SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at a home in Topeka and have identified the victim as 51-year-old Bradley Bellinder of Topeka.

Just after 10p.m. Thursday police responded to a home in the&nbsp;1200 Block of NW Polk after the Shawnee County Emergency Communication Center received a call for service on the report of an unknown medical issue, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

On arrival, officers were advised of an adult victim later identified as Bellinder suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers located&nbsp; the victim who appeared to have a gunshot wound and he was&nbsp; later pronounced deceased, at the scene.&nbsp;

The police department homicide unit continues reviewing all investigative leads.&nbsp; They have not reported an arrest.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at a home in Topeka.

 On arrival, officers were advised of an adult victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers located a victim who appeared to have a gunshot wound who was&nbsp; later pronounced deceased, at the scene.&nbsp;

The police department homicide unit is reviewing all investigative leads.&nbsp; They have not reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624623642394.png" alt="Police on the scene of the fatal shooting on Thursday photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the fatal shooting on Thursday photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at a home in Topeka and have identified the victim as 51-year-old Bradley Bellinder of Topeka.Just after 10p.m. Thursday police responded to a home in the&nbsp;1200 Block of NW Polk after the Shawnee County Emergency Communication Center received a call for service on the report of an unknown medical issue, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.On arrival, officers were advised of an adult victim later identified as Bellinder suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers located&nbsp; the victim who appeared to have a gunshot wound and he was&nbsp; later pronounced deceased, at the scene.&nbsp;The police department homicide unit continues reviewing all investigative leads.&nbsp; They have not reported an arrest.--------SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at a home in Topeka.Just after 10p.m. Thursday police responded to a home in the&nbsp;1200 Block of NW Polk after the Shawnee County Emergency Communication Center received a call for service on the report of an unknown medical issue, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith. On arrival, officers were advised of an adult victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers located a victim who appeared to have a gunshot wound who was&nbsp; later pronounced deceased, at the scene.&nbsp;The police department homicide unit is reviewing all investigative leads.&nbsp; They have not reported an arrest.

Homicide: Police ID man shot at Kansas home

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?511839-1/derek-chauvin-sentencing-hearing-murder-george-floyd">Click here to </a>watch a replay of the sentencing hearing.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin has been sentenced to 22 1/2 years in prison for the murder of George Floyd, whose dying gasps under Chauvin’s knee led to the biggest outcry against racial injustice in the U.S. in generations. 

The punishment handed out Friday fell short of the 30 years that prosecutors had requested. With good behavior, Chauvin, 45, could be paroled after serving two-thirds of his sentence, or about 15 years.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Former police Officer Derek Chauvin has broken his silence at his sentencing for the murder of George Floyd, offering condolences to Floyd’s family and saying he hopes more will come out in the future to give them “some peace of mind.” Chauvin, 45, could get a decadeslong prison sentence. Removing his COVID-19 mask, he addressed the court only briefly and said he could not say much because of the federal civil rights trial he is still facing.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — George Floyd's 7-year-old daughter says she wishes she could tell her late father that “I miss you and I love you.” Gianna Floyd's video interview was played in court Thursday during the sentencing of former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged with murder and manslaughter in Floyd's death. Gianna Floyd said in the victim impact statement that she believed her dad was still with her in spirit. She said, “I want to play with him., have fun, go on a plane ride.” Hers was the first of four victim impact statements expected at the sentencing.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Former Minneapolis police Officer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/american-protests-us-news-ap-top-news-police-mn-state-wire-8b486c2622de5504f1e65a606b0eac7f">Derek Chauvin</a>&nbsp;learns his sentence Friday for murder in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-floyd-profile-66163bbd94239afa16d706bd6479c613">George Floyd’</a>&nbsp;s death, closing a chapter in a case that sparked global outrage and a reckoning on racial disparities in America.

Chauvin, 45, faces decades in prison, with several legal experts predicting a sentence of 20 to 25 years. Though Chauvin is widely expected to appeal, he also still faces trial on federal civil rights charges, along with three other fired officers who have yet to have their state trials.

The concrete barricades, razor wire and National Guard patrols that shrouded the county courthouse for Chauvin’s three-week trial are gone, and so is most of the tension in the city&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-convicted-george-floyd-killing-d93d1f9fc61a5261e179240dc16924dc">as it awaited a verdict in April</a>. Still, there’s a recognition that Chauvin’s sentencing will be another major step forward for a city that has been on edge since Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020.

“Between the incident, the video, the riots, the trial — this is the pinnacle of it,” Mike Brandt, a local defense attorney who has closely followed Chauvin’s case, said. “The verdict was huge too, but this is where the justice comes down.”

Chauvin was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for pressing his knee against Floyd’s neck for about 9 1/2 minutes as the Black man said he couldn’t breathe and went limp. Bystander video of Floyd’s arrest for suspicion of passing a counterfeit $20 bill prompted protests around the world and a nationwide reckoning on race and police brutality.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-sentencing-what-to-know-93e2176551f3a73e85fd9b78c63457b9">Under Minnesota statutes</a>, Chauvin will be sentenced only on the most serious charge, which has a maximum sentence of 40 years. But case law dictates that a 30-year sentence would be the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-george-floyd-28fa08c9c74903a7d1a0f1adcf6e65f2">practical maximum sentence</a>&nbsp;Judge Peter Cahill could impose without risk of being overturned on appeal.

Prosecutors asked for 30 years, saying Chauvin’s actions were egregious and “shocked the nation’s conscience.” Defense attorney Eric Nelson requested probation, saying Chauvin was the product of a “broken” system and “believed he was doing his job.”

Cahill has already found that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-floyd-death-of-george-floyd-78a698283afd3fcd3252de512e395bd6">aggravating factors in Floyd’s death</a>&nbsp;warrant going higher than the 12 1/2-year sentence recommended by the state’s sentencing guidelines. The judge found Chauvin abused his position of authority, treated Floyd with particular cruelty, and that the crime was seen by several children. He also wrote that Chauvin knew the restraint of Floyd was dangerous.

“The prolonged use of this technique was particularly egregious in that George Floyd made it clear he was unable to breathe and expressed the view that he was dying as a result of the officers’ restraint,” Cahill wrote last month.

Attorneys on both sides are expected to make brief arguments Friday, and victims or family members of victims can make statements. No family members have said publicly that they will speak.

Chauvin can also make a statement, but it’s not clear if he will. Experts say it could be tricky for Chauvin to talk without implicating himself in the pending federal case accusing him of violating Floyd’s civil rights.

Chauvin chose not to testify at his trial. The only explanation the public has heard from him came from body-camera footage in which he told a bystander at the scene: “We got to control this guy ’cause he’s a sizable guy ... and it looks like he’s probably on something.”

Several experts said they doubted Chauvin would take the risk and speak, but Brandt thought he would. He said Chauvin could say a few words without getting himself into legal trouble.

“I think it’s his chance to tell the world, ‘I didn’t intend to kill him,’” Brandt said. “If I was him, I think I would want to try and let people know that I’m not a monster.”

Several people interviewed in Minneapolis days before Chauvin’s sentencing said they want to see a tough sentence.

Thirty years “doesn’t seem like long enough to me,” said Andrew Harer, a retail worker who is white. “I would be fine if he was in jail for the rest of his life.”

Joseph Allen, 31, who is Black, said he thinks Chauvin should receive “at least” 30 years, and said he’d prefer a life sentence. He cited nearly 20 complaints filed against the now-fired officer during his career.

Allen said he hopes other police officers can learn “not to do what Derek Chauvin did.”

Nekima Levy Armstrong, a civil rights attorney and activist, called for Chauvin to be sentenced “to the fullest extent of the law.” She called Floyd’s death “a modern day lynching” and predicted community outrage if Chauvin is sentenced lightly.

When asked if she would like to hear Chauvin speak, Levy Armstrong said: “For me as a Black woman living in this community, there’s really nothing that he could say that would alleviate the pain and trauma that he caused ... I think that if he spoke it would be disingenuous and could cause more trauma.”

No matter what sentence Chauvin gets, he’s likely to serve only about two-thirds behind bars presuming good behavior. The rest would be on supervised release.

He’s been held since his conviction at the state’s only maximum security prison, in Oak Park Heights. The former officer is held away from the general population for his safety, in a 10-by-10-foot cell, with meals brought to his room. He is allowed out for solitary exercise for an hour a day.

It’s not clear if Chauvin will remain there. State prisons officials said that decision wouldn’t be made until after Cahill’s formal sentencing order.

Chauvin and the three other officers involved in Floyd’s arrest are awaiting trial in federal court on charges of violating Floyd’s civil rights. No trial date has been set.

