NEW YORK (AP) — Researchers are drawing attention to a rise in poisonings in children involving the sleep aid melatonin — including a big jump during the pandemic.

Last year, U.S. poison control centers received more than 52,000 calls about children consuming worrisome amounts of the dietary supplement — a six-fold increase from about a decade earlier. Most such calls are about young children who accidentally got into bottles of melatonin, some of which come in the form of gummies for kids.

Parents may think of melatonin as the equivalent of a vitamin and leave it on a nightstand, said Dr. Karima Lelak, an emergency physician at Children’s Hospital of Michigan and the lead author of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7122a1.htm?s_cid=mm7122a1_w" target="_blank">the study</a>&nbsp;published Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “But really it’s a medication that has the potential to cause harm, and should be put way in the medicine cabinet,” Lelak said.

<a href="https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin-what-you-need-to-know" target="_blank">Melatonin</a>&nbsp;is a hormone that helps control the body’s sleep cycle. It has become a popular over-the-counter sleeping aid, with sales increasing 150% between 2016 and 2020, the authors said.

In the U.S., melatonin is sold as a supplement, not regulated as a drug. Because melatonin is unregulated, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t have oversight over the purity of ingredients or the accuracy of dosage claims.

Other researchers&nbsp;<a href="https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.6462" target="_blank">have found</a>&nbsp;that what’s on the label may not match what’s actually in the bottle, and some countries have banned the sale of over-the-counter melatonin.

Many people can tolerate even relatively large doses of melatonin without significant harm, experts say. But there is no antidote for an overdose. In cases of a child accidentally ingesting melatonin, experts often ask a reliable adult to monitor them at home.

But slowed breathing or other worrisome signs can mean a child should be taken to a hospital.

Lelak and her colleagues looked at reports to poison control centers from 2012 to 2021, counting more than 260,000 calls about kids taking too much melatonin. They represented 0.6% of all poison control calls in 2012 and about 5% in 2021.

In about 83% of those calls, the children did not show any symptoms. But other children endured vomiting, had altered breathing or showed other symptoms. Over the 10 years studied, more than 4,000 kids were hospitalized, five needed to be put on machines to help them breathe, and two — both younger than 2 — died.

Most of the hospitalized children were teenagers, and many of those were believed to be suicide attempts.

Reported melatonin poisonings have been increasing for at least a decade, but the largest increases happened after the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States in 2020. Between 2019 and 2020, the count shot up 38%.

There may be several reasons, Lelak said. Because of lockdowns and virtual learning, more children were at home all day, meaning there were more opportunities for kids to access melatonin. Also, the pandemic caused sleep-disrupting stress and anxiety that may have caused more families to consider melatonin.

“Children were upset about being home, teenagers were closed off from friends. And on top of all that everyone’s looking at screens for hours and hours a day,” Lelak said.

NEW YORK (AP) — Researchers are drawing attention to a rise in poisonings in children involving the sleep aid melatonin — including a big jump during the pandemic.Last year, U.S. poison control centers received more than 52,000 calls about children consuming worrisome amounts of the dietary supplement — a six-fold increase from about a decade earlier. Most such calls are about young children who accidentally got into bottles of melatonin, some of which come in the form of gummies for kids.Parents may think of melatonin as the equivalent of a vitamin and leave it on a nightstand, said Dr. Karima Lelak, an emergency physician at Children’s Hospital of Michigan and the lead author of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7122a1.htm?s_cid=mm7122a1_w" target="_blank">the study</a>&nbsp;published Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “But really it’s a medication that has the potential to cause harm, and should be put way in the medicine cabinet,” Lelak said.WHAT IS MELATONIN?<a href="https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin-what-you-need-to-know" target="_blank">Melatonin</a>&nbsp;is a hormone that helps control the body’s sleep cycle. It has become a popular over-the-counter sleeping aid, with sales increasing 150% between 2016 and 2020, the authors said.In the U.S., melatonin is sold as a supplement, not regulated as a drug. Because melatonin is unregulated, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t have oversight over the purity of ingredients or the accuracy of dosage claims.Other researchers&nbsp;<a href="https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.6462" target="_blank">have found</a>&nbsp;that what’s on the label may not match what’s actually in the bottle, and some countries have banned the sale of over-the-counter melatonin.HOW ARE MELATONIN OVERDOSES TREATED?Many people can tolerate even relatively large doses of melatonin without significant harm, experts say. But there is no antidote for an overdose. In cases of a child accidentally ingesting melatonin, experts often ask a reliable adult to monitor them at home.But slowed breathing or other worrisome signs can mean a child should be taken to a hospital.WHAT DID THE RESEARCHERS FIND?Lelak and her colleagues looked at reports to poison control centers from 2012 to 2021, counting more than 260,000 calls about kids taking too much melatonin. They represented 0.6% of all poison control calls in 2012 and about 5% in 2021.In about 83% of those calls, the children did not show any symptoms. But other children endured vomiting, had altered breathing or showed other symptoms. Over the 10 years studied, more than 4,000 kids were hospitalized, five needed to be put on machines to help them breathe, and two — both younger than 2 — died.Most of the hospitalized children were teenagers, and many of those were believed to be suicide attempts.WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE PANDEMIC?Reported melatonin poisonings have been increasing for at least a decade, but the largest increases happened after the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States in 2020. Between 2019 and 2020, the count shot up 38%.There may be several reasons, Lelak said. Because of lockdowns and virtual learning, more children were at home all day, meaning there were more opportunities for kids to access melatonin. Also, the pandemic caused sleep-disrupting stress and anxiety that may have caused more families to consider melatonin.“Children were upset about being home, teenagers were closed off from friends. And on top of all that everyone’s looking at screens for hours and hours a day,” Lelak said.___

Study: Melatonin poisoning reports are up in kids

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/06/03/covid-19-pandemic-contributes-to-closure-of-115-kansas-home-child-care-providers/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Economic disruption in 
Kansas associated with COVID-19 contributed to demise of 115 family home
 child-care providers in the pandemic’s first year and left nearly 
one-fifth of the state’s counties without child care slots for infants 
or toddlers, a new report said.

The Kansas Department for Children and Families collaborated with 
Child Care Aware of Kansas to release a survey Thursday of the 
pandemic’s influence on the state’s licensed family and group homes, 
care centers, preschools and Head Start facilities.

The downward trend among child care providers in Kansas operating 
from residential homes was evident before the pandemic. The total of 
this type of provider in Kansas crashed from 2,915 in 2017 to 2,419 in 
2019 — a drop of nearly 500. The number was compressed to 2,259 in 2020 
during the first year of the pandemic. In 2021, the state lost 115 more 
of these in-home providers, settling at 2,144. The report doesn’t 
include a census for 2022.

The closure of so many family child care providers since 2017 created stiffer competition for slots among Kansas families.

The report said the state’s collection of 2,000 licensed group homes,
 child care centers and Head Start programs held steady into 2021. The 
number of preschool programs declined from 163 in 2020 to 158 in 2021, 
the report said.

“This report highlights the challenges facing not only 
families and child care providers, but Kansas’ economy in general,” said
 Kelly Davydov, executive director of Child Care Aware of Kansas. 
“Dependable, high-quality early care and education is a basic 
requirement that all working families need.”

Davydov said the “Know Better, Do Better” report was 
designed to help the state outline a strategy for expanding child care 
services.

The report said 21 of the state’s 105 counties in 2021 had no slots 
for toddlers and infants, an increase from 16 counties in that situation
 in 2020. Sixty counties in Kansas experienced fallout of having no 
providers of child care during evening, weekend and overnight hours.

Demand for care outstripped supply before the pandemic reached Kansas
 in March 2020, but the challenge of securing child care in rural 
counties intensified during the health calamity that has now infected 
nearly 790,000 and contributed to the death of 8,900.

The pandemic broaden complexities faced by parents searching for 
child care from staff capable of speaking a second language other than 
English and with personnel prepared to care for children with 
disabilities, the report said.

In 2020, the report said, 63,500 children in Kansas under age 5 had 
special needs related to disabilities. Of concern, the report said, was 
35 rural counties in the state had three or fewer providers that 
acknowledged employing workers prepared to care for Down Syndrome 
children.

“We deeply appreciate the work of Child Care Aware of Kansas 
collecting data for the report,” said Laura Howard, secretary of the DCF
 agency.

The state passed out more than $40 million in federal relief dollars 
to child care providers struggling with loss of customers as parents 
stayed home from work and with higher operating costs associated with 
acquisition of pandemic supplies and materials necessary in a public 
health crisis.

