TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A spokesperson for Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly says a Republican proposal to require graduating Kansas high school students to have passed a civics test violates the state constitution.

Kelly spokesperson Reeves Oyster stopped short of saying Kelly would veto a bill approved by the state Senate last week to require the test.

But she said in email: “The civics bill is an unconstitutional intrusion on the authority of the State Board of Education.”

The state constitution says the elected state board has “general supervision” of public schools, and the Kansas Supreme Court ruled decades ago that the board exercises its power independently laws enacted by the Legislature. The board sets curriculum standards.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Legislature passed a Republican-backed bill Wednesday that would require graduating high school students to have passed a civics test with questions such as, “What is one way Americans can serve their country?”

The GOP-controlled Senate voted 24-15 for the bill and sent it to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. The Republican-controlled House narrowly approved it in early March.

The measure would require public and private school students to pass a test or series of tests consisting of 60 randomly selected questions from the U.S. citizenship test. The bill does not set a passing grade, leaving that up to teachers. Students would be able to take the test multiple times until they pass.

Supporters say the test would give students basic knowledge to become engaged citizens. Nineteen states require high school students to take a civics test in order to graduate, according to the Legislature’s research staff.

“By providing this test, we are just ensuring that the principles of our government and the foundations of our Constitution are taught in our schools,” said freshman state Sen. Alicia Straub, an Ellinwood Republican.

Kelly has not said whether she will sign the bill, and fellow Democrats opposed it, questioning whether it would be effective in getting young people engaged.

The U.S. citizenship test includes questions that require applicants to name three branches of government, a document that influenced the U.S. Constitution, and who appoints federal judges.

Straub, who led the move to pass the bill in the Senate, said if students are already being taught about the U.S. Constitution and the federal government, they should be able to easily pass the test.

But the Kansas State Board of Education opposed the bill, saying it encroaches on its authority under the state constitution to set graduation requirements. The measure has also faced criticism from some education groups, including the Kansas National Education Association, which says students are already getting a civics education in government and history classes.

Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, said that she has encouraged students to work for campaigns and become poll workers. She pointed to a national program called Civics Unplugged in which high school students are trained to work on civics projects.

“I think there are programs like this that actually will help with the intent of making sure kids know about the civics process, getting them engaged and actually having an experience that will be much more influential than to take a citizenship, the naturalization exam,” Sykes said.

However, Sen. Kellie Warren, a Leawood Republican, said she disagrees with political activism substituting for the knowledge students would have to demonstrate in a civics test.

“We can disagree on politics and culture but if we don’t have a united understanding about where our country came from and its history and how it is structured. We’re going to have difficulties moving forward and getting things done,” Warren said.

During its debate Wednesday, the Senate included an amendment from Democrat Sen. David Haley, of Kansas City, Kansas, requiring the State Board of Education to develop curriculum standards for personal financial literacy classes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583163846371.jpeg" alt="State Senator Alicia Straub, who led the move to pass the bill in the Senate, said if students are already being taught about the U.S. Constitution and the federal government, they should be able to easily pass the test." />
 <figcaption>State Senator Alicia Straub, who led the move to pass the bill in the Senate, said if students are already being taught about the U.S. Constitution and the federal government, they should be able to easily pass the test.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A spokesperson for Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly says a Republican proposal to require graduating Kansas high school students to have passed a civics test violates the state constitution.Kelly spokesperson Reeves Oyster stopped short of saying Kelly would veto a bill approved by the state Senate last week to require the test.But she said in email: “The civics bill is an unconstitutional intrusion on the authority of the State Board of Education.”The state constitution says the elected state board has “general supervision” of public schools, and the Kansas Supreme Court ruled decades ago that the board exercises its power independently laws enacted by the Legislature. The board sets curriculum standards.------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Legislature passed a Republican-backed bill Wednesday that would require graduating high school students to have passed a civics test with questions such as, “What is one way Americans can serve their country?”The GOP-controlled Senate voted 24-15 for the bill and sent it to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. The Republican-controlled House narrowly approved it in early March.The measure would require public and private school students to pass a test or series of tests consisting of 60 randomly selected questions from the U.S. citizenship test. The bill does not set a passing grade, leaving that up to teachers. Students would be able to take the test multiple times until they pass.Supporters say the test would give students basic knowledge to become engaged citizens. Nineteen states require high school students to take a civics test in order to graduate, according to the Legislature’s research staff.“By providing this test, we are just ensuring that the principles of our government and the foundations of our Constitution are taught in our schools,” said freshman state Sen. Alicia Straub, an Ellinwood Republican.Kelly has not said whether she will sign the bill, and fellow Democrats opposed it, questioning whether it would be effective in getting young people engaged.The U.S. citizenship test includes questions that require applicants to name three branches of government, a document that influenced the U.S. Constitution, and who appoints federal judges.Straub, who led the move to pass the bill in the Senate, said if students are already being taught about the U.S. Constitution and the federal government, they should be able to easily pass the test.But the Kansas State Board of Education opposed the bill, saying it encroaches on its authority under the state constitution to set graduation requirements. The measure has also faced criticism from some education groups, including the Kansas National Education Association, which says students are already getting a civics education in government and history classes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616069152124.png" alt="Senator Dinah Sykes" />
 <figcaption>Senator Dinah Sykes</figcaption>
 </figure>Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, said that she has encouraged students to work for campaigns and become poll workers. She pointed to a national program called Civics Unplugged in which high school students are trained to work on civics projects.“I think there are programs like this that actually will help with the intent of making sure kids know about the civics process, getting them engaged and actually having an experience that will be much more influential than to take a citizenship, the naturalization exam,” Sykes said.However, Sen. Kellie Warren, a Leawood Republican, said she disagrees with political activism substituting for the knowledge students would have to demonstrate in a civics test.“We can disagree on politics and culture but if we don’t have a united understanding about where our country came from and its history and how it is structured. We’re going to have difficulties moving forward and getting things done,” Warren said.During its debate Wednesday, the Senate included an amendment from Democrat Sen. David Haley, of Kansas City, Kansas, requiring the State Board of Education to develop curriculum standards for personal financial literacy classes.

Bill that mandates civics test might violate Kan. Constitution

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 354 to a total of 303,227, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4927— no new deaths since Friday's report.&nbsp;

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

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 354 to a total of 303,227, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4927— no new deaths since Friday's report.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617642274870.png" alt="Monday April 5, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday April 5, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Capitol Police officer killed last week when a man armed with a knife rammed his car into two officers at a barricade outside the Capitol does not appear to have been stabbed, slashed or shot, a police official told The Associated Press on Monday.

Officer William “Billy” Evans, an 18-year veteran of the force, died Friday after the driver rammed into the barricade near the Capitol. The driver, identified as 25-year-old Noah Green, crashed into the officers and the barrier, then exited the car armed with a knife and lunged at the officers before police fatally shot him, authorities said.

In the chaotic moments after the attack, law enforcement officials initially believed the suspect, who was seen on surveillance video lunging at the officers with a knife, may have stabbed Evans, but that was not the case. Rumors also had swirled around fears that Evans may have been struck by friendly fire when police started shooting at the suspect.

The investigation remains ongoing, but there is no indication that Evans was stabbed, slashed or shot, a U.S. Capitol Police official told the AP. The official could not discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity.

Video of the Friday afternoon attack shows the driver emerging from the crashed car with a knife in his hand and advancing toward the officers, Capitol Police acting Chief Yogananda Pittman said.

Investigators are increasingly focused on Green’s mental health as they work to identify any motive for the attack, a U.S. official briefed on the investigation told the AP. Investigators have learned the suspect had been suffering from delusions, paranoia and suicidal thoughts, according to the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly about an ongoing matter and spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity.

In online posts since removed, Green described being under government thought control and said he was being watched. He described himself as a follower of the Nation of Islam and its longtime leader, Louis Farrakhan, and spoke of going through a difficult time when he leaned on his faith. Some of the messages were captured by the group SITE, which tracks online activity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617402625752.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A Capitol Police officer killed last week when a man armed with a knife rammed his car into two officers at a barricade outside the Capitol does not appear to have been stabbed, slashed or shot, a police official told The Associated Press on Monday.Officer William “Billy” Evans, an 18-year veteran of the force, died Friday after the driver rammed into the barricade near the Capitol. The driver, identified as 25-year-old Noah Green, crashed into the officers and the barrier, then exited the car armed with a knife and lunged at the officers before police fatally shot him, authorities said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617385738948.png" alt="Capitol police at the scene of the investigation photo courtesy WJLA TV" />
 <figcaption>Capitol police at the scene of the investigation photo courtesy WJLA TV</figcaption>
 </figure>In the chaotic moments after the attack, law enforcement officials initially believed the suspect, who was seen on surveillance video lunging at the officers with a knife, may have stabbed Evans, but that was not the case. Rumors also had swirled around fears that Evans may have been struck by friendly fire when police started shooting at the suspect.The investigation remains ongoing, but there is no indication that Evans was stabbed, slashed or shot, a U.S. Capitol Police official told the AP. The official could not discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity.Video of the Friday afternoon attack shows the driver emerging from the crashed car with a knife in his hand and advancing toward the officers, Capitol Police acting Chief Yogananda Pittman said.Investigators are increasingly focused on Green’s mental health as they work to identify any motive for the attack, a U.S. official briefed on the investigation told the AP. Investigators have learned the suspect had been suffering from delusions, paranoia and suicidal thoughts, according to the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly about an ongoing matter and spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity.In online posts since removed, Green described being under government thought control and said he was being watched. He described himself as a follower of the Nation of Islam and its longtime leader, Louis Farrakhan, and spoke of going through a difficult time when he leaned on his faith. Some of the messages were captured by the group SITE, which tracks online activity.

