LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Haskell Indian Nations University faculty are signaling frustration with the college’s top leader over free speech and governance issues with a vote of “no confidence.”

The resolution describing Ronald Graham’s leadership style as “autocratic” was certified Thursday with a unanimous Faculty Senate vote. 

Graham began his presidency in May 2020. He didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment from the Journal-World. Graham angered the faculty when he sent a memorandum last month forbidding employees from expressing derogatory opinions about the administration and others, contending that such expression is “inappropriate” and not protected by academic freedom.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617226828106.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Haskell Indian Nations University faculty are signaling frustration with the college’s top leader over free speech and governance issues with a vote of “no confidence.”The resolution describing Ronald Graham’s leadership style as “autocratic” was certified Thursday with a unanimous Faculty Senate vote. Graham began his presidency in May 2020. He didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment from the Journal-World. Graham angered the faculty when he sent a memorandum last month forbidding employees from expressing derogatory opinions about the administration and others, contending that such expression is “inappropriate” and not protected by academic freedom.

Haskell Indians Nations University faculty casts 'no confidence' vote

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple charges following a traffic stop.

Just after 11a.m. April 1,&nbsp;a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a black 1995 Mazda pickup truck in the 3000 block of SE Croco Road, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. 

The driver’s side windshield was smashed. The truck came back stolen, according to the Topeka Police Department. 

During the investigation, deputies located illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia. They also arrested the driver, Christopher J. Obier, 33, of Topeka.

He was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of stolen property, driving without a valid license and obstructed windshield, according to Christian.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617359077199.png" alt="Obier photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Obier photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple charges following a traffic stop.Just after 11a.m. April 1,&nbsp;a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a black 1995 Mazda pickup truck in the 3000 block of SE Croco Road, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The driver’s side windshield was smashed. The truck came back stolen, according to the Topeka Police Department. During the investigation, deputies located illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia. They also arrested the driver, Christopher J. Obier, 33, of Topeka.He was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of stolen property, driving without a valid license and obstructed windshield, according to Christian.

Kan. deputies catch drug suspect driving stolen pickup

WASHINGTON (AP) — Seeking to overcome&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-norc-poll-us-half-want-vaccine-shots-4d98dbfc0a64d60d52ac84c3065dac55">vaccine hesitancy</a>, the Biden administration on Thursday stepped up its outreach efforts to skeptical Americans, launching a coalition of community, religious and celebrity partners to promote COVID-19 shots in hard-hit communities.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?509124-1/vice-president-harris-holds-virtual-town-hall">Click here to </a>watch a replay of the virtual meeting

The administration’s “We Can Do This” campaign features television and social media ads, but it also relies on a community corps of public health, athletic, faith and other groups to spread the word about the safety and efficacy of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-19-vaccine-us-study-highly-effective-57cde25de803c98503c5ff9937598420">the three approved vaccines</a>. The campaign comes amid worries that reluctance to get vaccinated will delay the nation’s recovery from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;— and is kicking off as the U.S. is anticipating a boost in vaccine supply that will make all adult Americans eligible for vaccines by the beginning of May.

President Joe Biden encouraged more than 1,000 faith leaders on Thursday to continue their efforts to promote vaccinations in their communities. “They’re going to listen to your words more than they are to me as president of the United States,” Biden said.

Vice President Kamala Harris and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-opioids-coronavirus-pandemic-vivek-murthy-barack-obama-2e1643c5f69e2f64ef04a46db60e95d7">Surgeon General Vivek Murthy</a>&nbsp;held a virtual meeting with the more than 275 inaugural members of the community corps on Thursday to kick off the effort. The Department of Health and Human Services was also encouraging other groups, as well as everyday Americans, to&nbsp;<a href="https://wecandothis.hhs.gov/covidcommunitycorps" target="_blank">join the effort.</a>

“You are the people that folks on the ground know and rely on and have a history with,” Harris said. “And when people are then making the decision to get vaccinated, they’re going to look to you.”