The 2022 Legislature approved and Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill 
expanding a state child care income tax credit. For the past decade, the
 state limited the tax credit to certain companies. The new law opened 
the incentive to all sorts of businesses in Kansas interested in helping
 workers solve the child care riddle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654266401160.png" alt="A new report on status of Kansas’ child care system indicated the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to closure of more than 500 providers statewide, deepening the shortage in rural counties. (Emma Fotovich/USD 497)" />
 <figcaption>A new report on status of Kansas’ child care system indicated the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to closure of more than 500 providers statewide, deepening the shortage in rural counties. (Emma Fotovich/USD 497)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/06/03/covid-19-pandemic-contributes-to-closure-of-115-kansas-home-child-care-providers/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Economic disruption in 
Kansas associated with COVID-19 contributed to demise of 115 family home
 child-care providers in the pandemic’s first year and left nearly 
one-fifth of the state’s counties without child care slots for infants 
or toddlers, a new report said.The Kansas Department for Children and Families collaborated with 
Child Care Aware of Kansas to release a survey Thursday of the 
pandemic’s influence on the state’s licensed family and group homes, 
care centers, preschools and Head Start facilities.The downward trend among child care providers in Kansas operating 
from residential homes was evident before the pandemic. The total of 
this type of provider in Kansas crashed from 2,915 in 2017 to 2,419 in 
2019 — a drop of nearly 500. The number was compressed to 2,259 in 2020 
during the first year of the pandemic. In 2021, the state lost 115 more 
of these in-home providers, settling at 2,144. The report doesn’t 
include a census for 2022.The closure of so many family child care providers since 2017 created stiffer competition for slots among Kansas families.The report said the state’s collection of 2,000 licensed group homes,
 child care centers and Head Start programs held steady into 2021. The 
number of preschool programs declined from 163 in 2020 to 158 in 2021, 
the report said.“This report highlights the challenges facing not only 
families and child care providers, but Kansas’ economy in general,” said
 Kelly Davydov, executive director of Child Care Aware of Kansas. 
“Dependable, high-quality early care and education is a basic 
requirement that all working families need.”Davydov said the “Know Better, Do Better” report was 
designed to help the state outline a strategy for expanding child care 
services.The report said 21 of the state’s 105 counties in 2021 had no slots 
for toddlers and infants, an increase from 16 counties in that situation
 in 2020. Sixty counties in Kansas experienced fallout of having no 
providers of child care during evening, weekend and overnight hours.Demand for care outstripped supply before the pandemic reached Kansas
 in March 2020, but the challenge of securing child care in rural 
counties intensified during the health calamity that has now infected 
nearly 790,000 and contributed to the death of 8,900.The pandemic broaden complexities faced by parents searching for 
child care from staff capable of speaking a second language other than 
English and with personnel prepared to care for children with 
disabilities, the report said.In 2020, the report said, 63,500 children in Kansas under age 5 had 
special needs related to disabilities. Of concern, the report said, was 
35 rural counties in the state had three or fewer providers that 
acknowledged employing workers prepared to care for Down Syndrome 
children.“We deeply appreciate the work of Child Care Aware of Kansas 
collecting data for the report,” said Laura Howard, secretary of the DCF
 agency.The state passed out more than $40 million in federal relief dollars 
to child care providers struggling with loss of customers as parents 
stayed home from work and with higher operating costs associated with 
acquisition of pandemic supplies and materials necessary in a public 
health crisis.The 2022 Legislature approved and Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill 
expanding a state child care income tax credit. For the past decade, the
 state limited the tax credit to certain companies. The new law opened 
the incentive to all sorts of businesses in Kansas interested in helping
 workers solve the child care riddle.

Pandemic contributes to closure of 115 Kan. home child care providers

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a bank robbery have a suspect in custody.

The Wichita Police Department has arrested 55-year-old Roland Vandenberg of Wichita on a robbery charge stemming from an investigation of a bank robbery that occurred Thursday in the 4800 block of S. Broadway.

Just after 1p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to a bank robbery in the 4800 block of S. Broadway in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

Officers learned that a male suspect had entered the bank, demanded money, then left the bank northbound on Broadway. 

Officers located a man matching the suspect description in the area. He was identified as 55-year-old Roland Vandenberg of Wichita.&nbsp; Police <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20073955">booked him into </a>the Sedgwick County Jail on a requested charge of robbery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654270638745.png" alt="Police at the scene of the bank robbery photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the bank robbery photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a bank robbery have a suspect in custody.The Wichita Police Department has arrested 55-year-old Roland Vandenberg of Wichita on a robbery charge stemming from an investigation of a bank robbery that occurred Thursday in the 4800 block of S. Broadway.Just after 1p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to a bank robbery in the 4800 block of S. Broadway in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654270498298.png" alt="Vandenberg-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Vandenberg-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers learned that a male suspect had entered the bank, demanded money, then left the bank northbound on Broadway. Officers located a man matching the suspect description in the area. He was identified as 55-year-old Roland Vandenberg of Wichita.&nbsp; Police <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20073955">booked him into </a>the Sedgwick County Jail on a requested charge of robbery.

Police capture suspect who robbed Kansas bank

GEARY COUNTY—&nbsp; Airplanes will dot the sky over Freeman Field in Junction City as pilots fly in for the 2022 Kansas Aviation Expo this weekend. Many of the pilots will arrive on Friday and others on Saturday, which is the busy day for the public at the airport.

Marvin Hornbostel, Junction City, has been affiliated with fly-in's at Freeman Field for many years. "People love to see airplanes land and take off. Even if you've been around a long time you still get that feeling."

Gates open to the public at 7 a.m. Saturday with admission and parking $5 per carload. There will be a pancake and sausage breakfast from 7 - 10 a.m. and then lunch will also be served at the airport, hosted by the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1364, according to Hornbostel.

"Normally you expect to see a lot of the home-built's, experimental category airplanes, and there are some beautiful ones." There could also be some older antique planes. 'The Cubs, ( Piper ) Tri-Pacer and I wouldn't be a bit surprised if you don't see a few of the old biplanes too."

Friday night will be movie night at the airport, which will be open to the pilots and public at dusk. The expo is making a return to Junction City after a COVID-19 induced absence last year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654216744391.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Photo of a plane that participated in a past Fly-In at Freeman Field" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Photo of a plane that participated in a past Fly-In at Freeman Field</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://jcpost.com/">JC Post</a>GEARY COUNTY—&nbsp; Airplanes will dot the sky over Freeman Field in Junction City as pilots fly in for the 2022 Kansas Aviation Expo this weekend. Many of the pilots will arrive on Friday and others on Saturday, which is the busy day for the public at the airport.Marvin Hornbostel, Junction City, has been affiliated with fly-in's at Freeman Field for many years. "People love to see airplanes land and take off. Even if you've been around a long time you still get that feeling."Gates open to the public at 7 a.m. Saturday with admission and parking $5 per carload. There will be a pancake and sausage breakfast from 7 - 10 a.m. and then lunch will also be served at the airport, hosted by the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1364, according to Hornbostel."Normally you expect to see a lot of the home-built's, experimental category airplanes, and there are some beautiful ones." There could also be some older antique planes. 'The Cubs, ( Piper ) Tri-Pacer and I wouldn't be a bit surprised if you don't see a few of the old biplanes too."Friday night will be movie night at the airport, which will be open to the pilots and public at dusk. The expo is making a return to Junction City after a COVID-19 induced absence last year.

Kansas Aviation Expo returns to Junction City this weekend

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A police officer in Kansas who fatally shot a former police detective during a scuffle will not be charged with a crime, officials said.

The Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office and the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office investigated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-kansas-city-kansas-743e3b4675777b36861effb0060d08bd">the November shooting of Lionel Womack</a>&nbsp;and found no wrongdoing,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article261998270.html" target="_blank">the Kansas City Star reported</a>. Jonathan Carter, a spokesman for the district attorney’s office, said Tuesday that no charges will be filed against the Kansas City officer who shot Womack.

Police have said two officers confronted Womack following 911 calls about a man standing in a road pointing at the sky and trying to jump in front of traffic. Within seconds of confronting Womack, the former detective had disarmed one officer and pointed the weapon at him, leading the second officer to shoot Womack, investigators said.

The confrontation and shooting were captured on police video. Authorities have not released the names of the officers involved.

“It’s obvious they did not want to shoot him,” Police Chief Karl Oakman told the Star. “They tried everything they could.”

Womack had a tumultuous relationship with the police department in Kansas City, Kansas. Womack was hired by the department in 2007, promoted to detective in 2018, and fired in August 2020 after numerous policy violations and conduct issues, the police chief has said.

Shortly after his termination,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-lawsuit-kansas-deputy-run-over-b2ed9f2cde9e1cf22c56968969ca9db1">Womack alleged in an excessive force lawsuit</a>&nbsp;that a Kiowa County sheriff’s deputy intentionally drove over him on Aug. 15, 2020, during an encounter that was captured on dashcam video. The deputy denied the allegations and said he’s entitled to qualified immunity.