No indication officer in Capitol attack was stabbed, shot

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident and have identified the victim as 43-year-old Kandy Fairchild of Wichita, according to Deputy Benjamin Blick.

Just after 10 p.m. Sunday deputies were dispatched to a vehicle injury accident involving a pedestrian near the intersection of Broadway and 119th Street South, according to Blick.

During the investigation, deputies learned a northbound Toyota Camry driven by a 23-year-old woman struck 43-year-old Kandy Fairchild of Wichita who was walking in the northbound lane of Broadway.

Fairchild died at the scene, according to Blick. The driver of the Camry and her adult passenger were not injured.&nbsp; Deputies released no additional details early Monday as the investigation continues.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident and have identified the victim as 43-year-old Kandy Fairchild of Wichita, according to Deputy Benjamin Blick.Just after 10 p.m. Sunday deputies were dispatched to a vehicle injury accident involving a pedestrian near the intersection of Broadway and 119th Street South, according to Blick.During the investigation, deputies learned a northbound Toyota Camry driven by a 23-year-old woman struck 43-year-old Kandy Fairchild of Wichita who was walking in the northbound lane of Broadway.Fairchild died at the scene, according to Blick. The driver of the Camry and her adult passenger were not injured.&nbsp; Deputies released no additional details early Monday as the investigation continues.

Sheriff IDs Kan. woman who died in pedestrian accident

Saline County —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a weekend arrest in Salina.

A Wichita man was arrested early Saturday morning after he was observed throwing something out of a vehicle window in north Salina.

Just after 2a.m. Saturday, a police&nbsp;officer at the intersection of W. Otis Avenue and N. Ninth Street in Salina observed a northbound 2019 Nissan Sentra with no headlights activated, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

The officer attempted to stop the vehicle in the 1500 block of N. Ninth Street, but the driver later identified as 31-year-old Terrius Jones failed to pull over and a pursuit ensued at speeds reaching 50 mph, according to Forester.

While pursuing the vehicle, the officer observed the driver throw something from the car in the 200 block of E. Diamond Drive.

The Sentra finally stopped at the intersection of W. Grand Avenue and Barney Street.&nbsp; Officers later located a small plastic baggie containing suspected cocaine in the area where the driver was seen throwing something from the vehicle.

Police arrested&nbsp; Jones and booked him on requested charges that include, Possession of cocaine, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Flee and elude, Driving without headlights, Improper driving on laned roadways, Speeding and No turn signal,&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617460288162.jpeg" alt="Jones has previous convictions for aggravated battery, criminal restraint, aggravated burglary, DUI and other drug use- photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Jones has previous convictions for aggravated battery, criminal restraint, aggravated burglary, DUI and other drug use- photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Saline County —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a weekend arrest in Salina.A Wichita man was arrested early Saturday morning after he was observed throwing something out of a vehicle window in north Salina.Just after 2a.m. Saturday, a police&nbsp;officer at the intersection of W. Otis Avenue and N. Ninth Street in Salina observed a northbound 2019 Nissan Sentra with no headlights activated, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.The officer attempted to stop the vehicle in the 1500 block of N. Ninth Street, but the driver later identified as 31-year-old Terrius Jones failed to pull over and a pursuit ensued at speeds reaching 50 mph, according to Forester.While pursuing the vehicle, the officer observed the driver throw something from the car in the 200 block of E. Diamond Drive.The Sentra finally stopped at the intersection of W. Grand Avenue and Barney Street.&nbsp; Officers later located a small plastic baggie containing suspected cocaine in the area where the driver was seen throwing something from the vehicle.Police arrested&nbsp; Jones and booked him on requested charges that include, Possession of cocaine, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Flee and elude, Driving without headlights, Improper driving on laned roadways, Speeding and No turn signal,&nbsp;

Police: Kan. felon threw bag of cocaine from vehicle during chase

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Liberal activists are stepping up calls for corporate America to denounce Republican efforts to tighten state voting laws, and businesses accustomed to cozy political relationships now find themselves in the middle of a growing partisan fight over voting rights.

Pressure is mounting on leading companies in&nbsp;Texas, Arizona and other states, particularly after&nbsp;Major League Baseball’s decision Friday to move the 2021 All-Star Game out of Atlanta. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.civicalliance.com/votingaccess/" target="_blank">joint statement&nbsp;</a>from executives at nearly 200 companies, including HP, Microsoft, PayPal, Target, Twitter, Uber and Under Armour, took aim at state legislation “threatening to make voting more difficult” and said “elections are not improved” when lawmakers impose new barriers to voting.

Republican lawmakers in Kansas joined GOP colleagues nationwide Wednesday trying to tighten voting laws, advancing a measure Wednesday that would make it harder for churches, civic groups, neighbors and candidates to collect and return absentee ballots for voters.

The state Senate approved, 28-12,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2183_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill&nbsp;</a>that would make it a felony for someone to deliver more than five absentee ballots for other people to election officials. Candidates would be limited to delivering ballots for immediate family members.

The nationwide outcry comes a week after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-legislature-bills-state-elections-voting-rights-b2b014cc81894a50fc513168a5f1d0b8">Georgia Republicans enacted an overhaul of the state’s election law</a>&nbsp;that critics argue is an attempt to suppress Democratic votes.

Other companies have, somewhat belatedly, joined the chorus of critics.

Delta Air Lines and The Coca-Cola Co., two of Georgia’s best-known brands,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-legislature-boycotts-voting-rights-elections-adaa1758fb58df19a12cd05c453840b0">this past week called the new law “unacceptable,”</a>&nbsp;although they had a hand in writing it. That only angered Republicans, including Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and several U.S. senators, who accused the companies of cowering from unwarranted attacks from the left.

The fight has thrust corporate America into a place it often tries to avoid — the center of a partisan political fight. But under threat of boycott and bad publicity, business leaders are showing a new willingness to enter the fray on an issue not directly related to their bottom line, even if it means alienating Republican allies.

“We want to hold corporations accountable for how they show up when voting rights are under attack,” said Marc Banks, an NAACP spokesman. “Corporations have a part to play, because when they do show up and speak, people listen.”

Civil rights groups have sued to block the new Georgia law, which was passed after Democrats flipped the once-reliably Republican state in an election that Donald Trump falsely claimed was rife with fraud. Some activists have called for consumer boycotts of Delta, Coca-Cola and others. They dismiss business leaders’ assertions that they helped water down the bill to ease earlier, more restrictive proposals; those leaders, they argue, should have tried to block the plan altogether.

In Texas, the NAACP, League of Women Voters and League of United Latin American Citizens, among other organizations, are urging corporations in the state to speak out against a slate of Republican-backed voting proposals. “Democracy is good for business,” the campaign says.

Nine organizations took out full-page ads in The Houston Chronicle and The Dallas Morning News, the state’s leading newspapers, urging corporate opposition to the plan. The Texas proposal would limit some early voting hours, bar counties from setting up drive-thru voting and prohibit local officials from proactively sending applications for mail ballots before voters request them.

Unlike their Georgia-based counterparts, American Airlines and Dell Technologies didn’t wait for the Texas measure to pass. “To make American’s stance clear: We are strongly opposed to this bill and others like it,” American said in a statement.

Arizona, which Biden flipped from Trump in November, hasn’t seen high-profile corporate players engage yet. But 30-plus groups sent a joint letter to Allstate Insurance, CVS Health and Farmers’ Insurance, among others, urging their public opposition to proposed voting restrictions. Emily Kirkland, executive director of Progress Arizona, a progressive group that signed the letter, said there’s been no response yet.

Other groups are demanding that corporations focus on Washington, where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-voting-voting-rights-legislation-elections-8d54d5b9640115463b3f198603d62272">congressional Democrats are pushing measures intended to make it easier for Americans to vote</a>, regardless of state laws. Among the changes, Democrats would enact automatic voter registration nationally and standardize access to early and mail voting.

Democrats also want to restore parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that require the federal government to approve all election procedures in states and locales with a history of discrimination. The Supreme Court struck down those provisions, which applied to Georgia and Arizona, among other states, in 2013.

Corporate giants were mostly quiet when Trump falsely claimed he lost because of fraud. Business leaders largely maintained that caution as Republican state lawmakers used Trump’s lie to justify a flood of new bills to make it more cumbersome to vote.

The reticence was a stark contrast to how chambers of commerce reacted six years ago when Republican-run states pushed “religious freedom” measures. Indiana, under then-Gov. Mike Pence, the future vice president, saw immediate corporate backlash. After North Carolina passed a “bathroom bill” limiting LGBTQ rights in 2016, PayPal scuttled expansion plans there and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0a2fd6cffbc64f518a977f2b3e78c2e9">NBA moved its all-star game</a>&nbsp;from Charlotte.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e6c7a15d2e16452c8dcbc2756fd67b44">An AP analysis in 2017</a>&nbsp;found the reaction would eventually cost North Carolina at least $3.76 billion in lost business.

