PAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man accused of passing a forged payroll check at a bank in Larned made another court appearance in the case Wednesday.

Adam Collinge, 42 of Topeka,&nbsp;is charged with Forgery and Theft by Deception of at least $1,500, but less than $25,00, according to Pawnee County Attorney County Doug McNett.

The charges stem from an allegation that on or about January 20, 2022, the defendant passed at a forged payroll check at a bank in Larned, Kansas.

During the preliminary hearing on April 26th, Collinge asked the Court to remove appointed attorney, waived his right to counsel, and demanded the Court proceed with an immediate Preliminary Hearing. 

The Magistrate granted the requests. The State offered testimony that the defendant presented payroll checks for a Lawrence based business to four separate bank branches in Central Kansas. 

It was later determined Collinge had never been employed by the business. Collinge testified on his own behalf at the hearing and advised the Court that he had been picked up by two unknown men in Topeka and offered construction work in Western Kansas. 

When they arrived in Central Kansas, he was told all they needed him to do was cash checks. He testified he was paid $200 for each check cashed. He further testified he was told the excess money was going to be used to pay undocumented workers who had actually performed the discussed construction work.

New counsel was subsequently appointed for the defendant. On the advice of counsel, the defendant did not respond when asked how he wished to plead. Accordingly, the court entered a Not Guilty plea on defendant’s behalf. A Pretrial Hearing has been scheduled for July 21, according to McNett.

Following the Arraignment, the Court granted the defendant’s request for a supervised bond release. He remains subject to a hold from Rush County. He faces similar charges in Rush and Barton County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654102566248.png" alt="Collinge-photo Pawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Collinge-photo Pawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man accused of passing a forged payroll check at a bank in Larned made another court appearance in the case Wednesday.Adam Collinge, 42 of Topeka,&nbsp;is charged with Forgery and Theft by Deception of at least $1,500, but less than $25,00, according to Pawnee County Attorney County Doug McNett.The charges stem from an allegation that on or about January 20, 2022, the defendant passed at a forged payroll check at a bank in Larned, Kansas.During the preliminary hearing on April 26th, Collinge asked the Court to remove appointed attorney, waived his right to counsel, and demanded the Court proceed with an immediate Preliminary Hearing. The Magistrate granted the requests. The State offered testimony that the defendant presented payroll checks for a Lawrence based business to four separate bank branches in Central Kansas. It was later determined Collinge had never been employed by the business. Collinge testified on his own behalf at the hearing and advised the Court that he had been picked up by two unknown men in Topeka and offered construction work in Western Kansas. When they arrived in Central Kansas, he was told all they needed him to do was cash checks. He testified he was paid $200 for each check cashed. He further testified he was told the excess money was going to be used to pay undocumented workers who had actually performed the discussed construction work.New counsel was subsequently appointed for the defendant. On the advice of counsel, the defendant did not respond when asked how he wished to plead. Accordingly, the court entered a Not Guilty plea on defendant’s behalf. A Pretrial Hearing has been scheduled for July 21, according to McNett.Following the Arraignment, the Court granted the defendant’s request for a supervised bond release. He remains subject to a hold from Rush County. He faces similar charges in Rush and Barton County.

Kan. man allegedly tried to cash forged payroll check at 4 banks

By ARIANA FIGUEROA <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/what-gun-control-proposals-will-the-u-s-house-consider-heres-the-list/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — Democrats on the 
U.S. House Judiciary Committee have unveiled a gun control legislative 
package that they plan to mark up Thursday morning.

&nbsp;(Watch the House Judiciary markup&nbsp;9a.m. CDT)

The package, named the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://docs.house.gov/meetings/JU/JU00/20220602/114852/BILLS-117HRih.pdf">Protecting Our Kids Act</a>,
 is made up of eight bills related to gun control, all first introduced 
in 2021 by Democratic lawmakers. Only one had any Republican 
co-sponsors, and it’s unlikely the package will find much GOP support.

Horrific mass shootings this month in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, 
Texas have propelled the White House and Democrats to push for some type
 of gun control legislation. While this package will likely pass the 
House, it’s expected to go nowhere in the evenly divided Senate.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.virginiamercury.com/2022/06/01/gun-control-bills-to-be-taken-up-by-u-s-house-panel-in-emergency-meeting/">A small group of bipartisan senators</a>&nbsp;is working on some type of gun control legislation, but no bill has been unveiled.

None of the bills to be debated in the House would ban assault-style 
weapons, which were used in the New York and Texas shootings. One 
measure does bar the purchase of certain semiautomatic rifles by anyone 
under the age of 21. Others deal with gun trafficking, gun storage and 
so-called ghost guns.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, a Maryland Democrat,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/LeaderHoyer/status/1529541327930773506">said</a>&nbsp;on Twitter that the House separately will take up Georgia Democratic Rep. Lucy McBath’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mcbath.house.gov/2021/10/legislation-led-by-mcbath-to-enact-federal-red-flag-laws-passes-house-committee">“red flag” bill</a>&nbsp;this
 month.&nbsp;Red flag laws allow the courts or law enforcement to temporarily
 remove a firearm from an individual who is adjudged to pose a threat to
 themselves or others.

Here are the eight bills combined in the House Judiciary package:

Bill:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr3015/BILLS-117hr3015ih.pdf">H.R.3015:&nbsp;Raise&nbsp;the&nbsp;Age&nbsp;Act</a>

Introduced by Rep. Anthony Brown, Democrat of Maryland.

This bill would prohibit the sale of certain semiautomatic rifles to 
anyone under 21. Currently, a person needs to be 18 to purchase one.

There are exceptions under the bill. They would include members of 
the armed forces or a full-time employee of the U.S. government who is 
authorized to carry a firearm.

This bill had two Republican co-sponsors, Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Adam Kinzinger of Illinois.

Bill:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr2280/BILLS-117hr2280ih.pdf">H.R. 2280: Prevent Gun Trafficking Act</a>

Introduced by Rep. Robin Kelly, Democrat of Illinois.

This bill would establish a new federal penalty for gun trafficking, 
which could range from a fine to up to 10 years in prison. The bill also
 allows for the seizure of firearms and ammunition involved in the 
offense.

It would also be “unlawful to sell or dispose of a firearm or 
ammunition to any person knowing or having reason to believe that the 
person intends to sell or dispose of the firearm in violation of a 
federal law, or to sell or dispose of the firearm to a person in another
 state in violation of that state’s law.”

This measure had no Republican co-sponsors.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr3088/BILLS-117hr3088ih.pdf">Bill: H.R. 3088: The Untraceable Firearms Act</a>

Introduced by Rep. David Cicilline, Democrat of Rhode Island.

This bill aims to curb ghost guns, which are&nbsp;homemade guns that lack a
 serial number, making it difficult for law enforcement to trace the 
owner of the weapon if it’s found at a crime scene.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/04/11/doj-rule-cracks-down-on-untraceable-firearms-known-as-ghost-guns/">The Biden administration directed the Justice Department</a>&nbsp;to issue a final rule to ban manufacturers from making ghost gun kits.

The measure would require that all firearms need to be traceable, 
including guns that are made with a 3D printer. Only gun manufacturers 
are allowed to issue a serial number for a firearm, according to the 
bill.

In terms of penalties, a first violation of this law would result in a
 fine, no more than a year in prison, or both. If there is a repeat 
offense, a person would be fined, serve up to five years in prison, or 
both.

Bill:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr748/BILLS-117hr748ih.pdf">H.R. 748: Ethan’s Law&nbsp;</a>

Introduced by Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Democrat of Connecticut.

This bill aims to regulate the storage of firearms, particularly in 
homes with children, by setting federal, state and tribal requirements. 
The bill establishes “requirements for firearms on residential premises 
to be safely stored if a minor is likely to gain access without 
permission or if a resident is ineligible to possess a firearm.”

A person could be fined up to $500, per violation, and if a minor or 
someone who does not possess a firearm obtains a firearm in the home and
 is injured or causes injury, the person to whom the firearm belongs can
 be fined, imprisoned for up to five years, or both.

There were no Republican co-sponsors to this bill.

Bill:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr748/BILLS-117hr748ih.pdf">H.R. 6370: The Safe Guns, Safe Kids Act&nbsp;</a>

Introduced by Rep. Elissa Slotkin, Democrat of Michigan.

This bill would establish federal requirements for the storage of 
firearms on residential properties. The bill would make it unlawful if a
 person who has a firearm “knows, or reasonably should know, that a 
minor is likely to gain access to the firearm without the permission of 
the parent or guardian,” and if “a minor obtains the firearm and uses 
the firearm in the commission of a crime or causes injury or death to 
such minor, or any other individual.”

