MONTGOMERY COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Coffeyville Police Department are conducting a death investigation at a residence in Coffeyville.

Just before 6p.m. Wednesday, April 28, the Coffeyville Police Department received a request from a citizen to check on the welfare of a resident at 1709 S. Spruce St. in Coffeyville, according to a media release from the KBI.

When Coffeyville police arrived at the home, they discovered a deceased male inside. Due to the state of decomposition, the man has not yet been positively identified.

Anyone with information related to this death investigation is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME or the Coffeyville Police Department at 620-252-6160.

An autopsy is scheduled for Friday, April 30. The investigation is ongoing.&nbsp;

MONTGOMERY COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Coffeyville Police Department are conducting a death investigation at a residence in Coffeyville.Just before 6p.m. Wednesday, April 28, the Coffeyville Police Department received a request from a citizen to check on the welfare of a resident at 1709 S. Spruce St. in Coffeyville, according to a media release from the KBI.When Coffeyville police arrived at the home, they discovered a deceased male inside. Due to the state of decomposition, the man has not yet been positively identified.Anyone with information related to this death investigation is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME or the Coffeyville Police Department at 620-252-6160.An autopsy is scheduled for Friday, April 30. The investigation is ongoing.&nbsp;

KBI working to ID man found dead in Kansas home

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on felony allegations after an arrest.

On April 26, officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of North Summit Street in Arkansas City for a report of a disturbance in a vehicle traveling along the roadway, possibly involving a gun of some kind, according to a media release.

Police were unable to locate the vehicle, but were able to identify the reporting party who called 911.

That person, a 56-year-old Arkansas City man, alleged that a relative, later identified as Floyd Dale Young, 72, Joplin, Missouri, had pointed what the victim thought to be a handgun at him and then stated that he should shoot the victim.

Police eventually located Young and questioned him about the incident. He stated that he had pulled a BB gun from his back waistband because he was afraid of the victim, but denied pointing it at him.

Young provided the BB gun to an officer, who collected it as evidence. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Cowley County Jail in Winfield on a requested charge of&nbsp;felony aggravated assault.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619708630159.png" alt="Young -photo Cowley County" />
 <figcaption>Young -photo Cowley County</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on felony allegations after an arrest.On April 26, officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of North Summit Street in Arkansas City for a report of a disturbance in a vehicle traveling along the roadway, possibly involving a gun of some kind, according to a media release.Police were unable to locate the vehicle, but were able to identify the reporting party who called 911.That person, a 56-year-old Arkansas City man, alleged that a relative, later identified as Floyd Dale Young, 72, Joplin, Missouri, had pointed what the victim thought to be a handgun at him and then stated that he should shoot the victim.Police eventually located Young and questioned him about the incident. He stated that he had pulled a BB gun from his back waistband because he was afraid of the victim, but denied pointing it at him.Young provided the BB gun to an officer, who collected it as evidence. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Cowley County Jail in Winfield on a requested charge of&nbsp;felony aggravated assault.

Kan. officers arrest suspect after dispute involving a handgun

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

The mother of a murdered Salina woman offered an impassioned plea this morning for people to come forward with information on the whereabouts of the man sought in the case.

"It's been two months ago since I last got to tell Courtney I loved her and gave her a big hug. It's been two months ago since she turned around to me and gave me a hug and said 'I love you, too, mom.' Shortly after that, her life was blown apart," Taphne Speilman said during a news conference Thursday in the Salina Police Department Regional Training Center.

At approximately 11:42 a.m. on Feb. 23, Salina Fire Department EMS and Salina Police Officers were dispatched to the 700 block of N. Fourth Street for a report of the sound of gunfire and someone screaming. Upon arrival, officers located Courtney Ann Hoffman, 36, of Salina, inside a vehicle at her residence at 731 N. Fourth Street. Hoffman, who had a gunshot wound, was pronounced dead by EMS personnel.

According to information from the Salina Police Department, probable cause established from the homicide investigation led detectives to obtain from Saline County District Court a murder in the first degree warrant for Nelson Gerrod Hull III, 35, of Salina.

Detective Jeff Vaughan said this morning that based on information obtained through interviews, Hoffman was in some sort of dating relationship with Hull.

Hull remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.

"Please be assured that the men and women of the Salina Police Department are diligently working this case and will continue to seek justice for Courtney," Salina Police Chief Brad Nelson said this morning. "We are actively seeking any information regarding the whereabouts of Hull. In addition to his acquaintances in Salina, Hull does have family members and friends in both Kansas City and the Wichita area."

Nelson said the Salina Police Department had reached out to numerous law enforcement agencies in Kansas City, Wichita, and Texas.

"We are really trying to find Nelson Hull, and it's amazing to me that we haven't yet, but I feel comfortable that we will," Nelson said.

Speilman said she didn't know why her daughter was murdered.

"I guess this individual thought that maybe her life didn't matter any more. But it did matter. It mattered to her four-year-old daughter who will never see her mother again. It mattered to her 11-year-old son who is now battling traumatic disorders. And her 16-year-old daughter who Courtney will never see walking up the steps to graduate or walking down the aisle to get married. She is missed by her brothers and her sisters, by aunts and by uncles, and by many people who totally loved her and knew that her life mattered," Speilman said.

She said Hoffman was a good person who had a lot friends and knew a lot of people.

"That is why I am here today, to reach out to each and every one of you who had some connection with Courtney, to come forth if you have any information on the individual that the Salina Police Department are looking for. It's not that bringing him in will bring Courtney back, because I know it won't. But, if we could protect any other young woman, sister, daughter, mother from the same thing happening to them, I know justice will be served then," Speilman said.

"So I am begging. I'm pleading. If you have any information at all, whether it's big. Whether it's small. Please come forth. Help our family put a closure to this horrific deal," she said.

Nelson said that anyone with information about Hull's whereabouts is asked to call 911 or the Salina/Saline County Crimestoppers at 785-825-TIPS.

"You may receive a cash award for up to $2,500 and you are not required to provide your name," Nelson said.

On March 1, police announced that Clarence Darnyl Brown, 34, of Salina, had been arrested in connection with the Hoffman murder.

"We had information that he assisted in Mr. Hull's absconding afterwards and also certain actions that occurred that I can't go into because we're still in the process of this activity," Detective Sergeant David Villanueva said this morning.

Information about Brown's alleged involvement has been forwarded to the Saline County Attorney's Office, Villanueva said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619716577180.jpeg" alt="Taphne Speilman, mother of murder victim Courtney Ann Hoffman, pleads for people with information concerning the whereabouts of the man wanted in connection to her daughter's murder to share that information with the Salina Police Department.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Taphne Speilman, mother of murder victim Courtney Ann Hoffman, pleads for people with information concerning the whereabouts of the man wanted in connection to her daughter's murder to share that information with the Salina Police Department.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostThe mother of a murdered Salina woman offered an impassioned plea this morning for people to come forward with information on the whereabouts of the man sought in the case."It's been two months ago since I last got to tell Courtney I loved her and gave her a big hug. It's been two months ago since she turned around to me and gave me a hug and said 'I love you, too, mom.' Shortly after that, her life was blown apart," Taphne Speilman said during a news conference Thursday in the Salina Police Department Regional Training Center.At approximately 11:42 a.m. on Feb. 23, Salina Fire Department EMS and Salina Police Officers were dispatched to the 700 block of N. Fourth Street for a report of the sound of gunfire and someone screaming. Upon arrival, officers located Courtney Ann Hoffman, 36, of Salina, inside a vehicle at her residence at 731 N. Fourth Street. Hoffman, who had a gunshot wound, was pronounced dead by EMS personnel.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614522473446.jpeg" alt="Courtney Ann Hoffman -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtney Ann Hoffman -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>According to information from the Salina Police Department, probable cause established from the homicide investigation led detectives to obtain from Saline County District Court a murder in the first degree warrant for Nelson Gerrod Hull III, 35, of Salina.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614442513506.png" alt="Hull photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Hull photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Detective Jeff Vaughan said this morning that based on information obtained through interviews, Hoffman was in some sort of dating relationship with Hull.Hull remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619716928152.jpeg" alt="Salina Police Chief Brad Nelson" />
 <figcaption>Salina Police Chief Brad Nelson</figcaption>
 </figure>"Please be assured that the men and women of the Salina Police Department are diligently working this case and will continue to seek justice for Courtney," Salina Police Chief Brad Nelson said this morning. "We are actively seeking any information regarding the whereabouts of Hull. In addition to his acquaintances in Salina, Hull does have family members and friends in both Kansas City and the Wichita area."Nelson said the Salina Police Department had reached out to numerous law enforcement agencies in Kansas City, Wichita, and Texas."We are really trying to find Nelson Hull, and it's amazing to me that we haven't yet, but I feel comfortable that we will," Nelson said.Her life matteredSpeilman said she didn't know why her daughter was murdered."I guess this individual thought that maybe her life didn't matter any more. But it did matter. It mattered to her four-year-old daughter who will never see her mother again. It mattered to her 11-year-old son who is now battling traumatic disorders. And her 16-year-old daughter who Courtney will never see walking up the steps to graduate or walking down the aisle to get married. She is missed by her brothers and her sisters, by aunts and by uncles, and by many people who totally loved her and knew that her life mattered," Speilman said.She said Hoffman was a good person who had a lot friends and knew a lot of people."That is why I am here today, to reach out to each and every one of you who had some connection with Courtney, to come forth if you have any information on the individual that the Salina Police Department are looking for. It's not that bringing him in will bring Courtney back, because I know it won't. But, if we could protect any other young woman, sister, daughter, mother from the same thing happening to them, I know justice will be served then," Speilman said."So I am begging. I'm pleading. If you have any information at all, whether it's big. Whether it's small. Please come forth. Help our family put a closure to this horrific deal," she said.Nelson said that anyone with information about Hull's whereabouts is asked to call 911 or the Salina/Saline County Crimestoppers at 785-825-TIPS."You may receive a cash award for up to $2,500 and you are not required to provide your name," Nelson said.One person already arrestedOn March 1, police announced that Clarence Darnyl Brown, 34, of Salina, had been arrested in connection with the Hoffman murder.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614434238089.jpeg" alt="Brown photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Brown photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>"We had information that he assisted in Mr. Hull's absconding afterwards and also certain actions that occurred that I can't go into because we're still in the process of this activity," Detective Sergeant David Villanueva said this morning.Information about Brown's alleged involvement has been forwarded to the Saline County Attorney's Office, Villanueva said.