The three other officers are also scheduled for trial in March on state charges of aiding and abetting both murder and manslaughter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624651161510.png" alt="Derek Chauvin&nbsp;offered condolences to Floyd’s family during Friday's sentencing hearing -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Derek Chauvin&nbsp;offered condolences to Floyd’s family during Friday's sentencing hearing -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?511839-1/derek-chauvin-sentencing-hearing-murder-george-floyd">Click here to </a>watch a replay of the sentencing hearing.MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin has been sentenced to 22 1/2 years in prison for the murder of George Floyd, whose dying gasps under Chauvin’s knee led to the biggest outcry against racial injustice in the U.S. in generations. The punishment handed out Friday fell short of the 30 years that prosecutors had requested. With good behavior, Chauvin, 45, could be paroled after serving two-thirds of his sentence, or about 15 years.-----------MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Former police Officer Derek Chauvin has broken his silence at his sentencing for the murder of George Floyd, offering condolences to Floyd’s family and saying he hopes more will come out in the future to give them “some peace of mind.” Chauvin, 45, could get a decadeslong prison sentence. Removing his COVID-19 mask, he addressed the court only briefly and said he could not say much because of the federal civil rights trial he is still facing.MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — George Floyd's 7-year-old daughter says she wishes she could tell her late father that “I miss you and I love you.” Gianna Floyd's video interview was played in court Thursday during the sentencing of former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged with murder and manslaughter in Floyd's death. Gianna Floyd said in the victim impact statement that she believed her dad was still with her in spirit. She said, “I want to play with him., have fun, go on a plane ride.” Hers was the first of four victim impact statements expected at the sentencing.-------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619012623324.png" alt="Chauvin booking photo taken just after the guilty verdict in April -photo Minnesota Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Chauvin booking photo taken just after the guilty verdict in April -photo Minnesota Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Former Minneapolis police Officer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/american-protests-us-news-ap-top-news-police-mn-state-wire-8b486c2622de5504f1e65a606b0eac7f">Derek Chauvin</a>&nbsp;learns his sentence Friday for murder in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-floyd-profile-66163bbd94239afa16d706bd6479c613">George Floyd’</a>&nbsp;s death, closing a chapter in a case that sparked global outrage and a reckoning on racial disparities in America.Chauvin, 45, faces decades in prison, with several legal experts predicting a sentence of 20 to 25 years. Though Chauvin is widely expected to appeal, he also still faces trial on federal civil rights charges, along with three other fired officers who have yet to have their state trials.The concrete barricades, razor wire and National Guard patrols that shrouded the county courthouse for Chauvin’s three-week trial are gone, and so is most of the tension in the city&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-convicted-george-floyd-killing-d93d1f9fc61a5261e179240dc16924dc">as it awaited a verdict in April</a>. Still, there’s a recognition that Chauvin’s sentencing will be another major step forward for a city that has been on edge since Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020.“Between the incident, the video, the riots, the trial — this is the pinnacle of it,” Mike Brandt, a local defense attorney who has closely followed Chauvin’s case, said. “The verdict was huge too, but this is where the justice comes down.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618953264612.png" alt="Ex-officer Derek Chauvin is handcuffed moments after the judge read the guilty verdict-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Ex-officer Derek Chauvin is handcuffed moments after the judge read the guilty verdict-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Chauvin was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for pressing his knee against Floyd’s neck for about 9 1/2 minutes as the Black man said he couldn’t breathe and went limp. Bystander video of Floyd’s arrest for suspicion of passing a counterfeit $20 bill prompted protests around the world and a nationwide reckoning on race and police brutality.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-sentencing-what-to-know-93e2176551f3a73e85fd9b78c63457b9">Under Minnesota statutes</a>, Chauvin will be sentenced only on the most serious charge, which has a maximum sentence of 40 years. But case law dictates that a 30-year sentence would be the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-george-floyd-28fa08c9c74903a7d1a0f1adcf6e65f2">practical maximum sentence</a>&nbsp;Judge Peter Cahill could impose without risk of being overturned on appeal.Prosecutors asked for 30 years, saying Chauvin’s actions were egregious and “shocked the nation’s conscience.” Defense attorney Eric Nelson requested probation, saying Chauvin was the product of a “broken” system and “believed he was doing his job.”Cahill has already found that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-floyd-death-of-george-floyd-78a698283afd3fcd3252de512e395bd6">aggravating factors in Floyd’s death</a>&nbsp;warrant going higher than the 12 1/2-year sentence recommended by the state’s sentencing guidelines. The judge found Chauvin abused his position of authority, treated Floyd with particular cruelty, and that the crime was seen by several children. He also wrote that Chauvin knew the restraint of Floyd was dangerous.“The prolonged use of this technique was particularly egregious in that George Floyd made it clear he was unable to breathe and expressed the view that he was dying as a result of the officers’ restraint,” Cahill wrote last month.Attorneys on both sides are expected to make brief arguments Friday, and victims or family members of victims can make statements. No family members have said publicly that they will speak.Chauvin can also make a statement, but it’s not clear if he will. Experts say it could be tricky for Chauvin to talk without implicating himself in the pending federal case accusing him of violating Floyd’s civil rights.Chauvin chose not to testify at his trial. The only explanation the public has heard from him came from body-camera footage in which he told a bystander at the scene: “We got to control this guy ’cause he’s a sizable guy ... and it looks like he’s probably on something.”Several experts said they doubted Chauvin would take the risk and speak, but Brandt thought he would. He said Chauvin could say a few words without getting himself into legal trouble.“I think it’s his chance to tell the world, ‘I didn’t intend to kill him,’” Brandt said. “If I was him, I think I would want to try and let people know that I’m not a monster.”Several people interviewed in Minneapolis days before Chauvin’s sentencing said they want to see a tough sentence.Thirty years “doesn’t seem like long enough to me,” said Andrew Harer, a retail worker who is white. “I would be fine if he was in jail for the rest of his life.”Joseph Allen, 31, who is Black, said he thinks Chauvin should receive “at least” 30 years, and said he’d prefer a life sentence. He cited nearly 20 complaints filed against the now-fired officer during his career.Allen said he hopes other police officers can learn “not to do what Derek Chauvin did.”Nekima Levy Armstrong, a civil rights attorney and activist, called for Chauvin to be sentenced “to the fullest extent of the law.” She called Floyd’s death “a modern day lynching” and predicted community outrage if Chauvin is sentenced lightly.When asked if she would like to hear Chauvin speak, Levy Armstrong said: “For me as a Black woman living in this community, there’s really nothing that he could say that would alleviate the pain and trauma that he caused ... I think that if he spoke it would be disingenuous and could cause more trauma.”No matter what sentence Chauvin gets, he’s likely to serve only about two-thirds behind bars presuming good behavior. The rest would be on supervised release.He’s been held since his conviction at the state’s only maximum security prison, in Oak Park Heights. The former officer is held away from the general population for his safety, in a 10-by-10-foot cell, with meals brought to his room. He is allowed out for solitary exercise for an hour a day.It’s not clear if Chauvin will remain there. State prisons officials said that decision wouldn’t be made until after Cahill’s formal sentencing order.Chauvin and the three other officers involved in Floyd’s arrest are awaiting trial in federal court on charges of violating Floyd’s civil rights. No trial date has been set.The three other officers are also scheduled for trial in March on state charges of aiding and abetting both murder and manslaughter.__

🎥 Derek Chauvin sentenced for murder of George Floyd

UPDATE 3:30 p.m. Friday:&nbsp;The Hays Police Department has reported Hoffman has been located.

ELLIS COUNTY —The Hays Police Department is asking for assistance in locating Joshua Hoffman, suspect in an aggravated battery. He was last seen in a 2007 Toyota Sequoia, gold in color, missing the rear bumper. (Vehicle displayed is a stock photo.) 

If seen, contact the Hays Police Department at 785-625-1011.

Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysPD">HERE</a> for more.

UPDATE 3:30 p.m. Friday:&nbsp;The Hays Police Department has reported Hoffman has been located.ELLIS COUNTY —The Hays Police Department is asking for assistance in locating Joshua Hoffman, suspect in an aggravated battery. He was last seen in a 2007 Toyota Sequoia, gold in color, missing the rear bumper. (Vehicle displayed is a stock photo.) If seen, contact the Hays Police Department at 785-625-1011.Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysPD">HERE</a> for more.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624574427065.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Police locate wanted aggravated battery suspect

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 287 to a total of 317,304, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 8 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5147.

<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 287 to a total of 317,304, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 8 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5147.<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/2021/6/1624640531264.png" alt="Friday June 25, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday June 25, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

PITTSBURG, Kan. (AP) — When Pittsburg, Kansas, Police Officer Jesse Spencer was sent to a home to remove a snake from the front porch, he expected the typical garden snake. And now, for something completely different: What he found was an 8-foot-long python. 