A White House official said Harris plans to take on a larger role in promoting the uptake of vaccines, in addition to her efforts selling the president’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill and working to address the root causes of migration driving an increase in unaccompanied minors entering the U.S. along the southern border.

The focus on trusted validators stems from both internal and public surveys showing those skeptical of the vaccines are most likely to be swayed by local, community and medical encouragement to get vaccinated, rather than messages from politicians.

Courtney Rowe, the White House’s COVID-19 director of strategic communications and engagement, briefed governors on the new initiative Tuesday, telling them that people “want to hear from those they know and trust.” She added that the initiative would be “empowering the leaders people want to hear from.”

A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research conducted late last month finds that three-quarters of American adults now say they have or will get a vaccine, compared with 13% who say they probably will not, while 12% say they definitely will not. The share saying they probably or definitely will not has ticked down since January, when a combined 32% said that.

The coalition includes health groups like the American Medical Association and the National Council of Urban Indian Health, sports leagues like the NFL, NASCAR and MLB, rural groups, unions and Latino, Black, Asian American Pacific Islander and Native American organizations, as well as coalitions of faith, business and veterans leaders.

The community corps will receive fact sheets and social media messages to share with members of their communities, as well as regular updates from the Biden administration with the latest vaccine confidence resources.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced last week that it will devote $3 billion to support outreach by community leaders and groups to boost vaccine confidence.

HHS was also launching its first national ad campaign promoting vaccinations, aimed at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsVx_PZtigo" target="_blank">senior</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9iEVmAiWsc%3C&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">Latino</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ArOJN4XF3I" target="_blank">Black</a>&nbsp;Americans, with the roughly $250 million initial ad campaign. And in partnership with Facebook, it was deploying social media profile frames so that ordinary Americans could share their intent to get vaccinations and their experience with the shots to their peers.

The White House is also deploying Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious-disease expert, and Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, who chairs Biden’s COVID-19 equity task force, to speak directly to the public about the benefits of the vaccines. On Wednesday, the pair conducted an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KloxyjK36v0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KloxyjK36v0" target="_blank">interview</a>&nbsp;with rapper and actor LL Cool J and DJ Jazzy Jeff.