Mother of Kan. murder victim pleads for info during news conference

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/wichita-schools-looking-recruit-back-students-after-enrollment-dips">Kansas News Service</a>

Wichita public school enrollment fell by more than 2,600 students 
this year, a 5.6% drop that has officials scrambling to reconnect with 
families and get kids back.

The enrollment drop echoes statewide
 and national trends, as many families opted for virtual schools or 
homeschooling during COVID-19 school closures and didn’t enroll at their
 local schools last fall.

Wichita recently hired two full-time 
staff members to visit preschools and daycare centers and meet with 
families whose students left the district.

They’re a little like 
college recruiters jockeying for promising athletes, said Terrell Davis,
 executive director of public affairs and special projects for the 
Wichita district.

“We’ve got star students. They’re wonderful 
kids, and we want to make sure that we’re providing them with every 
opportunity to be successful within the Wichita public schools,” Davis 
said.

“And so we’re actively engaging with those families. We’re not taking them for granted.”

The largest declines are in kindergarten, which fell by 8.6% statewide.

Kansas
 children are not required to attend preschool or kindergarten, although
 state data show that the vast majority of families send their children 
to kindergarten when they become eligible at 5 years old.

Mark 
Tallman, director of the Kansas Association of School Boards, said 
districts with larger, well-established virtual schools were better 
positioned to pick up students of all ages who wanted self-paced online 
learning programs during the pandemic.

Although virtual schools —
 such as Andover ECademy or Kansas Connections Academy in Elkhart — 
operate under the umbrella of a particular school district, they can 
serve students from anywhere in Kansas.

Some families may have 
transferred to districts or private schools that opened classrooms when 
others closed. Others may have moved because of COVID-related job 
losses, Tallman said.

“Many districts are going to be looking at 
this issue of, ‘What kids were we expecting that didn’t come back in the
 current year? Are they going to be back next year? How do we find 
them?’” he said.

The drop in pre-K and kindergarten enrollment is especially pronounced, he said.

“The
 narrative was kind of, ‘Everyone’s really frustrated with their 
schools, and so they’re just dropping out. Whereas it really appeared to
 be much more concentrated with younger students,” Tallman said.

“It
 was in some cases easier for parents to decide just to stay home with 
them, because they could or (because they) were concerned about COVID or
 whatever.”

Education funding is based largely on enrollment, but districts have some leeway to account for abnormal years.

In
 Wichita, Davis said the newly established recruitment team will contact
 families that didn’t enroll last fall to tell them about options 
available in the Wichita district, including magnet schools and the 
Education Imagine Academy online program.

The district also will 
host “Intro to Kindergarten,” a live one-hour virtual event at p.m. May 
4, to answer questions about kindergarten and explain the enrollment 
process. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.usd259.org/kindergarten" target="_blank">www.usd259.org/kindergarten</a>.

“We’re
 seeing a dip in enrollment in urban districts around the nation. Some 
have different approaches,” Davis said. “We’re one of those who’s taking
 the approach of recruiting our kids back to Wichita.”

Suzanne
 Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News 
Service. You can follow her on Twitter&nbsp;@SuzPerezICT or email her at 
perez@kmuw.org.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619646000133.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/wichita-schools-looking-recruit-back-students-after-enrollment-dips">Kansas News Service</a>Wichita public school enrollment fell by more than 2,600 students 
this year, a 5.6% drop that has officials scrambling to reconnect with 
families and get kids back.The enrollment drop echoes statewide
 and national trends, as many families opted for virtual schools or 
homeschooling during COVID-19 school closures and didn’t enroll at their
 local schools last fall.Wichita recently hired two full-time 
staff members to visit preschools and daycare centers and meet with 
families whose students left the district.They’re a little like 
college recruiters jockeying for promising athletes, said Terrell Davis,
 executive director of public affairs and special projects for the 
Wichita district.“We’ve got star students. They’re wonderful 
kids, and we want to make sure that we’re providing them with every 
opportunity to be successful within the Wichita public schools,” Davis 
said.“And so we’re actively engaging with those families. We’re not taking them for granted.”<div><div class="infogram-embed" data-id="98c11a83-fe4e-4916-aa92-a3c7e7d96ee3" data-type="interactive" data-title="Enrollment change"></div><script>!function(e,i,n,s){var t="InfogramEmbeds",d=e.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];if(window[t]&&window[t].initialized)window[t].process&&window[t].process();else if(!e.getElementById(n)){var o=e.createElement("script");o.async=1,o.id=n,o.src="https://e.infogram.com/js/dist/embed-loader-min.js",d.parentNode.insertBefore(o,d)}}(document,0,"infogram-async");</script><div style="padding:8px 0;font-family:Arial!important;font-size:13px!important;line-height:15px!important;text-align:center;border-top:1px solid #dadada;margin:0 30px"><a href="https://infogram.com/98c11a83-fe4e-4916-aa92-a3c7e7d96ee3" style="color:#989898!important;text-decoration:none!important;" target="_blank">Enrollment change</a> <a href="https://infogram.com" style="color:#989898!important;text-decoration:none!important;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Infogram</a></div></div>The largest declines are in kindergarten, which fell by 8.6% statewide.Kansas
 children are not required to attend preschool or kindergarten, although
 state data show that the vast majority of families send their children 
to kindergarten when they become eligible at 5 years old.Mark 
Tallman, director of the Kansas Association of School Boards, said 
districts with larger, well-established virtual schools were better 
positioned to pick up students of all ages who wanted self-paced online 
learning programs during the pandemic.Although virtual schools —
 such as Andover ECademy or Kansas Connections Academy in Elkhart — 
operate under the umbrella of a particular school district, they can 
serve students from anywhere in Kansas.Some families may have 
transferred to districts or private schools that opened classrooms when 
others closed. Others may have moved because of COVID-related job 
losses, Tallman said.“Many districts are going to be looking at 
this issue of, ‘What kids were we expecting that didn’t come back in the
 current year? Are they going to be back next year? How do we find 
them?’” he said.The drop in pre-K and kindergarten enrollment is especially pronounced, he said.“The
 narrative was kind of, ‘Everyone’s really frustrated with their 
schools, and so they’re just dropping out. Whereas it really appeared to
 be much more concentrated with younger students,” Tallman said.“It
 was in some cases easier for parents to decide just to stay home with 
them, because they could or (because they) were concerned about COVID or
 whatever.”Education funding is based largely on enrollment, but districts have some leeway to account for abnormal years.In
 Wichita, Davis said the newly established recruitment team will contact
 families that didn’t enroll last fall to tell them about options 
available in the Wichita district, including magnet schools and the 
Education Imagine Academy online program.The district also will 
host “Intro to Kindergarten,” a live one-hour virtual event at p.m. May 
4, to answer questions about kindergarten and explain the enrollment 
process. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.usd259.org/kindergarten" target="_blank">www.usd259.org/kindergarten</a>.“We’re
 seeing a dip in enrollment in urban districts around the nation. Some 
have different approaches,” Davis said. “We’re one of those who’s taking
 the approach of recruiting our kids back to Wichita.”Suzanne
 Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News 
Service. You can follow her on Twitter&nbsp;@SuzPerezICT or email her at 
perez@kmuw.org.&nbsp;

Wichita schools try to lure students back after enrollment dips 

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal accident have&nbsp;identified the victim as 21-year-old Legend Johnson of Wichita.

Shortly after midnight, police responded to a single-vehicle accident in the area of Kellogg and Washington, according to Officer Trevor Macey.