There were no Democratic or Republican co-sponsors for this bill.

Bill:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/130/text?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22H.R.+130%22%2C%22H.R.%22%2C%22130%22%5D%7D&amp;r=1&amp;s=3&amp;format=txt">H.R. 130: The Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act&nbsp;</a>

Introduced by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Democrat of Texas.

This bill would establish federal requirements for firearms and 
ammunition on residential properties by requiring firearms and 
ammunition to be safely stored if a minor is likely to gain access 
without permission to the firearm.

The firearms would need to be secured, unloaded and separated in a 
safe and locked, or the firearms would need to be off the residential 
property and stored at a storage facility or gun range. The bill would 
also require those safes and storage facilities to be certified by the 
Department of Justice.

If someone violates this law in connection with a civil charge, and 
there is no discharge of the firearm, they can be fined up to $5,000.

If someone violates this law in a criminal action, and there is a 
discharge of the firearm, they would be fined a minimum of $50,000 and 
no more than $100,000, imprisoned for no more than 20 years, or both.

Bill:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr5427/BILLS-117hr5427ih.pdf">H.R. 5427: Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act&nbsp;</a>

Introduced by Rep. Dina Titus, Democrat of Nevada.

This bill would classify bump stocks as machine guns and require them
 to be registered under the National Firearms Act and prevents the 
manufacture, sale, or possession of new bump stocks for civilian use.

A bump stock&nbsp;allows “a semiautomatic firearm to shoot more than one 
shot with a single pull of the trigger by harnessing the recoil energy 
of the semiautomatic firearm to which it is affixed so that the trigger 
resets and continues firing without additional physical manipulation of 
the trigger by the shooter,” according to the Bureau of Alcohol, 
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Bill:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr2510/BILLS-117hr2510ih.pdf">H.R. 2510: The Keep Americans Safe Act&nbsp;</a>

Introduced by Rep. Ted Deutch, Democrat of Florida.

This bill would make it unlawful for the import, sale, manufacture, 
transfer or possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, 
which can be a&nbsp;magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, or similar device that 
has a capacity of more than 10 rounds of ammunition. However, the bill 
allows existing magazines to be “grandfathered” in, so they can still be
 held in possession, but prohibits the sale or transfer of 
“grandfathered” large capacity ammunition feeding devices.

This bill also allows for the use of&nbsp;&nbsp;funds from the Edward Byrne 
Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program&nbsp;for buy-back programs for such
 devices.&nbsp;Individuals who surrender a LCAFD under a buy-back program 
receive compensation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654174364797.png" alt="The House Judiciary Committee debates and votes on a package of gun control proposal Thursday -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>The House Judiciary Committee debates and votes on a package of gun control proposal Thursday -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By ARIANA FIGUEROA <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/what-gun-control-proposals-will-the-u-s-house-consider-heres-the-list/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — Democrats on the 
U.S. House Judiciary Committee have unveiled a gun control legislative 
package that they plan to mark up Thursday morning.&nbsp;(Watch the House Judiciary markup&nbsp;9a.m. CDT)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ImbwUgI7Ad4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The package, named the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://docs.house.gov/meetings/JU/JU00/20220602/114852/BILLS-117HRih.pdf">Protecting Our Kids Act</a>,
 is made up of eight bills related to gun control, all first introduced 
in 2021 by Democratic lawmakers. Only one had any Republican 
co-sponsors, and it’s unlikely the package will find much GOP support.Horrific mass shootings this month in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, 
Texas have propelled the White House and Democrats to push for some type
 of gun control legislation. While this package will likely pass the 
House, it’s expected to go nowhere in the evenly divided Senate.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.virginiamercury.com/2022/06/01/gun-control-bills-to-be-taken-up-by-u-s-house-panel-in-emergency-meeting/">A small group of bipartisan senators</a>&nbsp;is working on some type of gun control legislation, but no bill has been unveiled.None of the bills to be debated in the House would ban assault-style 
weapons, which were used in the New York and Texas shootings. One 
measure does bar the purchase of certain semiautomatic rifles by anyone 
under the age of 21. Others deal with gun trafficking, gun storage and 
so-called ghost guns.House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, a Maryland Democrat,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/LeaderHoyer/status/1529541327930773506">said</a>&nbsp;on Twitter that the House separately will take up Georgia Democratic Rep. Lucy McBath’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mcbath.house.gov/2021/10/legislation-led-by-mcbath-to-enact-federal-red-flag-laws-passes-house-committee">“red flag” bill</a>&nbsp;this
 month.&nbsp;Red flag laws allow the courts or law enforcement to temporarily
 remove a firearm from an individual who is adjudged to pose a threat to
 themselves or others.<h2>Here are the eight bills combined in the House Judiciary package:</h2>Bill:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr3015/BILLS-117hr3015ih.pdf">H.R.3015:&nbsp;Raise&nbsp;the&nbsp;Age&nbsp;Act</a>Introduced by Rep. Anthony Brown, Democrat of Maryland.This bill would prohibit the sale of certain semiautomatic rifles to 
anyone under 21. Currently, a person needs to be 18 to purchase one.There are exceptions under the bill. They would include members of 
the armed forces or a full-time employee of the U.S. government who is 
authorized to carry a firearm.This bill had two Republican co-sponsors, Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Adam Kinzinger of Illinois.Bill:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr2280/BILLS-117hr2280ih.pdf">H.R. 2280: Prevent Gun Trafficking Act</a>Introduced by Rep. Robin Kelly, Democrat of Illinois.This bill would establish a new federal penalty for gun trafficking, 
which could range from a fine to up to 10 years in prison. The bill also
 allows for the seizure of firearms and ammunition involved in the 
offense.It would also be “unlawful to sell or dispose of a firearm or 
ammunition to any person knowing or having reason to believe that the 
person intends to sell or dispose of the firearm in violation of a 
federal law, or to sell or dispose of the firearm to a person in another
 state in violation of that state’s law.”This measure had no Republican co-sponsors.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr3088/BILLS-117hr3088ih.pdf">Bill: H.R. 3088: The Untraceable Firearms Act</a>Introduced by Rep. David Cicilline, Democrat of Rhode Island.This bill aims to curb ghost guns, which are&nbsp;homemade guns that lack a
 serial number, making it difficult for law enforcement to trace the 
owner of the weapon if it’s found at a crime scene.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/04/11/doj-rule-cracks-down-on-untraceable-firearms-known-as-ghost-guns/">The Biden administration directed the Justice Department</a>&nbsp;to issue a final rule to ban manufacturers from making ghost gun kits.The measure would require that all firearms need to be traceable, 
including guns that are made with a 3D printer. Only gun manufacturers 
are allowed to issue a serial number for a firearm, according to the 
bill.In terms of penalties, a first violation of this law would result in a
 fine, no more than a year in prison, or both. If there is a repeat 
offense, a person would be fined, serve up to five years in prison, or 
both.This bill had no Republican co-sponsors.Bill:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr748/BILLS-117hr748ih.pdf">H.R. 748: Ethan’s Law&nbsp;</a>Introduced by Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Democrat of Connecticut.This bill aims to regulate the storage of firearms, particularly in 
homes with children, by setting federal, state and tribal requirements. 
The bill establishes “requirements for firearms on residential premises 
to be safely stored if a minor is likely to gain access without 
permission or if a resident is ineligible to possess a firearm.”A person could be fined up to $500, per violation, and if a minor or 
someone who does not possess a firearm obtains a firearm in the home and
 is injured or causes injury, the person to whom the firearm belongs can
 be fined, imprisoned for up to five years, or both.There were no Republican co-sponsors to this bill.Bill:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr748/BILLS-117hr748ih.pdf">H.R. 6370: The Safe Guns, Safe Kids Act&nbsp;</a>Introduced by Rep. Elissa Slotkin, Democrat of Michigan.This bill would establish federal requirements for the storage of 
firearms on residential properties. The bill would make it unlawful if a
 person who has a firearm “knows, or reasonably should know, that a 
minor is likely to gain access to the firearm without the permission of 
the parent or guardian,” and if “a minor obtains the firearm and uses 
the firearm in the commission of a crime or causes injury or death to 
such minor, or any other individual.”There were no Democratic or Republican co-sponsors for this bill.Bill:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/130/text?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22H.R.+130%22%2C%22H.R.%22%2C%22130%22%5D%7D&amp;r=1&amp;s=3&amp;format=txt">H.R. 130: The Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act&nbsp;</a>Introduced by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Democrat of Texas.This bill would establish federal requirements for firearms and 
ammunition on residential properties by requiring firearms and 
ammunition to be safely stored if a minor is likely to gain access 
without permission to the firearm.The firearms would need to be secured, unloaded and separated in a 
safe and locked, or the firearms would need to be off the residential 
property and stored at a storage facility or gun range. The bill would 
also require those safes and storage facilities to be certified by the 
Department of Justice.If someone violates this law in connection with a civil charge, and 
there is no discharge of the firearm, they can be fined up to $5,000.If someone violates this law in a criminal action, and there is a 
discharge of the firearm, they would be fined a minimum of $50,000 and 
no more than $100,000, imprisoned for no more than 20 years, or both.There were no Republican co-sponsors to this bill.Bill:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr5427/BILLS-117hr5427ih.pdf">H.R. 5427: Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act&nbsp;</a>Introduced by Rep. Dina Titus, Democrat of Nevada.This bill would classify bump stocks as machine guns and require them
 to be registered under the National Firearms Act and prevents the 
manufacture, sale, or possession of new bump stocks for civilian use.A bump stock&nbsp;allows “a semiautomatic firearm to shoot more than one 
shot with a single pull of the trigger by harnessing the recoil energy 
of the semiautomatic firearm to which it is affixed so that the trigger 
resets and continues firing without additional physical manipulation of 
the trigger by the shooter,” according to the Bureau of Alcohol, 
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.There were no Republican co-sponsors to this bill.Bill:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr2510/BILLS-117hr2510ih.pdf">H.R. 2510: The Keep Americans Safe Act&nbsp;</a>Introduced by Rep. Ted Deutch, Democrat of Florida.This bill would make it unlawful for the import, sale, manufacture, 
transfer or possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, 
which can be a&nbsp;magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, or similar device that 
has a capacity of more than 10 rounds of ammunition. However, the bill 
allows existing magazines to be “grandfathered” in, so they can still be
 held in possession, but prohibits the sale or transfer of 
“grandfathered” large capacity ammunition feeding devices.This bill also allows for the use of&nbsp;&nbsp;funds from the Edward Byrne 
Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program&nbsp;for buy-back programs for such
 devices.&nbsp;Individuals who surrender a LCAFD under a buy-back program 
receive compensation.There were no Republican co-sponsors to this bill.