By the end of May, the U.S. will have enough supply of COVID-19 vaccine to cover all adults in the country.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/anthony-fauci">Dr. Anthony Fauci</a>, the nation’s top infectious-disease expert, has estimated that 70% to 85% of the population needs to be immune to the virus to reach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/when-do-we-reach-herd-immunity-explained-8da12b3d4f6e33c0c6562f29f81ca52a">herd immunity</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617360034286.png" alt="Vice President Kamala Harris and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-opioids-coronavirus-pandemic-vivek-murthy-barack-obama-2e1643c5f69e2f64ef04a46db60e95d7">Surgeon General Vivek Murthy</a>&nbsp;held a virtual meeting with the more than 275 inaugural members of the community corps on Thursday-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Vice President Kamala Harris and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-opioids-coronavirus-pandemic-vivek-murthy-barack-obama-2e1643c5f69e2f64ef04a46db60e95d7">Surgeon General Vivek Murthy</a>&nbsp;held a virtual meeting with the more than 275 inaugural members of the community corps on Thursday-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Seeking to overcome&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-norc-poll-us-half-want-vaccine-shots-4d98dbfc0a64d60d52ac84c3065dac55">vaccine hesitancy</a>, the Biden administration on Thursday stepped up its outreach efforts to skeptical Americans, launching a coalition of community, religious and celebrity partners to promote COVID-19 shots in hard-hit communities.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?509124-1/vice-president-harris-holds-virtual-town-hall">Click here to </a>watch a replay of the virtual meetingThe administration’s “We Can Do This” campaign features television and social media ads, but it also relies on a community corps of public health, athletic, faith and other groups to spread the word about the safety and efficacy of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-19-vaccine-us-study-highly-effective-57cde25de803c98503c5ff9937598420">the three approved vaccines</a>. The campaign comes amid worries that reluctance to get vaccinated will delay the nation’s recovery from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;— and is kicking off as the U.S. is anticipating a boost in vaccine supply that will make all adult Americans eligible for vaccines by the beginning of May.President Joe Biden encouraged more than 1,000 faith leaders on Thursday to continue their efforts to promote vaccinations in their communities. “They’re going to listen to your words more than they are to me as president of the United States,” Biden said.Vice President Kamala Harris and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-opioids-coronavirus-pandemic-vivek-murthy-barack-obama-2e1643c5f69e2f64ef04a46db60e95d7">Surgeon General Vivek Murthy</a>&nbsp;held a virtual meeting with the more than 275 inaugural members of the community corps on Thursday to kick off the effort. The Department of Health and Human Services was also encouraging other groups, as well as everyday Americans, to&nbsp;<a href="https://wecandothis.hhs.gov/covidcommunitycorps" target="_blank">join the effort.</a>“You are the people that folks on the ground know and rely on and have a history with,” Harris said. “And when people are then making the decision to get vaccinated, they’re going to look to you.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617360300944.png" alt="Vice President Harris during the virtual event -image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Vice President Harris during the virtual event -image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>A White House official said Harris plans to take on a larger role in promoting the uptake of vaccines, in addition to her efforts selling the president’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill and working to address the root causes of migration driving an increase in unaccompanied minors entering the U.S. along the southern border.The focus on trusted validators stems from both internal and public surveys showing those skeptical of the vaccines are most likely to be swayed by local, community and medical encouragement to get vaccinated, rather than messages from politicians.Courtney Rowe, the White House’s COVID-19 director of strategic communications and engagement, briefed governors on the new initiative Tuesday, telling them that people “want to hear from those they know and trust.” She added that the initiative would be “empowering the leaders people want to hear from.”A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research conducted late last month finds that three-quarters of American adults now say they have or will get a vaccine, compared with 13% who say they probably will not, while 12% say they definitely will not. The share saying they probably or definitely will not has ticked down since January, when a combined 32% said that.The coalition includes health groups like the American Medical Association and the National Council of Urban Indian Health, sports leagues like the NFL, NASCAR and MLB, rural groups, unions and Latino, Black, Asian American Pacific Islander and Native American organizations, as well as coalitions of faith, business and veterans leaders.The community corps will receive fact sheets and social media messages to share with members of their communities, as well as regular updates from the Biden administration with the latest vaccine confidence resources.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced last week that it will devote $3 billion to support outreach by community leaders and groups to boost vaccine confidence.HHS was also launching its first national ad campaign promoting vaccinations, aimed at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsVx_PZtigo" target="_blank">senior</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9iEVmAiWsc%3C&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">Latino</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ArOJN4XF3I" target="_blank">Black</a>&nbsp;Americans, with the roughly $250 million initial ad campaign. And in partnership with Facebook, it was deploying social media profile frames so that ordinary Americans could share their intent to get vaccinations and their experience with the shots to their peers.The White House is also deploying Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious-disease expert, and Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, who chairs Biden’s COVID-19 equity task force, to speak directly to the public about the benefits of the vaccines. On Wednesday, the pair conducted an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KloxyjK36v0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KloxyjK36v0" target="_blank">interview</a>&nbsp;with rapper and actor LL Cool J and DJ Jazzy Jeff.By the end of May, the U.S. will have enough supply of COVID-19 vaccine to cover all adults in the country.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/anthony-fauci">Dr. Anthony Fauci</a>, the nation’s top infectious-disease expert, has estimated that 70% to 85% of the population needs to be immune to the virus to reach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/when-do-we-reach-herd-immunity-explained-8da12b3d4f6e33c0c6562f29f81ca52a">herd immunity</a>.

🎥 Vice Pres. leads celebrity team to boost vaccinations

BUTLER COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Thursday in Butler County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Piper Single-Engine airplane piloted by Nathaniel L. Trenum, 38, Chattanooga, TN. was on an approach at the end of training and came in for a landing too fast at&nbsp;SW 106th Terrace and SW Sante Fe Lake Road.