 When they arrived, they located a vehicle that had rolled over, ejecting two occupants. EMS transported Johnson to an area hospital where she later died, according to Macey.

Officers also arrested 25-year-old Tony Porter who attempted to flee the scene. During the investigation, police said, Porter became uncooperative and spat on an officer. Porter was then transported to the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility and booked on a requested charge of Simple Battery of a Law Enforcement Officer, according to Macey.

It is believed that alcohol and speed were contributing factors in the accident, according to Macey.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619712613284.png" alt="Porter was no longer in custody late Thursday morning, according to online Sedgwick County Jail records" />
 <figcaption>Porter was no longer in custody late Thursday morning, according to online Sedgwick County Jail records</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal accident have&nbsp;identified the victim as 21-year-old Legend Johnson of Wichita.Shortly after midnight, police responded to a single-vehicle accident in the area of Kellogg and Washington, according to Officer Trevor Macey.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619713012980.png" alt="Police at the scene of the fatal crash early Thursday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the fatal crash early Thursday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure> When they arrived, they located a vehicle that had rolled over, ejecting two occupants. EMS transported Johnson to an area hospital where she later died, according to Macey.Officers also arrested 25-year-old Tony Porter who attempted to flee the scene. During the investigation, police said, Porter became uncooperative and spat on an officer. Porter was then transported to the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility and booked on a requested charge of Simple Battery of a Law Enforcement Officer, according to Macey.It is believed that alcohol and speed were contributing factors in the accident, according to Macey.

Report: Kan. man spat on officer after he fled scene of fatal crash

GRANT COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Ulysses Police Department are investigating after a Ulysses teen was shot in a park.

Just after 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, a resident who lived near the Russ Binney Park called 911 after hearing shots fired in the park, according to a media release from the KBI.

Officers responded to the park at the northeast corner of the intersection of W. Santa Fe Ave. and S. College Street., where they found a 14-year-old boy suffering from a gunshot wound to his face

Preliminary information indicates that six teenagers, four males and two females, were spending time in the park when a 14-year-old male was struck by a round from a handgun that one of the teens possessed.

EMS responded to the scene and transported the teen to the Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital. He was later flown to Ascension Via Christi hospital in Wichita. The teen is currently in critical condition, according to the KBI.

GRANT COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Ulysses Police Department are investigating after a Ulysses teen was shot in a park.Just after 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, a resident who lived near the Russ Binney Park called 911 after hearing shots fired in the park, according to a media release from the KBI.Officers responded to the park at the northeast corner of the intersection of W. Santa Fe Ave. and S. College Street., where they found a 14-year-old boy suffering from a gunshot wound to his facePreliminary information indicates that six teenagers, four males and two females, were spending time in the park when a 14-year-old male was struck by a round from a handgun that one of the teens possessed.EMS responded to the scene and transported the teen to the Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital. He was later flown to Ascension Via Christi hospital in Wichita. The teen is currently in critical condition, according to the KBI.

SW Kan. teen airlifted to hospital after shot in the face

By STEPHEN KORANDA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-04-29/kris-kobach-is-back-running-for-office-setting-his-sights-on-kansas-attorney-general">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA, Kansas — Former Kansas Secretary of State Kris
 Kobach kicked off a race for state attorney general Thursday, aiming 
his hardline immigration and voting policy politics at the state’s top 
legal and law enforcement office.

Kobach called the office a last 
line of defense against policies pushed by President Joe Biden and 
Democratic leaders in Congress. Kobach raised concerns about limiting 
gun rights, the federal government setting election laws and immigration
 policy.

“If the Biden administration tries to take away our 
Second Amendment rights here in Kansas, they’ll have to get through me 
first,” Kobach said at an event in Wichita announcing his run. “If the 
Biden administration tries to relocate illegal aliens to Kansas in 
violation of the standards of federal law, they’ll have to get through 
me first.”

Kobach raised the profile of the secretary of state’s 
office by bringing it to the forefront of voter security fights. That 
office typically handles administrative and election duties and flies 
under the radar.

With duties in law enforcement and representing 
the state in court, as attorney general Kobach would hold an even more 
powerful platform for pushing those issues.

Should he win the 
Republican primary and the general election — he’s got deep support 
among conservatives, and just as strong opposition from moderates and 
Democrats — he’d enter the job with a national profile rare for a state 
attorney general even rarer for a Kansas politician.

Kobach said he’d work to defend any abortion restrictions approved by state lawmakers.

“When
 the Legislature passes a law to protect the unborn or to protect our 
way of life in a manner the Left does not like, the ACLU and its allies 
inevitably sue,” Kobach said in a news release. “The attorney general 
must have the expertise and the willingness to defend our laws in 
court.”

The Kansas Supreme Court <a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/04/26/717449336/kansas-supreme-court-rules-state-constitution-protects-right-to-abortionhttps://www.npr.org/2019/04/26/717449336/kansas-supreme-court-rules-state-constitution-protects-right-to-abortion" target="_blank">ruled in 2019</a>
 that the Kansas Constitution protects the right to an abortion. Voters 
will decide in the August 2022 primary, when Kobach seeks his party’s 
nomination for attorney general, whether to reverse that ruling. The<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-01-28/kansas-constitutional-amendment-saying-theres-no-right-to-abortion-is-headed-to-voters" target="_blank"> ballot measure</a> is likely to draw more anti-abortion voters to the polls.

Critics
 of the amendment say it could open the door to lawmakers approving much
 stricter abortion laws or even an outright ban. Supporters say it’s 
needed to protect regulations Kansas has already imposed on abortion.

Kobach had filed documents <a href="http://ethics.ks.gov/CFAScanned/StWide/2022ElecCycle/Treasurers/SW02KK_AT.pdf" target="_blank">late Wednesday night</a> to appoint a treasurer for his campaign. That’s the initial step for raising money for his campaign.

His latest move comes after high-profile losses for the aggressively conservative Republican —<a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2018-11-07/kelly-beats-kobach-promises-shell-ditch-partisan-ways-as-governor" target="_blank"> losing the governor’s race</a> to Democrat Laura Kelly in 2018 and falling short of the Republican nomination for the<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-08-04/kansas-u-s-senate-race-is-set-as-marshall-beats-kobach-for-gop-nod-other-races-unsettled" target="_blank"> U.S. Senate</a> in 2020.

The attorney general’s office is slated to open up because Republican incumbent Derek Schmidt announced he’s<a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2021-03-09/kansas-attorney-general-derek-schmidt-makes-his-2022-run-for-governor-offical" target="_blank"> running for governor</a>. Former Gov. Jeff Colyer is also in that race.

Kobach
 has been a lightning rod, with a dedicated base of supporters who 
helped him narrowly defeat fellow Republican then-Gov. Colyer in the 
2018 primary election. But his positions also energize opposition from 
Democrats and some Republicans.

After losing the governor’s race, some Republican groups<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-20/democrats-want-to-face-kobach-in-senate-race-but-a-gop-group-is-spending-millions-to-stop-him" target="_blank"> turned on him</a>
 during his 2020 run for the U.S. Senate. They argued nominating him 
would risk losing the office to a Democrat. Kobach ultimately lost the 
GOP primary to then-U.S.Rep.Roger Marshall.

Serving as attorney 
general would bring Kobach back into a statewide office — a potentially 
bigger stage than what he had as secretary of state. Even in that job, a
 largely record-keeping job that politicians often use as a stepping 
stone, he built a national reputation as an immigration hardliner and 
for pressing often-refuted claims about the prevalence of voter fraud.

Kobach
 pushed through the passage of a strict Kansas voting law that required 
proof of citizenship. Kobach argued it kept elections secure, but 
critics said it prevented thousands of eligible Kansans from registering
 to vote.

The law was eventually knocked down in court, and he faced<a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2019-10-28/kobach-sanctioned-for-misconduct-in-voting-rights-case-but-not-found-dishonest" target="_blank"> judicial sanctions</a> for how he performed in the case. His arguments before the Kansas Supreme Court brought him chastisements from the judge.

Kobach has also been a close ally of former President Donald Trump, winning<a href="https://www.kcur.org/2018-08-06/trump-endorses-kobach-for-kansas-governor-over-republican-incumbent" target="_blank"> Trump’s 11th-hour endorsement</a> in the GOP primary for governor. Kobach also led<a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2017-05-11/kansas-secretary-of-state-kobach-to-help-lead-presidential-commission-on-voter-fraud" target="_blank"> a voter fraud commission</a> created by Trump that <a href="https://www.npr.org/2018/01/03/575524512/trump-dissolves-controversial-election-commission" target="_blank">Trump dissolved</a>
 after pushback from states and a lack of evidence of widespread 
cheating. Kobach defended Trump’s unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud 
in the 2016 and 2020 elections. He also advised the president on 
immigration issues.