Court records show Womack’s wife, Z’iontae Womack, has been substituted as the plaintiff in that civil lawsuit, as the administrator of her husband’s estate. She is also a detective with the same police department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608219106986.png" alt="Womack-from an earlier arrest in Pratt County" />
 <figcaption>Womack-from an earlier arrest in Pratt County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A police officer in Kansas who fatally shot a former police detective during a scuffle will not be charged with a crime, officials said.The Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office and the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office investigated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-kansas-city-kansas-743e3b4675777b36861effb0060d08bd">the November shooting of Lionel Womack</a>&nbsp;and found no wrongdoing,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article261998270.html" target="_blank">the Kansas City Star reported</a>. Jonathan Carter, a spokesman for the district attorney’s office, said Tuesday that no charges will be filed against the Kansas City officer who shot Womack.Police have said two officers confronted Womack following 911 calls about a man standing in a road pointing at the sky and trying to jump in front of traffic. Within seconds of confronting Womack, the former detective had disarmed one officer and pointed the weapon at him, leading the second officer to shoot Womack, investigators said.The confrontation and shooting were captured on police video. Authorities have not released the names of the officers involved.“It’s obvious they did not want to shoot him,” Police Chief Karl Oakman told the Star. “They tried everything they could.”Womack had a tumultuous relationship with the police department in Kansas City, Kansas. Womack was hired by the department in 2007, promoted to detective in 2018, and fired in August 2020 after numerous policy violations and conduct issues, the police chief has said.Shortly after his termination,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-lawsuit-kansas-deputy-run-over-b2ed9f2cde9e1cf22c56968969ca9db1">Womack alleged in an excessive force lawsuit</a>&nbsp;that a Kiowa County sheriff’s deputy intentionally drove over him on Aug. 15, 2020, during an encounter that was captured on dashcam video. The deputy denied the allegations and said he’s entitled to qualified immunity.Court records show Womack’s wife, Z’iontae Womack, has been substituted as the plaintiff in that civil lawsuit, as the administrator of her husband’s estate. She is also a detective with the same police department.

Kan. officer who fatally shot ex-detective will not be charged

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just before 10a.m. Thursday in Sedgwick County.

A Chevy minivan driven by 33-year-old Justin Newby of Derby was westbound on Southern Street at 63rd Street South, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.

The van struck an eastbound Toyota passenger vehicle driven by 91-year-old Ramona Blizzard of Wichita, head-on.&nbsp; After impact, the minivan struck the rear of a Chevy truck in the westbound lane of 63rd Street South.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Newby and Blizzard were pronounced dead at the scene. The 70-year-old driver and a 63-year-old passenger in the Chevy truck, both of Haysville, received minor injuries.&nbsp;

The accident remains under investigation. Investigators suspect speed and recklessness contributed to the accident, according to Blick.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654191778969.png" alt="The accident remains under investigation, according to the sheriff's department -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>The accident remains under investigation, according to the sheriff's department -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just before 10a.m. Thursday in Sedgwick County.A Chevy minivan driven by 33-year-old Justin Newby of Derby was westbound on Southern Street at 63rd Street South, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.The van struck an eastbound Toyota passenger vehicle driven by 91-year-old Ramona Blizzard of Wichita, head-on.&nbsp; After impact, the minivan struck the rear of a Chevy truck in the westbound lane of 63rd Street South.&nbsp;&nbsp;Newby and Blizzard were pronounced dead at the scene. The 70-year-old driver and a 63-year-old passenger in the Chevy truck, both of Haysville, received minor injuries.&nbsp;The accident remains under investigation. Investigators suspect speed and recklessness contributed to the accident, according to Blick.

Sheriff: 2 drivers dead including 91-year-old Kan. woman

By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-06-02/kansas-foster-children-are-still-sleeping-in-offices-years-after-promises-that-would-end">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA, Kansas — Foster children still regularly sleep in 
offices instead of homes despite the Kansas Department for Children and 
Families settling a lawsuit by agreeing to end the practice.

In one case, an autistic child spent a month in an office because no foster home was available.

<a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-health-education-welfare/2018-11-16/kansas-is-sued-over-foster-care-thats-bounced-several-children-between-100-homes" target="_blank">The state was sued</a>
 four years ago because advocates said children were moving from homes 
or offices so often it made them effectively homeless. Some children 
bounced from offices to different foster homes as many as 100 times.

As part of <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-08/kansas-foster-care-advocates-settle-lawsuit-against-the-state" target="_blank">a settlement</a>
 with Kansas Appleseed, Children’s Rights and The National Center for 
Youth Law, DCF agreed to make a range of changes to bring more stability
 to the lives of foster children — kids who are ostensibly being rescued
 from chaotic lives.

For starters, the state promised to stop 
placing children in offices unless there were “extraordinary 
circumstances.” Yet some children have nowhere to go because they refuse
 to get out of a car or “simply leave the facility through the front 
door.” The biggest barrier in placing, the agency says, is a shortage of
 foster homes that cater to children’s “extensive medical, mental health
 and behavioral needs.”

The lawsuit settlement said “a lack of 
safe and/or appropriate placement options does not constitute 
Extraordinary Circumstances.”

DCF said 79 children spent 214 total
 nights in offices from January 2021 through May 2022. In 2021 alone, 53
 children spent 167 total days in an office, Woody said. Children 
catching COVID or being removed from a home late at night could count as
 extraordinary reasons, but the department doesn’t know how often those 
two things happened nor did it say what foster care company failed to 
place the most children.

Kansas’ foster system is run by a handful
 of private contractors who handle placement, case management and all 
other aspects of the system. No other state privatizes foster care as 
much. Woody says DCF needs to keep a closer eye on those companies.

“Having
 a decentralized, privatized system does not help that situation at 
all,” she said. “The state just has things that are out of their hands 
(and) are out of sight out of mind.”

Fewer children are sleeping in offices than a few years ago. <a href="https://apnews.com/article/4803a32bffbc4f4c943b97fc0176fca8" target="_blank">The Associated Press reported</a>
 in 2019 that more than 70 children slept in an office between January 
and May of that year. It reported that foster care contractors had four 
children stay overnight in January and February, 12 in March, 35 in 
April and 16 in the first 11 days of May.

DCF said it has stronger
 youth engagement, more services for high-needs children and more 
partnerships to help with “emergency overnight traumatic disruptions.”

The
 agency said after children sleep in offices, members of DCF staff meet 
within 48 hours to understand gaps in service and discuss what other 
assistance is needed. In those meetings, the staff goes over the issues 
with the placement and explores what can be improved for the next time. 
They also work to find family and understand what type of placement the 
child wants.

Woody said DCF has made some improvements, but she is frustrated that children sleep in offices in the first place.

“It
 is better, but it’s not enough,” she said. “There have to be facilities
 for kids who have mental health problems. There have to be placements 
for them.”

Without adequate mental health treatment, those children may end up in detention facilities, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-12-27/death-of-wichita-teen-who-died-in-custody-ruled-a-homicide" target="_blank">like Cedric Lofton</a>.
 Lofton was a foster teen who died in a detention center after he was 
restrained and pinned to the floor. Teresa Woody of Kansas Appleseed 
said children are placed in those facilities because beds aren’t 
available elsewhere.

DCF will soon roll out therapeutic foster 
homes that allow licensed foster families to take higher needs children.
 Caseworkers will check in daily during the early months of the new 
program, children will have therapists and the children’s families will 
be involved. Foster families would have a more collaborative role in the
 child’s treatment plan.

Tanya Keys, deputy secretary for programs and services at DCF, said even one home in an area will make a difference.

“We
 want to increase placement stability and increase options over time for
 youth,” Keys said. “It’s one of our tools that we would hope would 
reduce and ultimately eliminate the instances of failure to place.”

The
 news of children sleeping in offices comes a month before a progress 
report on the lawsuit settlement is published. An independent 
organization is reviewing key metrics of the lawsuit to see if DCF is 
actually making the improvements promised when the case was settled.

“We’re very anxious to get the report and to see what … is being done,” Woody said.