Then, Georgia’s corporate lobbying groups — with Delta’s and Coca-Cola’s backing — took no such chances, speaking out forcefully against Georgia conservatives’ version of a “religious freedom” bill. Lawmakers passed it anyway but Kemp’s predecessor,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/47afea6183b845a4ba7a5a2c72010dfa">Republican Nathan Deal, vetoed it amid the chamber outcry</a>.

Some Republicans dispute the comparison. Brian Robinson, a former top Deal aide who was part of the business coalition that publicly opposed the religious freedom bill, argued that measure “was clearly discriminatory” against LGBTQ citizens, while the nearly 100-page election bill is less clear-cut and is being misrepresented by Democrats and their allies.

Companies are reacting to “Twitter mobs demanding reaction to their false narrative,” he said.

National Republicans reacted even more harshly. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, a former and potentially future presidential candidate, slammed Delta with the hashtag “#WokeCorporateHypocrites.”

Still, Delta and Coca-Cola’s response to the Georgia voting fight is standing as a cautionary tale for other businesses.

Ed Bastian, the airline’s chief executive, initially released a statement noting the business lobby’s role in altering the bill as it moved through the General Assembly. Officials at the Atlanta Metro Chamber, where Bastian currently serves as president, detailed how corporate lobbyists spent weeks at the Capitol on mitigating provisions.

Some Georgia Republicans wanted to roll back the state’s no-excuse absentee voting law, end automatic voter registration and ban Sunday early voting used heavily by Black churches. They also wanted to require photocopies of state IDs to receive and submit absentee ballots, while banning “drop boxes” as ballot collection receptacles.

The final law preserved no-excuse absentee voting and automatic registration. The new ID requirement for absentee ballots allows a voter to write their state ID number, rather than produce a photocopy, and the legislature included funding for free state IDs. The law also codifies in-person early voting on weekends, although it allows counties to choose whether to be open for voting for up to two Sundays. And it made drop boxes of mail ballots a permanent fixture in Georgia, but limited the number.

Business leaders’ philosophy, according to Democratic state Sen. Jen Jordan, was “basically, Republicans are going to pass something, so they might as well try to keep from being awful.”

But by Wednesday, the same day 72 Black business executives published a letter in The New York Times urging corporate leaders to speak out, Bastian was more direct. He sent a companywide memo declaring the law “unacceptable” and “based on a lie” — though he didn’t mention Trump.

Big business’s mistake, Jordan said, was “thinking there was ever any version that wouldn’t end up like this.”

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Liberal activists are stepping up calls for corporate America to denounce Republican efforts to tighten state voting laws, and businesses accustomed to cozy political relationships now find themselves in the middle of a growing partisan fight over voting rights.Pressure is mounting on leading companies in&nbsp;Texas, Arizona and other states, particularly after&nbsp;Major League Baseball’s decision Friday to move the 2021 All-Star Game out of Atlanta. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.civicalliance.com/votingaccess/" target="_blank">joint statement&nbsp;</a>from executives at nearly 200 companies, including HP, Microsoft, PayPal, Target, Twitter, Uber and Under Armour, took aim at state legislation “threatening to make voting more difficult” and said “elections are not improved” when lawmakers impose new barriers to voting.Republican lawmakers in Kansas joined GOP colleagues nationwide Wednesday trying to tighten voting laws, advancing a measure Wednesday that would make it harder for churches, civic groups, neighbors and candidates to collect and return absentee ballots for voters.The state Senate approved, 28-12,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2183_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill&nbsp;</a>that would make it a felony for someone to deliver more than five absentee ballots for other people to election officials. Candidates would be limited to delivering ballots for immediate family members.The nationwide outcry comes a week after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-legislature-bills-state-elections-voting-rights-b2b014cc81894a50fc513168a5f1d0b8">Georgia Republicans enacted an overhaul of the state’s election law</a>&nbsp;that critics argue is an attempt to suppress Democratic votes.Other companies have, somewhat belatedly, joined the chorus of critics.Delta Air Lines and The Coca-Cola Co., two of Georgia’s best-known brands,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-legislature-boycotts-voting-rights-elections-adaa1758fb58df19a12cd05c453840b0">this past week called the new law “unacceptable,”</a>&nbsp;although they had a hand in writing it. That only angered Republicans, including Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and several U.S. senators, who accused the companies of cowering from unwarranted attacks from the left.The fight has thrust corporate America into a place it often tries to avoid — the center of a partisan political fight. But under threat of boycott and bad publicity, business leaders are showing a new willingness to enter the fray on an issue not directly related to their bottom line, even if it means alienating Republican allies.“We want to hold corporations accountable for how they show up when voting rights are under attack,” said Marc Banks, an NAACP spokesman. “Corporations have a part to play, because when they do show up and speak, people listen.”Civil rights groups have sued to block the new Georgia law, which was passed after Democrats flipped the once-reliably Republican state in an election that Donald Trump falsely claimed was rife with fraud. Some activists have called for consumer boycotts of Delta, Coca-Cola and others. They dismiss business leaders’ assertions that they helped water down the bill to ease earlier, more restrictive proposals; those leaders, they argue, should have tried to block the plan altogether.In Texas, the NAACP, League of Women Voters and League of United Latin American Citizens, among other organizations, are urging corporations in the state to speak out against a slate of Republican-backed voting proposals. “Democracy is good for business,” the campaign says.Nine organizations took out full-page ads in The Houston Chronicle and The Dallas Morning News, the state’s leading newspapers, urging corporate opposition to the plan. The Texas proposal would limit some early voting hours, bar counties from setting up drive-thru voting and prohibit local officials from proactively sending applications for mail ballots before voters request them.Unlike their Georgia-based counterparts, American Airlines and Dell Technologies didn’t wait for the Texas measure to pass. “To make American’s stance clear: We are strongly opposed to this bill and others like it,” American said in a statement.Arizona, which Biden flipped from Trump in November, hasn’t seen high-profile corporate players engage yet. But 30-plus groups sent a joint letter to Allstate Insurance, CVS Health and Farmers’ Insurance, among others, urging their public opposition to proposed voting restrictions. Emily Kirkland, executive director of Progress Arizona, a progressive group that signed the letter, said there’s been no response yet.Other groups are demanding that corporations focus on Washington, where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-voting-voting-rights-legislation-elections-8d54d5b9640115463b3f198603d62272">congressional Democrats are pushing measures intended to make it easier for Americans to vote</a>, regardless of state laws. Among the changes, Democrats would enact automatic voter registration nationally and standardize access to early and mail voting.Democrats also want to restore parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that require the federal government to approve all election procedures in states and locales with a history of discrimination. The Supreme Court struck down those provisions, which applied to Georgia and Arizona, among other states, in 2013.Corporate giants were mostly quiet when Trump falsely claimed he lost because of fraud. Business leaders largely maintained that caution as Republican state lawmakers used Trump’s lie to justify a flood of new bills to make it more cumbersome to vote.The reticence was a stark contrast to how chambers of commerce reacted six years ago when Republican-run states pushed “religious freedom” measures. Indiana, under then-Gov. Mike Pence, the future vice president, saw immediate corporate backlash. After North Carolina passed a “bathroom bill” limiting LGBTQ rights in 2016, PayPal scuttled expansion plans there and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0a2fd6cffbc64f518a977f2b3e78c2e9">NBA moved its all-star game</a>&nbsp;from Charlotte.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e6c7a15d2e16452c8dcbc2756fd67b44">An AP analysis in 2017</a>&nbsp;found the reaction would eventually cost North Carolina at least $3.76 billion in lost business.Then, Georgia’s corporate lobbying groups — with Delta’s and Coca-Cola’s backing — took no such chances, speaking out forcefully against Georgia conservatives’ version of a “religious freedom” bill. Lawmakers passed it anyway but Kemp’s predecessor,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/47afea6183b845a4ba7a5a2c72010dfa">Republican Nathan Deal, vetoed it amid the chamber outcry</a>.Some Republicans dispute the comparison. Brian Robinson, a former top Deal aide who was part of the business coalition that publicly opposed the religious freedom bill, argued that measure “was clearly discriminatory” against LGBTQ citizens, while the nearly 100-page election bill is less clear-cut and is being misrepresented by Democrats and their allies.Companies are reacting to “Twitter mobs demanding reaction to their false narrative,” he said.National Republicans reacted even more harshly. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, a former and potentially future presidential candidate, slammed Delta with the hashtag “#WokeCorporateHypocrites.”Still, Delta and Coca-Cola’s response to the Georgia voting fight is standing as a cautionary tale for other businesses.Ed Bastian, the airline’s chief executive, initially released a statement noting the business lobby’s role in altering the bill as it moved through the General Assembly. Officials at the Atlanta Metro Chamber, where Bastian currently serves as president, detailed how corporate lobbyists spent weeks at the Capitol on mitigating provisions.Some Georgia Republicans wanted to roll back the state’s no-excuse absentee voting law, end automatic voter registration and ban Sunday early voting used heavily by Black churches. They also wanted to require photocopies of state IDs to receive and submit absentee ballots, while banning “drop boxes” as ballot collection receptacles.The final law preserved no-excuse absentee voting and automatic registration. The new ID requirement for absentee ballots allows a voter to write their state ID number, rather than produce a photocopy, and the legislature included funding for free state IDs. The law also codifies in-person early voting on weekends, although it allows counties to choose whether to be open for voting for up to two Sundays. And it made drop boxes of mail ballots a permanent fixture in Georgia, but limited the number.Business leaders’ philosophy, according to Democratic state Sen. Jen Jordan, was “basically, Republicans are going to pass something, so they might as well try to keep from being awful.”But by Wednesday, the same day 72 Black business executives published a letter in The New York Times urging corporate leaders to speak out, Bastian was more direct. He sent a companywide memo declaring the law “unacceptable” and “based on a lie” — though he didn’t mention Trump.Big business’s mistake, Jordan said, was “thinking there was ever any version that wouldn’t end up like this.”___

Pressure mounts on corporations to denounce GOP voting bills

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have arrested the victim's uncle.