In the years following his 2018 loss to Kelly,
 Kobach served as director and general counsel for We Build The Wall — a
 501(c)4 nonprofit that was crowdsourcing millions of dollars to build a
 private border wall on the country’s southern border. All the group’s 
leaders,<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article245106375.html" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article245106375.html" target="_blank">except Kobach</a>, were later charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

In October 2020, Kobach made headlines again <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/state/2020/10/07/kobachrsquos-latest-venture-sanitizing-systems-to-fight-covid-19/43099187/" target="_blank">for peddling</a>
 a refrigerator-sized device touted as a COVID-killing machine and a 
large room sanitizer to Kansas legislators, promising an investment 
could bring hundreds of jobs to Wichita. The <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/14/kobach-teamed-up-with-wichita-businessman-to-sell-covid-killing-device-an-investigation-found-no-merit-to-their-claims/" target="_blank">efficacy of the products</a> made by Wichita-based MoJack Distributors has not been confirmed by the Environmental Protection Agency or health experts.

It’s
 still very early in the race, so there’s time for candidates to change 
their minds and run for different offices or drop their races 
altogether.

Stephen Koranda is the Statehouse reporter and news editor for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Stephen_Koranda" target="_blank">@Stephen_Koranda</a> or email him at stephenkoranda@kcur.org.&nbsp;Abigail Censky of the Kansas News Service and Nadya Faulx of KMUW contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619722041889.png" alt="Kris Kobach is running for another office, Kansas attorney general. Kansas News Service photo" />
 <figcaption>Kris Kobach is running for another office, Kansas attorney general. Kansas News Service photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEPHEN KORANDA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-04-29/kris-kobach-is-back-running-for-office-setting-his-sights-on-kansas-attorney-general">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA, Kansas — Former Kansas Secretary of State Kris
 Kobach kicked off a race for state attorney general Thursday, aiming 
his hardline immigration and voting policy politics at the state’s top 
legal and law enforcement office.Kobach called the office a last 
line of defense against policies pushed by President Joe Biden and 
Democratic leaders in Congress. Kobach raised concerns about limiting 
gun rights, the federal government setting election laws and immigration
 policy.“If the Biden administration tries to take away our 
Second Amendment rights here in Kansas, they’ll have to get through me 
first,” Kobach said at an event in Wichita announcing his run. “If the 
Biden administration tries to relocate illegal aliens to Kansas in 
violation of the standards of federal law, they’ll have to get through 
me first.”Kobach raised the profile of the secretary of state’s 
office by bringing it to the forefront of voter security fights. That 
office typically handles administrative and election duties and flies 
under the radar.With duties in law enforcement and representing 
the state in court, as attorney general Kobach would hold an even more 
powerful platform for pushing those issues.Should he win the 
Republican primary and the general election — he’s got deep support 
among conservatives, and just as strong opposition from moderates and 
Democrats — he’d enter the job with a national profile rare for a state 
attorney general even rarer for a Kansas politician.Kobach said he’d work to defend any abortion restrictions approved by state lawmakers.“When
 the Legislature passes a law to protect the unborn or to protect our 
way of life in a manner the Left does not like, the ACLU and its allies 
inevitably sue,” Kobach said in a news release. “The attorney general 
must have the expertise and the willingness to defend our laws in 
court.”The Kansas Supreme Court <a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/04/26/717449336/kansas-supreme-court-rules-state-constitution-protects-right-to-abortionhttps://www.npr.org/2019/04/26/717449336/kansas-supreme-court-rules-state-constitution-protects-right-to-abortion" target="_blank">ruled in 2019</a>
 that the Kansas Constitution protects the right to an abortion. Voters 
will decide in the August 2022 primary, when Kobach seeks his party’s 
nomination for attorney general, whether to reverse that ruling. The<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-01-28/kansas-constitutional-amendment-saying-theres-no-right-to-abortion-is-headed-to-voters" target="_blank"> ballot measure</a> is likely to draw more anti-abortion voters to the polls.Critics
 of the amendment say it could open the door to lawmakers approving much
 stricter abortion laws or even an outright ban. Supporters say it’s 
needed to protect regulations Kansas has already imposed on abortion.Kobach had filed documents <a href="http://ethics.ks.gov/CFAScanned/StWide/2022ElecCycle/Treasurers/SW02KK_AT.pdf" target="_blank">late Wednesday night</a> to appoint a treasurer for his campaign. That’s the initial step for raising money for his campaign.His latest move comes after high-profile losses for the aggressively conservative Republican —<a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2018-11-07/kelly-beats-kobach-promises-shell-ditch-partisan-ways-as-governor" target="_blank"> losing the governor’s race</a> to Democrat Laura Kelly in 2018 and falling short of the Republican nomination for the<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-08-04/kansas-u-s-senate-race-is-set-as-marshall-beats-kobach-for-gop-nod-other-races-unsettled" target="_blank"> U.S. Senate</a> in 2020.The attorney general’s office is slated to open up because Republican incumbent Derek Schmidt announced he’s<a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2021-03-09/kansas-attorney-general-derek-schmidt-makes-his-2022-run-for-governor-offical" target="_blank"> running for governor</a>. Former Gov. Jeff Colyer is also in that race.Kobach
 has been a lightning rod, with a dedicated base of supporters who 
helped him narrowly defeat fellow Republican then-Gov. Colyer in the 
2018 primary election. But his positions also energize opposition from 
Democrats and some Republicans.After losing the governor’s race, some Republican groups<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-20/democrats-want-to-face-kobach-in-senate-race-but-a-gop-group-is-spending-millions-to-stop-him" target="_blank"> turned on him</a>
 during his 2020 run for the U.S. Senate. They argued nominating him 
would risk losing the office to a Democrat. Kobach ultimately lost the 
GOP primary to then-U.S.Rep.Roger Marshall.Serving as attorney 
general would bring Kobach back into a statewide office — a potentially 
bigger stage than what he had as secretary of state. Even in that job, a
 largely record-keeping job that politicians often use as a stepping 
stone, he built a national reputation as an immigration hardliner and 
for pressing often-refuted claims about the prevalence of voter fraud.Kobach
 pushed through the passage of a strict Kansas voting law that required 
proof of citizenship. Kobach argued it kept elections secure, but 
critics said it prevented thousands of eligible Kansans from registering
 to vote.The law was eventually knocked down in court, and he faced<a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2019-10-28/kobach-sanctioned-for-misconduct-in-voting-rights-case-but-not-found-dishonest" target="_blank"> judicial sanctions</a> for how he performed in the case. His arguments before the Kansas Supreme Court brought him chastisements from the judge.Kobach has also been a close ally of former President Donald Trump, winning<a href="https://www.kcur.org/2018-08-06/trump-endorses-kobach-for-kansas-governor-over-republican-incumbent" target="_blank"> Trump’s 11th-hour endorsement</a> in the GOP primary for governor. Kobach also led<a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2017-05-11/kansas-secretary-of-state-kobach-to-help-lead-presidential-commission-on-voter-fraud" target="_blank"> a voter fraud commission</a> created by Trump that <a href="https://www.npr.org/2018/01/03/575524512/trump-dissolves-controversial-election-commission" target="_blank">Trump dissolved</a>
 after pushback from states and a lack of evidence of widespread 
cheating. Kobach defended Trump’s unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud 
in the 2016 and 2020 elections. He also advised the president on 
immigration issues.In the years following his 2018 loss to Kelly,
 Kobach served as director and general counsel for We Build The Wall — a
 501(c)4 nonprofit that was crowdsourcing millions of dollars to build a
 private border wall on the country’s southern border. All the group’s 
leaders,<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article245106375.html" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article245106375.html" target="_blank">except Kobach</a>, were later charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.In October 2020, Kobach made headlines again <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/state/2020/10/07/kobachrsquos-latest-venture-sanitizing-systems-to-fight-covid-19/43099187/" target="_blank">for peddling</a>
 a refrigerator-sized device touted as a COVID-killing machine and a 
large room sanitizer to Kansas legislators, promising an investment 
could bring hundreds of jobs to Wichita. The <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/14/kobach-teamed-up-with-wichita-businessman-to-sell-covid-killing-device-an-investigation-found-no-merit-to-their-claims/" target="_blank">efficacy of the products</a> made by Wichita-based MoJack Distributors has not been confirmed by the Environmental Protection Agency or health experts.It’s
 still very early in the race, so there’s time for candidates to change 
their minds and run for different offices or drop their races 
altogether.Stephen Koranda is the Statehouse reporter and news editor for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Stephen_Koranda" target="_blank">@Stephen_Koranda</a> or email him at stephenkoranda@kcur.org.&nbsp;Abigail Censky of the Kansas News Service and Nadya Faulx of KMUW contributed to this report.

UPDATE: Kobach announces run for Kansas attorney general 

TOPEKA — Beginning May 12, Kansans can apply for the Federal Communication Commission’s $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit. The Benefit provides a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on Tribal lands.&nbsp;The discounts will be available until all funding is exhausted or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the pandemic.&nbsp; Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute $10-$50 toward the purchase price. One monthly service discount and one device discount per eligible household is allowed.

