SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that injured a woman on Wednesday in Wichita.

Officers in the crime reduction and community policing teams were on the scene and responded to report of a stolen car in the parking lot of the Red Roof Inn in the 7300 Block of East Kellogg in Wichita, according to Police Captain Kevin Kochenderfer.

While conducting that investigation, another citizen contacted officers about a vehicle that had been broken into and provided officers with a suspect description.

Police contacted a white female, approximately 35-years of age, according Kochenderfer, who was in the alleged stolen car and she was also a suspect in the vehicle burglaries.&nbsp; 

One officer was at the back of the car and another was with the woman at the front of the car.

The woman brandished a handgun, according to Kochenderfer, and pointed it at one of the officers.&nbsp; The officer's partner fired his weapon at the woman. EMS transported her to a local hospital for treatment. She was&nbsp; conscious and alert, according to Kochenderfer. "It doesn't look like her injuries are going to be serious," he said.

Kochenderfer said police were on the scene because they have responded to an, "overload of calls to the location over the past several months involving assaults, drugs, stolen cars, underage parties and other things that would constitute a nuisance to the neighborhood and the business."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617216440689.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that injured a woman on Wednesday in Wichita.Officers in the crime reduction and community policing teams were on the scene and responded to report of a stolen car in the parking lot of the Red Roof Inn in the 7300 Block of East Kellogg in Wichita, according to Police Captain Kevin Kochenderfer.While conducting that investigation, another citizen contacted officers about a vehicle that had been broken into and provided officers with a suspect description.Police contacted a white female, approximately 35-years of age, according Kochenderfer, who was in the alleged stolen car and she was also a suspect in the vehicle burglaries.&nbsp; One officer was at the back of the car and another was with the woman at the front of the car.The woman brandished a handgun, according to Kochenderfer, and pointed it at one of the officers.&nbsp; The officer's partner fired his weapon at the woman. EMS transported her to a local hospital for treatment. She was&nbsp; conscious and alert, according to Kochenderfer. "It doesn't look like her injuries are going to be serious," he said.Kochenderfer said police were on the scene because they have responded to an, "overload of calls to the location over the past several months involving assaults, drugs, stolen cars, underage parties and other things that would constitute a nuisance to the neighborhood and the business."

Suspect shot after she points gun at Kan. officer

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City Council member Brandon Ellington was charged Wednesday with assault after an alleged confrontation with an activist earlier this month.

Municipal Court records say Ellington “inflicted bodily injury or cause an unlawful offensive contact” by poking someone in the chest several times.

He was scheduled to be in court April 29.

Rodney Bland, a member of Freedom Inc., a Black political club in Kansas City, said Ellington confronted him outside a restaurant in the city’s 18th and Vine District on March 20.

He said he was surprised by the confrontation, during which Ellington physically threatened him. Bland reported the incident to police. He declined to provide further specifics.

Ellington denied the accusations, saying he never physically threatened anyone.

“I plan on engaging the court full fledged to ensure justice is done in all categories,” Ellington said.

Ellington is serving his first term on the Kansas City Council. He previously served in the Missouri House of Representatives.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617221123916.png" alt="&nbsp;Kansas City Council member Brandon Ellington answered questions on his twitter account" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas City Council member Brandon Ellington answered questions on his twitter account</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City Council member Brandon Ellington was charged Wednesday with assault after an alleged confrontation with an activist earlier this month.Municipal Court records say Ellington “inflicted bodily injury or cause an unlawful offensive contact” by poking someone in the chest several times.He was scheduled to be in court April 29.Rodney Bland, a member of Freedom Inc., a Black political club in Kansas City, said Ellington confronted him outside a restaurant in the city’s 18th and Vine District on March 20.He said he was surprised by the confrontation, during which Ellington physically threatened him. Bland reported the incident to police. He declined to provide further specifics.Ellington denied the accusations, saying he never physically threatened anyone.“I plan on engaging the court full fledged to ensure justice is done in all categories,” Ellington said.Ellington is serving his first term on the Kansas City Council. He previously served in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Kansas City Council member charged with assault

SHAWNEE COUNTY— A 7-month old baby died and three others were critically injured in a crash Tuesday evening in Topeka.&nbsp;

Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the accident at the intersection of SW 5th Street and SW Polk Street in involving two vehicles, according to police Lt. Ron Ekis.

A preliminary investigation of the crash indicates the driver of a light colored SUV was driving the wrong way on SW Polk Street at a high rate of speed when it crashed into a second dark gray colored vehicle.

In addition to the baby,&nbsp; three other adults remain in critical, but stable condition at a local hospital, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

The driver and single occupant of the light colored SUV is also in the hospital and remains in stable condition. Police officers were not in pursuit of either vehicle, according to Spiker.