The pilot had to make an emergency landing for safety reasons. When they made their emergency landing, they went through a fence and removed the right wing of the plane on a fence post. The plane came to a stop in front of the barn on the property.

&nbsp;EMS transported Trenum to Susan B. Allen Hospital. A passenger Charles Michael Frisch, 19, Wichita, was not injured.&nbsp;

The KHP released no additional details. The NTSB will investigate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617454776381.png" alt="The crash occurred four miles east of Augusta-Google image" />
 <figcaption>The crash occurred four miles east of Augusta-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Thursday in Butler County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Piper Single-Engine airplane piloted by Nathaniel L. Trenum, 38, Chattanooga, TN. was on an approach at the end of training and came in for a landing too fast at&nbsp;SW 106th Terrace and SW Sante Fe Lake Road.The pilot had to make an emergency landing for safety reasons. When they made their emergency landing, they went through a fence and removed the right wing of the plane on a fence post. The plane came to a stop in front of the barn on the property.&nbsp;EMS transported Trenum to Susan B. Allen Hospital. A passenger Charles Michael Frisch, 19, Wichita, was not injured.&nbsp;The KHP released no additional details. The NTSB will investigate.

KHP IDs pilot injured after small plane mishap in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican legislators don’t yet agree on how much time to give the Kansas Department of Labor to upgrade aged technology for an unemployment system that for months has been plagued by problems and the frequent target of scammers.

The House and the Senate have approved legislation aimed at modernizing the system. Both chambers’ versions would give the GOP-controlled Legislature more oversight of the department’s upgrades, set aside up to $500 million in federal COVID-19 relief dollars to shoring up the state fund that provides benefits and revise the tax rates paid by employers to help finance benefits in hopes of making the assessments fairer.

The Senate approved&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2196_04_0000.pdf" target="_blank">its version</a>&nbsp;Wednesday, 40-0, the same day it also unanimously confirmed Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s appointment of Amber Shultz, a former Lawrence city official with an information-technology background, as the department’s top administrator. Under the Senate’s bill, top legislative leaders would set the deadline for technology upgrades.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2196_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">The House’s version,</a>&nbsp;which was approved in early March with no Democratic support, would require the department to finish its upgrades by the end of 2022 — a deadline the department deems unrealistic. Lawmakers expect negotiators for the two chambers to draft the final version of the legislation as early as next week.

“I tried to be practical,” Republican Sen. Rob Olson, of Olathe, the Senate Commerce Committee’s chair, said Thursday.

The department estimated that it paid out $290 million in fraudulent unemployment claims last year, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-2ff466a95e0e08fec896b9fcac161312">a legislative audit</a>&nbsp;estimated the figure at $600 million, suggesting that nearly 1 in every 4 claims was bogus. GOP lawmakers have worried those claims will compel employers to pay higher taxes than they should to replenish the benefits fund.

House Republicans have argued that the modernization legislation needs to set a specific deadline for the upgrades so that the work doesn’t drag out. Kelly included $37.5 million in her budget for the upgrades.

“When we shake the trees, generally, they respond and there are improvements made,” Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Stilwell Republican and the House commerce committee’s chair, said after it finished with the bill in late February.

The state previously spent about $51 million on upgrading the department’s technology from 2004 until the project was canceled in December 2011 under Republican Gov. Sam Brownback, according to a memo from the Legislature’s research staff. Some Republicans worried at the time that the project was plagued by wasteful spending, and the researchers’ memo said “approximately half” of the work was completed.

Kelly and her staff have suggested that the cancellation of the previous project left Kansas unprepared for last spring’s surge in unemployment claims at the outset of the coronavirus pandemic and a wave of fraudulent claims. They also have blamed the old technology for multiple problems in getting benefits to jobless workers.

The department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-f79ed0b839ad8501cf50650ca51dcbb1">shut down</a>&nbsp;its unemployment system for several days over the winter to install new, anti-fraud security protocols.

Both versions of the unemployment modernization bill would establish a 13-member council to oversee the department’s technology upgrades, with 10 members appointed by legislative leaders, two by the governor and either the department’s head or her appointee serving.