To qualify for the benefit, one member of the household must meet&nbsp;one&nbsp;of the following criteria:&nbsp;

• Qualify for the Lifeline Program • Receive free or reduced price school lunch or breakfast benefits • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current year • Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 2020 and a total 2020 income below $99,000 for single filers or $198,000 for joint filers • Meet the criteria for a participating providers exiting low-income or COVID-19 program.

In preparation for the program launch, 747 broadband providers nationwide have signed on to participate.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-providers#Kansas">Sixty of those companies will offer service in Kansas</a>. Eligible households can enroll through an approved provider or by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://getemergencybroadband.org/" target="_blank">https://getemergencybroadband.org</a>.

More information about the Emergency Broadband Benefit is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/consumer-faq-emergency-broadband-benefit">https://www.fcc.gov/consumer-faq-emergency-broadband-benefit</a>

TOPEKA — Beginning May 12, Kansans can apply for the Federal Communication Commission’s $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit. The Benefit provides a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on Tribal lands.&nbsp;The discounts will be available until all funding is exhausted or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the pandemic.&nbsp; Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute $10-$50 toward the purchase price. One monthly service discount and one device discount per eligible household is allowed.To qualify for the benefit, one member of the household must meet&nbsp;one&nbsp;of the following criteria:&nbsp;• Qualify for the Lifeline Program • Receive free or reduced price school lunch or breakfast benefits • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current year • Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 2020 and a total 2020 income below $99,000 for single filers or $198,000 for joint filers • Meet the criteria for a participating providers exiting low-income or COVID-19 program.In preparation for the program launch, 747 broadband providers nationwide have signed on to participate.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-providers#Kansas">Sixty of those companies will offer service in Kansas</a>. Eligible households can enroll through an approved provider or by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://getemergencybroadband.org/" target="_blank">https://getemergencybroadband.org</a>.More information about the Emergency Broadband Benefit is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/consumer-faq-emergency-broadband-benefit">https://www.fcc.gov/consumer-faq-emergency-broadband-benefit</a>

Eligible households can receive broadband funding next month

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds workers in the gig 
economy and those who claimed unemployment compensation in 2020 of their
 options and where to find information on meeting their tax obligations.

The gig economy refers to income earned providing on-demand work 
performing services or selling goods, including driving a car for booked
 rides or deliveries, renting out property, selling goods online or 
freelance work. Often, customers and service providers or sellers are 
brought together through a digital platform on an app or website. Visit 
the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/sharing-economy-tax-center">Gig Economy Tax Center on IRS.gov</a> to learn more about withholding and estimated tax requirements for these types of earned income and paid services.

Taxpayers should collect and keep records and receipts during the year. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/recordkeeping">Recordkeeping</a> can help track income, deduct expenses and complete tax returns.

A record number of Americans applied for unemployment compensation in
 2020 due to the pandemic. Anyone who received unemployment benefits 
will need to report it on their tax returns.

However, the American Rescue Plan, enacted on March 11, 2021, 
excludes from income up to $10,200 ($20,400 if married filing jointly) 
of unemployment compensation received in 2020 for taxpayers with 
modified adjusted gross income under qualifying thresholds. Any amount 
over $10,200 is still taxable for each person. To determine if payments 
received for being unemployed are taxable, see the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/are-payments-i-receive-for-being-unemployed-taxable">Interactive Tax Assistant</a> on IRS.gov.

For those who have already filed their 2020 tax return and paid taxes
 on the full amount of unemployment compensation before the law was 
passed, they should not file an amended return. The IRS will 
automatically refund money to people who already filed their tax return 
reporting unemployment compensation.

The IRS will recompute any credits and deductions claimed on the 
original return. However, if the reduction of income now qualifies a 
taxpayer for a new credit not claimed on the original return, like the 
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), those taxpayers will need to file an 
amended tax return, Form 1040x, to claim the new credit. Taxpayers can 
see if they <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/use-the-eitc-assistant">qualify for the EITC</a> at IRS.gov.

Unemployment benefit recipients should have received a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1099-g">Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments, </a>from
 the agency paying the benefits. The form will show the amount of 
unemployment compensation they received in 2020 in Box 1, and any 
federal income tax withheld in Box 4.

Some states do not mail Form 1099-Gs. Taxpayers may need to get the electronic version from their state's website.

Taxpayers who received an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-offers-guidance-to-taxpayers-on-identity-theft-involving-unemployment-benefits">incorrect Form 1099-G</a>
 for unemployment benefits they did not receive should contact the 
issuing state agency to request a revised Form 1099-G showing they did 
not receive these benefits.

Taxpayers who are unable to obtain a timely, corrected form from 
their state should still file an accurate tax return, reporting only the
 income they received. A corrected Form 1099-G showing zero unemployment
 benefits in cases of identity theft will help taxpayers avoid an 
unexpected federal tax bill for unreported income.

Additionally, if taxpayers are concerned that their personal 
information has been stolen and they want to protect their identity when
 filing their federal tax return, they can request an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin">Identity Protection Pin (IP PIN)</a> from the IRS.

Generally, by law, unemployment compensation must be included as 
income. Taxable benefits include any of the special unemployment 
compensation authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic 
Security (CARES) Act, enacted in 2020.

If a taxpayer didn't report income from gig work or unemployment 
compensation on a return, a corrected return can be filed using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040x">Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return</a>. Form 1040-X can be filed electronically.

Taxpayers <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc202">who owe but can't pay in full</a> always have options to seek help through payment plans and other tools from <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds workers in the gig 
economy and those who claimed unemployment compensation in 2020 of their
 options and where to find information on meeting their tax obligations.<h2>Gig economy</h2>The gig economy refers to income earned providing on-demand work 
performing services or selling goods, including driving a car for booked
 rides or deliveries, renting out property, selling goods online or 
freelance work. Often, customers and service providers or sellers are 
brought together through a digital platform on an app or website. Visit 
the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/sharing-economy-tax-center">Gig Economy Tax Center on IRS.gov</a> to learn more about withholding and estimated tax requirements for these types of earned income and paid services.Taxpayers should collect and keep records and receipts during the year. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/recordkeeping">Recordkeeping</a> can help track income, deduct expenses and complete tax returns.<h2>Unemployment benefits</h2>A record number of Americans applied for unemployment compensation in
 2020 due to the pandemic. Anyone who received unemployment benefits 
will need to report it on their tax returns.However, the American Rescue Plan, enacted on March 11, 2021, 
excludes from income up to $10,200 ($20,400 if married filing jointly) 
of unemployment compensation received in 2020 for taxpayers with 
modified adjusted gross income under qualifying thresholds. Any amount 
over $10,200 is still taxable for each person. To determine if payments 
received for being unemployed are taxable, see the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/are-payments-i-receive-for-being-unemployed-taxable">Interactive Tax Assistant</a> on IRS.gov.For those who have already filed their 2020 tax return and paid taxes
 on the full amount of unemployment compensation before the law was 
passed, they should not file an amended return. The IRS will 
automatically refund money to people who already filed their tax return 
reporting unemployment compensation.The IRS will recompute any credits and deductions claimed on the 
original return. However, if the reduction of income now qualifies a 
taxpayer for a new credit not claimed on the original return, like the 
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), those taxpayers will need to file an 
amended tax return, Form 1040x, to claim the new credit. Taxpayers can 
see if they <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/use-the-eitc-assistant">qualify for the EITC</a> at IRS.gov.Unemployment benefit recipients should have received a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1099-g">Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments, </a>from
 the agency paying the benefits. The form will show the amount of 
unemployment compensation they received in 2020 in Box 1, and any 
federal income tax withheld in Box 4.Some states do not mail Form 1099-Gs. Taxpayers may need to get the electronic version from their state's website.Taxpayers who received an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-offers-guidance-to-taxpayers-on-identity-theft-involving-unemployment-benefits">incorrect Form 1099-G</a>
 for unemployment benefits they did not receive should contact the 
issuing state agency to request a revised Form 1099-G showing they did 
not receive these benefits.Taxpayers who are unable to obtain a timely, corrected form from 
their state should still file an accurate tax return, reporting only the
 income they received. A corrected Form 1099-G showing zero unemployment
 benefits in cases of identity theft will help taxpayers avoid an 
unexpected federal tax bill for unreported income.Additionally, if taxpayers are concerned that their personal 
information has been stolen and they want to protect their identity when
 filing their federal tax return, they can request an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin">Identity Protection Pin (IP PIN)</a> from the IRS.Generally, by law, unemployment compensation must be included as 
income. Taxable benefits include any of the special unemployment 
compensation authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic 
Security (CARES) Act, enacted in 2020.If a taxpayer didn't report income from gig work or unemployment 
compensation on a return, a corrected return can be filed using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040x">Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return</a>. Form 1040-X can be filed electronically.Taxpayers <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc202">who owe but can't pay in full</a> always have options to seek help through payment plans and other tools from <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.Tax information is also available in:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/es">Spanish&nbsp;(Español)</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/zh-hant/">Chinese&nbsp;(中文)</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/ko">Korean&nbsp;(한국어)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/ru">Russian&nbsp;(Pусский)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/vi">Vietnamese&nbsp;(TiếngViệt)</a></li>
 </ul><h2>Resources</h2><ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irsvideos.gov/Individual/PayingTaxes/UnderstandingTheGigEconomy">IRS Webinar – Understanding the Gig Economy</a></li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5369.pdf">Gig Economy and Your Taxes: Things to Know&nbsp;PDF</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/paycheck-checkup">Pay As You Go, So You Won't Owe: A Guide to Withholding &amp; Estimated Taxes</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/identity-theft-guidance-regarding-unemployment-compensation-reporting">ID Theft regarding unemployment</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc418">Tax Treatment of unemployment</a></li>
 </ul>

IRS offers options on gig economy workers, unemployment benefits

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s administration wants to make&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-archive-education-a157a7355bfc5c189fdc1040722fb652">a $1.8 trillion down payment on the future</a>&nbsp;of children, families and higher education, saying it would produce lasting benefits for the economy. Paying for it would be $1.5 trillion of tax hikes over the next decade on the wealthiest households.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?511121-1/president-biden-addresses-joint-session-congress">Click here to watch</a> the President's address

A closer look at where the money is going and where it’s coming from:

— $200 billion to provide free preschool to all 3- and 4-year-olds. The administration estimates that 5 million children would benefit and an average family would save $13,000.