The accident remains under investigation. Police have not released names of those involved.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accident critically four people.

Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a serious injury accident at the intersection of SW 5th Street and SW Polk Street in Topeka involving two vehicles, according to police Lt. Ron Ekis. Four occupants were transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Officers are on scene investigating the accident and the circumstances leading up to the accident. Police asked the public to avoid the area of 5th street from Taylor to Polk and the 400 Blk of SW Polk as the area is closed to vehicle and foot traffic, according to Ekis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617206593208.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal crash photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal crash photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY— A 7-month old baby died and three others were critically injured in a crash Tuesday evening in Topeka.&nbsp;Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the accident at the intersection of SW 5th Street and SW Polk Street in involving two vehicles, according to police Lt. Ron Ekis.A preliminary investigation of the crash indicates the driver of a light colored SUV was driving the wrong way on SW Polk Street at a high rate of speed when it crashed into a second dark gray colored vehicle.In addition to the baby,&nbsp; three other adults remain in critical, but stable condition at a local hospital, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.The driver and single occupant of the light colored SUV is also in the hospital and remains in stable condition. Police officers were not in pursuit of either vehicle, according to Spiker.The accident remains under investigation. Police have not released names of those involved.----------SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accident critically four people.Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a serious injury accident at the intersection of SW 5th Street and SW Polk Street in Topeka involving two vehicles, according to police Lt. Ron Ekis. Four occupants were transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.Officers are on scene investigating the accident and the circumstances leading up to the accident. Police asked the public to avoid the area of 5th street from Taylor to Polk and the 400 Blk of SW Polk as the area is closed to vehicle and foot traffic, according to Ekis.

Police: Baby dies in Kan. crash involving wrong-way driver

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden wants $2 trillion to reengineer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-c98de9fe006e508c59857e32fd12ca1a">America’s infrastructure</a>&nbsp;and expects the nation’s corporations to pay for it.

The president travels to Pittsburgh on Wednesday to unveil what would be a hard-hatted transformation of the U.S. economy as grand in scale as the New Deal or Great Society programs that shaped the 20th century.

White House officials say the spending over eight years would generate millions of new jobs as the country shifts away from fossil fuels and combats the perils of climate change. It is also an effort to compete against the technology and public investments made by China, the world’s second-largest economy and fast gaining on the United States’ dominant position.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the plan is “about making an investment in America — not just modernizing our roads or railways or bridges but building an infrastructure of the future.”

Biden’s choice of Pittsburgh for unveiling the plan carries important economic and political resonance. He not only won Pittsburgh and its surrounding county to help secure the presidency, but he launched his campaign there in 2019. The city famed for steel mills that powered America’s industrial rise has steadily pivoted toward technology and health care, drawing in college graduates from western Pennsylvania in a sign of how economies can change.

The Democratic president’s infrastructure projects would be financed by higher corporate taxes — a trade-off that could lead to fierce resistance from the business community and thwart any attempts to work with Republicans lawmakers. Biden hopes to pass an infrastructure plan by summer, which could mean relying solely on the slim Democratic majorities in the House and the Senate.

The White House says the largest chunk of the proposal includes $621 billion for roads, bridges, public transit, electric vehicle charging stations and other transportation infrastructure. The spending would push the country away from internal combustion engines that the auto industry views as an increasingly antiquated technology.

Another $111 billion would go to replace lead water pipes and upgrade sewers. Broadband internet would blanket the country for $100 billion. Separately, $100 billion would upgrade the power grid to deliver clean electricity. Homes would get retrofitted, schools modernized, workers trained and hospitals renovated under the plan, which also seeks to strengthen U.S. manufacturing.

The new construction could keep the economy running hot, coming on the heels of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-first-prime-time-speech-next-phase-pandemic-85d1ae52bc61abffd3ae91c324e58308">Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package</a>&nbsp;— economists already estimate it could push growth above 6% this year.

Separately, Biden will propose in the coming weeks a series of soft infrastructure investments in child care, family tax credits and other domestic programs, another expenditure of roughly $2 trillion to be paid for by tax hikes on wealthy individuals and families, according to people familiar with the proposal.

Funding the first $2 trillion for construction and “hard” infrastructure projects would be a hike on corporate taxes that would raise the necessary sum over 15 years and then reduce the deficit going forward, according to a White House outline of the plan. Biden would undo the signature policy achievement of the Trump administration by lifting the corporate tax rate to 28% from the 21% rate set in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2d9e099660064f2b8a8fc2237b4e7e4e">a 2017 overhaul</a>.