Democrats and labor unions argued that the House’s version of the bill contained little or nothing for workers.

But Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, said her chamber’s version “puts us on the road to fixing things.”

“It’s not an overnight fix,” she said.

Shultz became the department’s fourth leader in a little more than seven months&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-biden-cabinet-lawrence-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-1d66dcf497249b9da89fbabbbe9495d2">in late January,</a>&nbsp;after Kelly’s first state labor secretary, Delia Garcia,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/25193ce98f24c3fcb41503653e0b0cf6">resigned</a>&nbsp;last June. Shultz previously was Lawrence’s general manager of municipal services and operations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610733397386.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican legislators don’t yet agree on how much time to give the Kansas Department of Labor to upgrade aged technology for an unemployment system that for months has been plagued by problems and the frequent target of scammers.The House and the Senate have approved legislation aimed at modernizing the system. Both chambers’ versions would give the GOP-controlled Legislature more oversight of the department’s upgrades, set aside up to $500 million in federal COVID-19 relief dollars to shoring up the state fund that provides benefits and revise the tax rates paid by employers to help finance benefits in hopes of making the assessments fairer.The Senate approved&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2196_04_0000.pdf" target="_blank">its version</a>&nbsp;Wednesday, 40-0, the same day it also unanimously confirmed Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s appointment of Amber Shultz, a former Lawrence city official with an information-technology background, as the department’s top administrator. Under the Senate’s bill, top legislative leaders would set the deadline for technology upgrades.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2196_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">The House’s version,</a>&nbsp;which was approved in early March with no Democratic support, would require the department to finish its upgrades by the end of 2022 — a deadline the department deems unrealistic. Lawmakers expect negotiators for the two chambers to draft the final version of the legislation as early as next week.“I tried to be practical,” Republican Sen. Rob Olson, of Olathe, the Senate Commerce Committee’s chair, said Thursday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617375818934.png" alt="Members during a Senate conference committee meeting Thursday" />
 <figcaption>Members during a Senate conference committee meeting Thursday</figcaption>
 </figure>The department estimated that it paid out $290 million in fraudulent unemployment claims last year, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-2ff466a95e0e08fec896b9fcac161312">a legislative audit</a>&nbsp;estimated the figure at $600 million, suggesting that nearly 1 in every 4 claims was bogus. GOP lawmakers have worried those claims will compel employers to pay higher taxes than they should to replenish the benefits fund.House Republicans have argued that the modernization legislation needs to set a specific deadline for the upgrades so that the work doesn’t drag out. Kelly included $37.5 million in her budget for the upgrades.“When we shake the trees, generally, they respond and there are improvements made,” Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Stilwell Republican and the House commerce committee’s chair, said after it finished with the bill in late February.The state previously spent about $51 million on upgrading the department’s technology from 2004 until the project was canceled in December 2011 under Republican Gov. Sam Brownback, according to a memo from the Legislature’s research staff. Some Republicans worried at the time that the project was plagued by wasteful spending, and the researchers’ memo said “approximately half” of the work was completed.Kelly and her staff have suggested that the cancellation of the previous project left Kansas unprepared for last spring’s surge in unemployment claims at the outset of the coronavirus pandemic and a wave of fraudulent claims. They also have blamed the old technology for multiple problems in getting benefits to jobless workers.The department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-f79ed0b839ad8501cf50650ca51dcbb1">shut down</a>&nbsp;its unemployment system for several days over the winter to install new, anti-fraud security protocols.Both versions of the unemployment modernization bill would establish a 13-member council to oversee the department’s technology upgrades, with 10 members appointed by legislative leaders, two by the governor and either the department’s head or her appointee serving.Democrats and labor unions argued that the House’s version of the bill contained little or nothing for workers.But Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, said her chamber’s version “puts us on the road to fixing things.”“It’s not an overnight fix,” she said.Shultz became the department’s fourth leader in a little more than seven months&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-biden-cabinet-lawrence-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-1d66dcf497249b9da89fbabbbe9495d2">in late January,</a>&nbsp;after Kelly’s first state labor secretary, Delia Garcia,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/25193ce98f24c3fcb41503653e0b0cf6">resigned</a>&nbsp;last June. Shultz previously was Lawrence’s general manager of municipal services and operations.