🎥 The gun control proposals the U.S. House will consider 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday said he was not briefed on the prospect of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baby-formula-shortage-what-to-know-735cef06e68ed9c5a46233bdfcf0573d">nationwide shortages</a>&nbsp;of infant formula for about two months, and he acknowledged the strain on families as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/formula/index.html" target="_blank">his administration struggles to address the situation.</a>

Yet company executives at a meeting Biden hosted from the White House told the president that they knew the substantial impact that the shutdown of a major production plant in February would have on the U.S. supply almost immediately.

“They did, but I didn’t,” Biden told reporters later, saying he was not made aware of the severity until early April.

The delay, unexplained by Biden or White House aides, undercut the administration’s efforts to demonstrate that he has been on top of a problem that has compounded stress and economic difficulties for families with young children at a time when Americans are already struggling with Inflation.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre insisted that the administration began working to address the crisis within days of the plant’s closure, but could not explain the delay in raising the issue to Biden. She acknowledged that he is “frustrated” by the situation.

“We have been doing this whole of government approach since the recall,” she said. “We have been working on this for months, for months. We have been taking this incredibly seriously.”

In recent weeks the government has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-government-and-politics-53857b4ba1006a8bf85caad251517f4c">imported foreign supplies</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-government-and-politics-df586c2e52b5e5865ea9f8091d4d1f80">used the Defense Production Act</a>&nbsp;to speed domestic production of infant formula. But those steps did not begin until mid-May, once retailers began rationing supplies and store shelves were emptying.

“There’s nothing more stressful than feeling you can’t get what your child needs,” Biden said, adding that as a “father and a grandfather,” he understands how difficult the shortages have been for parents and their children.

Jean-Pierre said Biden was satisfied with how the Food and Drug Administration has handled the response, though the agency itself has promised to conduct and after-action review of what it described as a deficient effort.

The agency’s response was “too slow and there were decisions that were suboptimal along the way,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-robert-califf-cce94aeeb3b53af5617d32086df01410">FDA Commissioner Robert Califf told lawmakers last week.</a>

Biden hosted the roundtable with leaders of manufacturers ByHeart, Bubs Australia, Reckitt, Perrigo Co. and Gerber. Notably absence was Abbott Nutrition, whose Michigan plant was shut down in February over safety concerns, leading to the domestic shortage. The White House did not explain why Abbott was not included.

The meeting Wednesday was a chance to provide an update on what the administration is calling “Operation Fly Formula” to import formula and to use the Korean War-era production law to require suppliers to prioritize their orders in a bid to ease bottlenecks.

The White House announced the third and fourth round of formula shipments from overseas would begin next week, from producer Kendamil in Britain and from Bubs Australia.

The shipments would bring Kendamil formula from Heathrow Airport in London to U.S. airports over a three-week period, starting June. 9. The flights will carry about 3.7 million 8-ounce bottle equivalents, shipped free of charge by United Airlines.

The first shipments will include Kendamil Classic Stage 1 and Kendamil Organic formulas, which will be available at Target stores across the United States.

And Bubs Australia will ship the equivalent of 4.6 million 8-ounce bottles of its infant formula on Defense Department-contracted commercial aircraft from its hub in Melbourne, Australia, to Pennsylvania and California on June 9 and June 11, respectively.

The imports will help but will not immediately bring an end to supply shortages that have left&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-business-health-d3e32ba9e2381f77c299391e762abe21">people who depend on formula</a>&nbsp;facing empty shelves or limits on purchases.

The Food and Drug Administration began focusing on Abbott’s plant last fall while tracking several bacterial infections in infants who had consumed formula from the facility. The four cases occurred between September and January, causing hospitalizations and two deaths.

After detecting positive samples of rare but dangerous bacteria in multiple parts of the plant, the FDA closed the facility and Abbott announced a massive recall of its formula on Feb. 17.

U.S. regulators and Abbott announced an agreement last month that would help pave the way for reopening the plant, though production has not restarted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654109759921.png" alt="President Biden hosted a roundtable with leaders of formula manufacturers ByHeart, Bubs Australia, Reckitt, Perrigo Co. and Gerber. Notably absence was Abbott Nutrition, whose Michigan plant was shut down in February over safety concerns, leading to the domestic shortage. The White House did not explain why Abbott was not included-photo White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden hosted a roundtable with leaders of formula manufacturers ByHeart, Bubs Australia, Reckitt, Perrigo Co. and Gerber. Notably absence was Abbott Nutrition, whose Michigan plant was shut down in February over safety concerns, leading to the domestic shortage. The White House did not explain why Abbott was not included-photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday said he was not briefed on the prospect of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baby-formula-shortage-what-to-know-735cef06e68ed9c5a46233bdfcf0573d">nationwide shortages</a>&nbsp;of infant formula for about two months, and he acknowledged the strain on families as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/formula/index.html" target="_blank">his administration struggles to address the situation.</a><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F744922236547305%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=58" 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>Yet company executives at a meeting Biden hosted from the White House told the president that they knew the substantial impact that the shutdown of a major production plant in February would have on the U.S. supply almost immediately.“They did, but I didn’t,” Biden told reporters later, saying he was not made aware of the severity until early April.The delay, unexplained by Biden or White House aides, undercut the administration’s efforts to demonstrate that he has been on top of a problem that has compounded stress and economic difficulties for families with young children at a time when Americans are already struggling with Inflation.White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre insisted that the administration began working to address the crisis within days of the plant’s closure, but could not explain the delay in raising the issue to Biden. She acknowledged that he is “frustrated” by the situation.“We have been doing this whole of government approach since the recall,” she said. “We have been working on this for months, for months. We have been taking this incredibly seriously.”In recent weeks the government has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-government-and-politics-53857b4ba1006a8bf85caad251517f4c">imported foreign supplies</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-government-and-politics-df586c2e52b5e5865ea9f8091d4d1f80">used the Defense Production Act</a>&nbsp;to speed domestic production of infant formula. But those steps did not begin until mid-May, once retailers began rationing supplies and store shelves were emptying.“There’s nothing more stressful than feeling you can’t get what your child needs,” Biden said, adding that as a “father and a grandfather,” he understands how difficult the shortages have been for parents and their children.Jean-Pierre said Biden was satisfied with how the Food and Drug Administration has handled the response, though the agency itself has promised to conduct and after-action review of what it described as a deficient effort.The agency’s response was “too slow and there were decisions that were suboptimal along the way,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-robert-califf-cce94aeeb3b53af5617d32086df01410">FDA Commissioner Robert Califf told lawmakers last week.</a>Biden hosted the roundtable with leaders of manufacturers ByHeart, Bubs Australia, Reckitt, Perrigo Co. and Gerber. Notably absence was Abbott Nutrition, whose Michigan plant was shut down in February over safety concerns, leading to the domestic shortage. The White House did not explain why Abbott was not included.The meeting Wednesday was a chance to provide an update on what the administration is calling “Operation Fly Formula” to import formula and to use the Korean War-era production law to require suppliers to prioritize their orders in a bid to ease bottlenecks.The White House announced the third and fourth round of formula shipments from overseas would begin next week, from producer Kendamil in Britain and from Bubs Australia.The shipments would bring Kendamil formula from Heathrow Airport in London to U.S. airports over a three-week period, starting June. 9. The flights will carry about 3.7 million 8-ounce bottle equivalents, shipped free of charge by United Airlines.The first shipments will include Kendamil Classic Stage 1 and Kendamil Organic formulas, which will be available at Target stores across the United States.And Bubs Australia will ship the equivalent of 4.6 million 8-ounce bottles of its infant formula on Defense Department-contracted commercial aircraft from its hub in Melbourne, Australia, to Pennsylvania and California on June 9 and June 11, respectively.The imports will help but will not immediately bring an end to supply shortages that have left&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-business-health-d3e32ba9e2381f77c299391e762abe21">people who depend on formula</a>&nbsp;facing empty shelves or limits on purchases.The Food and Drug Administration began focusing on Abbott’s plant last fall while tracking several bacterial infections in infants who had consumed formula from the facility. The four cases occurred between September and January, causing hospitalizations and two deaths.After detecting positive samples of rare but dangerous bacteria in multiple parts of the plant, the FDA closed the facility and Abbott announced a massive recall of its formula on Feb. 17.U.S. regulators and Abbott announced an agreement last month that would help pave the way for reopening the plant, though production has not restarted.