To keep companies from shifting profits overseas to avoid taxation, a 21% global minimum tax would be imposed. The tax code would also be updated so that companies could not merge with a foreign business and avoid taxes by moving their headquarters to a tax haven. And among other provisions, it would increase IRS audits of corporations.

White House officials led by National Economic Council Director Brian Deese offered a private briefing Tuesday for top lawmakers in both parties. But key GOP and business leaders are already panning the package.

“It seems like President Biden has an insatiable appetite to spend more money and raise people’s taxes,” Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, the GOP whip, said in an interview.

Scalise predicted that, if approved, the new spending and taxes would “start having a negative impact on the economy, which we’re very concerned about.”

The business community favors updating U.S. infrastructure, but it dislikes higher tax rates. An official at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce who insisted on anonymity to discuss the private talks said the organization fears the proposed tax hikes could undermine the gains from new infrastructure. The Business Roundtable, a group of CEOs, would rather have infrastructure funded with user fees such as tolls.

Pittsburgh is a series of steep hills and three intersecting rivers. Its steel mills once covered the sky in enough soot that men needed to take spare white shirts to work because their button downs would turn to gray by lunch. Only last year the city, amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>, met Environmental Protection Agency standards for air quality, even though it is increasingly the home of tech and health care workers with college degrees.

Infrastructure spending usually holds the promise of juicing economic growth, but by how much remains a subject of political debate. Commutes and shipping times could be shortened, while public health would be improved and construction jobs would bolster consumer spending.

Standard &amp; Poor’s chief U.S. economist, Beth Ann Bovino, estimated last year that a $2.1 trillion boost in infrastructure spending could add as much as $5.7 trillion in income to the entire economy over a decade. Those kinds of analyses have led liberal Democrats in Congress such as Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal to conclude Tuesday, “The economic consensus is that infrastructure pays for itself over time.”

But the Biden administration is taking a more cautious approach than some Democrats might like. After $1.9 trillion in pandemic aid and $4 trillion in relief last year, the administration is trying to avoid raising the debt to levels that would trigger higher interest rates and make it harder to repay.