Just before 9 p.m. on Saturday, officers responded to a walk-in shooting call at an area hospital, according to Officer Charley Davidson. Upon arrival, officers located a 45-year-old victim who had a gunshot to his arm.&nbsp; He was treated at the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation revealed 63-year-old Ernest Coburn and his nephew got into an argument at Coburn's home in the 2400 block of North Beacon Hill.&nbsp; The victim and his 44-year-old girlfriend were leaving in the girls's 2013 Buick Enclave when Coburn pulled out a handgun and began firing shots at the vehicle, striking the vehicle and his nephew.

Officers located Coburn at his home on Beacon Hill and he was arrested without incident. He is being held on requested charges of aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and criminal damage to property, according to Davidson.

The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617567833859.png" alt="Coburn photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Coburn photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have arrested the victim's uncle.Just before 9 p.m. on Saturday, officers responded to a walk-in shooting call at an area hospital, according to Officer Charley Davidson. Upon arrival, officers located a 45-year-old victim who had a gunshot to his arm.&nbsp; He was treated at the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.The investigation revealed 63-year-old Ernest Coburn and his nephew got into an argument at Coburn's home in the 2400 block of North Beacon Hill.&nbsp; The victim and his 44-year-old girlfriend were leaving in the girls's 2013 Buick Enclave when Coburn pulled out a handgun and began firing shots at the vehicle, striking the vehicle and his nephew.Officers located Coburn at his home on Beacon Hill and he was arrested without incident. He is being held on requested charges of aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and criminal damage to property, according to Davidson.The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office.

Police: Kan. man shot nephew during weekend dispute

WASHINGTON – Unclaimed income tax refunds worth more than $1.3 
billion await an estimated 1.3 million taxpayers who did not file a 2017
 Form 1040 federal income tax return, according to the Internal Revenue 
Service.

"The IRS wants to help taxpayers who are due refunds but haven't 
filed their 2017 tax returns yet," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. 
"Time is quickly running out for these taxpayers. There's only a 
three-year window to claim these refunds, and the window closes on May 
17. We want to help people get these refunds, but they will need to 
quickly file a 2017 tax return."

The IRS estimates the midpoint for the potential refunds for 2017 to 
be $865 — that is, half of the refunds are more than $865 and half are 
less.

In cases where a federal income tax return was not filed, the law 
provides most taxpayers with a three-year window of opportunity to claim
 a tax refund. If they do not file a tax return within three years, the 
money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury. For 2017 tax returns, 
the window closes May 17, 2021, for most taxpayers. The law requires 
taxpayers to properly address, mail and ensure the tax return is 
postmarked by that date.

The IRS reminds taxpayers seeking a 2017 tax refund that their checks
 may be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2018 and 2019. In 
addition, the refund will be applied to any amounts still owed to the 
IRS or a state tax agency and may be used to offset unpaid child support
 or past due federal debts, such as student loans.

By failing to file a tax return, people stand to lose more than just 
their refund of taxes withheld or paid during 2017. Many low- and 
moderate-income workers may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit
 (EITC). For 2017, the credit was worth as much as $6,318. The EITC 
helps individuals and families whose incomes are below certain 
thresholds. The thresholds for 2017 were:

Current and prior year tax forms (such as the tax year 2017 Form
 1040, 1040-A and 1040-EZ) and instructions are available on the 
IRS.gov&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions">Forms and Publications</a> page or by calling toll-free 800-TAX-FORM (<a href="tel:800-829-3676">800-829-3676</a>).

Taxpayers who are missing Forms W-2, 1098, 1099 or 5498 for the years
 2017, 2018 or 2019 should request copies from their employer, bank or 
other payer. Taxpayers who are unable to get missing forms from their 
employer or other payer can order a free wage and income transcript at 
IRS.gov using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript">Get Transcript Online</a>
 tool. Alternatively, they can file Form 4506-T to request a wage and 
income transcript. A wage and income transcript shows data from 
information returns received by the IRS, such as Forms W-2, 1099, 1098, 
Form 5498 and IRA contribution information. Taxpayers can use the 
information from the transcript to file their tax return.

The IRS reminds first-time filers and those who usually don't have a 
federal filing requirement that they must file a 2020 tax return to 
claim the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC)</a>,
 if they were eligible but did not receive the first or second Economic 
Impact Payment (EIP), or received less than the full amounts. The IRS 
offers free options to prepare and file a return at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/individuals/how-to-file">How to File</a>
 on IRS.gov. Taxpayers who received the full amounts of both EIPs cannot
 claim the RRC and should not include any information about the payments
 on their 2020 tax return.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON – Unclaimed income tax refunds worth more than $1.3 
billion await an estimated 1.3 million taxpayers who did not file a 2017
 Form 1040 federal income tax return, according to the Internal Revenue 
Service."The IRS wants to help taxpayers who are due refunds but haven't 
filed their 2017 tax returns yet," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. 
"Time is quickly running out for these taxpayers. There's only a 
three-year window to claim these refunds, and the window closes on May 
17. We want to help people get these refunds, but they will need to 
quickly file a 2017 tax return."The IRS estimates the midpoint for the potential refunds for 2017 to 
be $865 — that is, half of the refunds are more than $865 and half are 
less.In cases where a federal income tax return was not filed, the law 
provides most taxpayers with a three-year window of opportunity to claim
 a tax refund. If they do not file a tax return within three years, the 
money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury. For 2017 tax returns, 
the window closes May 17, 2021, for most taxpayers. The law requires 
taxpayers to properly address, mail and ensure the tax return is 
postmarked by that date.The IRS reminds taxpayers seeking a 2017 tax refund that their checks
 may be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2018 and 2019. In 
addition, the refund will be applied to any amounts still owed to the 
IRS or a state tax agency and may be used to offset unpaid child support
 or past due federal debts, such as student loans.By failing to file a tax return, people stand to lose more than just 
their refund of taxes withheld or paid during 2017. Many low- and 
moderate-income workers may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit
 (EITC). For 2017, the credit was worth as much as $6,318. The EITC 
helps individuals and families whose incomes are below certain 
thresholds. The thresholds for 2017 were:<ul>
 <li>$48,340 ($53,930 if married filing jointly) for those with three or more qualifying children; 
	&nbsp;</li><li>$45,007 ($50,597 if married filing jointly) for people with two qualifying children; 
	&nbsp;</li><li>$39,617 ($45,207 if married filing jointly) for those with one qualifying child, and; 
	&nbsp;</li><li>$15,010 ($20,600 if married filing jointly) for people without qualifying children.</li>
 </ul>Current and prior year tax forms (such as the tax year 2017 Form
 1040, 1040-A and 1040-EZ) and instructions are available on the 
IRS.gov&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions">Forms and Publications</a> page or by calling toll-free 800-TAX-FORM (<a href="tel:800-829-3676">800-829-3676</a>).Taxpayers who are missing Forms W-2, 1098, 1099 or 5498 for the years
 2017, 2018 or 2019 should request copies from their employer, bank or 
other payer. Taxpayers who are unable to get missing forms from their 
employer or other payer can order a free wage and income transcript at 
IRS.gov using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript">Get Transcript Online</a>
 tool. Alternatively, they can file Form 4506-T to request a wage and 
income transcript. A wage and income transcript shows data from 
information returns received by the IRS, such as Forms W-2, 1099, 1098, 
Form 5498 and IRA contribution information. Taxpayers can use the 
information from the transcript to file their tax return.<h2>First-time filers and EIP eligible</h2>The IRS reminds first-time filers and those who usually don't have a 
federal filing requirement that they must file a 2020 tax return to 
claim the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC)</a>,
 if they were eligible but did not receive the first or second Economic 
Impact Payment (EIP), or received less than the full amounts. The IRS 
offers free options to prepare and file a return at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/individuals/how-to-file">How to File</a>
 on IRS.gov. Taxpayers who received the full amounts of both EIPs cannot
 claim the RRC and should not include any information about the payments
 on their 2020 tax return.

IRS: $1.3B in refunds waiting for 2017 tax returns to be filed

WASHINGTON (AP) — A surge in hiring in the United States last month —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-employers-add-916k-jobs-march-7fb625eacadc17dc03fb5353e3143200">916,000 added jobs</a>, the most since August — coincides with growing confidence that a blistering pace of job growth will continue as vaccinations increase and federal aid fuels economic growth.