— $109 billion to offer two years of free community college to all Americans. Eligible for the program would also be young immigrants living in the U.S. illegally who were brought to the country as children to remain here.

— Increase the maximum Pell Grant award by $1,400 per eligible student. Pell Grants are financial aid for low-income students, and the increase would help to reduce the dependence on education loans.

— $46 billion for historically Black colleges and universities as well as tribal colleges and universities. This would include $39 billion to provides two years of subsidized tuition for students from families earning less than $125,000 a year.

— $9 billion for scholarships and training for teachers.

— $225 billion to subsidize child care for families and support child care workers. Families earning 1.5 times their state median income would pay a maximum of 7% of their income for all children under age 5.

— $225 billion to create a national family and medical leave program. The program would provide workers up to $4,000 a month, with a minimum of two-thirds of average weekly wages replaced, rising to 80% for the lowest-wage workers.

— $45 billion to improve school meals and offer food benefits to children during the summer.

— Peg the length and amount of unemployment benefits to underlying economic conditions, creating an automated response to a downturn.

— $200 billion to make temporary reductions in health insurance premiums for the Affordable Care Act plans permanent.

— Extend through 2025 an enhanced child tax credit that could be paid out monthly. Eligible families would receive $3,600 annually per child for children under age 6. The payment would be $3,000 per child for children ages 6 to 17.

— Permanently increase tax credits for child care. The credits would cover as much as half of a family’s spending on care for children under age 13, up to a total of $4,000 for one child or $8,000 for two or more children.

— Make the expanded Earned Income Tax Credit permanent for childless workers.

— Allow the IRS to regulate paid tax preparers.

Biden’s plan would cover these proposed expenses by:

— Increasing IRS enforcement funding to audit wealthier taxpayers and mandate that financial institutions report earnings from investments and business activity in ways similar to wages. This could raise $700 billion over 10 years.

— Raising the top tax rate on the wealthiest Americans from 37% to 39.6%. The rate had been 39.6% before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2d9e099660064f2b8a8fc2237b4e7e4e">the 2017 tax cuts</a>.

— Taxpayers earning $1 million or more a year, the top 0.3%, would no longer pay a 20% rate on income from capital gains such as the sale of a stock or other asset. They would pay 39.6% instead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619658477245.png" alt="Vice President Kamala Harris, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., stand and as President Joe Biden addresses a joint session of Congress Wednesday night-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Vice President Kamala Harris, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., stand and as President Joe Biden addresses a joint session of Congress Wednesday night-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s administration wants to make&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-archive-education-a157a7355bfc5c189fdc1040722fb652">a $1.8 trillion down payment on the future</a>&nbsp;of children, families and higher education, saying it would produce lasting benefits for the economy. Paying for it would be $1.5 trillion of tax hikes over the next decade on the wealthiest households.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?511121-1/president-biden-addresses-joint-session-congress">Click here to watch</a> the President's addressA closer look at where the money is going and where it’s coming from:INITIATIVES— $200 billion to provide free preschool to all 3- and 4-year-olds. The administration estimates that 5 million children would benefit and an average family would save $13,000.— $109 billion to offer two years of free community college to all Americans. Eligible for the program would also be young immigrants living in the U.S. illegally who were brought to the country as children to remain here.— Increase the maximum Pell Grant award by $1,400 per eligible student. Pell Grants are financial aid for low-income students, and the increase would help to reduce the dependence on education loans.— $46 billion for historically Black colleges and universities as well as tribal colleges and universities. This would include $39 billion to provides two years of subsidized tuition for students from families earning less than $125,000 a year.— $9 billion for scholarships and training for teachers.— $225 billion to subsidize child care for families and support child care workers. Families earning 1.5 times their state median income would pay a maximum of 7% of their income for all children under age 5.— $225 billion to create a national family and medical leave program. The program would provide workers up to $4,000 a month, with a minimum of two-thirds of average weekly wages replaced, rising to 80% for the lowest-wage workers.— $45 billion to improve school meals and offer food benefits to children during the summer.— Peg the length and amount of unemployment benefits to underlying economic conditions, creating an automated response to a downturn.— $200 billion to make temporary reductions in health insurance premiums for the Affordable Care Act plans permanent.— Extend through 2025 an enhanced child tax credit that could be paid out monthly. Eligible families would receive $3,600 annually per child for children under age 6. The payment would be $3,000 per child for children ages 6 to 17.— Permanently increase tax credits for child care. The credits would cover as much as half of a family’s spending on care for children under age 13, up to a total of $4,000 for one child or $8,000 for two or more children.— Make the expanded Earned Income Tax Credit permanent for childless workers.— Allow the IRS to regulate paid tax preparers.FUNDING SOURCESBiden’s plan would cover these proposed expenses by:— Increasing IRS enforcement funding to audit wealthier taxpayers and mandate that financial institutions report earnings from investments and business activity in ways similar to wages. This could raise $700 billion over 10 years.— Raising the top tax rate on the wealthiest Americans from 37% to 39.6%. The rate had been 39.6% before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2d9e099660064f2b8a8fc2237b4e7e4e">the 2017 tax cuts</a>.— Taxpayers earning $1 million or more a year, the top 0.3%, would no longer pay a 20% rate on income from capital gains such as the sale of a stock or other asset. They would pay 39.6% instead.

How Biden pays for his $1.8T families and education plan

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Doctors are reporting that more parents are refusing to have their sick children tested for the coronavirus because they don’t want to deal with the hassle if the result is positive.

Pediatric Partners in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park recently posted an alert on its Facebook page exhorting parents to stay vigilant because so many weren’t following testing advice.

“We’ve had parents tell us, for instance, ‘No we have a big tournament this weekend, I don’t want to have to deal with COVID,’” said Pediatrician Kristen Stuppy. “And they’re forgetting the fact that it’s still going to be COVID even if you don’t know that it’s COVID. So from a public health perspective it scares me.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and teens who have COVID-19 symptoms should be tested immediately — “especially important if they have in-person in school, sports or jobs, so that anyone who may have been exposed can be alerted,” the organization says. If they have COVID-19, they need to isolate for at least 10 days.

Public health officials have said for weeks that overall interest in COVID-19 testing is down, which is problematic because it makes it difficult to know how much of the virus remains in the community and prevent it from spreading by having people isolate.

But many don’t want to deal with having their work and their children’s schooling and activities disrupted by quarantining, said Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine in the health policy department at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville.

“So they’re saying ‘Well, he’s going to get over it anyway. Let’s just not make the diagnosis, and we don’t have to go through all that hullabaloo,’” Schaffner said. “That’s beyond unfortunate. That’s selfish. And it’s not in the public interest, it’s in your own narrow interest. It’s not in your child’s best interest.”

Dr. Angela Myers at Children’s Mercy said the hospital has seen a recent uptick in other viruses, including common colds and a couple of cases of respiratory viruses in the last week. She, too, is hearing that some parents are refusing COVID-19 testing, which concerns her.

“It is important to get tested if you have symptoms compatible with COVID-19 so that the appropriate actions can take place if positive,” said Myers, division director of infectious diseases.

There is no vaccine yet for children younger than 16, though Children’s Mercy is part of a national trial testing for one for younger kids. But many parents feel more secure now that vulnerable grandparents have been vaccinated and aren’t as worried about their children getting sick, Stuppy said.

“For many kids it seems like it’s a mild disease and I think they’re banking on that,” Stuppy said of parents. “But they’re forgetting that some kids get really sick.”