🎥 Baby formula crisis growing; Biden says he wasn't informed early on 

LAWRENCE — The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has identified the driver of a fatal hit-and-run crash on May 14 at East 1900 Road and Kansas Highway 10, and investigators are actively searching for the suspect, according to Sheriff Jay Armbrister.

“The driver of the van was identified immediately after locating the van, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. Authorities believe publicly disclosing his name will hinder law enforcement's ability to take him into custody. 

We ask for the community's continued patience as we work tirelessly to locate and bring this person safely into custody,” Armbrister said. “Once the driver is apprehended and we can provide more information, we believe the community will understand the circumstances.”

After conducting an extensive investigation that included witness interviews, deputies early in the investigation were able to identify the man suspected of driving the van that struck a motorcycle about 5:19 p.m., May 14. Brooklyn Brouhard, 10, of Eudora, later died from injuries suffered in the crash. 

She was a passenger on the motorcycle driven by her grandfather Barry Larson, 54, also of Eudora, who was also injured.

Witnesses reported the driver of the white van after the collision proceeded down the ramp leaving its bumper behind and returned to eastbound K-10. Based on vehicle debris at the scene, witness interviews and assistance from area law enforcement agencies, deputies identified the vehicle and seized it on May 16 in the Kansas City area. 

After identifying the driver, deputies have worked to locate him and bring him into custody.

Authorities continue to make a plea to the driver to turn himself in. “The

Sheriff’s Office will continue to do everything we can to bring answers for Brooklyn and her family," said Armbrister.

Anyone with knowledge or information about the suspected driver’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact Douglas County Crime Stoppers, 785-843-TIPS (8477), where callers may be eligible for a reward for credible information leading to an arrest.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation of a hit and run accident that killed a 9-year-old Kansas girl. Authorities in Douglas County have not reported an arrest or that they identified the driver.

On May 16, the sheriff's office reported they located a vehicle in the Kansas City area they suspect to be the transit van involved in the crash, according to a media release from the Douglas County Sheriff's office.

Brooklyn Brouhard, 9, of Eudora died from injuries suffered in the crash that occurred just after 5p.m. on May 14. She was passenger on a motorcycle driven by her grandfather 54-year-old Barry Larson who was also injured.

Larson was driving a motorcycle northbound on East 1900 Road with Brooklyn as a passenger. As the motorcycle approached the overpass, the transit van moved forward from the stop sign and the top of the eastbound off ramp from K-10 and into the intersection and struck the motorcycle.

Witnesses reported that after the collision, the driver of the white van proceeded down the ramp leaving its black front bumper cover behind and returned to eastbound K-10.&nbsp;

EMS transported Larson and his granddaughter to an area hospital where she died.&nbsp; The Douglas County sheriff's office released no new details over the past week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652731134056.png" alt="Image Douglas Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Image Douglas Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE — The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has identified the driver of a fatal hit-and-run crash on May 14 at East 1900 Road and Kansas Highway 10, and investigators are actively searching for the suspect, according to Sheriff Jay Armbrister.“The driver of the van was identified immediately after locating the van, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. Authorities believe publicly disclosing his name will hinder law enforcement's ability to take him into custody. We ask for the community's continued patience as we work tirelessly to locate and bring this person safely into custody,” Armbrister said. “Once the driver is apprehended and we can provide more information, we believe the community will understand the circumstances.”After conducting an extensive investigation that included witness interviews, deputies early in the investigation were able to identify the man suspected of driving the van that struck a motorcycle about 5:19 p.m., May 14. Brooklyn Brouhard, 10, of Eudora, later died from injuries suffered in the crash. She was a passenger on the motorcycle driven by her grandfather Barry Larson, 54, also of Eudora, who was also injured.Witnesses reported the driver of the white van after the collision proceeded down the ramp leaving its bumper behind and returned to eastbound K-10. Based on vehicle debris at the scene, witness interviews and assistance from area law enforcement agencies, deputies identified the vehicle and seized it on May 16 in the Kansas City area. After identifying the driver, deputies have worked to locate him and bring him into custody.Authorities continue to make a plea to the driver to turn himself in. “TheSheriff’s Office will continue to do everything we can to bring answers for Brooklyn and her family," said Armbrister.Anyone with knowledge or information about the suspected driver’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact Douglas County Crime Stoppers, 785-843-TIPS (8477), where callers may be eligible for a reward for credible information leading to an arrest.-------------DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation of a hit and run accident that killed a 9-year-old Kansas girl. Authorities in Douglas County have not reported an arrest or that they identified the driver.On May 16, the sheriff's office reported they located a vehicle in the Kansas City area they suspect to be the transit van involved in the crash, according to a media release from the Douglas County Sheriff's office.Brooklyn Brouhard, 9, of Eudora died from injuries suffered in the crash that occurred just after 5p.m. on May 14. She was passenger on a motorcycle driven by her grandfather 54-year-old Barry Larson who was also injured.Larson was driving a motorcycle northbound on East 1900 Road with Brooklyn as a passenger. As the motorcycle approached the overpass, the transit van moved forward from the stop sign and the top of the eastbound off ramp from K-10 and into the intersection and struck the motorcycle.Witnesses reported that after the collision, the driver of the white van proceeded down the ramp leaving its black front bumper cover behind and returned to eastbound K-10.&nbsp;EMS transported Larson and his granddaughter to an area hospital where she died.&nbsp; The Douglas County sheriff's office released no new details over the past week.-------------

Sheriff: Driver in crash that killed Kan. girl still hiding from authorities

TULSA (AP) —Police say a man who blamed his surgeon for ongoing pain after a recent back surgery bought an AR-style rifle hours before opening fire at a Tulsa medical office, killing the surgeon and three other people before fatally shooting himself. 

Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin says the gunman had recently undergone back surgery and had called a clinic repeatedly complaining of pain. Franklin says the doctor who performed the surgery, Dr. Preston Phillips, was killed Wednesday, along with another doctor, a receptionist and a patient

TULSA (AP) —A gunman carrying a rifle and a handgun killed four people Wednesday at a Tulsa medical building on a hospital campus, police said, the latest in a series of deadly mass shootings across the country in recent weeks.

Tulsa Police Department Deputy Chief Eric Dalgleish confirmed the number of dead and said the shooter also was dead, apparently from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The spate of recent gun violence across the country, including the killing of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uvalde-school-shooting-shootings-texas-education-a5b21cface8837e830ed2f9bb4bbcf3c">19 children and two teachers</a>&nbsp;at a Texas elementary school eight days ago by an 18-year-old gunman carrying an AR-style semi-automatic rifle, has led to Democratic leaders amplifying their calls for greater restrictions on guns, while Republicans are emphasizing more security at schools.