The most optimistic economists even predict that between now and year’s end, the nation could produce as many as 10 million more jobs and restore the labor market to its pre-pandemic level.

Maybe so. Yet even in normal times, it would be hard to regain all those jobs so quickly. And these aren’t normal times.

Many people who’ve been thrown out of the labor force remain fearful of the coronavirus and reluctant to take face-to-face service jobs. Millions of women are still caring for children attending school online — and can’t take jobs because they can’t find or afford child care.

Extended unemployment aid has meant that some employers might have to pay more to attract workers, which they may feel unable to do. And some people will need new skills before they can land a job to replace the one they lost.

While few doubt that the trillions in federal money flowing through the economy will help accelerate hiring, the challenges are sure to endure. Here’s a look at some of them:

For now, a sizable majority of Americans remain unvaccinated. And after weeks of sharp declines, the number of daily infections is creeping back up. Recruiters say that trend is discouraging some of the unemployed from taking jobs.

“People are afraid to come to work — there is some of that,” said Tammy Browning, president of KellyOCG, a staffing agency.

Eventually, ongoing vaccinations ought to gradually reduce such fears, although a portion of Americans remain hesitant to get vaccinated. Browning also suggested that employers will need to become more creative about making workers feel comfortable on the job. Many of her firm’s clients are manufacturing companies. On many hot factory floors, their employees have to wear masks and gloves for eight or more hours a day.

Companies should consider providing more break times, Browning said, and allow workers to remove their masks outside or in socially distant break rooms.

As a single mother, Jennifer Knapp of Augusta, Maine, worries about what a return to work would mean for her and her children’s health. A year ago, Knapp, 44, lost her job as a receptionist at a hotel and spa, a place she described as a “hub of germs.”

“There is work out there, if you want to put yourself at risk,” she said.

But the open jobs she sees are typically temporary and offer low pay. Right now, Knapp is living off savings, child support payments from her ex-husband and unemployment aid. Like many parents, she’d like to find a work-from-home job, ideally in her field of psychology and social work.

“The goal,” she said, “is to get back out there and work, as long as my kids are doing OK.”

Nearly 2.5 million women lost jobs and stopped looking for work during the pandemic. In most cases, experts say, it was because so many children were suddenly stuck at home, going to school online, and their parents lacked available or affordable child care. Better child care options or more flexible work schedules would be needed to fully reverse that trend.

Some such change is becoming evident as schools and child care centers reopen. About 500,000 women returned to the labor force in March and found jobs. The improvement could continue in the coming months: Jed Kolko, chief economist at Indeed, the job listings website, says job openings at child care centers are growing, a sign that more of these centers are back in business.

Recruiters also say flexible or hybrid work schedules, along with benefits for part-time workers, may be critical in attracting job seekers, especially women. More companies could provide on-site child care.

“I think it is going to require some systemic changes by employers,” said Karen Fichuk, chief executive of Randstad North America, a recruiting firm.

Recruiters say the $300-a-week federal unemployment benefit that was provided by President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID aid package, on top of regular state jobless benefits that average about $340 a week, might have made it harder for some employers to find workers. For some job seekers, especially those fearful of the virus, part-time or temporary jobs at restaurants or stores that may pay less than their unemployment aid, aren’t much of an alternative.

Economic research suggests that unemployment benefits generally don’t deter workers from taking jobs: A study by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jpmorganchase.com/content/dam/jpmc/jpmorgan-chase-and-co/institute/pdf/Institute-UI-Research-Brief-ADA.pdf" target="_blank">JPMorgan Chase Institute found</a>&nbsp;that last year’s federal unemployment payment didn’t discourage recipients from working. But the new $300-a-week federal supplement is set to last six months — longer than the previous payment did.

“It’s a much more attractive benefit now,” said Julia Pollak, an economist at ZipRecruiter. “It would be foolish to think that wouldn’t have any effect.”

Economists have calculated that roughly half the unemployed are earning more from benefits than they did at their former jobs.

Another factor is that jobless benefits normally require the unemployed to document their efforts to seek a job in order to remain eligible. But during the pandemic, most states have suspended this requirement. That means there is less incentive to job hunt.

Browning said her firm is advising clients to pay more and offer other benefits, including bonuses, to offset the extended jobless aid. Six months ago, a client raised the hourly rate for a temporary position by $4 an hour. The proportion of jobs filled, she said, jumped from 35% to 98%.

“You really have to encourage people to come back to work,” Browning said, “and that means pay at the level the market is demanding.”

For some of the unemployed, their old job appears gone for good. In some cases, their former employers have learned to operate with fewer workers. Landing a job will require finding work in a new occupation or industry — perhaps only after obtaining job training. This takes time.

Many economists expect more companies to help reskill workers themselves, particularly if they become desperate to hire. Should the unemployment rate keep declining, businesses might have little choice.

“When the economy is running hot, businesses begin to increase training and take risks on someone they might not have hired in the past,” said Ryan Sweet, an economist at Moody’s Analytics.

For millions of Americans, the past year has meant demoralizing job losses — sometimes multiple layoffs — and fruitless job searches, leading many to give up on finding work.

As an example, the number of people who said they want a job but were too discouraged to look for one in the past month didn’t change in March. That was true even though several job search websites report that job postings have risen sharply in recent weeks.

For discouraged workers, Pollak said, it can take time to regain confidence.

“There are many job seekers who haven’t yet realized how rapidly the conditions in the labor market have changed,” she said. “Many searched for work earlier during the pandemic, when it was most difficult and frustrating to do so, and are now discouraged.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — A surge in hiring in the United States last month —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-employers-add-916k-jobs-march-7fb625eacadc17dc03fb5353e3143200">916,000 added jobs</a>, the most since August — coincides with growing confidence that a blistering pace of job growth will continue as vaccinations increase and federal aid fuels economic growth.The most optimistic economists even predict that between now and year’s end, the nation could produce as many as 10 million more jobs and restore the labor market to its pre-pandemic level.Maybe so. Yet even in normal times, it would be hard to regain all those jobs so quickly. And these aren’t normal times.Many people who’ve been thrown out of the labor force remain fearful of the coronavirus and reluctant to take face-to-face service jobs. Millions of women are still caring for children attending school online — and can’t take jobs because they can’t find or afford child care.Extended unemployment aid has meant that some employers might have to pay more to attract workers, which they may feel unable to do. And some people will need new skills before they can land a job to replace the one they lost.While few doubt that the trillions in federal money flowing through the economy will help accelerate hiring, the challenges are sure to endure. Here’s a look at some of them:___HEALTH FEARSFor now, a sizable majority of Americans remain unvaccinated. And after weeks of sharp declines, the number of daily infections is creeping back up. Recruiters say that trend is discouraging some of the unemployed from taking jobs.“People are afraid to come to work — there is some of that,” said Tammy Browning, president of KellyOCG, a staffing agency.Eventually, ongoing vaccinations ought to gradually reduce such fears, although a portion of Americans remain hesitant to get vaccinated. Browning also suggested that employers will need to become more creative about making workers feel comfortable on the job. Many of her firm’s clients are manufacturing companies. On many hot factory floors, their employees have to wear masks and gloves for eight or more hours a day.Companies should consider providing more break times, Browning said, and allow workers to remove their masks outside or in socially distant break rooms.As a single mother, Jennifer Knapp of Augusta, Maine, worries about what a return to work would mean for her and her children’s health. A year ago, Knapp, 44, lost her job as a receptionist at a hotel and spa, a place she described as a “hub of germs.”“There is work out there, if you want to put yourself at risk,” she said.But the open jobs she sees are typically temporary and offer low pay. Right now, Knapp is living off savings, child support payments from her ex-husband and unemployment aid. Like many parents, she’d like to find a work-from-home job, ideally in her field of psychology and social work.“The goal,” she said, “is to get back out there and work, as long as my kids are doing OK.”___NEED FOR CHILD CARENearly 2.5 million women lost jobs and stopped looking for work during the pandemic. In most cases, experts say, it was because so many children were suddenly stuck at home, going to school online, and their parents lacked available or affordable child care. Better child care options or more flexible work schedules would be needed to fully reverse that trend.Some such change is becoming evident as schools and child care centers reopen. About 500,000 women returned to the labor force in March and found jobs. The improvement could continue in the coming months: Jed Kolko, chief economist at Indeed, the job listings website, says job openings at child care centers are growing, a sign that more of these centers are back in business.Recruiters also say flexible or hybrid work schedules, along with benefits for part-time workers, may be critical in attracting job seekers, especially women. More companies could provide on-site child care.“I think it is going to require some systemic changes by employers,” said Karen Fichuk, chief executive of Randstad North America, a recruiting firm.___EXTENDED JOBLESS AIDRecruiters say the $300-a-week federal unemployment benefit that was provided by President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID aid package, on top of regular state jobless benefits that average about $340 a week, might have made it harder for some employers to find workers. For some job seekers, especially those fearful of the virus, part-time or temporary jobs at restaurants or stores that may pay less than their unemployment aid, aren’t much of an alternative.Economic research suggests that unemployment benefits generally don’t deter workers from taking jobs: A study by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jpmorganchase.com/content/dam/jpmc/jpmorgan-chase-and-co/institute/pdf/Institute-UI-Research-Brief-ADA.pdf" target="_blank">JPMorgan Chase Institute found</a>&nbsp;that last year’s federal unemployment payment didn’t discourage recipients from working. But the new $300-a-week federal supplement is set to last six months — longer than the previous payment did.“It’s a much more attractive benefit now,” said Julia Pollak, an economist at ZipRecruiter. “It would be foolish to think that wouldn’t have any effect.”Economists have calculated that roughly half the unemployed are earning more from benefits than they did at their former jobs.Another factor is that jobless benefits normally require the unemployed to document their efforts to seek a job in order to remain eligible. But during the pandemic, most states have suspended this requirement. That means there is less incentive to job hunt.Browning said her firm is advising clients to pay more and offer other benefits, including bonuses, to offset the extended jobless aid. Six months ago, a client raised the hourly rate for a temporary position by $4 an hour. The proportion of jobs filled, she said, jumped from 35% to 98%.“You really have to encourage people to come back to work,” Browning said, “and that means pay at the level the market is demanding.”___NEED FOR NEW SKILLSFor some of the unemployed, their old job appears gone for good. In some cases, their former employers have learned to operate with fewer workers. Landing a job will require finding work in a new occupation or industry — perhaps only after obtaining job training. This takes time.Many economists expect more companies to help reskill workers themselves, particularly if they become desperate to hire. Should the unemployment rate keep declining, businesses might have little choice.“When the economy is running hot, businesses begin to increase training and take risks on someone they might not have hired in the past,” said Ryan Sweet, an economist at Moody’s Analytics.___OPTIMISM NEEDEDFor millions of Americans, the past year has meant demoralizing job losses — sometimes multiple layoffs — and fruitless job searches, leading many to give up on finding work.As an example, the number of people who said they want a job but were too discouraged to look for one in the past month didn’t change in March. That was true even though several job search websites report that job postings have risen sharply in recent weeks.For discouraged workers, Pollak said, it can take time to regain confidence.“There are many job seekers who haven’t yet realized how rapidly the conditions in the labor market have changed,” she said. “Many searched for work earlier during the pandemic, when it was most difficult and frustrating to do so, and are now discouraged.”