GOP legislators disagree over upgrades to Kan. Labor Dept.

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

Police identified the slain officer as William “Billy” Evans, an 18-year veteran who was a member of the department’s first responders unit.&nbsp; Members of the Kansas Congressional delegation issued statements on his death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617385738948.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal attack Friday photo courtesy WJLA TV" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal attack Friday photo courtesy WJLA TV</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — A Capitol Police officer was killed after a man rammed a car into two officers at a barricade outside the U.S. Capitol and then emerged wielding a knife. The suspect died at a hospital. Police identified the slain officer as William “Billy” Evans, an 18-year veteran who was a member of the department’s first responders unit.&nbsp; Members of the Kansas Congressional delegation issued statements on his death.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Robba and I join the country in mourning the loss of the fallen U.S. Capitol Police officer following today&#39;s senseless act of violence. We are praying for the recovery of the injured USCP officer and the safety of all first responders who sacrifice each day to keep us safe.&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1378074151932551170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are praying for the <a href="https://twitter.com/CapitolPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CapitolPolice</a> Officers involved in the incident outside the U.S. Capitol today. Grateful for their heroism and for always keeping us safe.&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1378052063603654661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I’m continuing to monitor the situation at the Capitol as it unfolds. My thoughts are with the US Capitol Police, the injured officer, and the loved ones of the officer who was tragically killed in the line of duty.&mdash; Rep. Sharice Davids (@RepDavids) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDavids/status/1378068305089597442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Suzanne and I are praying for the entire <a href="https://twitter.com/CapitolPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CapitolPolice</a> department today. They serve courageously to protect us and tragically lost one of their fellow officers today. May God bless the victims and their families.&mdash; Rep. Jake LaTurner (@RepLaTurner) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepLaTurner/status/1378088976716857347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My prayers are with the fallen <a href="https://twitter.com/CapitolPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CapitolPolice</a> officer. These brave women and men put themselves in harm’s way every day to serve and protect. Audrey and I extend our condolences to the families impacted and pray the other officers make a quick recovery.&mdash; Tracey Mann (@RepMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMann/status/1378077667724046344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Please join me in praying for the <a href="https://twitter.com/CapitolPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CapitolPolice</a> officers and all involved. Susan and I are so grateful for the bravery and commitment of those officers and our law enforcement. <a href="https://t.co/HjSaw7g4En">https://t.co/HjSaw7g4En</a>&mdash; Rep. Ron Estes (@RepRonEstes) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepRonEstes/status/1378052303974981634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Kan. delegation responds to attack on US Capitol police

Just before 8p.m. Friday, officials reopened Carlson Road to traffic. Residents were allowed to return to their homes. Approximately 2000 acres burned. There were no injuries reported.

MAPLE HILL, Kan. (AP) — Authorities are urging people to evacuate two towns near Topeka because of a large wildfire. The Topeka Fire Department said in a tweet Friday that western Shawnee County should be avoided. 

The tweet said residents of Maple Hill and Willard have been urged to go to the nearby town of Rossville. Multiple emergency crews are on the scene. 

The National Weather Service has issued red flag fire danger warnings for the area because of gusty winds. Shawnee County Emergency Management didn’t immediately have any other details to release.