The divide mirrors a partisan split that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uvalde-school-shooting-jay-inslee-washington-texas-congress-448a508380a3810a013347b10286b7cb">stymied action in Congress and many state capitols</a>&nbsp;over how best to respond to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/02/03/what-the-data-says-about-gun-deaths-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank">record-high number of gun-related deaths</a>&nbsp;in the U.S.

It was unclear what prompted the deadly assault in Tulsa, Dalgleish said.

“It appears both weapons at one point or another were fired on the scene,” Dalgleish said. “The officers who arrived were hearing shots in the building, and that’s what led them to the second floor.”

Police responded to the call about three minutes after dispatchers received the report at 4:52 p.m. and made contact with the gunman roughly five minutes later, at 5:01 p.m. Dalgleish said.

“I was very happy with what we know so far regarding the response of our officers,” Dalgleish said.

The length of time it took police officers in Uvalde, Texas, to engage the gunman during last week’s deadly shooting at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/school-shootings">Robb Elementary School</a>&nbsp;has become a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uvalde-school-shooting-430b975bbaacce445451e4026cedc171">key focus of that investigation</a>. Officers waited over an hour to breach the classroom where the gunman attacked.

Police Capt. Richard Meulenberg also said multiple people were wounded and that the medical complex was a “catastrophic scene.” The exact number of wounded was not immediately available.

Police and hospital officials said they were not ready to identify the dead.

St. Francis Health System locked down its campus Wednesday afternoon because of the situation at the Natalie Medical Building. The Natalie building houses an outpatient surgery center and a breast health center. Dalgleish said an orthopedic clinic also is located on the second floor where officers discovered the shooter and several victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654171399570.png" alt="&nbsp;Authorities on the scene of the investigation-Photo&nbsp; courtesy KTUL TV" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Authorities on the scene of the investigation-Photo&nbsp; courtesy KTUL TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TULSA (AP) —Police say a man who blamed his surgeon for ongoing pain after a recent back surgery bought an AR-style rifle hours before opening fire at a Tulsa medical office, killing the surgeon and three other people before fatally shooting himself. Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin says the gunman had recently undergone back surgery and had called a clinic repeatedly complaining of pain. Franklin says the doctor who performed the surgery, Dr. Preston Phillips, was killed Wednesday, along with another doctor, a receptionist and a patient----------TULSA (AP) —A gunman carrying a rifle and a handgun killed four people Wednesday at a Tulsa medical building on a hospital campus, police said, the latest in a series of deadly mass shootings across the country in recent weeks.Tulsa Police Department Deputy Chief Eric Dalgleish confirmed the number of dead and said the shooter also was dead, apparently from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.The spate of recent gun violence across the country, including the killing of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uvalde-school-shooting-shootings-texas-education-a5b21cface8837e830ed2f9bb4bbcf3c">19 children and two teachers</a>&nbsp;at a Texas elementary school eight days ago by an 18-year-old gunman carrying an AR-style semi-automatic rifle, has led to Democratic leaders amplifying their calls for greater restrictions on guns, while Republicans are emphasizing more security at schools.The divide mirrors a partisan split that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uvalde-school-shooting-jay-inslee-washington-texas-congress-448a508380a3810a013347b10286b7cb">stymied action in Congress and many state capitols</a>&nbsp;over how best to respond to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/02/03/what-the-data-says-about-gun-deaths-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank">record-high number of gun-related deaths</a>&nbsp;in the U.S.It was unclear what prompted the deadly assault in Tulsa, Dalgleish said.“It appears both weapons at one point or another were fired on the scene,” Dalgleish said. “The officers who arrived were hearing shots in the building, and that’s what led them to the second floor.”Police responded to the call about three minutes after dispatchers received the report at 4:52 p.m. and made contact with the gunman roughly five minutes later, at 5:01 p.m. Dalgleish said.“I was very happy with what we know so far regarding the response of our officers,” Dalgleish said.The length of time it took police officers in Uvalde, Texas, to engage the gunman during last week’s deadly shooting at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/school-shootings">Robb Elementary School</a>&nbsp;has become a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uvalde-school-shooting-430b975bbaacce445451e4026cedc171">key focus of that investigation</a>. Officers waited over an hour to breach the classroom where the gunman attacked.Police Capt. Richard Meulenberg also said multiple people were wounded and that the medical complex was a “catastrophic scene.” The exact number of wounded was not immediately available.Police and hospital officials said they were not ready to identify the dead.St. Francis Health System locked down its campus Wednesday afternoon because of the situation at the Natalie Medical Building. The Natalie building houses an outpatient surgery center and a breast health center. Dalgleish said an orthopedic clinic also is located on the second floor where officers discovered the shooter and several victims.<figure>
 <img src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAAAAAAeQfPuAAAAC0lEQVQYGWMYrAAAAJkAAWzZLOIAAAAASUVORK5CIIA=" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Police: Tulsa mass shooting suspect targeted surgeon, staff

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of burglaries have made an arrest.

Just after 3:30a.m. Wednesday police arrested 24-year-old Kyler J. Reynolds, 24, Atchison, inside the First Christian Church at 7th and Santa, in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

He is being held on requested charges in nine burglaries and a Jackson County Kansas warrant for failure to appear in court.

According to Wilson, the burglaries include:

May 17 Ebenezer Baptist Church 800 block Riley Street

May 22 Mount Saint Scholastica 800 block South 8th Street

May 30 Mount Saint Scholastica 600 block South 9th Street

May 31 Orscheln’s Farm and Home 600 block South 10th Street (attempted);&nbsp; Atchison Event Center 700 block South 9th Street and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 400 block South 6th Street

&nbsp;June 1 First Christian Church 300 block North 7th Street; Trinity Lutheran Church 600 block North 8th Street and Marie’s Tax Bookkeeping 800 block Santa Fe Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654093704033.png" alt="Reynolds-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Reynolds-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of burglaries have made an arrest.Just after 3:30a.m. Wednesday police arrested 24-year-old Kyler J. Reynolds, 24, Atchison, inside the First Christian Church at 7th and Santa, in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.He is being held on requested charges in nine burglaries and a Jackson County Kansas warrant for failure to appear in court.According to Wilson, the burglaries include:May 17 Ebenezer Baptist Church 800 block Riley StreetMay 22 Mount Saint Scholastica 800 block South 8th StreetMay 30 Mount Saint Scholastica 600 block South 9th StreetMay 31 Orscheln’s Farm and Home 600 block South 10th Street (attempted);&nbsp; Atchison Event Center 700 block South 9th Street and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 400 block South 6th Street&nbsp;June 1 First Christian Church 300 block North 7th Street; Trinity Lutheran Church 600 block North 8th Street and Marie’s Tax Bookkeeping 800 block Santa Fe Street.

Kansas serial burglary suspect caught inside church

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stabbing and continue to search for a suspect.

Just after 2:30p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to the Dillons store at 2010 SE 29th Street in Topeka in reference to a stabbing that had just occurred, according to Police Lt. Michael Hern.

The male victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.&nbsp;

The possible suspect vehicle was located abandoned in the 2200 block of SW Edgewater Terrace, according to Hern. An area search was conducted. Police have not reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654167037449.png" alt="The possible suspect vehicle was located abandoned in the 2200 block of SW Edgewater Terrace-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>The possible suspect vehicle was located abandoned in the 2200 block of SW Edgewater Terrace-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stabbing and continue to search for a suspect.Just after 2:30p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to the Dillons store at 2010 SE 29th Street in Topeka in reference to a stabbing that had just occurred, according to Police Lt. Michael Hern.The male victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.&nbsp;The possible suspect vehicle was located abandoned in the 2200 block of SW Edgewater Terrace, according to Hern. An area search was conducted. Police have not reported an arrest.

Police search for suspect after Kan. man stabbed at Dillons

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that total tax collections for May were $910.1 million – $239.5 million, or 35.7%, higher than the estimate for the month.

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MDEuNTg3NjcwOTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjIvMDYvMTFfTWF5X1JldmVudWVfRlkyMDIyXzA2LTAxLTIwMjJfRmluYWwucGRmIn0.teTRpZov3oVClL_vYgWTIdwxl-RnveR5T59I2sY9bT0/s/1303160919/br/132240940780-l" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to see the spreadsheet for May tax collections.

“Our tax collection receipts continue to show the state’s fiscal health and the work my Administration has done to ensure Kansas is on solid financial footing,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“We will continue our work to be fiscally responsible while providing tax cuts and fully funding schools, law enforcement, and roads.”