Blaise
 Mesa reports on criminal justice and social services for the Kansas 
News Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter @Blaise_Mesa or 
email him at blaise@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654204139509.png" alt="A lawsuit settlement said children need to be placed in foster homes rather than offices. Blaise Mesa / Kansas News Service " />
 <figcaption>A lawsuit settlement said children need to be placed in foster homes rather than offices. Blaise Mesa / Kansas News Service </figcaption>
 </figure>By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-06-02/kansas-foster-children-are-still-sleeping-in-offices-years-after-promises-that-would-end">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA, Kansas — Foster children still regularly sleep in 
offices instead of homes despite the Kansas Department for Children and 
Families settling a lawsuit by agreeing to end the practice.In one case, an autistic child spent a month in an office because no foster home was available.<a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-health-education-welfare/2018-11-16/kansas-is-sued-over-foster-care-thats-bounced-several-children-between-100-homes" target="_blank">The state was sued</a>
 four years ago because advocates said children were moving from homes 
or offices so often it made them effectively homeless. Some children 
bounced from offices to different foster homes as many as 100 times.As part of <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-08/kansas-foster-care-advocates-settle-lawsuit-against-the-state" target="_blank">a settlement</a>
 with Kansas Appleseed, Children’s Rights and The National Center for 
Youth Law, DCF agreed to make a range of changes to bring more stability
 to the lives of foster children — kids who are ostensibly being rescued
 from chaotic lives.For starters, the state promised to stop 
placing children in offices unless there were “extraordinary 
circumstances.” Yet some children have nowhere to go because they refuse
 to get out of a car or “simply leave the facility through the front 
door.” The biggest barrier in placing, the agency says, is a shortage of
 foster homes that cater to children’s “extensive medical, mental health
 and behavioral needs.”The lawsuit settlement said “a lack of 
safe and/or appropriate placement options does not constitute 
Extraordinary Circumstances.”DCF said 79 children spent 214 total
 nights in offices from January 2021 through May 2022. In 2021 alone, 53
 children spent 167 total days in an office, Woody said. Children 
catching COVID or being removed from a home late at night could count as
 extraordinary reasons, but the department doesn’t know how often those 
two things happened nor did it say what foster care company failed to 
place the most children.Kansas’ foster system is run by a handful
 of private contractors who handle placement, case management and all 
other aspects of the system. No other state privatizes foster care as 
much. Woody says DCF needs to keep a closer eye on those companies.“Having
 a decentralized, privatized system does not help that situation at 
all,” she said. “The state just has things that are out of their hands 
(and) are out of sight out of mind.”Fewer children are sleeping in offices than a few years ago. <a href="https://apnews.com/article/4803a32bffbc4f4c943b97fc0176fca8" target="_blank">The Associated Press reported</a>
 in 2019 that more than 70 children slept in an office between January 
and May of that year. It reported that foster care contractors had four 
children stay overnight in January and February, 12 in March, 35 in 
April and 16 in the first 11 days of May.DCF said it has stronger
 youth engagement, more services for high-needs children and more 
partnerships to help with “emergency overnight traumatic disruptions.”The
 agency said after children sleep in offices, members of DCF staff meet 
within 48 hours to understand gaps in service and discuss what other 
assistance is needed. In those meetings, the staff goes over the issues 
with the placement and explores what can be improved for the next time. 
They also work to find family and understand what type of placement the 
child wants.Woody said DCF has made some improvements, but she is frustrated that children sleep in offices in the first place.“It
 is better, but it’s not enough,” she said. “There have to be facilities
 for kids who have mental health problems. There have to be placements 
for them.”Without adequate mental health treatment, those children may end up in detention facilities, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-12-27/death-of-wichita-teen-who-died-in-custody-ruled-a-homicide" target="_blank">like Cedric Lofton</a>.
 Lofton was a foster teen who died in a detention center after he was 
restrained and pinned to the floor. Teresa Woody of Kansas Appleseed 
said children are placed in those facilities because beds aren’t 
available elsewhere.DCF will soon roll out therapeutic foster 
homes that allow licensed foster families to take higher needs children.
 Caseworkers will check in daily during the early months of the new 
program, children will have therapists and the children’s families will 
be involved. Foster families would have a more collaborative role in the
 child’s treatment plan.Tanya Keys, deputy secretary for programs and services at DCF, said even one home in an area will make a difference.“We
 want to increase placement stability and increase options over time for
 youth,” Keys said. “It’s one of our tools that we would hope would 
reduce and ultimately eliminate the instances of failure to place.”The
 news of children sleeping in offices comes a month before a progress 
report on the lawsuit settlement is published. An independent 
organization is reviewing key metrics of the lawsuit to see if DCF is 
actually making the improvements promised when the case was settled.“We’re very anxious to get the report and to see what … is being done,” Woody said.Blaise
 Mesa reports on criminal justice and social services for the Kansas 
News Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter @Blaise_Mesa or 
email him at blaise@kcur.org.

Years after settlement, Kan. foster children still sleeping in offices

WASHINGTON (AP) — “Enough, enough,” President Joe Biden exclaimed over and over Thursday night, as he delivered an impassioned address to the nation imploring Congress to take action against gun violence after mass shootings he said had turned schools, supermarkets and other everyday places into “killing fields.”

If legislators fail to act, he warned, voters should use their “outrage” to turn it into a central issue in November’s midterm elections.

Speaking at the White House, Biden acknowledged the stiff political headwinds as he sought to drive up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-new-york-gun-politics-judiciary-violence-18868cbb3652c9e1e92087bc5b7997d2">pressure on Congress to pass stricter gun limits</a>&nbsp;after such efforts failed following past attacks.

He repeated calls to restore a ban on the sale of assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines — and said if Congress won’t embrace all of his proposals, it must at least find compromises like keeping firearms from those with mental health issues or raising the age to buy assault-style weapons from 18 to 21.

“How much more carnage are we willing to accept?” Biden asked after last week’s shootings by an 18-year-old gunman,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/uvalde-school-shooting">who killed 19 students and two teachers at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas,</a>&nbsp;and another attack Wednesday in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tulsa-oklahoma-texas-school-shootings-61bba0dcf04e2f8dbc34ec4ee7fd02b0">gunman shot and killed four people and himself at a medical office.</a>&nbsp;“Don’t tell me raising the age won’t make a difference,” he said.

The most recent shootings came close on the heels of the May 14 assault in Buffalo, New York,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-supermarket-shooting-442c6d97a073f39f99d006dbba40f64b">where a white 18-year-old wearing military gear and livestreaming with a helmet camera opened fire</a>&nbsp;with a rifle at a supermarket in a predominantly Black neighborhood, killing 10 people and wounding three others in what authorities described as “racially motivated violent extremism.”

“This time we have to take the time to do something,” Biden said, calling out the Senate, where 10 Republican votes would be needed to pass legislation.

For all the passion of Biden’s address, and for all his big asks and smaller fallback alternatives, any major action by Congress is still a long shot.

“I know how hard it is, but I’ll never give up, and if Congress fails, I believe this time a majority of the American people won’t give up either,” he added. “I believe the majority of you will act to turn your outrage into making this issue central to your vote.”

Adding a stark perspective to young people’s deaths, he noted that Centers for Disease Control data shows “guns are the number one killer of children in the United States of America,” ahead of car crashes.

“Over the last two decades, more school-age children have died from guns than on-duty police officers and active-duty military — combined,” he said.

Aware of persistent criticism from gun-rights advocates, Biden insisted his appeal wasn’t about “vilifying gun owners” or “taking away anybody’s guns.”

“We should be treating responsible gun owners as an example of how every gun owner should behave,” Biden said. “This isn’t about taking away anyone’s rights, it’s about protecting children, it’s about protecting families.”

He called on Congress to end “outrageous” protections for gun manufacturers, which severely limit their liability over how their firearms are used, comparing it to the tobacco industry, which has faced repeated litigation over its products’ role in causing cancer and other diseases.

“Imagine if the tobacco industry had been immune from being sued, where we’d be today,” Biden said.

All major broadcast networks broke away from regular programing to carry Biden’s remarks at 7:30 p.m. EDT, before the start of prime-time shows.

Biden has given major speeches on the coronavirus pandemic and the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan. But the president has used such addresses sparingly during his nearly 18 months in office, especially during evening hours.

Earlier Thursday, Vice President Kamala Harris spoke about the Oklahoma shooting, saying, “All of us hold the people of Tulsa in our hearts, but we also reaffirm our commitment to passing commonsense gun safety laws.”

“No more excuses. Thoughts and prayers are important, but not enough,” Harris said. “We need Congress to act.”

Visiting Uvalde on Sunday, Biden mourned privately for three-plus hours with anguished families. Faced with chants of “do something” as he departed a church service,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-school-shooting-biden-visits-uvalde-5602203ec1088223e3b6aaed3d219136">the president pledged, “We will.”</a>&nbsp;In his address, he spoke of being passed a note by a woman in a Uvalde church grieving the loss of her grandchild, calling on people to come together and act.

His Thursday night address coincided with bipartisan talks that are intensifying among a core group of senators discussing modest gun policy changes. Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine said the group is “making rapid progress,” and Biden has spoken to Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, among those leading Democrats’ efforts on the issue.

Democrats are hoping Biden’s remarks encourage the bipartisan Senate talks and build pressure on the Republicans to strike an agreement. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden is “encouraged” by congressional negotiations but the president wants to give lawmakers “some space” to keep talking.

The private discussions in the Senate, which is split 50-50 between Democrats and Republicans, are not expected to produce the kinds of sweeping reforms being considered by the Democratic-led House — which has approved expansive background checks legislation and will next turn to an assault weapons ban.

A House package debated Thursday — and approved by a committee, 25-19 — is less sweeping but includes a provision raising the required age for buying semi-automatic firearms to 21. It still faces slim chances in the Senate.

Instead, the bipartisan senators are likely to come up with a more incremental package that would increase federal funding to support state gun safety efforts — with incentives for bolstering school security and mental health resources. The package may also encourage “red-flag laws” to keep firearms away from those who would do harm.