Police on Thursday posted a photo of Spencer holding the snake. The department said the officer “fulfilled the job description category ‘other duties are required.’” Pythons are constrictor snakes and are not native to the U.S., though they are sold as exotic pets. 

Police say the python removed from the porch was adopted by a “responsible individual who lives outside this community.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624635423494.png" alt="Photo courtesy Pittsburg police" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pittsburg police</figcaption>
 </figure>PITTSBURG, Kan. (AP) — When Pittsburg, Kansas, Police Officer Jesse Spencer was sent to a home to remove a snake from the front porch, he expected the typical garden snake. And now, for something completely different: What he found was an 8-foot-long python. Police on Thursday posted a photo of Spencer holding the snake. The department said the officer “fulfilled the job description category ‘other duties are required.’” Pythons are constrictor snakes and are not native to the U.S., though they are sold as exotic pets. Police say the python removed from the porch was adopted by a “responsible individual who lives outside this community.”

Police officer removes python from Kansas home

The
 Federal Trade Commission is sending checks totaling more than $316,000 
to 10,689 people who lost money to a student loan debt relief scheme.

<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/federal.trade.commission#!/vizhome/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase"></a>In a <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/doc_1_complaint.pdf">complaint</a> first announced in <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/03/student-loan-debt-relief-companies-agree-settle-ftc-charges-they">March 2020</a>,
 the FTC alleged SLAC (which also used the name Aspyre), Navloan, and 
Student Loan Assistance Center, and their owner, Adam Owens, falsely 
told consumers that, for an upfront fee of $699 and a monthly fee of 
$39, the defendants would permanently lower or eliminate student loan 
debt. In reality, the payments could change every year, and loan 
forgiveness was not guaranteed for any consumer. The FTC also alleged 
that the defendants paid consumers for positive reviews on the Better 
Business Bureau website and failed to disclose those payments.

As part of a settlement with the FTC, the defendants agreed to pay 
funds, which are being used to send payments to affected consumers.

People who receive checks should deposit or cash their checks within 
90 days, as indicated on the check. Recipients who have questions about 
their checks can call the refund administrator, Analytics, at 
888-440-0371. The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide 
account information to cash a refund check.

The FTC’s <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/federal.trade.commission#!/vizhome/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase">interactive dashboards for refund data(link is external)</a>
 provide a state-by-state breakdown of FTC refunds. In 2020, FTC actions
 led to more than $483 million in refunds to consumers across the 
country, but recently the United States Supreme Court ruled the FTC 
lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal 
court going forward. The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a> to restore the FTC’s ability to get money back for consumers.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Like the FTC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/federaltradecommission">Facebook(link is external)</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/FTC">Twitter(link is external)</a>, get <a href="http://ftc.gov/subscribe">consumer alerts</a>, read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>, and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> for the latest FTC news and resources.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe
 Federal Trade Commission is sending checks totaling more than $316,000 
to 10,689 people who lost money to a student loan debt relief scheme.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/federal.trade.commission#!/vizhome/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase"></a>In a <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/doc_1_complaint.pdf">complaint</a> first announced in <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/03/student-loan-debt-relief-companies-agree-settle-ftc-charges-they">March 2020</a>,
 the FTC alleged SLAC (which also used the name Aspyre), Navloan, and 
Student Loan Assistance Center, and their owner, Adam Owens, falsely 
told consumers that, for an upfront fee of $699 and a monthly fee of 
$39, the defendants would permanently lower or eliminate student loan 
debt. In reality, the payments could change every year, and loan 
forgiveness was not guaranteed for any consumer. The FTC also alleged 
that the defendants paid consumers for positive reviews on the Better 
Business Bureau website and failed to disclose those payments.As part of a settlement with the FTC, the defendants agreed to pay 
funds, which are being used to send payments to affected consumers.People who receive checks should deposit or cash their checks within 
90 days, as indicated on the check. Recipients who have questions about 
their checks can call the refund administrator, Analytics, at 
888-440-0371. The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide 
account information to cash a refund check.The FTC’s <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/federal.trade.commission#!/vizhome/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase">interactive dashboards for refund data(link is external)</a>
 provide a state-by-state breakdown of FTC refunds. In 2020, FTC actions
 led to more than $483 million in refunds to consumers across the 
country, but recently the United States Supreme Court ruled the FTC 
lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal 
court going forward. The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a> to restore the FTC’s ability to get money back for consumers.The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Like the FTC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/federaltradecommission">Facebook(link is external)</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/FTC">Twitter(link is external)</a>, get <a href="http://ftc.gov/subscribe">consumer alerts</a>, read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>, and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> for the latest FTC news and resources.

Feds sending checks to victims of student loan debt relief scheme

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINA —A Kansas man was injured when he was struck by a car just after 9a.m. Thursday in Salina.

A 2008 Ford Focus driven by Lexxi Espada, 19 Solomon, was westbound and turning south onto Ohio Street, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

The car struck Willard Bradshaw, 73, Salina, who was crossing South Ohio Street at the East Iron Avenue intersection. The impact threw Bradshaw onto the windshield of the car.

EMS transported Bradshaw&nbsp; to Salina Regional Health Center with unspecified injuries, according to Forrester.

The Focus received front end and windshield damage, but was able to be driven from the scene. The case is still under investigation and no citations have been issued.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624634195958.jpeg" alt="Emergency crews work a Thursday morning accident in which this Ford Focus struck a 73-year-old Salina man who was crossing S. Ohio Street.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Emergency crews work a Thursday morning accident in which this Ford Focus struck a 73-year-old Salina man who was crossing S. Ohio Street.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINA —A Kansas man was injured when he was struck by a car just after 9a.m. Thursday in Salina.A 2008 Ford Focus driven by Lexxi Espada, 19 Solomon, was westbound and turning south onto Ohio Street, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.The car struck Willard Bradshaw, 73, Salina, who was crossing South Ohio Street at the East Iron Avenue intersection. The impact threw Bradshaw onto the windshield of the car.EMS transported Bradshaw&nbsp; to Salina Regional Health Center with unspecified injuries, according to Forrester.The Focus received front end and windshield damage, but was able to be driven from the scene. The case is still under investigation and no citations have been issued.

73-year-old Kan. man struck by car at Salina intersection

CLOUD COUNTY—Authorities are alerting parents that the Cloud County Health Department had several reports of hand foot and mouth disease within the county this week, according to a social media report.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common infectious disease and can affect children.

The health department said, "with kids playing team sports, going to daycare, and playing at the park and pool, please make sure that everyone is washing their hands, wiping down surfaces and monitoring your child’s health."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624624262850.png" alt="Image courtesy County County Health Department" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy County County Health Department</figcaption>
 </figure>CLOUD COUNTY—Authorities are alerting parents that the Cloud County Health Department had several reports of hand foot and mouth disease within the county this week, according to a social media report.Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common infectious disease and can affect children.The health department said, "with kids playing team sports, going to daycare, and playing at the park and pool, please make sure that everyone is washing their hands, wiping down surfaces and monitoring your child’s health."

County alerts parents to outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the fatal June 8 shooting of 15-year-old Kaden Bauswell near a Kansas Elementary School have two juvenile suspects in custody.

The U.S. Marshal Metro Fugitive Task Force of Omaha and in Las Cruses New Mexico took the juveniles, age 17 and 16 into custody respectively, according to a media release from Kansas Kansas Police Department. They will face charges in Wyandotte County.

Just before noon June 8, police responded&nbsp; to the shooing in the 6600 Block of Cleveland near Hazel Grove Elementary School. Upon arrival, officers found the Bauswell on the sidewalk, the victim of an apparent shooting. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he died.

The suspect fled in a vehicle just before police arrived.

Students participating in a public school summer program were in the building at the time of the shooting.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities have identified the teen injured in a shooting near a Kansas elementary school who died as 15-year-old Kaden Bauswell.

Just before noon Tuesday, police responded&nbsp; to the shooing in the 6600 Block of Cleveland near Hazel Grove Elementary School, according to a media release. Upon arrival, officers found the boy on the sidewalk, the victim of an apparent shooting. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he died.

Students participating in a public school summer program were in the building at the time of the shooting. School officials working with KCPD immediately placed the school on lockdown as a precaution until the area was secure. KCKPS officers were also at the school during dismissal.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A teenager is hospitalized in serious condition after a shooting near an elementary school in Kansas City, Kansas.

The shooting happened Tuesday near Hazel Grove Elementary School. Police responding to calls about shots fired found a male teenager on the sidewalk near the school. Police say his injuries are potentially life-threatening.

The school, which is hosting summer school, went into lockdown after the shooting, but children were later released to go home.