In addition, fire crews were also working another fire just north of Hutchinson in Reno County Friday afternoon at&nbsp;43rd and Loraine, according to the Hutchinson Fire Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617404810732.png" alt="Heinen Brothers Agra Services has been requested to assist on a wildfire in Wabaunsee/Shawnee Counties-photo courtesy Kansas Forest Service" />
 <figcaption>Heinen Brothers Agra Services has been requested to assist on a wildfire in Wabaunsee/Shawnee Counties-photo courtesy Kansas Forest Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 8p.m. Friday, officials reopened Carlson Road to traffic. Residents were allowed to return to their homes. Approximately 2000 acres burned. There were no injuries reported.--------MAPLE HILL, Kan. (AP) — Authorities are urging people to evacuate two towns near Topeka because of a large wildfire. The Topeka Fire Department said in a tweet Friday that western Shawnee County should be avoided. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617396126382.png" alt="Traffic backed up at U.S. 75 and U.S. 24 due to the fire-image courtesy KanDrive" />
 <figcaption>Traffic backed up at U.S. 75 and U.S. 24 due to the fire-image courtesy KanDrive</figcaption>
 </figure>The tweet said residents of Maple Hill and Willard have been urged to go to the nearby town of Rossville. Multiple emergency crews are on the scene. The National Weather Service has issued red flag fire danger warnings for the area because of gusty winds. Shawnee County Emergency Management didn’t immediately have any other details to release.In addition, fire crews were also working another fire just north of Hutchinson in Reno County Friday afternoon at&nbsp;43rd and Loraine, according to the Hutchinson Fire Department.

Update: Large wildfire forces evacuations in 2 Kan. towns

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued guidance for 
employers claiming the Employee Retention Credit under the Coronavirus 
Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) modified by the 
Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020 (Relief Act).

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-21-23.pdf">Notice 2021-23&nbsp;PDF</a> explains the changes to the Employee Retention Credit for the first two calendar quarters of 2021, including:

As a result of the changes made by the Relief Act, eligible 
employers can now claim a refundable tax credit against the employer 
share of Social Security tax equal to 70% of the qualified wages they 
pay to employees after December&nbsp;31, 2020, through June 30, 2021. 
Qualified wages are limited to $10,000 per employee per calendar quarter
 in 2021. Thus, the maximum employee retention credit available is 
$7,000 per employee per calendar quarter, for a total of $14,000 for the
 first two calendar quarters of 2021.

Employers can access the Employee Retention Credit for the 1st and 
2nd calendar quarters of 2021 prior to filing their employment tax 
returns by reducing employment tax deposits. Small employers (i.e., 
employers with an average of 500 or fewer full-time employees in 2019) 
may request advance payment of the credit (subject to certain limits) on
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-7200">Form 7200, Advance of Employer Credits Due to Covid-19</a>,
 after reducing deposits. In 2021, advances are not available for 
employers larger than this. Further details on how to calculate and 
claim the employee retention credit for the first two calendar quarters 
of 2021 can be found in Notice 2021-23.

Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, enacted March 11, 2021, 
the Employee Retention Credit is available to eligible employers for 
wages paid during the third and fourth quarters of 2021. The Department 
of the Treasury and the IRS will provide further guidance on the 
Employee Retention Credit available under the ARPA.

Additional coronavirus relief <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus-tax-relief-for-businesses-and-tax-exempt-entities">information for businesses</a> is available on IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued guidance for 
employers claiming the Employee Retention Credit under the Coronavirus 
Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) modified by the 
Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020 (Relief Act).<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-21-23.pdf">Notice 2021-23&nbsp;PDF</a> explains the changes to the Employee Retention Credit for the first two calendar quarters of 2021, including:<ul>
 <li>the increase in the maximum credit amount,</li><li>the expansion of the category of employers that may be eligible to claim the credit,</li><li>modifications to the gross receipts test,</li><li>revisions to the definition of qualified wages, and</li><li>new restrictions on the ability of eligible employers to request an advance payment of the credit.</li>
 </ul>As a result of the changes made by the Relief Act, eligible 
employers can now claim a refundable tax credit against the employer 
share of Social Security tax equal to 70% of the qualified wages they 
pay to employees after December&nbsp;31, 2020, through June 30, 2021. 
Qualified wages are limited to $10,000 per employee per calendar quarter
 in 2021. Thus, the maximum employee retention credit available is 
$7,000 per employee per calendar quarter, for a total of $14,000 for the
 first two calendar quarters of 2021.Employers can access the Employee Retention Credit for the 1st and 
2nd calendar quarters of 2021 prior to filing their employment tax 
returns by reducing employment tax deposits. Small employers (i.e., 
employers with an average of 500 or fewer full-time employees in 2019) 
may request advance payment of the credit (subject to certain limits) on
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-7200">Form 7200, Advance of Employer Credits Due to Covid-19</a>,
 after reducing deposits. In 2021, advances are not available for 
employers larger than this. Further details on how to calculate and 
claim the employee retention credit for the first two calendar quarters 
of 2021 can be found in Notice 2021-23.Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, enacted March 11, 2021, 
the Employee Retention Credit is available to eligible employers for 
wages paid during the third and fourth quarters of 2021. The Department 
of the Treasury and the IRS will provide further guidance on the 
Employee Retention Credit available under the ARPA.Additional coronavirus relief <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus-tax-relief-for-businesses-and-tax-exempt-entities">information for businesses</a> is available on IRS.gov.