While the Senate approved a modest measure to encourage compliance with background checks after a 2017 church mass shooting in Texas and one in Parkland, Florida, the following year, no major legislation cleared the chamber following the devastating massacre of 20 children at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654213305554.png" alt="Speaking at the White House, Biden acknowledged the stiff political headwinds as he sought to drive up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-new-york-gun-politics-judiciary-violence-18868cbb3652c9e1e92087bc5b7997d2">pressure on Congress to pass stricter gun limits</a>&nbsp;after such efforts failed following past attacks-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Speaking at the White House, Biden acknowledged the stiff political headwinds as he sought to drive up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-new-york-gun-politics-judiciary-violence-18868cbb3652c9e1e92087bc5b7997d2">pressure on Congress to pass stricter gun limits</a>&nbsp;after such efforts failed following past attacks-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — “Enough, enough,” President Joe Biden exclaimed over and over Thursday night, as he delivered an impassioned address to the nation imploring Congress to take action against gun violence after mass shootings he said had turned schools, supermarkets and other everyday places into “killing fields.”<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F353291120203641%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=14" 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>If legislators fail to act, he warned, voters should use their “outrage” to turn it into a central issue in November’s midterm elections.Speaking at the White House, Biden acknowledged the stiff political headwinds as he sought to drive up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-new-york-gun-politics-judiciary-violence-18868cbb3652c9e1e92087bc5b7997d2">pressure on Congress to pass stricter gun limits</a>&nbsp;after such efforts failed following past attacks.He repeated calls to restore a ban on the sale of assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines — and said if Congress won’t embrace all of his proposals, it must at least find compromises like keeping firearms from those with mental health issues or raising the age to buy assault-style weapons from 18 to 21.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We should reinstate the ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines that we passed in 1994. In the ten years it was law, mass shootings went down. After Republicans let the law expire in 2004 — and those weapons were allowed to be sold again — mass shootings tripled.&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1532507931236761603?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“How much more carnage are we willing to accept?” Biden asked after last week’s shootings by an 18-year-old gunman,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/uvalde-school-shooting">who killed 19 students and two teachers at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas,</a>&nbsp;and another attack Wednesday in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tulsa-oklahoma-texas-school-shootings-61bba0dcf04e2f8dbc34ec4ee7fd02b0">gunman shot and killed four people and himself at a medical office.</a>&nbsp;“Don’t tell me raising the age won’t make a difference,” he said.The most recent shootings came close on the heels of the May 14 assault in Buffalo, New York,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-supermarket-shooting-442c6d97a073f39f99d006dbba40f64b">where a white 18-year-old wearing military gear and livestreaming with a helmet camera opened fire</a>&nbsp;with a rifle at a supermarket in a predominantly Black neighborhood, killing 10 people and wounding three others in what authorities described as “racially motivated violent extremism.”“This time we have to take the time to do something,” Biden said, calling out the Senate, where 10 Republican votes would be needed to pass legislation.For all the passion of Biden’s address, and for all his big asks and smaller fallback alternatives, any major action by Congress is still a long shot.“I know how hard it is, but I’ll never give up, and if Congress fails, I believe this time a majority of the American people won’t give up either,” he added. “I believe the majority of you will act to turn your outrage into making this issue central to your vote.”Adding a stark perspective to young people’s deaths, he noted that Centers for Disease Control data shows “guns are the number one killer of children in the United States of America,” ahead of car crashes.“Over the last two decades, more school-age children have died from guns than on-duty police officers and active-duty military — combined,” he said.Aware of persistent criticism from gun-rights advocates, Biden insisted his appeal wasn’t about “vilifying gun owners” or “taking away anybody’s guns.”“We should be treating responsible gun owners as an example of how every gun owner should behave,” Biden said. “This isn’t about taking away anyone’s rights, it’s about protecting children, it’s about protecting families.”He called on Congress to end “outrageous” protections for gun manufacturers, which severely limit their liability over how their firearms are used, comparing it to the tobacco industry, which has faced repeated litigation over its products’ role in causing cancer and other diseases.“Imagine if the tobacco industry had been immune from being sued, where we’d be today,” Biden said.All major broadcast networks broke away from regular programing to carry Biden’s remarks at 7:30 p.m. EDT, before the start of prime-time shows.Biden has given major speeches on the coronavirus pandemic and the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan. But the president has used such addresses sparingly during his nearly 18 months in office, especially during evening hours.Earlier Thursday, Vice President Kamala Harris spoke about the Oklahoma shooting, saying, “All of us hold the people of Tulsa in our hearts, but we also reaffirm our commitment to passing commonsense gun safety laws.”“No more excuses. Thoughts and prayers are important, but not enough,” Harris said. “We need Congress to act.”Visiting Uvalde on Sunday, Biden mourned privately for three-plus hours with anguished families. Faced with chants of “do something” as he departed a church service,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-school-shooting-biden-visits-uvalde-5602203ec1088223e3b6aaed3d219136">the president pledged, “We will.”</a>&nbsp;In his address, he spoke of being passed a note by a woman in a Uvalde church grieving the loss of her grandchild, calling on people to come together and act.His Thursday night address coincided with bipartisan talks that are intensifying among a core group of senators discussing modest gun policy changes. Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine said the group is “making rapid progress,” and Biden has spoken to Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, among those leading Democrats’ efforts on the issue.Democrats are hoping Biden’s remarks encourage the bipartisan Senate talks and build pressure on the Republicans to strike an agreement. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden is “encouraged” by congressional negotiations but the president wants to give lawmakers “some space” to keep talking.The private discussions in the Senate, which is split 50-50 between Democrats and Republicans, are not expected to produce the kinds of sweeping reforms being considered by the Democratic-led House — which has approved expansive background checks legislation and will next turn to an assault weapons ban.A House package debated Thursday — and approved by a committee, 25-19 — is less sweeping but includes a provision raising the required age for buying semi-automatic firearms to 21. It still faces slim chances in the Senate.Instead, the bipartisan senators are likely to come up with a more incremental package that would increase federal funding to support state gun safety efforts — with incentives for bolstering school security and mental health resources. The package may also encourage “red-flag laws” to keep firearms away from those who would do harm.While the Senate approved a modest measure to encourage compliance with background checks after a 2017 church mass shooting in Texas and one in Parkland, Florida, the following year, no major legislation cleared the chamber following the devastating massacre of 20 children at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012.__

🎥Biden calls on Congress to ban sale of assault-style weapons

DOUGLAS COUNTY—&nbsp;Law enforcement authorities are asking for help to locate a 47-year-old convicted felon who has led police in the Lawrence area on two vehicle pursuits over the past week.

Steven Drake was last seen driving a red '07 Chevy truck with Missouri plate <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/5HFU30?src=hashtag_click">#5HFU30</a>.

Drake has previous felony convictions that include forgery, assault, theft, aggravated endangering a child, obstruction, aggravated interference with parental control, driving while suspended and three convictions for fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. Call LKPD at 785-832-7509, or 785-843-TIPS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654253731903.png" alt="Steven Drake-photo Lawrence PD" />
 <figcaption>Steven Drake-photo Lawrence PD</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY—&nbsp;Law enforcement authorities are asking for help to locate a 47-year-old convicted felon who has led police in the Lawrence area on two vehicle pursuits over the past week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654253794152.png" alt="Photo Lawrence PD" />
 <figcaption>Photo Lawrence PD</figcaption>
 </figure>Steven Drake was last seen driving a red '07 Chevy truck with Missouri plate <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/5HFU30?src=hashtag_click">#5HFU30</a>. Drake has previous felony convictions that include forgery, assault, theft, aggravated endangering a child, obstruction, aggravated interference with parental control, driving while suspended and three convictions for fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. Call LKPD at 785-832-7509, or 785-843-TIPS.

Police ask for help to locate wanted Kansas felon after 2 chases

TOPEKA&nbsp;–Surrounded by small business leaders in downtown Topeka, Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday signed bipartisan House Bill 2136, which will invest $50 million to help small businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a media release from her office.

More information about HB 2136 can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MDIuNTg4MTMzNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjIvMDYvSEItMjEzNi1Db3B5LnBkZiJ9.zUs2GQq9P3aLYpi6PThd3dnC_2q-SwtXKLpKip1fZv0/s/1303160919/br/132308831117-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

"Providing $50 million of financial assistance for small businesses is just one more way my Administration is working to make Kansas the most pro-business state in the country,"&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;"The financial assistance legislation I signed today will support our entrepreneurs by ensuring they can make the investments they need to hire workers, strengthen their product lines, and better serve their communities."

"Small businesses are what power our economy, and this legislation builds on years of work to ensure they have the resources they need to continue to serve customers and create jobs,"&nbsp;said Senator Tom Holland.&nbsp;"Through bipartisan collaboration, we will be able to continue to make sure that our economy continues to grow a strong base of businesses here in Kansas."

Governor Kelly was joined at the bill signing by small business owners, the Greater Topeka Partnership, and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce.

"House Bill 2136 is a product of the many people who have shown unwavering commitment to Kansas small businesses,"&nbsp;Eric Stafford, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, said.&nbsp;"On behalf of the Kansas business community, thank you to Governor Kelly and the legislature for supporting this legislation. It will provide relief for the small businesses that make up the backbone of our state."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654200963148.png" alt="Governor Kelly was joined at the bill signing by small business owners, the Greater Topeka Partnership, and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Governor Kelly was joined at the bill signing by small business owners, the Greater Topeka Partnership, and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;–Surrounded by small business leaders in downtown Topeka, Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday signed bipartisan House Bill 2136, which will invest $50 million to help small businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a media release from her office.More information about HB 2136 can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MDIuNTg4MTMzNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjIvMDYvSEItMjEzNi1Db3B5LnBkZiJ9.zUs2GQq9P3aLYpi6PThd3dnC_2q-SwtXKLpKip1fZv0/s/1303160919/br/132308831117-l" target="_blank">here</a>."Providing $50 million of financial assistance for small businesses is just one more way my Administration is working to make Kansas the most pro-business state in the country,"&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;"The financial assistance legislation I signed today will support our entrepreneurs by ensuring they can make the investments they need to hire workers, strengthen their product lines, and better serve their communities.""Small businesses are what power our economy, and this legislation builds on years of work to ensure they have the resources they need to continue to serve customers and create jobs,"&nbsp;said Senator Tom Holland.&nbsp;"Through bipartisan collaboration, we will be able to continue to make sure that our economy continues to grow a strong base of businesses here in Kansas."Governor Kelly was joined at the bill signing by small business owners, the Greater Topeka Partnership, and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce."House Bill 2136 is a product of the many people who have shown unwavering commitment to Kansas small businesses,"&nbsp;Eric Stafford, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, said.&nbsp;"On behalf of the Kansas business community, thank you to Governor Kelly and the legislature for supporting this legislation. It will provide relief for the small businesses that make up the backbone of our state."