In a letter to families, the school said no children were in danger but some students witnessed the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623184131475.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy Fox4Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy Fox4Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the fatal June 8 shooting of 15-year-old Kaden Bauswell near a Kansas Elementary School have two juvenile suspects in custody.The U.S. Marshal Metro Fugitive Task Force of Omaha and in Las Cruses New Mexico took the juveniles, age 17 and 16 into custody respectively, according to a media release from Kansas Kansas Police Department. They will face charges in Wyandotte County.Just before noon June 8, police responded&nbsp; to the shooing in the 6600 Block of Cleveland near Hazel Grove Elementary School. Upon arrival, officers found the Bauswell on the sidewalk, the victim of an apparent shooting. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he died.The suspect fled in a vehicle just before police arrived.Students participating in a public school summer program were in the building at the time of the shooting.&nbsp;-------------KANSAS CITY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities have identified the teen injured in a shooting near a Kansas elementary school who died as 15-year-old Kaden Bauswell.Just before noon Tuesday, police responded&nbsp; to the shooing in the 6600 Block of Cleveland near Hazel Grove Elementary School, according to a media release. Upon arrival, officers found the boy on the sidewalk, the victim of an apparent shooting. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he died.The suspect fled in a vehicle just before police arrived.Students participating in a public school summer program were in the building at the time of the shooting. School officials working with KCPD immediately placed the school on lockdown as a precaution until the area was secure. KCKPS officers were also at the school during dismissal.------------KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A teenager is hospitalized in serious condition after a shooting near an elementary school in Kansas City, Kansas.The shooting happened Tuesday near Hazel Grove Elementary School. Police responding to calls about shots fired found a male teenager on the sidewalk near the school. Police say his injuries are potentially life-threatening.No arrests have been made.The school, which is hosting summer school, went into lockdown after the shooting, but children were later released to go home.In a letter to families, the school said no children were in danger but some students witnessed the incident.

U.S. Marshals arrest 2 who killed boy near Kan. elementary school

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A highly contagious coronavirus variant that is contributing to a surge of cases in Missouri first gained a foothold in rural areas of the state where vaccinations rates are low, a pattern not seen previously, state health officials say.

The delta variant, first detected in India, is becoming the predominant strain detected in wastewater in some parts of the state, particularly in the southwest corner, where COVID-19 hospitals are on the rise. And it is spreading much differently than the alpha variant, which first was detected in the United Kingdom, said Jeff Wenzel, who oversees the wastewater surveillance program for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

“With the U.K. variant," he said, “we started seeing that in the larger cities and we saw that spread out into smaller communities, and we are seeing the opposite now with this delta variant."

The delta variant also has turned up in wastewater samples in the Kansas City and St. Louis area. But Wenzel said, “In the larger cities, it just doesn’t seem, we just aren’t seeing it as readily as we are in some of the smaller communities."

Officials aren't yet sure why the spread has been so different but are exploring the possibility that lower vaccination rates in rural areas of the state are playing a role.

In St. Louis County, for instance, 48.4% of residents have received at least one dose. But the percentage is half that across a large swath of southwest and northern Missouri, where the biggest rise in cases have been reported, state data shows.

The variant is worrisome because it is not only more contagious, but also more likely to lead to hospitalizations.

Dr. George Turabelidze, the state epidemiologist, said that Missouri was vaccinating about 50,000 people a day in March and April but that the number has since fallen to about 10,000 a day, making the state's vaccination rate among the lowest in the country.

“That is concerning because this new emerging variant is highly transmissible and the primary target is unvaccinated people," he said in a video posted on the health department's&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/">website&nbsp;</a>Wednesday night.

Missouri now leads the nation with most new cases per capita. Over the past 14 days, it has recorded 144.9 new cases for every 100,000 residents, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Lisa Cox, a spokeswoman for the health department, said the agency is exploring a variety of incentive options at the state level. But she said Thursday that she had no details.

An email message left for Republican Gov. Mike Parson's communications staff was not immediately returned.

Besides inundating hospitals, cases are again causing problems for schools. In St. Joseph, the school district had to shift summer school online last week at two schools because about 50% of the students were out sick with COVID-19 or another illness, quarantining or vacationing, said Bethany Clark, director of elementary education for the St. Joseph school district.

She said that wasn't what she envisioned when the district was planning for the summer. Case numbers were so low this spring that the district even decided to make masks optional for summer school.

“I really thought, ‘Things are looking good. Summer school is a great option for opening up some of our restrictions. Let’s see how things work and we can return to as close to normal as we can in the fall,'" she recalled thinking. “And then yeah these cases. It was a hard hit because we really wanted, we really want to be post-pandemic."

But the district is in Buchanan County, where just 20.8% of residents have received at least one shot.

“What you are looking at now is, Where is the virus most able to circulate?" said Dr. Bill Powderly, the co-director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Washington University’s School of Medicine. “Where are the pockets of vulnerability? And the pockets of vulnerability across the United States are those communities with very low vaccination rates because that means they have lots of people who are susceptible to the virus and therefore the virus is much more likely to circulate."

He noted that younger people are more likely to get sick than with earlier strains. But it is unclear whether even that will drive more vaccinations.

“If you are in a rural community where maybe a couple people got infected and nobody got sick, you think it is overblown and your political leaders are telling you it is no big deal,” he said. “You can understand why people start off the way they do, but I don’t want people to die in order to convince the rest of the population that they need to be vaccinated. I so hope that people will start to realize that this is not trivial.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608566572342.png" alt="Virus variat image courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>Virus variat image courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A highly contagious coronavirus variant that is contributing to a surge of cases in Missouri first gained a foothold in rural areas of the state where vaccinations rates are low, a pattern not seen previously, state health officials say.The delta variant, first detected in India, is becoming the predominant strain detected in wastewater in some parts of the state, particularly in the southwest corner, where COVID-19 hospitals are on the rise. And it is spreading much differently than the alpha variant, which first was detected in the United Kingdom, said Jeff Wenzel, who oversees the wastewater surveillance program for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.“With the U.K. variant," he said, “we started seeing that in the larger cities and we saw that spread out into smaller communities, and we are seeing the opposite now with this delta variant."The delta variant also has turned up in wastewater samples in the Kansas City and St. Louis area. But Wenzel said, “In the larger cities, it just doesn’t seem, we just aren’t seeing it as readily as we are in some of the smaller communities."Officials aren't yet sure why the spread has been so different but are exploring the possibility that lower vaccination rates in rural areas of the state are playing a role.In St. Louis County, for instance, 48.4% of residents have received at least one dose. But the percentage is half that across a large swath of southwest and northern Missouri, where the biggest rise in cases have been reported, state data shows.The variant is worrisome because it is not only more contagious, but also more likely to lead to hospitalizations.Dr. George Turabelidze, the state epidemiologist, said that Missouri was vaccinating about 50,000 people a day in March and April but that the number has since fallen to about 10,000 a day, making the state's vaccination rate among the lowest in the country.“That is concerning because this new emerging variant is highly transmissible and the primary target is unvaccinated people," he said in a video posted on the health department's&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/">website&nbsp;</a>Wednesday night.Missouri now leads the nation with most new cases per capita. Over the past 14 days, it has recorded 144.9 new cases for every 100,000 residents, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.Lisa Cox, a spokeswoman for the health department, said the agency is exploring a variety of incentive options at the state level. But she said Thursday that she had no details.An email message left for Republican Gov. Mike Parson's communications staff was not immediately returned.Besides inundating hospitals, cases are again causing problems for schools. In St. Joseph, the school district had to shift summer school online last week at two schools because about 50% of the students were out sick with COVID-19 or another illness, quarantining or vacationing, said Bethany Clark, director of elementary education for the St. Joseph school district.She said that wasn't what she envisioned when the district was planning for the summer. Case numbers were so low this spring that the district even decided to make masks optional for summer school.“I really thought, ‘Things are looking good. Summer school is a great option for opening up some of our restrictions. Let’s see how things work and we can return to as close to normal as we can in the fall,'" she recalled thinking. “And then yeah these cases. It was a hard hit because we really wanted, we really want to be post-pandemic."But the district is in Buchanan County, where just 20.8% of residents have received at least one shot.“What you are looking at now is, Where is the virus most able to circulate?" said Dr. Bill Powderly, the co-director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Washington University’s School of Medicine. “Where are the pockets of vulnerability? And the pockets of vulnerability across the United States are those communities with very low vaccination rates because that means they have lots of people who are susceptible to the virus and therefore the virus is much more likely to circulate."He noted that younger people are more likely to get sick than with earlier strains. But it is unclear whether even that will drive more vaccinations.“If you are in a rural community where maybe a couple people got infected and nobody got sick, you think it is overblown and your political leaders are telling you it is no big deal,” he said. “You can understand why people start off the way they do, but I don’t want people to die in order to convince the rest of the population that they need to be vaccinated. I so hope that people will start to realize that this is not trivial.”