From child care to COVID, rising job market faces obstacles

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend shooting.

Just before 8 p.m. Saturday, police responded to a shooting at a home in the 2600 block of North Madison, according officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers contacted a 23-year-old man who had been shot.&nbsp; He was taken to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation revealed the victim met with individuals known to him at the home on North Madison.&nbsp; After arriving, a suspect shot him with a handgun and fled the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617619872501.png" alt="Police on the scene of the Saturday night shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the Saturday night shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend shooting.Just before 8 p.m. Saturday, police responded to a shooting at a home in the 2600 block of North Madison, according officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers contacted a 23-year-old man who had been shot.&nbsp; He was taken to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.The investigation revealed the victim met with individuals known to him at the home on North Madison.&nbsp; After arriving, a suspect shot him with a handgun and fled the scene.Police have not reported an arrest.

Police: 23-year-old Kansas man shot at his home

KANSAS CITY (AP) —A Dallas woman was sentenced to five years in prison for causing a nightclub dancer’s death by performing an illegal cosmetic butt injection on her in Missouri.

Nitica Deonte Lee, 49, was sentenced Thursday for involuntary manslaughter in the 2015 death of Daysha Phillips.

Prosecutors said Lee traveled from her Dallas home to a hotel in Edmundson, a suburb near St. Louis’ main airport, where she injected the liquid silicone. Phillips, who was 22, died four days later after the silicone entered her bloodstream and became trapped in her lungs.

Three others accompanied Phillips. One backed out, and two others who received injections didn’t appear to suffer any ill effects, police said at the time.

Lee, who previously served time in prison for robbery, burglary and theft, was charged a few months after Phillips&nbsp;died.&nbsp;But she was a fugitive for five years before being arrested by Dallas police in July. Prosecutors said she spent some of that time in Mexico.

Cosmetic surgeons use fat from elsewhere in the body for enhancements, but black market practitioners sometimes use silicone sourced from hardware stores. Deaths have occurred around the U.S.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617460290299.png" alt="Lee- photo&nbsp; Edmundson Missouri Police" />
 <figcaption>Lee- photo&nbsp; Edmundson Missouri Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —A Dallas woman was sentenced to five years in prison for causing a nightclub dancer’s death by performing an illegal cosmetic butt injection on her in Missouri.Nitica Deonte Lee, 49, was sentenced Thursday for involuntary manslaughter in the 2015 death of Daysha Phillips.Prosecutors said Lee traveled from her Dallas home to a hotel in Edmundson, a suburb near St. Louis’ main airport, where she injected the liquid silicone. Phillips, who was 22, died four days later after the silicone entered her bloodstream and became trapped in her lungs.Three others accompanied Phillips. One backed out, and two others who received injections didn’t appear to suffer any ill effects, police said at the time.Lee, who previously served time in prison for robbery, burglary and theft, was charged a few months after Phillips&nbsp;died.&nbsp;But she was a fugitive for five years before being arrested by Dallas police in July. Prosecutors said she spent some of that time in Mexico.Cosmetic surgeons use fat from elsewhere in the body for enhancements, but black market practitioners sometimes use silicone sourced from hardware stores. Deaths have occurred around the U.S.

Woman sentenced to prison for butt injection death 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent two teens to the hospital and have made an arrest.

Just after 10:30 p.m. Friday, police responded to a shooting in the 2300 block of North Broadway in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson. 

Upon arrival, officers located a 19-year-old man who had been shot in the hand and torso by what appeared to be pellets from a shotgun. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

While at the hospital, a second 17-year-old victim arrived who had also been shot in the torso by pellets from a shotgun. He was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation revealed the two victims entered the Treatco plant property in the 2300 block of North Broadway when they were approached by 62-year-old Ken Thomas, who is the owner of the property. 

Thomas fired multiple shots from a shotgun at them.

Officers contacted Thomas at the Treatco property, and he was arrested without incident on requested charges of&nbsp;two counts of aggravated battery, according to Davidson. Officers also recovered a shotgun.&nbsp; Treatco was a pet treat company. Three fires have been reported at the property since 2011. Federal and state officials investigated the business several times in the past for alleged environmental violations, according to the Associated Press.

The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617498540734.png" alt="Thomas photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Thomas photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent two teens to the hospital and have made an arrest.Just after 10:30 p.m. Friday, police responded to a shooting in the 2300 block of North Broadway in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson. Upon arrival, officers located a 19-year-old man who had been shot in the hand and torso by what appeared to be pellets from a shotgun. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.While at the hospital, a second 17-year-old victim arrived who had also been shot in the torso by pellets from a shotgun. He was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.The investigation revealed the two victims entered the Treatco plant property in the 2300 block of North Broadway when they were approached by 62-year-old Ken Thomas, who is the owner of the property. Thomas fired multiple shots from a shotgun at them.Officers contacted Thomas at the Treatco property, and he was arrested without incident on requested charges of&nbsp;two counts of aggravated battery, according to Davidson. Officers also recovered a shotgun.&nbsp; Treatco was a pet treat company. Three fires have been reported at the property since 2011. Federal and state officials investigated the business several times in the past for alleged environmental violations, according to the Associated Press.The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Police: Kan. property owner arrested; used shotgun on teens

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City man has been sentenced on federal charges of distribution of heroin, according to acting U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard.

Titus Sanders,&nbsp;24, was sentenced on April 1, 2021 to 144 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.&nbsp; Sanders entered a guilty plea on October 19, 2020.&nbsp; According to court records, this investigation began when Westwood, Kansas police responded to a Walmart and found a man suffering from a drug overdose.&nbsp; The victim later died as result of the overdose.&nbsp; Information contained on the victim’s cell phone led police to Sanders as the source of the heroin purchase.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603136845368.png" alt="Sanders photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Sanders photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City man has been sentenced on federal charges of distribution of heroin, according to acting U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard.Titus Sanders,&nbsp;24, was sentenced on April 1, 2021 to 144 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.&nbsp; Sanders entered a guilty plea on October 19, 2020.&nbsp; According to court records, this investigation began when Westwood, Kansas police responded to a Walmart and found a man suffering from a drug overdose.&nbsp; The victim later died as result of the overdose.&nbsp; Information contained on the victim’s cell phone led police to Sanders as the source of the heroin purchase.

Man sentenced for selling fatal dose of heroin in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) —Microsoft won a nearly $22 billion contract to&nbsp;<a href="https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2021/03/31/army-moves-microsoft-hololens-based-headset-from-prototyping-to-production-phase/" target="_blank">supply U.S. Army combat troops</a>&nbsp;with its augmented reality headsets.

Microsoft and the Army&nbsp;<a href="https://www.peosoldier.army.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2556870/ivas-production-contract-award/" target="_blank">separately announced the deal</a>&nbsp;last week. The technology is based on Microsoft’s HoloLens headsets, which were originally intended for the video game and entertainment industries.

Pentagon officials have described the futuristic technology — which the Army calls its Integrated Visual Augmentation System — as a way of boosting soldiers’ awareness of their surroundings and their ability to spot targets and dangers.