$50 million in COVID relief will assist small businesses in Kansas

WASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;As the 6th item on the 2022 "Dirty Dozen" scams warning 
list, the Internal Revenue Service today cautioned taxpayers with 
pending tax bills to contact the IRS directly and not go to unscrupulous
 tax companies that use local advertising and falsely claiming they can 
resolve unpaid taxes for pennies on the dollar.

"No one can get a better deal for taxpayers, than they can usually 
get for themselves by working directly with the IRS to resolve their tax
 issues," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Taxpayers can check 
online for their best deal, as well as calling a specialized collection 
line where they can get fast service by using voice and chat bots or 
opting to speak with a live phone assistor."

Offer in Compromise (OIC) "mills" make outlandish claims usually in 
local advertising regarding how they can settle a person's tax debt for 
pennies on the dollar. The reality usually is that taxpayers pay the OIC
 mill a fee to get the same deal they could have gotten on their own by 
working directly with the IRS.

The IRS has compiled the annual Dirty Dozen list for more than 20 
years as a way of alerting taxpayers and the tax professional community 
about scams and schemes. The list is not a legal document or a literal 
listing of agency enforcement priorities. It is designed to raise 
awareness among a variety of audiences that may not always be aware of 
developments involving tax administration.

OIC mills are a problem all year long but tend to be more visible 
right after the filing season is over and taxpayers are trying to 
resolve their tax issues perhaps after receiving a balance due notice in
 the mail.

For those who feel they need help, there are many reputable tax 
professionals available, and there are important tools that can help 
people find the right practitioner for their needs. IRS.gov is a good 
place to start scoping out what to do.

These "mills" contort the IRS program into something it's not — 
misleading people with no chance of meeting the requirements while 
charging excessive fees, often thousands of dollars.

An "offer," or OIC, is an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS 
that resolves the taxpayer's tax debt. The IRS has the authority to 
settle, or "compromise," federal tax liabilities by accepting less than 
full payment under certain circumstances. However, some promoters are 
inappropriately advising indebted taxpayers to file an OIC application 
with the IRS, even though the promoters know the person won't qualify. 
This costs honest taxpayers money and time.

Before taxpayers start investing time to do the paperwork necessary to submit an offer, they'll want to check out the IRS's <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/oic_pre_qualifier/">Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier Tool</a>
 to make sure they're eligible to file one. (Note: even though 
individuals and businesses can submit an offer, the tool is currently 
only available to individuals.)

The IRS also created an OIC video playlist that leads taxpayers 
through a series of steps and forms to help them calculate an 
appropriate offer based on their assets, income, expenses and future 
earning potential. Find these helpful, easy to navigate videos at <a href="https://www.irsvideos.gov/OIC">irsvideos.gov/oic</a>.

The IRS reminds taxpayers that under the First Time Penalty Abatement
 policy, taxpayers can go directly to the IRS for administrative relief 
from a penalty that would otherwise be added to their tax debt.

OIC mills are one example of unscrupulous tax preparers. Taxpayers 
should be wary of unscrupulous "ghost" preparers and aggressive promises
 of manufacturing a bigger refund.

Ghost preparers: Although most tax preparers are 
ethical and trustworthy, taxpayers should be wary of preparers who won't
 sign the tax returns they prepare, often referred to as ghost 
preparers. For e-filed returns, the "ghost" will prepare the return, but
 refuse to digitally sign as the paid preparer.

By law, anyone who is paid to prepare, or assists in preparing 
federal tax returns, must have a valid Preparer Tax Identification 
Number (PTIN). Paid preparers must sign and include their PTIN on the 
return.

Inflated refunds: Not signing a return is a red flag
 that the paid preparer may be looking to make a quick profit by 
promising a big refund or charging fees based on the size of the refund.

Unscrupulous tax return preparers may also:

Choose wisely. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">Choosing a Tax Professional page</a> on IRS.gov has information about tax preparer credentials and qualifications. The <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers</a> with Credentials and Select Qualifications can help identify many preparers by type of credential or qualification.

Taxpayers are legally responsible for what's on their tax return even if it is prepared by someone else.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;As the 6th item on the 2022 "Dirty Dozen" scams warning 
list, the Internal Revenue Service today cautioned taxpayers with 
pending tax bills to contact the IRS directly and not go to unscrupulous
 tax companies that use local advertising and falsely claiming they can 
resolve unpaid taxes for pennies on the dollar."No one can get a better deal for taxpayers, than they can usually 
get for themselves by working directly with the IRS to resolve their tax
 issues," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Taxpayers can check 
online for their best deal, as well as calling a specialized collection 
line where they can get fast service by using voice and chat bots or 
opting to speak with a live phone assistor."Offer in Compromise (OIC) "mills" make outlandish claims usually in 
local advertising regarding how they can settle a person's tax debt for 
pennies on the dollar. The reality usually is that taxpayers pay the OIC
 mill a fee to get the same deal they could have gotten on their own by 
working directly with the IRS.The IRS has compiled the annual Dirty Dozen list for more than 20 
years as a way of alerting taxpayers and the tax professional community 
about scams and schemes. The list is not a legal document or a literal 
listing of agency enforcement priorities. It is designed to raise 
awareness among a variety of audiences that may not always be aware of 
developments involving tax administration.OIC mills are a problem all year long but tend to be more visible 
right after the filing season is over and taxpayers are trying to 
resolve their tax issues perhaps after receiving a balance due notice in
 the mail.For those who feel they need help, there are many reputable tax 
professionals available, and there are important tools that can help 
people find the right practitioner for their needs. IRS.gov is a good 
place to start scoping out what to do.These "mills" contort the IRS program into something it's not — 
misleading people with no chance of meeting the requirements while 
charging excessive fees, often thousands of dollars.An "offer," or OIC, is an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS 
that resolves the taxpayer's tax debt. The IRS has the authority to 
settle, or "compromise," federal tax liabilities by accepting less than 
full payment under certain circumstances. However, some promoters are 
inappropriately advising indebted taxpayers to file an OIC application 
with the IRS, even though the promoters know the person won't qualify. 
This costs honest taxpayers money and time.Before taxpayers start investing time to do the paperwork necessary to submit an offer, they'll want to check out the IRS's <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/oic_pre_qualifier/">Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier Tool</a>
 to make sure they're eligible to file one. (Note: even though 
individuals and businesses can submit an offer, the tool is currently 
only available to individuals.)The IRS also created an OIC video playlist that leads taxpayers 
through a series of steps and forms to help them calculate an 
appropriate offer based on their assets, income, expenses and future 
earning potential. Find these helpful, easy to navigate videos at <a href="https://www.irsvideos.gov/OIC">irsvideos.gov/oic</a>.The IRS reminds taxpayers that under the First Time Penalty Abatement
 policy, taxpayers can go directly to the IRS for administrative relief 
from a penalty that would otherwise be added to their tax debt.OIC mills are one example of unscrupulous tax preparers. Taxpayers 
should be wary of unscrupulous "ghost" preparers and aggressive promises
 of manufacturing a bigger refund.Ghost preparers: Although most tax preparers are 
ethical and trustworthy, taxpayers should be wary of preparers who won't
 sign the tax returns they prepare, often referred to as ghost 
preparers. For e-filed returns, the "ghost" will prepare the return, but
 refuse to digitally sign as the paid preparer.By law, anyone who is paid to prepare, or assists in preparing 
federal tax returns, must have a valid Preparer Tax Identification 
Number (PTIN). Paid preparers must sign and include their PTIN on the 
return.Inflated refunds: Not signing a return is a red flag
 that the paid preparer may be looking to make a quick profit by 
promising a big refund or charging fees based on the size of the refund.Unscrupulous tax return preparers may also:<ul>
 <li>Require payment in cash only and will not provide a receipt.</li><li>Invent income to qualify their clients for tax credits.</li><li>Claim fake deductions to boost the size of the refund.</li><li>Direct refunds into their bank account, not the taxpayer's account.</li>
 </ul>Choose wisely. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">Choosing a Tax Professional page</a> on IRS.gov has information about tax preparer credentials and qualifications. The <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers</a> with Credentials and Select Qualifications can help identify many preparers by type of credential or qualification.Taxpayers are legally responsible for what's on their tax return even if it is prepared by someone else.