COVID variant first gained foothold in rural Missouri

WASHINGTON — The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service
 today urged families to take advantage of a special online tool that 
can help them determine whether they qualify for the Child Tax Credit 
and the special monthly advance payments beginning on July 15.

Available exclusively on IRS.gov, the new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-eligibility-assistant">Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant</a>,
 launched earlier this week, is interactive and easy to use. By 
answering a series of questions about themselves and their family 
members, a parent or other family member can quickly determine whether 
they qualify for the credit.

Though anyone can use this tool, it may be particularly useful to 
families who don't normally file a federal tax return and have not yet 
filed either a 2019 or 2020 tax return. Often, these are people who 
receive little or no income, including those experiencing homelessness, 
low income households, and other underserved groups. Using this tool can
 help them decide whether they should take the next step and register 
for the Child Tax Credit payments on another new IRS tool unveiled 
earlier this week.

"This new tool provides an important first step to help people 
understand if they qualify for the Child Tax Credit, which is especially
 important for those who don't normally file a tax return," said IRS 
Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "The eligibility assistant works in concert 
with other features on IRS.gov to help people receive this important 
credit. The IRS is working hard to deliver the expanded Child Tax 
Credit, and we will be rolling out additional help for taxpayers in the 
near future. Where possible, please help us help others by distributing 
CTC information in your communities."

To help people understand and receive this benefit, the IRS has created a special Advance Child Tax Credit 2021 page at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>
 designed to provide the most up-to-date information about the credit 
and the advance payments. Among other things, the page already features a
 link to both the Non-filer Sign-up Tool, and the Child Tax Credit 
Eligibility Assistant, along with a third tool launched earlier this 
week—the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/accessibility-guide-for-child-tax-credit-update-portal">Child Tax Credit Update Portal</a>.

The Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant does not request any 
personally-identifiable information (PII) for any family member. For 
that reason, its results are not an official determination by the IRS. 
Though the results are reliable, if the questions are answered 
accurately, they should be considered preliminary. Neither the answers 
supplied by the user, nor the results, are retained by the IRS.

After checking the Eligibility Assistant, Non-filer Sign-Up Tool is available to help those who don't normally file tax returns

The online Non-filer Sign-Up Tool is designed to help eligible 
families who don't normally file tax returns register for the monthly 
Advance Child Tax Credit payments.

This tool, an update of last year's IRS Economic Impact Payment 
Non-filers tool, is also designed to help eligible individuals who don't
 normally file tax returns register for the $1,400 third round of 
Economic Impact Payments (also known as stimulus checks) and claim the 
Recovery Rebate Credit for any amount of the first two rounds of 
Economic Impact Payments they may have missed.

Developed in partnership with Intuit and delivered through the Free 
File Alliance, this tool provides a free and easy way for eligible 
people who don't make enough income to have an income tax return-filing 
obligation to provide the IRS the basic information needed to figure and
 issue their Advance Child Tax Credit payments. This includes name, 
address, and social security numbers. This also enables them to provide 
information about their qualifying children age 17 and under, their 
other dependents, and their direct deposit bank information so the IRS 
can quickly and easily deposit the payments directly into their checking
 or savings account. It is available only on IRS.gov.

The Non-filer Sign-Up tool should not be used by anyone who has already filed a 2019 or 2020 federal income tax return.

Eligible families who already filed or plan to file 2019 or 2020 
income tax returns should not use the Non-filer Sign-Up Tool. Once the 
IRS processes their 2019 or 2020 tax return, the information will be 
used to determine eligibility and issue advance payments.

Families who want to claim other tax benefits, such as the Earned 
Income Tax Credit for low-and moderate-income families, should not use 
this tool and instead file a regular tax return. For them, the fastest 
and easiest way to file a return is the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> system, available only on IRS.gov.

The IRS urges everyone to be on the lookout for scams related to both
 Advance Child Tax Credit payments and Economic Impact Payments. The IRS
 emphasized that the only way to get either of these benefits is by 
either filing a tax return with the IRS or registering online through 
the Non-filer Sign-up Tool, exclusively on IRS.gov. Any other option is a
 scam.

Watch out for scams using email, phone calls or texts related to the 
payments. Remember, the IRS never sends unsolicited electronic 
communications asking anyone to open attachments or visit a 
non-governmental web site.

Earlier this week, Treasury and IRS launched another useful tool, the
 Child Tax Credit Update Portal. Initially, this tool only enables 
anyone who has been determined to be eligible for advance payments to 
see that they are eligible and unenroll from (opt out of) the advance 
payment program. Later, it will allow people to check on the status of 
their payments and make updates to their information, including their 
bank account information. Later this year, the tool will also be 
available in Spanish.

The IRS urges community groups, non-profits, associations, education 
organizations and anyone else with connections to people with children 
to share this critical information about the Advance Child Tax Credit as
 well as other important benefits. Among other things, the IRS is 
already working closely with its community partners to ensure wide 
access to the Non-filer Sign-up Tool and the Child Tax Credit Update 
Portal. The agency is also providing additional materials and 
information that can be easily shared by social media, email and other 
methods.

The expanded and newly-advanceable Child Tax Credit was authorized by
 the American Rescue Plan Act, enacted in March. Normally, the IRS will 
calculate the payment based on a family's 2020 tax return, including 
those who use the Non-filer Sign-up Tool. If that return is not 
available because it has not yet been filed or is still being processed,
 the IRS will instead determine the initial payment amounts using the 
2019 return or the information entered using the Non-filers tool that 
was available in 2020.

The payment will be up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child age 6 through 17.

To make sure families have easy access to their money, the IRS will 
issue these payments by direct deposit, as long as correct banking 
information has previously been provided to the IRS. Otherwise, people 
should watch their mail around July 15 for their mailed payment. The 
dates for the Advance Child Tax Credit payments are July 15, August&nbsp;13, 
September&nbsp;15, October&nbsp;15, November&nbsp;15, and December&nbsp;15.