Individual income tax collections were $518.4 million. That is $198.4 million, or 62.0%, above the estimate. Corporate income tax collections were $51.4 million –$33.4 million, or 185.6%, more than the estimate.

Retail sales tax collections were $240.8 million – $13.8 million, or 6.1%, over the estimate and 5.7% over May 2021 sales tax receipts. Compensating use tax collections were $64.8 million, which is $2.2 million below the estimate but 19.1% greater than May 2021.

“May receipts reflect strong performances by the individual and corporate income tax types. Income tax receipts were not influenced by extensions of tax filing deadlines as had been the case in May 2020 and 2021,”&nbsp;Revenue Secretary Mark Burghart said.&nbsp;“Retail sales and compensating use tax receipts also continue to reflect the stability they have shown for the past 10 months.”

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that total tax collections for May were $910.1 million – $239.5 million, or 35.7%, higher than the estimate for the month.<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MDEuNTg3NjcwOTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjIvMDYvMTFfTWF5X1JldmVudWVfRlkyMDIyXzA2LTAxLTIwMjJfRmluYWwucGRmIn0.teTRpZov3oVClL_vYgWTIdwxl-RnveR5T59I2sY9bT0/s/1303160919/br/132240940780-l" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to see the spreadsheet for May tax collections.“Our tax collection receipts continue to show the state’s fiscal health and the work my Administration has done to ensure Kansas is on solid financial footing,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“We will continue our work to be fiscally responsible while providing tax cuts and fully funding schools, law enforcement, and roads.”Individual income tax collections were $518.4 million. That is $198.4 million, or 62.0%, above the estimate. Corporate income tax collections were $51.4 million –$33.4 million, or 185.6%, more than the estimate.Retail sales tax collections were $240.8 million – $13.8 million, or 6.1%, over the estimate and 5.7% over May 2021 sales tax receipts. Compensating use tax collections were $64.8 million, which is $2.2 million below the estimate but 19.1% greater than May 2021.“May receipts reflect strong performances by the individual and corporate income tax types. Income tax receipts were not influenced by extensions of tax filing deadlines as had been the case in May 2020 and 2021,”&nbsp;Revenue Secretary Mark Burghart said.&nbsp;“Retail sales and compensating use tax receipts also continue to reflect the stability they have shown for the past 10 months.”

Kansas total tax collections in May exceed $900 million

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A Missouri man has been convicted of killing a woman he was accused of stalking and faces life in prison when he's sentenced in October. 

The Kansas City Star reports that a Johnson County jury found 44-year-old Clyde James Barnes Jr., of Kansas City, guilty Tuesday of first-degree murder and other counts in the July 2020 killing of 42-year-old Jessica Smith in her Olathe home. 

Barnes was also found guilty of aggravated burglary, unlawful tampering with electronic monitoring, criminal threat and violation of a protection order. Olathe police who were responding to a burglary call at Smith's home found her body inside and arrested Barnes hours later. At the time, Barnes was out on bond for a stalking charge involving Smith, but the charge was later dismissed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594330565958.png" alt="Barnes-photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Barnes-photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A Missouri man has been convicted of killing a woman he was accused of stalking and faces life in prison when he's sentenced in October. The Kansas City Star reports that a Johnson County jury found 44-year-old Clyde James Barnes Jr., of Kansas City, guilty Tuesday of first-degree murder and other counts in the July 2020 killing of 42-year-old Jessica Smith in her Olathe home. Barnes was also found guilty of aggravated burglary, unlawful tampering with electronic monitoring, criminal threat and violation of a protection order. Olathe police who were responding to a burglary call at Smith's home found her body inside and arrested Barnes hours later. At the time, Barnes was out on bond for a stalking charge involving Smith, but the charge was later dismissed.

Man guilty of killing Kan. woman he was accused of stalking

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Crime Stoppers of Wichita/Sedgwick County is now offering an increased reward for information that leads to an arrest in the case of Kurt Krueger, who was killed last month in a West Wichita neighborhood

An anonymous donor has offered an additional $5,000 in reward funds to be paid to the tipster who provides the information. This is in addition to the award already offered by our program, bringing the maximum possible reward to $7,500 for this case.

On May 1, at around 2:00 a.m. WPD officers responded to a report of a man down in the roadway in the 7900 block of West Cottontail in Wichita. Officers located Krueger unconscious and not breathing. He was pronounced deceased on scene.

Investigators learned that Krueger was walking in the neighborhood where he lives, approximately 20-30 minutes before his body was found. They believe he was struck by a vehicle, which then fled the scene.

Anyone with information regarding a crime that occurred in Sedgwick County is eligible to receive a reward by submitting a tip through Crime Stoppers by calling **TIPS, 316-267-2111 or online at www.stopcrime316.com. Tipsters are always anonymous – Crime Stoppers will never ask someone to identify themselves. If your information leads to an arrest in a felony case, you could be eligible to receive up to $2,500.

Crime Stoppers is a division of the non-profit Wichita Metro Crime Commission. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651519978529.png" alt="photo of the suspect vehicle -Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>photo of the suspect vehicle -Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— Crime Stoppers of Wichita/Sedgwick County is now offering an increased reward for information that leads to an arrest in the case of Kurt Krueger, who was killed last month in a West Wichita neighborhoodAn anonymous donor has offered an additional $5,000 in reward funds to be paid to the tipster who provides the information. This is in addition to the award already offered by our program, bringing the maximum possible reward to $7,500 for this case.On May 1, at around 2:00 a.m. WPD officers responded to a report of a man down in the roadway in the 7900 block of West Cottontail in Wichita. Officers located Krueger unconscious and not breathing. He was pronounced deceased on scene.Investigators learned that Krueger was walking in the neighborhood where he lives, approximately 20-30 minutes before his body was found. They believe he was struck by a vehicle, which then fled the scene.Anyone with information regarding a crime that occurred in Sedgwick County is eligible to receive a reward by submitting a tip through Crime Stoppers by calling **TIPS, 316-267-2111 or online at www.stopcrime316.com. Tipsters are always anonymous – Crime Stoppers will never ask someone to identify themselves. If your information leads to an arrest in a felony case, you could be eligible to receive up to $2,500.Crime Stoppers is a division of the non-profit Wichita Metro Crime Commission.

Reward: Search continues for vehicle in death of Kansas man

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp; —Law enforcement authorities continue investigating numerous shooting incidents over the Memorial Day weekend in the Wichita area.&nbsp; Two incidents left victims dead.&nbsp;

One fatal shooting occurred at a large graduation party late Saturday at the  Banquet Hall in the 3100 block of East 25th Street in Wichita. A 17-year-old man died and a 15-year-old girl running from the violence was struck by a car and died.

Wichita Interim Police Chief Lemuel Moore held a news conference Tuesday with community leaders to address the increase in violent crime in the city.

Another fatal shooting&nbsp;involved a man who had been walking his dog and later shot and killed a 30-year-old man at an apartment complex in the 4900 block of East Harry.

The violence started just before 11:30 p.m. on Friday. Police reported hearing a volley of gunfire in the area of Planeview Park, 2800 block of South Dunkin in Wichita. Officers checked the area and located a crime scene. No victims or suspects were located.&nbsp;

At approximately 8:00 p.m., on Sunday police were dispatched to Wesley Hospital after officers contacted a 23-year-old male victim who arrived at the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds that were serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation revealed the victim was in the area of 9th&nbsp;Street North and Grove in Wichita when he was shot several times by an unknown suspect.&nbsp;

At 8:30 p.m., Sunday, police were dispatched to a disturbance with a weapon at the QuikTrip in the 1600 block of South Olive in Wichita. A 43-year-old woman reports whiling pumping gas she observed an unknown female suspect point and fire one-time causing damage to her car windshield. The suspect fled the business in a dark-colored SUV.&nbsp; The suspect is described as an unknown heavy build black female. The victim was not injured in this incident, according to Cruz.