IRS: Avoid those 'pennies on the dollar' tax relief firms

GEARY COUNTY—A Kansas teen was injured in an accident during a police chase just before 1p.m. Thursday in Geary County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am driven by 15-year-old Kuis S. Sampson of Junction City was being pursued by law enforcement westbound on Interstate 70 at a high rate of speed and attempted to exit at Milford Lake Road

The driver could not maneuver the right turn on the exit and crashed down into the east ditch.

EMS transported a 15-year-old passenger identified as Lillith Morrison of Junction City to Geary Community Hospital. Sampson and two other 15-year-old female passengers were not injured. All four were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

GEARY COUNTY—A Kansas teen was injured in an accident during a police chase just before 1p.m. Thursday in Geary County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am driven by 15-year-old Kuis S. Sampson of Junction City was being pursued by law enforcement westbound on Interstate 70 at a high rate of speed and attempted to exit at Milford Lake RoadThe driver could not maneuver the right turn on the exit and crashed down into the east ditch.EMS transported a 15-year-old passenger identified as Lillith Morrison of Junction City to Geary Community Hospital. Sampson and two other 15-year-old female passengers were not injured. All four were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

15-year-old crashes car after high-speed chase on I-70 

Consumers reported losing over $1 billion to fraud 
involving cryptocurrencies from January 2021 through March 2022, 
according to a new analysis from the Federal Trade Commission. Fraud 
reports suggest cryptocurrency is quickly becoming the payment of choice
 for many scammers, with about one out of every four dollars reported 
lost to fraud paid in cryptocurrency.

The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2022/06/reports-show-scammers-cashing-crypto-craze">FTC’s latest Consumer Protection Data Spotlight</a>&nbsp;finds
 that most of the cryptocurrency losses consumers reported involved 
bogus cryptocurrency investment opportunities, which totaled $575 
million in reported losses since January 2021. These scams often falsely
 promise potential investors that they can earn huge returns by 
investing in their cryptocurrency schemes, but people report losing all 
the money they “invest.”

After cryptocurrency investment schemes, the next largest losses reported by consumers were on:

Reports suggest that cryptocurrency-related scams often 
begin on social media. Nearly half of consumers who reported a 
cryptocurrency related scam since 2021 said it started with an ad, post 
or message on a social media platform.

People ages 20 to 49 were more than three times as likely
 as older age groups to have reported losing money to a cryptocurrency 
scam. Older age groups, however, reported losing more money when they 
did report a cryptocurrency-related scam.

Some of the red flags consumers should watch out for include:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCConsumers reported losing over $1 billion to fraud 
involving cryptocurrencies from January 2021 through March 2022, 
according to a new analysis from the Federal Trade Commission. Fraud 
reports suggest cryptocurrency is quickly becoming the payment of choice
 for many scammers, with about one out of every four dollars reported 
lost to fraud paid in cryptocurrency.The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2022/06/reports-show-scammers-cashing-crypto-craze">FTC’s latest Consumer Protection Data Spotlight</a>&nbsp;finds
 that most of the cryptocurrency losses consumers reported involved 
bogus cryptocurrency investment opportunities, which totaled $575 
million in reported losses since January 2021. These scams often falsely
 promise potential investors that they can earn huge returns by 
investing in their cryptocurrency schemes, but people report losing all 
the money they “invest.”After cryptocurrency investment schemes, the next largest losses reported by consumers were on:<ul>
 <li>Romance Scams: These often involve a love interest who tries to entice someone into investing in what turns out to be a cryptocurrency scam. </li><li>Business and Government Impersonation Scams: 
Reports show these scammers often target consumers by claiming their 
money is at risk because of fraud or a government investigation and the 
only way to protect their cash is by converting it to cryptocurrency.</li>
 </ul>Reports suggest that cryptocurrency-related scams often 
begin on social media. Nearly half of consumers who reported a 
cryptocurrency related scam since 2021 said it started with an ad, post 
or message on a social media platform.People ages 20 to 49 were more than three times as likely
 as older age groups to have reported losing money to a cryptocurrency 
scam. Older age groups, however, reported losing more money when they 
did report a cryptocurrency-related scam.Some of the red flags consumers should watch out for include:<ul>
 <li>anyone who claims they can guarantee profits or big returns by investing in cryptocurrency;</li><li>people who require you to buy or pay in cryptocurrency; and</li><li>a love interest who wants to show you how to invest in cryptocurrency or to send them cryptocurrency.</li>
 </ul>

Reports; Consumers lost more than $1B to crypto scams since 2021

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged arson.

Just after noon Wednesday, police&nbsp;responded to a disturbance at a residence in the 1100 block Parallel in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 Clothing belonging to a 30-year-old victim had been burned and furniture had been damaged.

Police arrested 34-year-old Daniel A. Etim, 34, Atchison, on requested charges of arson and criminal damage to property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654179907960.png" alt="Etin-Photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Etin-Photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged arson.Just after noon Wednesday, police&nbsp;responded to a disturbance at a residence in the 1100 block Parallel in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. Clothing belonging to a 30-year-old victim had been burned and furniture had been damaged.Police arrested 34-year-old Daniel A. Etim, 34, Atchison, on requested charges of arson and criminal damage to property.

Kan. man accused of burning victim's clothes, furniture

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City-area police association has pulled the plug on its plan to raffle off an AR-15 rifle in the wake of recent mass shootings.

The Belton Police Athletic Association had planned to raffle off the gun as part of its annual fundraiser supporting an anti-drug education program in schools in the community about 20 miles south of Kansas City.

Organizers said the decision to include the rifle in this year’s event was made months ago — before a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uvalde-school-shooting-texas-shootings-269e29c931877db88b70cdf4c461ab10">gunman killed 19 students and two teachers</a>&nbsp;last week at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, and before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-supermarket-shooting-politics-shootings-indictments-1ce595dbd268f0d6550c2dee2652b38e">a May 14 racist attack at a Buffalo, New York, supermarket</a>&nbsp;that killed 10 people. Police say both shooters had AR-15-style rifles.

“After recent tragic events, the Belton Police Athletic Association decided that it would be inappropriate to continue with the raffle as planned,” the association said in a statement posted Wednesday to the Belton Police Department's Facebook page.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City-area police association has pulled the plug on its plan to raffle off an AR-15 rifle in the wake of recent mass shootings.The Belton Police Athletic Association had planned to raffle off the gun as part of its annual fundraiser supporting an anti-drug education program in schools in the community about 20 miles south of Kansas City.Organizers said the decision to include the rifle in this year’s event was made months ago — before a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uvalde-school-shooting-texas-shootings-269e29c931877db88b70cdf4c461ab10">gunman killed 19 students and two teachers</a>&nbsp;last week at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, and before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-supermarket-shooting-politics-shootings-indictments-1ce595dbd268f0d6550c2dee2652b38e">a May 14 racist attack at a Buffalo, New York, supermarket</a>&nbsp;that killed 10 people. Police say both shooters had AR-15-style rifles.“After recent tragic events, the Belton Police Athletic Association decided that it would be inappropriate to continue with the raffle as planned,” the association said in a statement posted Wednesday to the Belton Police Department's Facebook page.

KC-area police group pulls plug on raffle of AR-15 rifle

GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the Deputy Chief of&nbsp;<a href="https://home.army.mil/riley/index.php/about/dir-staff/directorate-emergency-services/law-enforcement" target="_blank">Police for Fort Rile</a>y for alleged&nbsp;domestic battery.

Just after 4:30p.m. Monday, police arrested 51-year-old Shannon Wilson at his home in Wakefield, according to&nbsp;Steve Elstrom, Director of Public Affairs with Fort Riley.

Wilson was booked into the Clay Co. Jail on a requested charge of domestic battery, according to the sheriff's department and is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Wilson has been employed as a Department of the Army Civilian employee since 2014. He has been Deputy Chief since 2016. 

During the investigation, Wilson has been assigned duties without law enforcement authority.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654201233117.png" alt="Wilson-photo Clay County" />
 <figcaption>Wilson-photo Clay County</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the Deputy Chief of&nbsp;<a href="https://home.army.mil/riley/index.php/about/dir-staff/directorate-emergency-services/law-enforcement" target="_blank">Police for Fort Rile</a>y for alleged&nbsp;domestic battery.Just after 4:30p.m. Monday, police arrested 51-year-old Shannon Wilson at his home in Wakefield, according to&nbsp;Steve Elstrom, Director of Public Affairs with Fort Riley.Wilson was booked into the Clay Co. Jail on a requested charge of domestic battery, according to the sheriff's department and is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.Wilson has been employed as a Department of the Army Civilian employee since 2014. He has been Deputy Chief since 2016. During the investigation, Wilson has been assigned duties without law enforcement authority.

Fort Riley Deputy Chief of Police accused of domestic battery

WASHINGTON (AP) — A House panel advanced legislation Thursday that would raise the age limit for purchasing a semi-automatic rifle from 18 to 21 as Democrats moved quickly to put their stamp on gun legislation in response to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uvalde-school-shooting-politics-texas-shootings-e3975aebf393ca7c122cc117d29059c4">mass shootings in Texas</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-supermarket-shooting-politics-shootings-indictments-1ce595dbd268f0d6550c2dee2652b38e">New York</a>&nbsp;by assailants who used such weapons to kill 31 people, including 19 children.