For more information, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>, or read <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-frequently-asked-questions">FAQs on the 2021 Child Tax Credit and Advance Child Tax Credit Payments</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service
 today urged families to take advantage of a special online tool that 
can help them determine whether they qualify for the Child Tax Credit 
and the special monthly advance payments beginning on July 15.Available exclusively on IRS.gov, the new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-eligibility-assistant">Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant</a>,
 launched earlier this week, is interactive and easy to use. By 
answering a series of questions about themselves and their family 
members, a parent or other family member can quickly determine whether 
they qualify for the credit.Though anyone can use this tool, it may be particularly useful to 
families who don't normally file a federal tax return and have not yet 
filed either a 2019 or 2020 tax return. Often, these are people who 
receive little or no income, including those experiencing homelessness, 
low income households, and other underserved groups. Using this tool can
 help them decide whether they should take the next step and register 
for the Child Tax Credit payments on another new IRS tool unveiled 
earlier this week."This new tool provides an important first step to help people 
understand if they qualify for the Child Tax Credit, which is especially
 important for those who don't normally file a tax return," said IRS 
Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "The eligibility assistant works in concert 
with other features on IRS.gov to help people receive this important 
credit. The IRS is working hard to deliver the expanded Child Tax 
Credit, and we will be rolling out additional help for taxpayers in the 
near future. Where possible, please help us help others by distributing 
CTC information in your communities."To help people understand and receive this benefit, the IRS has created a special Advance Child Tax Credit 2021 page at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>
 designed to provide the most up-to-date information about the credit 
and the advance payments. Among other things, the page already features a
 link to both the Non-filer Sign-up Tool, and the Child Tax Credit 
Eligibility Assistant, along with a third tool launched earlier this 
week—the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/accessibility-guide-for-child-tax-credit-update-portal">Child Tax Credit Update Portal</a>.The Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant does not request any 
personally-identifiable information (PII) for any family member. For 
that reason, its results are not an official determination by the IRS. 
Though the results are reliable, if the questions are answered 
accurately, they should be considered preliminary. Neither the answers 
supplied by the user, nor the results, are retained by the IRS.<h2>After checking the Eligibility Assistant, Non-filer Sign-Up Tool is available to help those who don't normally file tax returns</h2>The online Non-filer Sign-Up Tool is designed to help eligible 
families who don't normally file tax returns register for the monthly 
Advance Child Tax Credit payments.This tool, an update of last year's IRS Economic Impact Payment 
Non-filers tool, is also designed to help eligible individuals who don't
 normally file tax returns register for the $1,400 third round of 
Economic Impact Payments (also known as stimulus checks) and claim the 
Recovery Rebate Credit for any amount of the first two rounds of 
Economic Impact Payments they may have missed.Developed in partnership with Intuit and delivered through the Free 
File Alliance, this tool provides a free and easy way for eligible 
people who don't make enough income to have an income tax return-filing 
obligation to provide the IRS the basic information needed to figure and
 issue their Advance Child Tax Credit payments. This includes name, 
address, and social security numbers. This also enables them to provide 
information about their qualifying children age 17 and under, their 
other dependents, and their direct deposit bank information so the IRS 
can quickly and easily deposit the payments directly into their checking
 or savings account. It is available only on IRS.gov.The Non-filer Sign-Up tool should not be used by anyone who has already filed a 2019 or 2020 federal income tax return.<h2>No action needed by most other families</h2>Eligible families who already filed or plan to file 2019 or 2020 
income tax returns should not use the Non-filer Sign-Up Tool. Once the 
IRS processes their 2019 or 2020 tax return, the information will be 
used to determine eligibility and issue advance payments.Families who want to claim other tax benefits, such as the Earned 
Income Tax Credit for low-and moderate-income families, should not use 
this tool and instead file a regular tax return. For them, the fastest 
and easiest way to file a return is the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> system, available only on IRS.gov.<h2>Watch out for scams</h2>The IRS urges everyone to be on the lookout for scams related to both
 Advance Child Tax Credit payments and Economic Impact Payments. The IRS
 emphasized that the only way to get either of these benefits is by 
either filing a tax return with the IRS or registering online through 
the Non-filer Sign-up Tool, exclusively on IRS.gov. Any other option is a
 scam.Watch out for scams using email, phone calls or texts related to the 
payments. Remember, the IRS never sends unsolicited electronic 
communications asking anyone to open attachments or visit a 
non-governmental web site.<h2>Child Tax Credit Update Portal</h2>Earlier this week, Treasury and IRS launched another useful tool, the
 Child Tax Credit Update Portal. Initially, this tool only enables 
anyone who has been determined to be eligible for advance payments to 
see that they are eligible and unenroll from (opt out of) the advance 
payment program. Later, it will allow people to check on the status of 
their payments and make updates to their information, including their 
bank account information. Later this year, the tool will also be 
available in Spanish.<h2>Community partners can help</h2>The IRS urges community groups, non-profits, associations, education 
organizations and anyone else with connections to people with children 
to share this critical information about the Advance Child Tax Credit as
 well as other important benefits. Among other things, the IRS is 
already working closely with its community partners to ensure wide 
access to the Non-filer Sign-up Tool and the Child Tax Credit Update 
Portal. The agency is also providing additional materials and 
information that can be easily shared by social media, email and other 
methods.<h2>About the Advance Child Tax Credit</h2>The expanded and newly-advanceable Child Tax Credit was authorized by
 the American Rescue Plan Act, enacted in March. Normally, the IRS will 
calculate the payment based on a family's 2020 tax return, including 
those who use the Non-filer Sign-up Tool. If that return is not 
available because it has not yet been filed or is still being processed,
 the IRS will instead determine the initial payment amounts using the 
2019 return or the information entered using the Non-filers tool that 
was available in 2020.The payment will be up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child age 6 through 17.To make sure families have easy access to their money, the IRS will 
issue these payments by direct deposit, as long as correct banking 
information has previously been provided to the IRS. Otherwise, people 
should watch their mail around July 15 for their mailed payment. The 
dates for the Advance Child Tax Credit payments are July 15, August&nbsp;13, 
September&nbsp;15, October&nbsp;15, November&nbsp;15, and December&nbsp;15.For more information, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>, or read <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-frequently-asked-questions">FAQs on the 2021 Child Tax Credit and Advance Child Tax Credit Payments</a>.

IRS: More tools to help families with Child Tax Credit pyments

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City man faces life in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing a young girl while her mother worked.

The Jackson County Prosecutor's office said Adalberto Gaitan, 36, was convicted Tuesday of two counts of first-degree statutory rape, two counts of statutory sodomy and one count of first-degree statutory sodomy.

The jury recommended life plus 25 years for the statutory rape convictions. Jurors also recommended one-year and 20-year sentences for the statutory sodomy convictions and 10 years for the first-degree statutory sodomy count.

Court records show that Missouri Children’s Division workers received a hotline call that a 10-year-old girl was possibly being abused. The girl told investigators the abuse started when she was 8 or 9.

Prosecutors said the abuse occurred in an Independence home while the girl's mother was working long hours and Gaitan was staying with children there. Gatian will be sentenced Aug. 31.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624465234083.png" alt="Gaitan photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Gaitan photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City man faces life in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing a young girl while her mother worked.The Jackson County Prosecutor's office said Adalberto Gaitan, 36, was convicted Tuesday of two counts of first-degree statutory rape, two counts of statutory sodomy and one count of first-degree statutory sodomy.The jury recommended life plus 25 years for the statutory rape convictions. Jurors also recommended one-year and 20-year sentences for the statutory sodomy convictions and 10 years for the first-degree statutory sodomy count.Court records show that Missouri Children’s Division workers received a hotline call that a 10-year-old girl was possibly being abused. The girl told investigators the abuse started when she was 8 or 9.Prosecutors said the abuse occurred in an Independence home while the girl's mother was working long hours and Gaitan was staying with children there. Gatian will be sentenced Aug. 31.

Jury recommends life sentence in KC child sex case

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for theft and other charges.

Just before noon Tuesday, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a Moped sitting in the Eggberts restaurant parking, 1724 Main Street in Independence, Kansas, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.

 The moped matched the description of one that was reported stolen earlier in the month.  Deputies responded to Eggberts and observed a green and black Solona 50 Evolution scooter sitting in the parking lot.  Deputies entered the restaurant and contacted the driver of the scooter who was identified as 25-year-old Peter Hawkins of Independence.

While deputies were on scene, they confirmed the scooter was still reported stolen. 

Deputies searched the scooter and located marijuana, methamphetamine, and scales.  Deputies attempted to place Hawkins in custody when Hawkins started resisting arrest.  Deputies were able to safely gain control of Hawkins and placed him in custody.  Deputies searched Hawkins person and located brass knuckles.  Hawkins was transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections.  The scooter was transported to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the owner was made aware it had been recovered.  

The case has been sent to the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office with the recommended charges of, possession of methamphetamine, possession of stolen property, criminal carry of weapons (knuckles) and interference with a law enforcement officer.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624490349533.png" alt="Hawkins photo Montgomery County" />
 <figcaption>Hawkins photo Montgomery County</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for theft and other charges.Just before noon Tuesday, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a Moped sitting in the Eggberts restaurant parking, 1724 Main Street in Independence, Kansas, according to Sheriff Ron Wade. The moped matched the description of one that was reported stolen earlier in the month. Deputies responded to Eggberts and observed a green and black Solona 50 Evolution scooter sitting in the parking lot. Deputies entered the restaurant and contacted the driver of the scooter who was identified as 25-year-old Peter Hawkins of Independence.While deputies were on scene, they confirmed the scooter was still reported stolen. Deputies searched the scooter and located marijuana, methamphetamine, and scales. Deputies attempted to place Hawkins in custody when Hawkins started resisting arrest. Deputies were able to safely gain control of Hawkins and placed him in custody. Deputies searched Hawkins person and located brass knuckles. Hawkins was transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections. The scooter was transported to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the owner was made aware it had been recovered. The case has been sent to the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office with the recommended charges of, possession of methamphetamine, possession of stolen property, criminal carry of weapons (knuckles) and interference with a law enforcement officer.&nbsp;

Sheriff: Deputies find brass knuckles on Kansas moped thief

PAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for allegedly burning an American flag.

On Tuesday, deputies served 37-year-old Jason Cauble of Larned&nbsp; a felony arrest warrant for a single count of arson stemming from a joint investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department and the Larned Police Department into the alleged burning of the 30’ X 20’ American Flag located at the Carr Auction and Realty Inc. building, 900 Auction Avenue in Larned, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett. The alleged damage was discovered the morning of April 29.

A Preliminary Hearing has been scheduled for July 8. The defendant is being held in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff in lieu of $15,000 bond.

If convicted, under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines, Cauble faces a presumptive prison sentence between 11 months and 34 months in the custody of the Department of Corrections depending on his criminal history, according to McNett.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624558483195.png" alt="Jason Cauble photo Pawnee County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Jason Cauble photo Pawnee County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for allegedly burning an American flag.On Tuesday, deputies served 37-year-old Jason Cauble of Larned&nbsp; a felony arrest warrant for a single count of arson stemming from a joint investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department and the Larned Police Department into the alleged burning of the 30’ X 20’ American Flag located at the Carr Auction and Realty Inc. building, 900 Auction Avenue in Larned, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett. The alleged damage was discovered the morning of April 29.A Preliminary Hearing has been scheduled for July 8. The defendant is being held in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff in lieu of $15,000 bond.If convicted, under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines, Cauble faces a presumptive prison sentence between 11 months and 34 months in the custody of the Department of Corrections depending on his criminal history, according to McNett.