Statewide, just 38.1% of residents were at least partially vaccinated as of Wednesday, up just 1.1 percentage points from a week ago and 3.1 percentage points from two weeks ago as the rate of immunizations slows. State data also shows that the number of cases rose from Monday to Wednesday by 645 to 308,510 and the number of deaths by eight to 4,978.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Doctors are reporting that more parents are refusing to have their sick children tested for the coronavirus because they don’t want to deal with the hassle if the result is positive.Pediatric Partners in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park recently posted an alert on its Facebook page exhorting parents to stay vigilant because so many weren’t following testing advice.“We’ve had parents tell us, for instance, ‘No we have a big tournament this weekend, I don’t want to have to deal with COVID,’” said Pediatrician Kristen Stuppy. “And they’re forgetting the fact that it’s still going to be COVID even if you don’t know that it’s COVID. So from a public health perspective it scares me.”The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and teens who have COVID-19 symptoms should be tested immediately — “especially important if they have in-person in school, sports or jobs, so that anyone who may have been exposed can be alerted,” the organization says. If they have COVID-19, they need to isolate for at least 10 days.Public health officials have said for weeks that overall interest in COVID-19 testing is down, which is problematic because it makes it difficult to know how much of the virus remains in the community and prevent it from spreading by having people isolate.But many don’t want to deal with having their work and their children’s schooling and activities disrupted by quarantining, said Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine in the health policy department at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville.“So they’re saying ‘Well, he’s going to get over it anyway. Let’s just not make the diagnosis, and we don’t have to go through all that hullabaloo,’” Schaffner said. “That’s beyond unfortunate. That’s selfish. And it’s not in the public interest, it’s in your own narrow interest. It’s not in your child’s best interest.”Dr. Angela Myers at Children’s Mercy said the hospital has seen a recent uptick in other viruses, including common colds and a couple of cases of respiratory viruses in the last week. She, too, is hearing that some parents are refusing COVID-19 testing, which concerns her.“It is important to get tested if you have symptoms compatible with COVID-19 so that the appropriate actions can take place if positive,” said Myers, division director of infectious diseases.There is no vaccine yet for children younger than 16, though Children’s Mercy is part of a national trial testing for one for younger kids. But many parents feel more secure now that vulnerable grandparents have been vaccinated and aren’t as worried about their children getting sick, Stuppy said.“For many kids it seems like it’s a mild disease and I think they’re banking on that,” Stuppy said of parents. “But they’re forgetting that some kids get really sick.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619631211737.png" alt="Wednesday April 28, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday April 28, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Statewide, just 38.1% of residents were at least partially vaccinated as of Wednesday, up just 1.1 percentage points from a week ago and 3.1 percentage points from two weeks ago as the rate of immunizations slows. State data also shows that the number of cases rose from Monday to Wednesday by 645 to 308,510 and the number of deaths by eight to 4,978.

Doctors: More parents refuse COVID tests for their sick kids

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police in Kansas City reported they are investigating the city’s 50th homicide of the year.

The fatal shooting happened early Thursday morning at the East Hills Village Apartments near the south end of the city, according to police. Authorities have not released any information on the victim or details of the shooting, other than to say crime scene investigators and homicide detectives are on the scene.

The killing marked the city’s 50th homicide for 2021,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article251026739.html">according&nbsp;</a>to data kept by the Kansas City Star. The city saw a record 182 homicides in all of 2020.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police in Kansas City reported they are investigating the city’s 50th homicide of the year.The fatal shooting happened early Thursday morning at the East Hills Village Apartments near the south end of the city, according to police. Authorities have not released any information on the victim or details of the shooting, other than to say crime scene investigators and homicide detectives are on the scene.The killing marked the city’s 50th homicide for 2021,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article251026739.html">according&nbsp;</a>to data kept by the Kansas City Star. The city saw a record 182 homicides in all of 2020.

Kansas City police probing city's 50th homicide of 2021

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri Senate on Wednesday voted against paying to expand Medicaid as called for by voters last year.

The late-night Senate vote locked in the House's decision to refuse funding for the program, likely setting up a court battle with supporters of greater access to health care.

On her statewide tour last week, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said it is important right now for the state legislature to take action on Medicaid. She said the federal government is offering to pay Kansas 350 to 450 million dollars in Rescue Plan money over the next two years if Medicaid is expanded.

The vote in Missouri on Wednesday divided Republicans and came after hours of sometimes-heated debate.

Several Republicans, including the Missouri Senate budget leader, argued that expanding Medicaid would obligate the state to pay for an expensive program that could mean a huge financial hit to the state's budget in the future.

“I'm sorry, if you're a healthy adult, you need to get a job,” said Manchester Republican Sen. Andrew Koenig, arguing that those newly eligible for Medicaid should instead get employer-based health insurance.

Democrats countered that many people who would get access to Medicaid are already working multiple jobs but still can't afford health care.

“We have a working class that cannot afford for-profit health insurance, and I’m one of those people, that could be one illness or one injury away from bankruptcy,” St. Louis-area Democratic Sen. Brian Williams said. “And those are people who go to work every single day.”

Some Republicans joined with Democrats in voting to pay to expand the program. They argued that lawmakers are obligated to fulfil the will of voters, who last year expanded Medicaid coverage eligibility to thousands more low-income adults.

Missouri’s Medicaid program currently does not cover most adults without children, and its income eligibility threshold for parents is one of the lowest in the nation at about one-fifth of the poverty level.

Former President Barack Obama’s 2010 federal health care law provides a higher-than-usual federal funding share for states that expand Medicaid coverage to adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, about $17,600 for an individual or $30,000 for a family of three.

Missouri's new eligibility rules will take effect in July. It's unclear how lack of funding by lawmakers will impact that.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri Senate on Wednesday voted against paying to expand Medicaid as called for by voters last year.The late-night Senate vote locked in the House's decision to refuse funding for the program, likely setting up a court battle with supporters of greater access to health care.On her statewide tour last week, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said it is important right now for the state legislature to take action on Medicaid. She said the federal government is offering to pay Kansas 350 to 450 million dollars in Rescue Plan money over the next two years if Medicaid is expanded.The vote in Missouri on Wednesday divided Republicans and came after hours of sometimes-heated debate.Several Republicans, including the Missouri Senate budget leader, argued that expanding Medicaid would obligate the state to pay for an expensive program that could mean a huge financial hit to the state's budget in the future.“I'm sorry, if you're a healthy adult, you need to get a job,” said Manchester Republican Sen. Andrew Koenig, arguing that those newly eligible for Medicaid should instead get employer-based health insurance.Democrats countered that many people who would get access to Medicaid are already working multiple jobs but still can't afford health care.“We have a working class that cannot afford for-profit health insurance, and I’m one of those people, that could be one illness or one injury away from bankruptcy,” St. Louis-area Democratic Sen. Brian Williams said. “And those are people who go to work every single day.”Some Republicans joined with Democrats in voting to pay to expand the program. They argued that lawmakers are obligated to fulfil the will of voters, who last year expanded Medicaid coverage eligibility to thousands more low-income adults.Missouri’s Medicaid program currently does not cover most adults without children, and its income eligibility threshold for parents is one of the lowest in the nation at about one-fifth of the poverty level.Former President Barack Obama’s 2010 federal health care law provides a higher-than-usual federal funding share for states that expand Medicaid coverage to adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, about $17,600 for an individual or $30,000 for a family of three.Missouri's new eligibility rules will take effect in July. It's unclear how lack of funding by lawmakers will impact that.

Missouri rejects funding voter-approved Medicaid expansion

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran released the following statement in response to President Biden’s address to a Joint Session of Congress:

“Unity, bipartisanship, working together – I agree with President Biden that these are all things that should and can represent the federal government, but we are falling far short. Pledges for unity mean nothing without listening to those with opposing points of view, finding common ground with them and agreeing to compromises.&nbsp;The President demonstrated he was unwilling to work with Republicans by forcing his partisan $1.9 trillion relief package through Congress without a single Republican vote. Overreaching, partisan legislation that costs trillions of taxpayer dollars isn’t the right path forward.

“While I am eager to work with the President and my colleagues on improving America’s infrastructure, the President’s $2.3 trillion proposal isn’t affordable, and it isn’t infrastructure. I also agree that we should focus on supporting families and education, but these things are achieved through creating jobs and opportunities, not by adding an additional $1.8 trillion spending package.