Microsoft’s head-mounted HoloLens displays let people see virtual imagery superimposed over the physical world in front of them — anything from holograms in virtual game worlds to repair instructions floating over a broken gadget.

The Army’s website says soldiers tested the gadgets last year at Fort Pickett in Virginia. It said the system could help troops gain an advantage “on battlefields that are increasingly urban, congested, dark and unpredictable.”

The Army first began testing Microsoft’s system with a $480 million contract in 2018 and said the headsets could be used for both training and in actual battle. The new contract will enable Microsoft to mass produce units for more than 120,000 soldiers in the Army Close Combat Force. Microsoft said the contract will amount to up to $21.88 billion over the next decade, with a five-year base agreement that can be extended for another five years.

It’s not clear how it corresponds to the $740 billion defense policy bill that Congress passed in January after overriding a veto by President Donald Trump. The bill affirmed a 3% pay raise for U.S. troops but included cuts to the headset initiative.

Sen. Jack Reed, a Rhode Island Democrat who leads the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Wednesday that the technology is promising but its results must be closely tracked “and it’s our job to raise issues if the technology isn’t meeting the needs of our troops now and in the future.”

Microsoft President Brad Smith told Reed’s committee in February that the system could integrate thermal night vision and facial recognition to provide soldiers with “real-time analytics” on remote battlefields. He also described how it could help in planning a hostage rescue operation by creating a “digital twin” of the building.

A group of Microsoft workers in 2019 petitioned the company to cancel its initial Army deal, arguing it would turn real-world battlefields into a video game.

Microsoft is among several tech companies that have sought to wow the gaming world with glitzy new virtual reality goggles over the past decade, though the efforts have largely fizzled. Microsoft pivoted away from consumer applications for its second-generation HoloLens 2, introduced in 2019, which is the basis for the Army’s new gadgets.

Although Microsoft recently demonstrated a way to use the goggles to play the hit game Pokemon Go, it mostly pitches the devices as work tools to help surgeons, factory crews and others. Users can often control what’s on their screens using hand gestures or voice commands.

The headset deal is part of Microsoft’s broader work as a defense contractor. The Pentagon in September reaffirmed Microsoft as winner of a cloud computing contract potentially worth $10 billion, although the work has been delayed by a legal battle over rival Amazon’s claim that the bidding process was flawed.

By MATT O'BRIENWASHINGTON (AP) —Microsoft won a nearly $22 billion contract to&nbsp;<a href="https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2021/03/31/army-moves-microsoft-hololens-based-headset-from-prototyping-to-production-phase/" target="_blank">supply U.S. Army combat troops</a>&nbsp;with its augmented reality headsets.Microsoft and the Army&nbsp;<a href="https://www.peosoldier.army.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2556870/ivas-production-contract-award/" target="_blank">separately announced the deal</a>&nbsp;last week. The technology is based on Microsoft’s HoloLens headsets, which were originally intended for the video game and entertainment industries.Pentagon officials have described the futuristic technology — which the Army calls its Integrated Visual Augmentation System — as a way of boosting soldiers’ awareness of their surroundings and their ability to spot targets and dangers.Microsoft’s head-mounted HoloLens displays let people see virtual imagery superimposed over the physical world in front of them — anything from holograms in virtual game worlds to repair instructions floating over a broken gadget.The Army’s website says soldiers tested the gadgets last year at Fort Pickett in Virginia. It said the system could help troops gain an advantage “on battlefields that are increasingly urban, congested, dark and unpredictable.”The Army first began testing Microsoft’s system with a $480 million contract in 2018 and said the headsets could be used for both training and in actual battle. The new contract will enable Microsoft to mass produce units for more than 120,000 soldiers in the Army Close Combat Force. Microsoft said the contract will amount to up to $21.88 billion over the next decade, with a five-year base agreement that can be extended for another five years.It’s not clear how it corresponds to the $740 billion defense policy bill that Congress passed in January after overriding a veto by President Donald Trump. The bill affirmed a 3% pay raise for U.S. troops but included cuts to the headset initiative.Sen. Jack Reed, a Rhode Island Democrat who leads the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Wednesday that the technology is promising but its results must be closely tracked “and it’s our job to raise issues if the technology isn’t meeting the needs of our troops now and in the future.”Microsoft President Brad Smith told Reed’s committee in February that the system could integrate thermal night vision and facial recognition to provide soldiers with “real-time analytics” on remote battlefields. He also described how it could help in planning a hostage rescue operation by creating a “digital twin” of the building.A group of Microsoft workers in 2019 petitioned the company to cancel its initial Army deal, arguing it would turn real-world battlefields into a video game.Microsoft is among several tech companies that have sought to wow the gaming world with glitzy new virtual reality goggles over the past decade, though the efforts have largely fizzled. Microsoft pivoted away from consumer applications for its second-generation HoloLens 2, introduced in 2019, which is the basis for the Army’s new gadgets.Although Microsoft recently demonstrated a way to use the goggles to play the hit game Pokemon Go, it mostly pitches the devices as work tools to help surgeons, factory crews and others. Users can often control what’s on their screens using hand gestures or voice commands.The headset deal is part of Microsoft’s broader work as a defense contractor. The Pentagon in September reaffirmed Microsoft as winner of a cloud computing contract potentially worth $10 billion, although the work has been delayed by a legal battle over rival Amazon’s claim that the bidding process was flawed.

Microsoft $22B Army deal could turn battlefields into video game

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/dignity-and-grace-new-historical-marker-showcases-life-legacy-hattie-mcdaniel">Kansas News Service</a>

Hattie McDaniel made history as the first Black actor to win an Academy Award, for her role as Mammy in “Gone with the Wind.”

Now, visitors passing her childhood home near 9th and Waco in Wichita can read all about her.

A
 colorful new memorial showcasing the actor’s life and career was 
dedicated Wednesday at 925 N. Wichita, across the street from where 
McDaniel once lived. It replaces a trail marker placed there by The 
Kansas African American Museum in 2011, which was removed after the 
sign's sponsor went out of business.

About 100 people gathered near the new marker on a sunny afternoon to
 remember McDaniel and honor her life. Among them was Ebony 
Clemons-Ajibolade, who read an original poem, “Black Not Accepted,” by 
Kevin John Goff, a descendant of McDaniel’s.

“But Wichita accepts
 her,” Clemons-Ajibolade read. “All of you here today accept her. You 
understand. You try to hold back the tears, for you were born in that 
everyday kind of pain that she knew all too well.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The new 
marker relates McDaniel’s remarkable history: Her father, Henry 
McDaniel, was a former slave who fought in the Civil War. He moved his 
family to Manhattan, Kansas, and then to a portion of Wichita previously
 known as the “Black District.”

Hattie McDaniel, the youngest of 13 children, moved with her family 
to Colorado when she was 5. She began her career in vaudeville and was a
 talented singer, songwriter, playwright, dancer, radio show host and 
comedienne.

When “Gone with the Wind” was set to be released in 
1939, the producer scheduled a gala premiere in Atlanta, the hometown of
 author Margaret Mitchell. Because of Jim Crow laws in effect at the 
time, McDaniel and other Black actors were denied entrance to the 
premiere, and their photos were removed from a souvenir program.

Denise
 Sherman, executive director of the Kansas African American Museum, 
choked up toward the end of the dedication ceremony as she reflected on 
McDaniel’s career and its impact on Black history.

“I want to 
really share with you how blessed we are today,” Sherman said. “That we 
can come together and recognize an awesome African-American woman who 
endured so much but left a positive legacy for all of us.”

The historical marker is part of an initiative between The Kansas African American Museum, the city of Wichita and KMUW.

Carla
 Eckels, KMUW’s director of cultural diversity, news and engagement, 
helped raise interest and funds for the historical marker after 
interviewing fellow Wichitan Karla Burns at the site in 2019. Burns, a 
Broadway performer who portrayed McDaniel in a musical called “Hi-Hat 
Hattie,” was distressed that the marker noting the actor’s birthplace 
had been removed.

“You never know where a story will take you,” 
Eckels said Wednesday. “After the interview aired, there was an 
outpouring of calls and emails from KMUW listeners. . . And she now has a
 historic marker in her birthplace — Wichita, Kansas.

“As you 
will read on her historic marker, she lived her life with dignity and 
grace, proudly and bravely serving as an inspiration and shining example
 to all who knew her and for the generations to follow.”