Kansas man allegedly burned 30-by-20 foot American flag

DONIPHAN COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;Special agents of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a former deputy of the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday morning.

Just after 5:30 a.m., KBI agents conducted a search warrant at a home at 330 W. Poplar in Troy, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.

Agents arrested 33-year-old Nathaniel M. Keller of Troy on requested charges of rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, sexual exploitation of a child, and aggravated indecent liberties of a child, for crimes suspected to have occurred in 2017. 

He was also arrested on requested charges of aggravated domestic battery, criminal threat, and criminal damage to property for incidents alleged to have occurred in 2019 and 2021.

The Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office cooperated fully in the investigation. Keller is being held in the Doniphan County Jail.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624566111321.png" alt="Keller photo Doniphan Co." />
 <figcaption>Keller photo Doniphan Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>DONIPHAN COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;Special agents of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a former deputy of the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday morning.Just after 5:30 a.m., KBI agents conducted a search warrant at a home at 330 W. Poplar in Troy, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.Agents arrested 33-year-old Nathaniel M. Keller of Troy on requested charges of rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, sexual exploitation of a child, and aggravated indecent liberties of a child, for crimes suspected to have occurred in 2017. He was also arrested on requested charges of aggravated domestic battery, criminal threat, and criminal damage to property for incidents alleged to have occurred in 2019 and 2021.The Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office cooperated fully in the investigation. Keller is being held in the Doniphan County Jail.&nbsp;

Former Kansas deputy accused of child sex crimes

Editor's note: The article has been corrected to say&nbsp;Joseph Agrillo was sentenced in Douglas County for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.&nbsp;

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly Thursday announced that she commuted the sentences of five incarcerated individuals and granted pardons to three individuals, all of whom showed strong signs of rehabilitation and the ability to safely re-enter society, according to a media release from her office.

The decision to grant the commutations and pardons was made following independent reviews by the Prison Review Board, Department of Administration, and the Governor’s legal team.

“We reviewed many applications, and, after a thorough determination process, these individuals met a clear set of criteria that demonstrates they have paid their debts to society,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Using the clemency power is not something I take lightly, nor is it the solution to the systemic issues in our criminal justice system. Instead, we’ll keep working towards commonsense reforms to save taxpayers money and offer pathways to prevent crime and to keep people out of the system in the first place.”&nbsp;

Governor Kelly took into consideration numerous factors to determine if clemency was warranted including, but not limited to: the nature of the offense (including whether it is a non-violent drug possession involving marijuana), demonstration of rehabilitation, whether the crime had a victim and if so, the victim’s input, minimal criminal history, minimal disciplinary issues in prison, and strong indicators of success upon release.&nbsp;

Article 1, Section 7 of the Kansas Constitution and K.S.A. § 22-3701 grants the Governor’s authority to grant clemency. Below please find the list of individuals receiving clemencies:

By law, clemency applications in Kansas must be submitted to the Prisoner Review Board. The Board reviews all applications and creates a clemency file before forwarding the application on for further review. Additional information about the process can be found at the Board’s website:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA2MjQuNDIzNzY5MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5kb2Mua3MuZ292L3ByYiJ9.Pk271zRsSDMQpCb29QPtuTkfjCOGLTHr2fZYhGiqRkk/s/1303160919/br/108398753269-l" target="_blank">https://www.doc.ks.gov/prb</a>

Editor's note: The article has been corrected to say&nbsp;Joseph Agrillo was sentenced in Douglas County for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.&nbsp;TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly Thursday announced that she commuted the sentences of five incarcerated individuals and granted pardons to three individuals, all of whom showed strong signs of rehabilitation and the ability to safely re-enter society, according to a media release from her office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624565632977.png" alt="In 2018, Joseph Agrillo was sentenced in Douglas County for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>In 2018, Joseph Agrillo was sentenced in Douglas County for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>The decision to grant the commutations and pardons was made following independent reviews by the Prison Review Board, Department of Administration, and the Governor’s legal team.“We reviewed many applications, and, after a thorough determination process, these individuals met a clear set of criteria that demonstrates they have paid their debts to society,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Using the clemency power is not something I take lightly, nor is it the solution to the systemic issues in our criminal justice system. Instead, we’ll keep working towards commonsense reforms to save taxpayers money and offer pathways to prevent crime and to keep people out of the system in the first place.”&nbsp;Governor Kelly took into consideration numerous factors to determine if clemency was warranted including, but not limited to: the nature of the offense (including whether it is a non-violent drug possession involving marijuana), demonstration of rehabilitation, whether the crime had a victim and if so, the victim’s input, minimal criminal history, minimal disciplinary issues in prison, and strong indicators of success upon release.&nbsp;Article 1, Section 7 of the Kansas Constitution and K.S.A. § 22-3701 grants the Governor’s authority to grant clemency. Below please find the list of individuals receiving clemencies:JOSEPH AGRILLO, commutation &nbsp;CHIVONDA HALL,&nbsp;pardonDOMINIC HOLDER,&nbsp;commutationJOSEPH A. JONES, commutationXUAN HIEP LE,&nbsp;pardonMICHAEL MCCLOUD, commutationLOREN THIBODO, commutationJOSHUA TOWNSEND,&nbsp;pardonBy law, clemency applications in Kansas must be submitted to the Prisoner Review Board. The Board reviews all applications and creates a clemency file before forwarding the application on for further review. Additional information about the process can be found at the Board’s website:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA2MjQuNDIzNzY5MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5kb2Mua3MuZ292L3ByYiJ9.Pk271zRsSDMQpCb29QPtuTkfjCOGLTHr2fZYhGiqRkk/s/1303160919/br/108398753269-l" target="_blank">https://www.doc.ks.gov/prb</a>

Correction: Gov. Kelly pardons 3, commutes sentence of 5 in prison

KANSAS CITY— A Mission Hills, Kansas, man was sentenced in federal court Wednesday for a bankruptcy fraud scheme related to his online payday loan company, according to the United State's Attorney.

“It’s ironic that someone who made a fortune loaning money to others, would try to cheat his own creditors,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. “This business owner engaged in a two-year scheme of lies and deception during his bankruptcy proceedings by secretly holding onto assets instead of paying what he owed. The bankruptcy system relies on the honesty, openness, and accuracy of debtors, and in return grants those debtors a fresh start free of debt. This defendant made a mockery of the system in the hope that he could discharge over $7.5 million in debt while maintaining a luxurious lifestyle for himself.”

Del Hodges Kimball, 54, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven R. Bough to one year and a day in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Kimball to pay $909,323 in restitution.

“This sentence should convince others that such behavior and actions will not be tolerated in the bankruptcy system,” said Acting United States Trustee Daniel J. Casamatta.

On Jan. 19, 2021, Kimball pleaded guilty to one count of bankruptcy fraud. Kimball admitted that he engaged in a scheme to defraud the Bankruptcy Court by concealing assets, bank accounts, and claims against third parties, and by making false statements and material omissions regarding his assets and financial transfers to and from third parties.

Three of Kimball’s creditors filed an involuntary bankruptcy petition against Kimball, his partner, and their company, LTS, an online payday loan company based in Kansas City, on Aug. 5, 2015. The claims of the three creditors totaled more than $15 million.

The U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee filed a complaint to deny Kimball’s discharge on March 10, 2017, and the Bankruptcy Court conducted a trial on Jan. 11, 2018. After the trial, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Cynthia Norton ruled that Kimball had transferred property with the intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors, made numerous false oaths in connection with this bankruptcy case, and concealed property from the bankruptcy estate. He did not disclose assets until he was caught and had no choice. The court found that the evidence was “overwhelming” that Kimball made false statements under oath. The court denied Kimball’s discharge due to his fraudulent concealment.

For example, Kimball failed to disclose $86,200 in transfers to friends and relatives. He undervalued collectibles by $24,000. He omitted transfers to Claw Consulting, LLC, another company he owned (with no employees). Kimball established a bank account for Claw Consulting, and caused the bank statements to be mailed to an attorney at the attorney’s business address in order to stash income and proceeds of sales he wanted to conceal from creditors.

According to court documents, Kimball claimed that he lost millions of dollars in 2013 and 2014, although he actually had gross income of $213,231 in 2014 and $158,679 in 2013.

From 2015 to 2018, Kimball arranged that $479,585 in payday company income and/or profits from Red Stag Holdings be paid into his wife’s personal bank account to conceal the payments from creditors and the U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee. Kimball arranged that $45,300 in payday company income and/or profits from S. Bean Finance and $16,300 from Agile Fish be paid into his wife’s personal bank account to conceal money from creditors and the U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee.

Kimball initially or totally omitted to schedule the transfer and sale of his interest in Red River Exploration for $116,280, as well as his ownership or interest in a number of companies.