“Even amidst this divisive political climate, I’ve seen through my work on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee that we are capable of working together to get things done, especially on behalf of our nations’ veterans. I am committed to working with the President to continue serving our veterans by further implementing the&nbsp;MISSION Act, improving care for veterans suffering from toxic exposure and improving VA accessibility for minority and women veterans.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619661641260.png" alt="President Biden addressed fewer members of the House and Senate Wednesday night due to COVID-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Biden addressed fewer members of the House and Senate Wednesday night due to COVID-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran released the following statement in response to President Biden’s address to a Joint Session of Congress:“Unity, bipartisanship, working together – I agree with President Biden that these are all things that should and can represent the federal government, but we are falling far short. Pledges for unity mean nothing without listening to those with opposing points of view, finding common ground with them and agreeing to compromises.&nbsp;The President demonstrated he was unwilling to work with Republicans by forcing his partisan $1.9 trillion relief package through Congress without a single Republican vote. Overreaching, partisan legislation that costs trillions of taxpayer dollars isn’t the right path forward.“While I am eager to work with the President and my colleagues on improving America’s infrastructure, the President’s $2.3 trillion proposal isn’t affordable, and it isn’t infrastructure. I also agree that we should focus on supporting families and education, but these things are achieved through creating jobs and opportunities, not by adding an additional $1.8 trillion spending package.“Even amidst this divisive political climate, I’ve seen through my work on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee that we are capable of working together to get things done, especially on behalf of our nations’ veterans. I am committed to working with the President to continue serving our veterans by further implementing the&nbsp;MISSION Act, improving care for veterans suffering from toxic exposure and improving VA accessibility for minority and women veterans.”&nbsp;

Sen. Moran: Biden's pledge for unity means nothing without compromise

OVERLAND PARK —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fight between students and parents at a Kansas middle school where one parent was run over and critically injured issued an attempt to locate for 40-year-old&nbsp; Tyla Jack.

The incident happened Tuesday afternoon and started with a fight between two girls at Carl Bruce Middle School,&nbsp;2100 N 18th St, Kansas City, Kansas.

 School officials broke up the fight and called the girls’ parents, who showed up on the scene and made matters worse, police said.

As the mother of one of the girls walked away to leave, a family member of the other girl ran over the woman with her car and dragged her, police said. No students were hurt in the altercation.

The woman who was hit was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. Police said the driver who hit her later identified as Tyla Jack fled the scene.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A fight involving students and parents at a Kansas middle school became a police matter when one parent was run over and critically injured in the school’s parking lot, police in Kansas City, Kansas, said.

The incident happened Tuesday afternoon and started with a fight between two girls at Carl Bruce Middle School, station WDAF&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/fight-ends-when-adult-hits-another-adult-with-car-outside-kansas-city-kansas-middle-school/" target="_blank">reported</a>. School officials broke up the fight and called the girls’ parents, who showed up on the scene and made matters worse, police said.

The woman who was hit was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. Police said the driver who hit her fled the scene and had not been arrested by early Wednesday morning.

Police said they are investigating and reviewing video of the crash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619698781089.png" alt="Tyla Jack photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Tyla Jack photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>OVERLAND PARK —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fight between students and parents at a Kansas middle school where one parent was run over and critically injured issued an attempt to locate for 40-year-old&nbsp; Tyla Jack.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619698830636.png" alt="Police believe Jack was driving this vehicle when it struck and seriously injured the mother of another student. If you have info call 816-474-TIPS." />
 <figcaption>Police believe Jack was driving this vehicle when it struck and seriously injured the mother of another student. If you have info call 816-474-TIPS.</figcaption>
 </figure>The incident happened Tuesday afternoon and started with a fight between two girls at Carl Bruce Middle School,&nbsp;2100 N 18th St, Kansas City, Kansas. School officials broke up the fight and called the girls’ parents, who showed up on the scene and made matters worse, police said.As the mother of one of the girls walked away to leave, a family member of the other girl ran over the woman with her car and dragged her, police said. No students were hurt in the altercation.The woman who was hit was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. Police said the driver who hit her later identified as Tyla Jack fled the scene.-------KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A fight involving students and parents at a Kansas middle school became a police matter when one parent was run over and critically injured in the school’s parking lot, police in Kansas City, Kansas, said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619622867048.png" alt="Police on the scene in the school parking lot on Tuesday -photo courtesy KMBC&nbsp; TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene in the school parking lot on Tuesday -photo courtesy KMBC&nbsp; TV</figcaption>
 </figure>The incident happened Tuesday afternoon and started with a fight between two girls at Carl Bruce Middle School, station WDAF&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/fight-ends-when-adult-hits-another-adult-with-car-outside-kansas-city-kansas-middle-school/" target="_blank">reported</a>. School officials broke up the fight and called the girls’ parents, who showed up on the scene and made matters worse, police said.As the mother of one of the girls walked away to leave, a family member of the other girl ran over the woman with her car and dragged her, police said. No students were hurt in the altercation.The woman who was hit was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. Police said the driver who hit her fled the scene and had not been arrested by early Wednesday morning.Police said they are investigating and reviewing video of the crash.

Update: Police say parent hit by car in Kan. school parking lot during fight

WASHINGTON
 — Anyone can request an automatic tax-filing extension, but some people
 get extra time without asking, according to the Internal Revenue 
Service.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, this year the IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-for-individuals-extended-to-may-17-treasury-irs-extend-filing-and-payment-deadline">postponed</a>
 the usual April 15 deadline for filing individual income tax returns 
until May 17, 2021. Even so, as is the case every year, many Americans 
will still need more time to meet their tax-filing obligation.

The IRS estimates that more than 16 million taxpayers will get an 
automatic extension this filing season, either by filing a form or 
making an electronic tax payment. But some taxpayers, including disaster
 victims, those serving in a combat zone and Americans living abroad get
 more time, even if they don't ask for it. Here are details on each of 
these special tax-relief provisions.

Victims of the February winter storms in Texas, Oklahoma and 
Louisiana have until June 15, 2021, to file their 2020 returns and pay 
any tax due.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON
 — Anyone can request an automatic tax-filing extension, but some people
 get extra time without asking, according to the Internal Revenue 
Service.Due to the ongoing pandemic, this year the IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-for-individuals-extended-to-may-17-treasury-irs-extend-filing-and-payment-deadline">postponed</a>
 the usual April 15 deadline for filing individual income tax returns 
until May 17, 2021. Even so, as is the case every year, many Americans 
will still need more time to meet their tax-filing obligation.The IRS estimates that more than 16 million taxpayers will get an 
automatic extension this filing season, either by filing a form or 
making an electronic tax payment. But some taxpayers, including disaster
 victims, those serving in a combat zone and Americans living abroad get
 more time, even if they don't ask for it. Here are details on each of 
these special tax-relief provisions.<h2>Disaster victims</h2>Victims of the February winter storms in Texas, Oklahoma and 
Louisiana have until June 15, 2021, to file their 2020 returns and pay 
any tax due.The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any 
taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in a federally declared 
disaster area when at least one area qualifies for FEMA's Individual 
Assistance program. Ordinarily, this means that taxpayers need not 
contact the IRS to get disaster tax relief.This relief also includes more time for making 2020 contributions to 
IRAs and other plans and making 2021 estimated tax payments. In some 
cases, relief is also available to people living outside the disaster 
area if, for example, they have a business located in the disaster area,
 have tax records located in the disaster area or are assisting in 
disaster relief. For details on all available relief, visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/around-the-nation">Around the Nation</a> page on IRS.gov.<h2>Combat zone taxpayers</h2>Military service members and eligible support personnel serving in a 
combat zone have at least 180 days after they leave the combat zone to 
file their tax returns and pay any tax due. This includes those serving 
in Iraq, Afghanistan and other combat zones. A complete list of 
designated combat zone localities can be found in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-3">Publication 3, Armed Forces' Tax Guide</a>, available on IRS.gov.Combat zone extensions also give affected taxpayers more time for a 
variety of other tax-related actions, including contributing to an IRA. 
Various circumstances affect the exact length of the extension available
 to taxpayers. Details, including examples illustrating how these 
extensions are calculated, are in the Extensions of Deadlines section in
 Publication 3.<h2>Taxpayers outside the United States</h2>U.S. citizens and resident aliens who live and work outside the U.S. 
and Puerto Rico have until June 15, 2021 to file their 2020 tax returns 
and pay any tax due.The special June 15 deadline also applies to members of the military 
on duty outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico who do not qualify for the 
longer combat zone extension. Affected taxpayers should attach a 
statement to their return explaining which of these situations apply.Though taxpayers abroad get more time to pay, interest -- <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/interest-rates-remain-the-same-for-the-second-quarter-of-2021">currently</a>
 at the rate of 3% per year, compounded daily -- applies to any payment 
received after this year's May 17 deadline. For more information about 
the special tax rules for U.S. taxpayers abroad, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-547">Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad</a>, on IRS.gov.<h2>Everyone else</h2>Taxpayers who don't qualify for any of these three special situations
 can still get more time to file by submitting a request for an 
automatic extension. This will extend their filing deadline until 
October&nbsp;15, 2021. But because this is only a tax-filing extension, their
 2020 tax payments are still due by May 17.An easy way to get the extra time is through <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>
 on IRS.gov. In a matter of minutes, anyone, regardless of income, can 
use this free service to electronically request an extension on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868">Form 4868</a>. To get the extension, taxpayers must estimate their tax liability on this form.Another option is to pay electronically and get a tax-filing 
extension. The IRS will automatically process an extension when a 
taxpayer selects Form 4868 and makes a full or partial federal tax 
payment by the May 17 due date using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>
 or a debit or credit card. Under this option, there is no need to file a
 separate Form 4868. Please note, you must register for EFTPS before 
using. Electronic payment options are available at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.