You can view the new historical marker from a walking and biking path just east of Waco, between north 8th and 9th streets.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617294612284.png" alt="Suzanne Perez / KMUW " />
 <figcaption>Suzanne Perez / KMUW </figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/dignity-and-grace-new-historical-marker-showcases-life-legacy-hattie-mcdaniel">Kansas News Service</a>Hattie McDaniel made history as the first Black actor to win an Academy Award, for her role as Mammy in “Gone with the Wind.”Now, visitors passing her childhood home near 9th and Waco in Wichita can read all about her.A
 colorful new memorial showcasing the actor’s life and career was 
dedicated Wednesday at 925 N. Wichita, across the street from where 
McDaniel once lived. It replaces a trail marker placed there by The 
Kansas African American Museum in 2011, which was removed after the 
sign's sponsor went out of business.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617294693252.jpeg" alt=" Denise Sherman, executive director of The Kansas African American Museum, speaks at a dedication ceremony for a new marker honoring Wichita native Hattie McDaniel. Credit Hugo Phan / KMUW" />
 <figcaption> Denise Sherman, executive director of The Kansas African American Museum, speaks at a dedication ceremony for a new marker honoring Wichita native Hattie McDaniel. Credit Hugo Phan / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>About 100 people gathered near the new marker on a sunny afternoon to
 remember McDaniel and honor her life. Among them was Ebony 
Clemons-Ajibolade, who read an original poem, “Black Not Accepted,” by 
Kevin John Goff, a descendant of McDaniel’s.“But Wichita accepts
 her,” Clemons-Ajibolade read. “All of you here today accept her. You 
understand. You try to hold back the tears, for you were born in that 
everyday kind of pain that she knew all too well.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The new 
marker relates McDaniel’s remarkable history: Her father, Henry 
McDaniel, was a former slave who fought in the Civil War. He moved his 
family to Manhattan, Kansas, and then to a portion of Wichita previously
 known as the “Black District.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617294721015.jpeg" alt=" Hattie McDaniel was born in Wichita. She became a talented singer, songwriter, playwright, dancer and radio show host. She was the first Black person to win an Academy Award. Credit BETTMANN/CORBIS/NPR" />
 <figcaption> Hattie McDaniel was born in Wichita. She became a talented singer, songwriter, playwright, dancer and radio show host. She was the first Black person to win an Academy Award. Credit BETTMANN/CORBIS/NPR</figcaption>
 </figure>Hattie McDaniel, the youngest of 13 children, moved with her family 
to Colorado when she was 5. She began her career in vaudeville and was a
 talented singer, songwriter, playwright, dancer, radio show host and 
comedienne.When “Gone with the Wind” was set to be released in 
1939, the producer scheduled a gala premiere in Atlanta, the hometown of
 author Margaret Mitchell. Because of Jim Crow laws in effect at the 
time, McDaniel and other Black actors were denied entrance to the 
premiere, and their photos were removed from a souvenir program.Denise
 Sherman, executive director of the Kansas African American Museum, 
choked up toward the end of the dedication ceremony as she reflected on 
McDaniel’s career and its impact on Black history.“I want to 
really share with you how blessed we are today,” Sherman said. “That we 
can come together and recognize an awesome African-American woman who 
endured so much but left a positive legacy for all of us.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617294759155.jpeg" alt="Credit Hugo Phan / KMUW" />
 <figcaption>Credit Hugo Phan / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>The historical marker is part of an initiative between The Kansas African American Museum, the city of Wichita and KMUW.Carla
 Eckels, KMUW’s director of cultural diversity, news and engagement, 
helped raise interest and funds for the historical marker after 
interviewing fellow Wichitan Karla Burns at the site in 2019. Burns, a 
Broadway performer who portrayed McDaniel in a musical called “Hi-Hat 
Hattie,” was distressed that the marker noting the actor’s birthplace 
had been removed.“You never know where a story will take you,” 
Eckels said Wednesday. “After the interview aired, there was an 
outpouring of calls and emails from KMUW listeners. . . And she now has a
 historic marker in her birthplace — Wichita, Kansas.“As you 
will read on her historic marker, she lived her life with dignity and 
grace, proudly and bravely serving as an inspiration and shining example
 to all who knew her and for the generations to follow.”You can view the new historical marker from a walking and biking path just east of Waco, between north 8th and 9th streets.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617294786628.png" alt="Credit Hugo Phan / KMUW" />
 <figcaption>Credit Hugo Phan / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>

New historical marker in Kansas showcases the life of Hattie McDaniel 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas expects to lose a total of $360 million in tax revenues over three years because of a change in federal policies on COVID-19 relief for businesses, complicating legislative debates over state spending and cutting income taxes.

The disclosure of the state’s expected loss is a cloud in what for months has otherwise been a sunny fiscal picture, with tax collections exceeding expectations and the unemployment rate back to lows seen before the coronavirus pandemic. The disclosure this week came as Republicans pushed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-personal-taxes-legislature-kansas-topeka-c014cb53898dfb79502311cef1557cee">a bill cutting income taxes</a>&nbsp;through the GOP-controlled Legislature.

The expected loss was outlined in a short memo to six legislative leaders from Mark Burghart, the state Department of Revenue’s top administrator, and Adam Proffitt, budget director for Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. The memo noted that relief legislation approved in December by Congress created a new income tax deduction for businesses that received federal Paycheck Protection Program loans.

“This new deduction will have a negative impact on the state’s revenue forecast that had not been accounted for in previous revenue estimates,” the memo said.

Kansas has experienced what many GOP lawmakers see as an unanticipated “windfall” in tax collections from changes in federal income tax laws in 2017 championed by former President Donald Trump. Republican leaders want to provide relief to people and businesses paying more taxes to the state because of those changes, and the GOP’s bill would save taxpayers $284 million over three years.

Kelly vetoed two Republican tax-cutting bills in 2019, arguing that they would return Kansas to a nationally notorious, now-mostly repealed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e4f794cd96cb488cb04ab1cd48b1458d">tax-cutting experiment</a>&nbsp;in 2012 and 2013 under then-GOP Gov. Sam Brownback that was followed by persistent budget shortfalls. Kelly has not said whether she will veto this year’s bill, but she called Thursday for caution.

“We cannot risk passing any tax bill that would put Kansas back into a self-inflicted budget crisis, and jeopardize our COVID-19 recovery efforts,” Kelly said in a statement issued as&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/09_March_Revenue_FY2021_04-01-2021_Final.pdf" target="_blank">the Department of Revenue reported</a>&nbsp;that tax collections in March exceeded the state’s official forecast by more than $52 million, or 9.7%.

By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas expects to lose a total of $360 million in tax revenues over three years because of a change in federal policies on COVID-19 relief for businesses, complicating legislative debates over state spending and cutting income taxes.The disclosure of the state’s expected loss is a cloud in what for months has otherwise been a sunny fiscal picture, with tax collections exceeding expectations and the unemployment rate back to lows seen before the coronavirus pandemic. The disclosure this week came as Republicans pushed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-personal-taxes-legislature-kansas-topeka-c014cb53898dfb79502311cef1557cee">a bill cutting income taxes</a>&nbsp;through the GOP-controlled Legislature.The expected loss was outlined in a short memo to six legislative leaders from Mark Burghart, the state Department of Revenue’s top administrator, and Adam Proffitt, budget director for Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. The memo noted that relief legislation approved in December by Congress created a new income tax deduction for businesses that received federal Paycheck Protection Program loans.“This new deduction will have a negative impact on the state’s revenue forecast that had not been accounted for in previous revenue estimates,” the memo said.Kansas has experienced what many GOP lawmakers see as an unanticipated “windfall” in tax collections from changes in federal income tax laws in 2017 championed by former President Donald Trump. Republican leaders want to provide relief to people and businesses paying more taxes to the state because of those changes, and the GOP’s bill would save taxpayers $284 million over three years.Kelly vetoed two Republican tax-cutting bills in 2019, arguing that they would return Kansas to a nationally notorious, now-mostly repealed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e4f794cd96cb488cb04ab1cd48b1458d">tax-cutting experiment</a>&nbsp;in 2012 and 2013 under then-GOP Gov. Sam Brownback that was followed by persistent budget shortfalls. Kelly has not said whether she will veto this year’s bill, but she called Thursday for caution.“We cannot risk passing any tax bill that would put Kansas back into a self-inflicted budget crisis, and jeopardize our COVID-19 recovery efforts,” Kelly said in a statement issued as&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/09_March_Revenue_FY2021_04-01-2021_Final.pdf" target="_blank">the Department of Revenue reported</a>&nbsp;that tax collections in March exceeded the state’s official forecast by more than $52 million, or 9.7%.The state anticipated taking in $538 million in taxes and instead collected more than $590 million.Tax collections have been better than forecast for eight consecutive months and all but four months during the past four years. For the budget year that began July 1, the state has collected more than $6 billion, when it anticipated less than $5.8 billion — a difference of 4%, or $233 million higher.The state reported a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.2% in February, the latest data available, down from 3.4% in January. The rate approached 13% in April 2020, after Kelly imposed a statewide stay-at-home order.Kelly’s budget staff, Department of Revenue officials, legislative researchers and university economists plan to meet April 20 to issue a new fiscal forecast that will guide lawmakers as they wrap up budget decisions.The 2017 federal tax changes increased the state’s tax collections partly because they discouraged people from claiming itemized deductions on their federal income tax returns. Kansas law doesn’t allow people to claim deductions on their state returns if they don’t on their federal returns — something&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_sb50_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">the GOP tax-cutting bill</a>&nbsp;would change.The changes approved by Congress in December involve Paycheck Protection Program loans forgiven by the federal government. Congress is allowing filers to claim a deduction for expenses paid with forgiven loans.The memo from Burghart and Proffitt noted that Kansas has “rolling conformity” with federal tax laws, meaning changes at the federal level “automatically flow through at the state level.”“Kansas tax filers will also be allowed to deduct expenses associated with forgiven PPP loans on their state income tax returns, even though the loans themselves are not included as taxable income,” the memo said.