At 9:30 p.m., on Sunday, police were dispatched to a report of gunshots at a residence in the 2300 block of West Pawnee in Wichita. Upon the officer’s arrival, they located the scene of the shooting. A home in the area was struck, inside the home was a 41-year-old woman, a 22-year-old woman, a 17-year-old boy, a 50-year-old man,and an infant. No injuries were reported and it is unknown who the suspect is at this time.&nbsp;

At approximately the same time on Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 900 block of North Volutsia in Wichita. Upon the officer’s arrival, they located a 27-year-old man with several gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to an area hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation revealed the victim was inside his residence along with a 20-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man when an unknown suspect fired multiple gunshots, striking the home and the 27-year-old victim. The suspect fled the scene in a dark-colored SUV.&nbsp;

Just before 11 p.m. on Sunday, police were dispatched to a drive-by shooting call in the 500 block of North Dellrose. Upon the officer’s arrival, they contacted several witnesses who reported hearing several gunshots in the area. Officers located a scene in the 500 block of North Dellrose. No injuries were reported, and the suspect is unknown at this time.&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp; —Law enforcement authorities continue investigating numerous shooting incidents over the Memorial Day weekend in the Wichita area.&nbsp; Two incidents left victims dead.&nbsp;One fatal shooting occurred at a large graduation party late Saturday at the Banquet Hall in the 3100 block of East 25th Street in Wichita. A 17-year-old man died and a 15-year-old girl running from the violence was struck by a car and died.Wichita Interim Police Chief Lemuel Moore held a news conference Tuesday with community leaders to address the increase in violent crime in the city.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWichitaPolice%2Fvideos%2F533417708264003%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=161" 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>Another fatal shooting&nbsp;involved a man who had been walking his dog and later shot and killed a 30-year-old man at an apartment complex in the 4900 block of East Harry.The violence started just before 11:30 p.m. on Friday. Police reported hearing a volley of gunfire in the area of Planeview Park, 2800 block of South Dunkin in Wichita. Officers checked the area and located a crime scene. No victims or suspects were located.&nbsp;At approximately 8:00 p.m., on Sunday police were dispatched to Wesley Hospital after officers contacted a 23-year-old male victim who arrived at the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds that were serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation revealed the victim was in the area of 9th&nbsp;Street North and Grove in Wichita when he was shot several times by an unknown suspect.&nbsp;At 8:30 p.m., Sunday, police were dispatched to a disturbance with a weapon at the QuikTrip in the 1600 block of South Olive in Wichita. A 43-year-old woman reports whiling pumping gas she observed an unknown female suspect point and fire one-time causing damage to her car windshield. The suspect fled the business in a dark-colored SUV.&nbsp; The suspect is described as an unknown heavy build black female. The victim was not injured in this incident, according to Cruz.At 9:30 p.m., on Sunday, police were dispatched to a report of gunshots at a residence in the 2300 block of West Pawnee in Wichita. Upon the officer’s arrival, they located the scene of the shooting. A home in the area was struck, inside the home was a 41-year-old woman, a 22-year-old woman, a 17-year-old boy, a 50-year-old man,and an infant. No injuries were reported and it is unknown who the suspect is at this time.&nbsp;At approximately the same time on Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 900 block of North Volutsia in Wichita. Upon the officer’s arrival, they located a 27-year-old man with several gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to an area hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation revealed the victim was inside his residence along with a 20-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man when an unknown suspect fired multiple gunshots, striking the home and the 27-year-old victim. The suspect fled the scene in a dark-colored SUV.&nbsp;Just before 11 p.m. on Sunday, police were dispatched to a drive-by shooting call in the 500 block of North Dellrose. Upon the officer’s arrival, they contacted several witnesses who reported hearing several gunshots in the area. Officers located a scene in the 500 block of North Dellrose. No injuries were reported, and the suspect is unknown at this time.&nbsp;

🎥 Community leaders want action against gun crimes in Wichita

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-06-01/scientists-need-you-to-help-them-spot-cute-fuzzy-bumblebees-in-kansas">Kansas News Service</a>

Scientists want Kansans in every corner of the state to help count bumblebees — those fuzzy, good-natured harbingers of summer.

You don’t need a biology degree. Just enthusiasm and <a href="https://www.bumblebeeatlas.org/greatplainsbba.html" target="_blank">some training</a>,
 which scientists offer online and, this month, in person in Kansas 
City, Wichita and at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.

That’s
 what it takes to help expand a program that already pools the efforts 
of hundreds of volunteers in neighboring Missouri and Nebraska, where 
they have recorded 7,000 bumblebee sightings in just a few short years.

Insect populations are shrinking globally, but <a href="https://apnews.com/article/sd-state-wire-maryland-ks-state-wire-science-biology-767ab6cab1fad77e824149aad0e4fee9" target="_blank">especially in the Midwest</a>. That threatens humans and other life.

When it comes to sustaining plants — the <a href="http://scienceline.ucsb.edu/getkey.php?key=1013" target="_blank">photosynthetic godsends</a> that allow the rest of us to eat and breathe — bees are tops.

Wasps, bats and other critters pollinate flowers, too, but bees shine extra bright.

“They
 are by far the most effective pollinator,” said Katie Lamke, a 
biologist with the Xerces Society conservation group. “They’re 
constantly gathering pollen and nectar because that’s their only source 
of food.”

The vast majority of flowering plants worldwide can’t reproduce without pollinators. Wind won’t do the trick.

So, insects do most of the work and, Lamke said, “most times, that insect is a bee.”

No
 wonder that scientists are racing to learn more about bees. North 
America has thousands of bee species, about which not enough is known. 
Of the continent’s approximately 50 bumblebee species, <a href="https://www.bumblebeeatlas.org/about1.html" target="_blank">research suggests</a> one-quarter of them face “dramatic population declines,” the Xerces Society says.

Xerces runs the <a href="https://www.bumblebeeatlas.org/" target="_blank">Bumble Bee Atlas</a>,
 which this year will grow to include Kansas, California and the 
Dakotas. Bumblebees make a relatively easy focus for community science 
because they’re easier to spot and recognize than smaller bees.

Volunteers
 learn just the right way to swish a net, trap a bumblebee in a jar, 
briefly chill the jar on ice to slow the insect down, photograph the bee
 and release it unharmed. Later, people report their sightings to Xerces
 scientists, who study the notes and review the photos to confirm 
species and learn what kinds of plants the bees visited.

The 
collective effort produces far more information on the creatures than 
Xerces biologists would have time and resources to gather alone.

In seven years of studying and handling bumblebees, Lamke says she’s only sustained one or two stings.

“Bumble bees are quite docile animals,” she said. “It is very uncommon to be stung when surveying.”

Still, anyone with a bee allergy should take extra precautions.

Kansans who want to try their hand at helping scientists study bumblebees can <a href="https://www.bumblebeeatlas.org/gpevents.html" target="_blank">watch online training and register for in person events</a>:

Celia
 Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health for the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654097779764.png" alt="Katie Lamke / Xerces Society" />
 <figcaption>Katie Lamke / Xerces Society</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-06-01/scientists-need-you-to-help-them-spot-cute-fuzzy-bumblebees-in-kansas">Kansas News Service</a>Scientists want Kansans in every corner of the state to help count bumblebees — those fuzzy, good-natured harbingers of summer.You don’t need a biology degree. Just enthusiasm and <a href="https://www.bumblebeeatlas.org/greatplainsbba.html" target="_blank">some training</a>,
 which scientists offer online and, this month, in person in Kansas 
City, Wichita and at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.That’s
 what it takes to help expand a program that already pools the efforts 
of hundreds of volunteers in neighboring Missouri and Nebraska, where 
they have recorded 7,000 bumblebee sightings in just a few short years.Insect populations are shrinking globally, but <a href="https://apnews.com/article/sd-state-wire-maryland-ks-state-wire-science-biology-767ab6cab1fad77e824149aad0e4fee9" target="_blank">especially in the Midwest</a>. That threatens humans and other life.When it comes to sustaining plants — the <a href="http://scienceline.ucsb.edu/getkey.php?key=1013" target="_blank">photosynthetic godsends</a> that allow the rest of us to eat and breathe — bees are tops.Wasps, bats and other critters pollinate flowers, too, but bees shine extra bright.“They
 are by far the most effective pollinator,” said Katie Lamke, a 
biologist with the Xerces Society conservation group. “They’re 
constantly gathering pollen and nectar because that’s their only source 
of food.”The vast majority of flowering plants worldwide can’t reproduce without pollinators. Wind won’t do the trick.So, insects do most of the work and, Lamke said, “most times, that insect is a bee.”No
 wonder that scientists are racing to learn more about bees. North 
America has thousands of bee species, about which not enough is known. 
Of the continent’s approximately 50 bumblebee species, <a href="https://www.bumblebeeatlas.org/about1.html" target="_blank">research suggests</a> one-quarter of them face “dramatic population declines,” the Xerces Society says.Xerces runs the <a href="https://www.bumblebeeatlas.org/" target="_blank">Bumble Bee Atlas</a>,
 which this year will grow to include Kansas, California and the 
Dakotas. Bumblebees make a relatively easy focus for community science 
because they’re easier to spot and recognize than smaller bees.Volunteers
 learn just the right way to swish a net, trap a bumblebee in a jar, 
briefly chill the jar on ice to slow the insect down, photograph the bee
 and release it unharmed. Later, people report their sightings to Xerces
 scientists, who study the notes and review the photos to confirm 
species and learn what kinds of plants the bees visited.The 
collective effort produces far more information on the creatures than 
Xerces biologists would have time and resources to gather alone.What are the chances you’ll get stung?In seven years of studying and handling bumblebees, Lamke says she’s only sustained one or two stings.“Bumble bees are quite docile animals,” she said. “It is very uncommon to be stung when surveying.”Still, anyone with a bee allergy should take extra precautions.Kansans who want to try their hand at helping scientists study bumblebees can <a href="https://www.bumblebeeatlas.org/gpevents.html" target="_blank">watch online training and register for in person events</a>:<ul>
 <li>June 4 at the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center in Kansas City, Missouri.</li><li>June 25 at the Great Plains Nature Center in Wichita</li><li>June 26 at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve near Strong City, Kansas.</li>
 </ul>Celia
 Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health for the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