KANSAS CITY— A Mission Hills, Kansas, man was sentenced in federal court Wednesday for a bankruptcy fraud scheme related to his online payday loan company, according to the United State's Attorney.“It’s ironic that someone who made a fortune loaning money to others, would try to cheat his own creditors,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. “This business owner engaged in a two-year scheme of lies and deception during his bankruptcy proceedings by secretly holding onto assets instead of paying what he owed. The bankruptcy system relies on the honesty, openness, and accuracy of debtors, and in return grants those debtors a fresh start free of debt. This defendant made a mockery of the system in the hope that he could discharge over $7.5 million in debt while maintaining a luxurious lifestyle for himself.”Del Hodges Kimball, 54, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven R. Bough to one year and a day in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Kimball to pay $909,323 in restitution.“This sentence should convince others that such behavior and actions will not be tolerated in the bankruptcy system,” said Acting United States Trustee Daniel J. Casamatta.On Jan. 19, 2021, Kimball pleaded guilty to one count of bankruptcy fraud. Kimball admitted that he engaged in a scheme to defraud the Bankruptcy Court by concealing assets, bank accounts, and claims against third parties, and by making false statements and material omissions regarding his assets and financial transfers to and from third parties.Three of Kimball’s creditors filed an involuntary bankruptcy petition against Kimball, his partner, and their company, LTS, an online payday loan company based in Kansas City, on Aug. 5, 2015. The claims of the three creditors totaled more than $15 million.The U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee filed a complaint to deny Kimball’s discharge on March 10, 2017, and the Bankruptcy Court conducted a trial on Jan. 11, 2018. After the trial, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Cynthia Norton ruled that Kimball had transferred property with the intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors, made numerous false oaths in connection with this bankruptcy case, and concealed property from the bankruptcy estate. He did not disclose assets until he was caught and had no choice. The court found that the evidence was “overwhelming” that Kimball made false statements under oath. The court denied Kimball’s discharge due to his fraudulent concealment.For example, Kimball failed to disclose $86,200 in transfers to friends and relatives. He undervalued collectibles by $24,000. He omitted transfers to Claw Consulting, LLC, another company he owned (with no employees). Kimball established a bank account for Claw Consulting, and caused the bank statements to be mailed to an attorney at the attorney’s business address in order to stash income and proceeds of sales he wanted to conceal from creditors.According to court documents, Kimball claimed that he lost millions of dollars in 2013 and 2014, although he actually had gross income of $213,231 in 2014 and $158,679 in 2013.From 2015 to 2018, Kimball arranged that $479,585 in payday company income and/or profits from Red Stag Holdings be paid into his wife’s personal bank account to conceal the payments from creditors and the U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee. Kimball arranged that $45,300 in payday company income and/or profits from S. Bean Finance and $16,300 from Agile Fish be paid into his wife’s personal bank account to conceal money from creditors and the U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee.Kimball initially or totally omitted to schedule the transfer and sale of his interest in Red River Exploration for $116,280, as well as his ownership or interest in a number of companies.

Kansas payday loan businessman sentenced for fraud

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/06/20/racial-equity-panel-examines-schools-use-of-american-indian-mascots/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA
 — A Kansas racial equity panel could issue recommendations for public 
schools and colleges to eliminate the use of American Indian mascots, 
nicknames or imagery.

Dozens
 of elementary, middle and high schools, as well as colleges, across the
 state are still recognized by American Indian mascots and logos, 
despite long standing criticism.

Examples include the Hoxie High School Indians, the Ottawa University Braves or the South Barber High School Chieftains.

Shawn
 Watts, director of the Tribal Law and Government Center at the 
University of Kansas, told members of the governor’s Commission on 
Racial Equity and Justice during a meeting Thursday that whether they 
took personal offense or not, the time had come to remove this imagery 
from schools.

Watts is also a district court judge for the Prairie Band Potawatomi and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.

He delivered a message he often tells his 10-year-old daughter on how to proceed when you are struggling with a decision.

“If
 you can’t do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do, then 
you ought to do the right thing because it’s the smart thing to do,” 
Watts said. “Doing the right thing almost always aligns with the best 
interest of Kansas, and I think it will in this case too.”

The
 Commission on Racial Equity and Justice is preparing its midyear report
 to the governor and Kansas Legislature. The report will focus on the 
social determinants of health — education, economics and health care — 
after focusing on criminal justice last year.

The
 panel was established one year ago after the murder of George Floyd and
 calls for criminal justice and racial equity policy reforms. <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/22/after-george-floyds-murder-a-racial-equity-panel-proposed-changes-the-kansas-legislature-ignored-them/">No recommendations from its initial report were considered</a> during the 2021 legislative session.

Watts
 explained several methods that have been pursued at a local and state 
level to enforce changes to Native American imagery in school mascots. 
For example, in Maine, there is a ban on all associated names and 
imagery at the grade school and collegiate level.&nbsp;

Maine was the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/05/17/maine-become-first-state-prohibit-native-american-mascots-all-public-schools/">first state to prohibit Native American mascots</a> in all public schools in 2019.

Some states have bans on names but not images, or vice versa, Watts said.

In
 1998, the Kansas Association for Native American Education called for a
 ban on the use of American Indian mascots and logos in all schools in 
Kansas. Their request was largely ignored.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624371317190.png" alt="The Kansas Commission on Racial Equity and Justice waded into conversation on the use of American Indian mascots, and began the groundwork for recommending schools drop the offensive names and imagery (Screen capture by Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas Commission on Racial Equity and Justice waded into conversation on the use of American Indian mascots, and began the groundwork for recommending schools drop the offensive names and imagery (Screen capture by Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/06/20/racial-equity-panel-examines-schools-use-of-american-indian-mascots/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA
 — A Kansas racial equity panel could issue recommendations for public 
schools and colleges to eliminate the use of American Indian mascots, 
nicknames or imagery.Dozens
 of elementary, middle and high schools, as well as colleges, across the
 state are still recognized by American Indian mascots and logos, 
despite long standing criticism.Examples include the Hoxie High School Indians, the Ottawa University Braves or the South Barber High School Chieftains.Shawn
 Watts, director of the Tribal Law and Government Center at the 
University of Kansas, told members of the governor’s Commission on 
Racial Equity and Justice during a meeting Thursday that whether they 
took personal offense or not, the time had come to remove this imagery 
from schools.Watts is also a district court judge for the Prairie Band Potawatomi and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.He delivered a message he often tells his 10-year-old daughter on how to proceed when you are struggling with a decision.“If
 you can’t do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do, then 
you ought to do the right thing because it’s the smart thing to do,” 
Watts said. “Doing the right thing almost always aligns with the best 
interest of Kansas, and I think it will in this case too.”The
 Commission on Racial Equity and Justice is preparing its midyear report
 to the governor and Kansas Legislature. The report will focus on the 
social determinants of health — education, economics and health care — 
after focusing on criminal justice last year.The
 panel was established one year ago after the murder of George Floyd and
 calls for criminal justice and racial equity policy reforms. <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/22/after-george-floyds-murder-a-racial-equity-panel-proposed-changes-the-kansas-legislature-ignored-them/">No recommendations from its initial report were considered</a> during the 2021 legislative session.Watts
 explained several methods that have been pursued at a local and state 
level to enforce changes to Native American imagery in school mascots. 
For example, in Maine, there is a ban on all associated names and 
imagery at the grade school and collegiate level.&nbsp;Maine was the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/05/17/maine-become-first-state-prohibit-native-american-mascots-all-public-schools/">first state to prohibit Native American mascots</a> in all public schools in 2019.Some states have bans on names but not images, or vice versa, Watts said.In
 1998, the Kansas Association for Native American Education called for a
 ban on the use of American Indian mascots and logos in all schools in 
Kansas. Their request was largely ignored.Elyse
 Towey, a member of the panel and citizen of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas 
and Nebraska, told fellow commissioners the issue was far more scarring 
than it appeared. She said the names, images and actions bring up 
intergenerational trauma detrimental to the mental health of young 
American Indians.&nbsp;She said things like the tomahawk chop or people wearing headdresses to games are a violation of things they hold sacred.“When
 we see drunk and half-naked people at sports arenas doing those type of
 things, it really does a number on being proud of who you are,” Towey 
said. “As a child going through schools in northern California, I 
remember not telling people I was Native because I was ashamed of it. I 
was made to feel ashamed of it.”She
 also urged for changes in education to eliminate the whitewashing of 
Native American history. The full commission will take up the exact 
wording and intent of such a recommendation for the report to be issued 
in the next few weeks.Shannon
 Portillo, co-chairwoman of the commission, echoed Towey’s calls for the
 removal of mascots and improvements in education, no matter the 
financial hardship to replace jerseys or scoreboards.“I think the cost for social justice is 100% worth it,” Portillo said.