IRS provides guidance on Employee Retention Credit for 2021

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) — A man shot by police during a chase and gun battle in east central Indiana has died of his wounds, authorities said

Jonathan Levi Allen, 28, a former Muncie resident who most recently resided in Wichita, Kansas, died sometime following the March 3 shooting.

Indiana State Police said Allen was shot in the head by a Muncie officer and crashed his SUV into a parked vehicle.

Muncie officers responding to a report of a suspect in an SUV firing gunshots tried to pull the vehicle but Allen didn’t stop and a short pursuit ensued before police ended it because school buses were nearby. The chase resumed when authorities learned Allen was holding a female passenger against her will in his vehicle, state police said.

“The suspect began firing multiple gunshots from the SUV towards officers and civilians,” state police said in a news release. Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman said he will review the state police investigation of the chase and shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617377519398.png" alt="Allen had two previous drug convictions in Kansas, according to the Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Allen had two previous drug convictions in Kansas, according to the Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) — A man shot by police during a chase and gun battle in east central Indiana has died of his wounds, authorities saidJonathan Levi Allen, 28, a former Muncie resident who most recently resided in Wichita, Kansas, died sometime following the March 3 shooting.Indiana State Police said Allen was shot in the head by a Muncie officer and crashed his SUV into a parked vehicle.Muncie officers responding to a report of a suspect in an SUV firing gunshots tried to pull the vehicle but Allen didn’t stop and a short pursuit ensued before police ended it because school buses were nearby. The chase resumed when authorities learned Allen was holding a female passenger against her will in his vehicle, state police said.“The suspect began firing multiple gunshots from the SUV towards officers and civilians,” state police said in a news release. Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman said he will review the state police investigation of the chase and shooting.

Kan. felon dies after shot by police during chase

BROWN COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 2p.m. Friday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Kenworth semi driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Jon David Bruns, 57,&nbsp; Hiawatha, was northbound in the 600 Block of Dewberry Road. 

The semi&nbsp; left the roadway to the east and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle returned to the road and rolled.

&nbsp;Bruns was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp; Chapel Oaks Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

BROWN COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 2p.m. Friday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Kenworth semi driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Jon David Bruns, 57,&nbsp; Hiawatha, was northbound in the 600 Block of Dewberry Road. The semi&nbsp; left the roadway to the east and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle returned to the road and rolled.&nbsp;Bruns was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp; Chapel Oaks Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after semi rollover crash

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Police ID officer, suspect who died at US Capitol

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

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

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

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

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

Police ID woman killed in suspicious Kansas City house fire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KDHE: South African COVID variant identified in Kansas

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

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

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

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

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

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

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

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

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

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

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

Police find man with gunshot wounds at Kan. business

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

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

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

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

Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

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

Update: Man freed after entrapment at Kan. grain elevator 

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

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

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

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

Police in Derby located Willis and arrested her without incident.

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

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

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

Kansas woman jailed for April Fools' Day joke 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Judge delays ruling on DACA immigration program

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kan. fights sale of fake COVID-19 vaccination cards

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

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

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

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

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

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

Officers also have located a rifle at the scene.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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