The vote came as President Joe Biden gave a prime-time speech about the shootings and told Americans, “Let’s hear the call and the cry, let’s meet the moment, let us finally do something.”

Partisan positions were clear at the Judiciary Committee hearing, which lasted more than nine hours. In addition to raising the age limit for purchasing semi-automatic rifles, the bill also would make it a federal offense to import, manufacture or possess large-capacity magazines and would create a grant program to buy back such magazines.

It also builds on the administration’s executive action banning fast-action “bump-stock” devices and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-bureau-of-alcohol-tobacco-firearms-and-explosives-gun-politics-5f0f26cdb5d3bcbc6f9c5daf471c118d">“ghost guns”</a>&nbsp;that are assembled without serial numbers.

The final vote to advance the bill was 25-19, with Democrats accounting for all the yes votes and Republicans accounting for all the no votes.

The Democratic legislation, called the Protecting Our Kids Act, was quickly added to the legislative docket after last week’s school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., promised in a letter to Democratic colleagues Thursday that the House will vote on the measure next week, and she promised other votes in the weeks ahead, including on a bill to to create an Amber Alert-style notification during a mass shooting. Pelosi also pledged a hearing on a bill banning military-style semiautomatic rifles.

But with Republicans nearly all in opposition, the House action will mostly be symbolic, merely putting lawmakers on record about gun control ahead of this year’s elections. The Senate is taking a different course, with a bipartisan group&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-gun-politics-0a290e15634cf11aa0faa53ed44caeb0">striving toward a compromise</a>&nbsp;on gun safety legislation that can win enough GOP support to become law. Those talks are making “rapid progress,” according to Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, one of the Republican negotiators.

Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, defended his chamber’s proposals as popular with most Americans. He dismissed Republican criticism.

“You say that it is too soon to take action? That we are ‘politicizing’ these tragedies to enact new policies?” Nadler said. “It has been 23 years since Columbine. Fifteen years since Virginia Tech. Ten years since Sandy Hook. Seven years since Charleston. Four years since Parkland and Santa Fe and Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh.”

“Too soon? My friends, what the hell are you waiting for?”

Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, the top Republican on the committee, said no one wants another tragedy. But he insisted the House bill would do nothing to stop mass shootings.

“We need to get serious about understanding why this keeps happening. Democrats are always fixated on curtailing the rights of law-abiding citizens rather than trying to understand why this evil happens,” Jordan said. “Until we figure out the why, we will always mourn losses without facing the problem. Our job is to figure out the why.”

A chief feature of the House bill requires those buying semi-automatic weapons to be at least 21. Only six states require someone to be at least 21 years old to buy rifles and shotguns. The shooters in Uvalde and Buffalo, New York, both were 18 and used an AR-15-style weapon.

Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., said that it should be a red flag when an 18-year-old wants to buy “an assault weapon.”

“That’s what they want on their 18th birthday is an assault weapon? They’ve got a problem, which means we’ve got a problem, which means those 19 kids and their parents and those two teachers have a problem, forever,” Cohen said, referring to the victims in Uvalde.

Rep. Dan Bishop, R-N.C., pointed to a U.S. appeals court ruling last month, however, that found California’s ban on the sale of semiautomatic weapons to adults under 21 unconstitutional.

“I can tell you this, and let me be clear, you are not going to bully your way to stripping Americans of fundamental rights,” Bishop said.

The hearing featured emotional pleas from Democratic lawmakers for Congress to respond to the mass shootings after years of gridlock on gun issues, one of the most riveting coming from Rep. Lucy McBath of Georgia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654192080985.png" alt="Texas Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee during Thursday's hearing" />
 <figcaption>Texas Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee during Thursday's hearing</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A House panel advanced legislation Thursday that would raise the age limit for purchasing a semi-automatic rifle from 18 to 21 as Democrats moved quickly to put their stamp on gun legislation in response to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uvalde-school-shooting-politics-texas-shootings-e3975aebf393ca7c122cc117d29059c4">mass shootings in Texas</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-supermarket-shooting-politics-shootings-indictments-1ce595dbd268f0d6550c2dee2652b38e">New York</a>&nbsp;by assailants who used such weapons to kill 31 people, including 19 children.The vote came as President Joe Biden gave a prime-time speech about the shootings and told Americans, “Let’s hear the call and the cry, let’s meet the moment, let us finally do something.”Partisan positions were clear at the Judiciary Committee hearing, which lasted more than nine hours. In addition to raising the age limit for purchasing semi-automatic rifles, the bill also would make it a federal offense to import, manufacture or possess large-capacity magazines and would create a grant program to buy back such magazines.It also builds on the administration’s executive action banning fast-action “bump-stock” devices and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-bureau-of-alcohol-tobacco-firearms-and-explosives-gun-politics-5f0f26cdb5d3bcbc6f9c5daf471c118d">“ghost guns”</a>&nbsp;that are assembled without serial numbers.The final vote to advance the bill was 25-19, with Democrats accounting for all the yes votes and Republicans accounting for all the no votes.The Democratic legislation, called the Protecting Our Kids Act, was quickly added to the legislative docket after last week’s school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., promised in a letter to Democratic colleagues Thursday that the House will vote on the measure next week, and she promised other votes in the weeks ahead, including on a bill to to create an Amber Alert-style notification during a mass shooting. Pelosi also pledged a hearing on a bill banning military-style semiautomatic rifles.But with Republicans nearly all in opposition, the House action will mostly be symbolic, merely putting lawmakers on record about gun control ahead of this year’s elections. The Senate is taking a different course, with a bipartisan group&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-gun-politics-0a290e15634cf11aa0faa53ed44caeb0">striving toward a compromise</a>&nbsp;on gun safety legislation that can win enough GOP support to become law. Those talks are making “rapid progress,” according to Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, one of the Republican negotiators.Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, defended his chamber’s proposals as popular with most Americans. He dismissed Republican criticism.“You say that it is too soon to take action? That we are ‘politicizing’ these tragedies to enact new policies?” Nadler said. “It has been 23 years since Columbine. Fifteen years since Virginia Tech. Ten years since Sandy Hook. Seven years since Charleston. Four years since Parkland and Santa Fe and Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh.”“Too soon? My friends, what the hell are you waiting for?”Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, the top Republican on the committee, said no one wants another tragedy. But he insisted the House bill would do nothing to stop mass shootings.“We need to get serious about understanding why this keeps happening. Democrats are always fixated on curtailing the rights of law-abiding citizens rather than trying to understand why this evil happens,” Jordan said. “Until we figure out the why, we will always mourn losses without facing the problem. Our job is to figure out the why.”A chief feature of the House bill requires those buying semi-automatic weapons to be at least 21. Only six states require someone to be at least 21 years old to buy rifles and shotguns. The shooters in Uvalde and Buffalo, New York, both were 18 and used an AR-15-style weapon.Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., said that it should be a red flag when an 18-year-old wants to buy “an assault weapon.”“That’s what they want on their 18th birthday is an assault weapon? They’ve got a problem, which means we’ve got a problem, which means those 19 kids and their parents and those two teachers have a problem, forever,” Cohen said, referring to the victims in Uvalde.Rep. Dan Bishop, R-N.C., pointed to a U.S. appeals court ruling last month, however, that found California’s ban on the sale of semiautomatic weapons to adults under 21 unconstitutional.“I can tell you this, and let me be clear, you are not going to bully your way to stripping Americans of fundamental rights,” Bishop said.The hearing featured emotional pleas from Democratic lawmakers for Congress to respond to the mass shootings after years of gridlock on gun issues, one of the most riveting coming from Rep. Lucy McBath of Georgia.She recalled how her son, Jordan, was shot and killed at a gas station by a man who complained about the loud music he was listening to. She said she dreams of who he would have become. She said racial bias led to his death and those of 10 Black Americans in Buffalo last month and is “being replayed with casual callousness and despicable frequency” in the United States.“We all understand that the murder of our children cannot continue,” McBath said. “And we have solutions that a majority of American people believe in. They are common-sense compromises that will keep American children alive.”Several lawmakers participated in the hearing remotely, including Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., who brandished various pistols in arguing that the bill’s provision banning large-capacity magazines of more than 10 rounds amounted to stopping law-abiding citizens from purchasing guns of their choice.When Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, remarked that she hoped one of the guns Steube was holding was not loaded, Steube replied, “I’m in my house, I can do whatever I want with my guns.” It was one of several pointed exchanges during the hearing.Any legislative response to the Uvalde and Buffalo shootings will have to get through the evenly divided Senate, where support from at least 10 Republicans would be needed to advance the measure to a final vote. A group of senators has been working privately this week in hopes of finding a consensus.Ideas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uvalde-school-shooting-texas-buffalo-united-states-gun-politics-ab8294ecb4b8f3c6fdc8761d8581ce7e">under discussion</a>&nbsp;include expanding background checks for gun purchases and incentivizing red-flag laws that allow family members, school officials and others to go into court and secure orders requiring the police to seize guns from people considered threats to themselves or others.--------