Scientists need your help spotting cute, fuzzy bumblebees in Kansas

FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) — A jury has ruled in favor of Johnny Depp in his libel lawsuit against ex-wife Amber Heard, vindicating his stance that Heard fabricated claims that she was abused by Heard before and during their brief marriage. 

The jury also found in favor of Heard, who said she was defamed by Depp’s lawyer when he called her abuse allegations a hoax. Jury members found Depp should be awarded $15 million in damages, while Heard should receive $2 million. 

Depp sued Heard for libel in Virginia over a December 2018 op-ed she wrote describing herself as “a public figure representing domestic abuse.” His lawyers said he was defamed by the article even though it never mentioned his name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654111819095.png" alt="Outside the Fairfax, Virginia County courthouse as the jury released the verdict&nbsp; -photo courtesy WJLA TV" />
 <figcaption>Outside the Fairfax, Virginia County courthouse as the jury released the verdict&nbsp; -photo courtesy WJLA TV</figcaption>
 </figure>FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) — A jury has ruled in favor of Johnny Depp in his libel lawsuit against ex-wife Amber Heard, vindicating his stance that Heard fabricated claims that she was abused by Heard before and during their brief marriage. The jury also found in favor of Heard, who said she was defamed by Depp’s lawyer when he called her abuse allegations a hoax. Jury members found Depp should be awarded $15 million in damages, while Heard should receive $2 million. Depp sued Heard for libel in Virginia over a December 2018 op-ed she wrote describing herself as “a public figure representing domestic abuse.” His lawyers said he was defamed by the article even though it never mentioned his name.

Johnny Depp wins libel lawsuit against ex-wife; $15M in damages

By ARIANA FIGUEROA <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/gun-control-bills-to-be-taken-up-by-u-s-house-panel-in-emergency-meeting/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — Following mass 
shootings in New York and Texas, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee is 
holding an emergency meeting on Thursday to mark up gun control 
legislation — though it’s likely doomed.

The package includes eight gun-related bills, known as the “<a target="_blank" href="https://docs.house.gov/meetings/JU/JU00/20220602/114852/BILLS-117HRih.pdf">Protecting Our Kids Act</a>,”
 and they are expected to pass the Democratic-controlled House. But the 
legislation has little chance of making it through the evenly divided 
Senate, where 60 votes would be required for any bill to advance. 
Assuming every Democrat was in favor, they would need 10 Republicans to 
join.

The House package would raise the age of purchasing semiautomatic 
rifles from 18 to 21, create new requirements for storing guns in a home
 with children, prevent gun trafficking, require all firearms to be 
traceable, and close the loophole on bump stocks, among other things.

The meeting was scheduled by Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler, a New 
York Democrat, after a white supremacist killed 10 Black people at a 
supermarket in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Buffalo, New York, 
on May 14. Ten days later, an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, was 
attacked by an 18-year-old man&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2022/05/26/what-gun-used-texas-school-shooting-ar-15/9940849002/">armed with a rifle</a>, and 19 children and two teachers were killed.

Meanwhile, with both the House and Senate in recess this week, a 
small bipartisan group of senators is also holding virtual talks to see 
if it is possible to develop any legislation on guns.

Last week, hours after the Uvalde slaughter,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/05/25/frustrated-democrats-call-for-gop-help-on-federal-gun-laws-after-mass-school-shooting/">Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, did not commit</a>&nbsp;to working on any gun control legislation with Democrats.

However, a few Senate Republicans seemed open to the idea of red flag
 laws, which&nbsp;allow the courts or law enforcement to temporarily remove a
 firearm from an individual who is distressed.

Over the Memorial Day weekend, Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut 
Democrat who’s worked for years to attempt to pass gun reform laws, 
tweeted that he’s been talking with senators of both parties about 
putting together a bipartisan gun violence bill.

“Senator Schumer has given us just over a week to find a compromise,” he wrote. “This time, failure cannot be an option.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654108949705.png" alt="On Sunday, President Joe Biden visited Uvalde and called on Congress to stand up against the gun lobby and send a bill to his desk.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>On Sunday, President Joe Biden visited Uvalde and called on Congress to stand up against the gun lobby and send a bill to his desk.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ARIANA FIGUEROA <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/gun-control-bills-to-be-taken-up-by-u-s-house-panel-in-emergency-meeting/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — Following mass 
shootings in New York and Texas, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee is 
holding an emergency meeting on Thursday to mark up gun control 
legislation — though it’s likely doomed.The package includes eight gun-related bills, known as the “<a target="_blank" href="https://docs.house.gov/meetings/JU/JU00/20220602/114852/BILLS-117HRih.pdf">Protecting Our Kids Act</a>,”
 and they are expected to pass the Democratic-controlled House. But the 
legislation has little chance of making it through the evenly divided 
Senate, where 60 votes would be required for any bill to advance. 
Assuming every Democrat was in favor, they would need 10 Republicans to 
join.The House package would raise the age of purchasing semiautomatic 
rifles from 18 to 21, create new requirements for storing guns in a home
 with children, prevent gun trafficking, require all firearms to be 
traceable, and close the loophole on bump stocks, among other things.The meeting was scheduled by Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler, a New 
York Democrat, after a white supremacist killed 10 Black people at a 
supermarket in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Buffalo, New York, 
on May 14. Ten days later, an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, was 
attacked by an 18-year-old man&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2022/05/26/what-gun-used-texas-school-shooting-ar-15/9940849002/">armed with a rifle</a>, and 19 children and two teachers were killed.Meanwhile, with both the House and Senate in recess this week, a 
small bipartisan group of senators is also holding virtual talks to see 
if it is possible to develop any legislation on guns.Last week, hours after the Uvalde slaughter,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/05/25/frustrated-democrats-call-for-gop-help-on-federal-gun-laws-after-mass-school-shooting/">Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, did not commit</a>&nbsp;to working on any gun control legislation with Democrats.However, a few Senate Republicans seemed open to the idea of red flag
 laws, which&nbsp;allow the courts or law enforcement to temporarily remove a
 firearm from an individual who is distressed.Over the Memorial Day weekend, Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut 
Democrat who’s worked for years to attempt to pass gun reform laws, 
tweeted that he’s been talking with senators of both parties about 
putting together a bipartisan gun violence bill.“Senator Schumer has given us just over a week to find a compromise,” he wrote. “This time, failure cannot be an option.”Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said that 
if Republicans do not work with Democrats to come to an agreement, the 
Senate will still hold a vote on gun control legislation, even if it 
fails, when the chamber returns from recess.After the Uvalde massacre, the nation’s second-deadliest mass school 
shooting since Sandy Hook Elementary a decade ago, Schumer took a 
procedural step to begin debate on two background check bills, with the 
possibility of calling for votes on them.The House-passed bills are&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/8">H.R. 8</a>, which “establishes new background check requirements for firearm transfers between private parties,” and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1446">H.R. 1446</a>,
 which “increases the amount of time… that a federal firearms’ licensee 
must wait to receive a completed background check prior to transferring a
 firearm to an unlicensed person.”On Sunday, President Joe Biden visited Uvalde and called on Congress 
to stand up against the gun lobby and send a bill to his desk.Gun rights groups, such as the National Rifle Association and Gun 
Owners of America, spent a record of nearly $16 million in lobbying in 
2021, campaign finance records show.“I will meet with Congress on guns, I promise you,” Biden told reporters Tuesday.The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to hold a hearing on gun violence June 15.