, all spending was about $15 billion. Over the last decade, that's grown by about a third, with the governor's budget this year at about $21 billion. That is an unsustainable rate of growth, particularly at the current, much slower rate of growth in our state economy. We have to reconcile those two numbers."

Schmidt spoke further about government growth and the role of an executive and also about education policy. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583409290272.jpeg" alt="Kansas AG Derek Schmidt" />
 <figcaption>Kansas AG Derek Schmidt</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt officially announced Tuesday his run for Governor in 2022."I'm running for Governor because I believe our state can do better," Schmidt said. "I think our overarching goal has to be to foster a climate of opportunity in this state where, if people can dream it, they can do it. That means we have to reward entrepreneurship and hard work and we have to keep our eyes on that objective, always."Schmidt says the state has to start with its own house."We have to have an efficient and effective state government, which means we have to go out and proactively find and fix problems, those things that don't work and fix them before they become crises like the unemployment compensation system has," Schmidt said. "It was neglected for a decade, then became a crisis when it was most needed, then left unfixed for nearly a year, losing hundreds of millions of tax dollars and at the same time, not providing the help to those Kansans who needed it the most."Schmidt understands that government can't continue to grow unchecked."I think the objective has to be to slow the rate of growth of state government, to give a growing economy time to catch up," Schmidt said. "One of the untold stories is that, a decade ago, when I left the Legislature, the total state budget, all spending was about $15 billion. Over the last decade, that's grown by about a third, with the governor's budget this year at about $21 billion. That is an unsustainable rate of growth, particularly at the current, much slower rate of growth in our state economy. We have to reconcile those two numbers."Schmidt spoke further about government growth and the role of an executive and also about education policy. The full interview with him is below...<div><iframe title="Bonus Podcast: Kansas AG Derek Schmidt on Governor's Race" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/ibcss-fd19eb?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>