Psaki said Tuesday that Biden believes it’s “the responsible thing to do” to pay for infrastructure through taxes instead of borrowing. But the White House in its outline of the plan also couched the tax hikes as a matter of fairness, noting that 91 Fortune 500 companies paid $0 in federal corporate taxes in 2018.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden wants $2 trillion to reengineer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-c98de9fe006e508c59857e32fd12ca1a">America’s infrastructure</a>&nbsp;and expects the nation’s corporations to pay for it.The president travels to Pittsburgh on Wednesday to unveil what would be a hard-hatted transformation of the U.S. economy as grand in scale as the New Deal or Great Society programs that shaped the 20th century.White House officials say the spending over eight years would generate millions of new jobs as the country shifts away from fossil fuels and combats the perils of climate change. It is also an effort to compete against the technology and public investments made by China, the world’s second-largest economy and fast gaining on the United States’ dominant position.White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the plan is “about making an investment in America — not just modernizing our roads or railways or bridges but building an infrastructure of the future.”Biden’s choice of Pittsburgh for unveiling the plan carries important economic and political resonance. He not only won Pittsburgh and its surrounding county to help secure the presidency, but he launched his campaign there in 2019. The city famed for steel mills that powered America’s industrial rise has steadily pivoted toward technology and health care, drawing in college graduates from western Pennsylvania in a sign of how economies can change.The Democratic president’s infrastructure projects would be financed by higher corporate taxes — a trade-off that could lead to fierce resistance from the business community and thwart any attempts to work with Republicans lawmakers. Biden hopes to pass an infrastructure plan by summer, which could mean relying solely on the slim Democratic majorities in the House and the Senate.The White House says the largest chunk of the proposal includes $621 billion for roads, bridges, public transit, electric vehicle charging stations and other transportation infrastructure. The spending would push the country away from internal combustion engines that the auto industry views as an increasingly antiquated technology.Another $111 billion would go to replace lead water pipes and upgrade sewers. Broadband internet would blanket the country for $100 billion. Separately, $100 billion would upgrade the power grid to deliver clean electricity. Homes would get retrofitted, schools modernized, workers trained and hospitals renovated under the plan, which also seeks to strengthen U.S. manufacturing.The new construction could keep the economy running hot, coming on the heels of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-first-prime-time-speech-next-phase-pandemic-85d1ae52bc61abffd3ae91c324e58308">Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package</a>&nbsp;— economists already estimate it could push growth above 6% this year.Separately, Biden will propose in the coming weeks a series of soft infrastructure investments in child care, family tax credits and other domestic programs, another expenditure of roughly $2 trillion to be paid for by tax hikes on wealthy individuals and families, according to people familiar with the proposal.Funding the first $2 trillion for construction and “hard” infrastructure projects would be a hike on corporate taxes that would raise the necessary sum over 15 years and then reduce the deficit going forward, according to a White House outline of the plan. Biden would undo the signature policy achievement of the Trump administration by lifting the corporate tax rate to 28% from the 21% rate set in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2d9e099660064f2b8a8fc2237b4e7e4e">a 2017 overhaul</a>.To keep companies from shifting profits overseas to avoid taxation, a 21% global minimum tax would be imposed. The tax code would also be updated so that companies could not merge with a foreign business and avoid taxes by moving their headquarters to a tax haven. And among other provisions, it would increase IRS audits of corporations.White House officials led by National Economic Council Director Brian Deese offered a private briefing Tuesday for top lawmakers in both parties. But key GOP and business leaders are already panning the package.“It seems like President Biden has an insatiable appetite to spend more money and raise people’s taxes,” Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, the GOP whip, said in an interview.Scalise predicted that, if approved, the new spending and taxes would “start having a negative impact on the economy, which we’re very concerned about.”The business community favors updating U.S. infrastructure, but it dislikes higher tax rates. An official at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce who insisted on anonymity to discuss the private talks said the organization fears the proposed tax hikes could undermine the gains from new infrastructure. The Business Roundtable, a group of CEOs, would rather have infrastructure funded with user fees such as tolls.Pittsburgh is a series of steep hills and three intersecting rivers. Its steel mills once covered the sky in enough soot that men needed to take spare white shirts to work because their button downs would turn to gray by lunch. Only last year the city, amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>, met Environmental Protection Agency standards for air quality, even though it is increasingly the home of tech and health care workers with college degrees.Infrastructure spending usually holds the promise of juicing economic growth, but by how much remains a subject of political debate. Commutes and shipping times could be shortened, while public health would be improved and construction jobs would bolster consumer spending.Standard &amp; Poor’s chief U.S. economist, Beth Ann Bovino, estimated last year that a $2.1 trillion boost in infrastructure spending could add as much as $5.7 trillion in income to the entire economy over a decade. Those kinds of analyses have led liberal Democrats in Congress such as Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal to conclude Tuesday, “The economic consensus is that infrastructure pays for itself over time.”But the Biden administration is taking a more cautious approach than some Democrats might like. After $1.9 trillion in pandemic aid and $4 trillion in relief last year, the administration is trying to avoid raising the debt to levels that would trigger higher interest rates and make it harder to repay.Psaki said Tuesday that Biden believes it’s “the responsible thing to do” to pay for infrastructure through taxes instead of borrowing. But the White House in its outline of the plan also couched the tax hikes as a matter of fairness, noting that 91 Fortune 500 companies paid $0 in federal corporate taxes in 2018.ADVERTISEMENTTrending on AP News<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-pence-groundwork-2024-presidential-run-df46fb0af0c353a2f13d265bd041cffe">Trump’s heir? Pence reemerges, lays groundwork for 2024 run</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-politics-jill-biden-dogs-2b1d3f05f2ed91b611998d7363b1ccae">‘Major’ pain: Biden’s dog involved in 2nd biting incident</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-legislature-scholarships-coronavirus-pandemic-kentucky-13b08c29aa086f42b877e2ab8db531b7">Republican lawmakers plunge into veto overrides in Kentucky</a><a href="https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&amp;utm_source=associatedpress-apnews&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=organic-thumbnails-rr:Right%20Rail%20Thumbnails:" target="_blank">by Taboola</a>ADVERTISEMENT<figure>
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Biden's tax hike will pay for $2T infrastructure plan

WASHINGTON — To help taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service 
announced today that it will take steps to automatically refund money 
this spring and summer to people who filed their tax return reporting 
unemployment compensation before the recent changes made by the American
 Rescue Plan.

The legislation, signed on March 11, allows taxpayers who earned less
 than $150,000 in modified adjusted gross income to exclude unemployment
 compensation up to $20,400 if married filing jointly and $10,200 for 
all other eligible taxpayers. The legislation excludes only 2020 
unemployment benefits from taxes.

Because the change occurred after some people filed their taxes, the 
IRS will take steps in the spring and summer to make the appropriate 
change to their return, which may result in a refund. The first refunds 
are expected to be made in May and will continue into the summer.

For those taxpayers who already have filed and figured their tax 
based on the full amount of unemployment compensation, the IRS will 
determine the correct taxable amount of unemployment compensation and 
tax. Any resulting overpayment of tax will be either refunded or applied
 to other outstanding taxes owed.

For those who have already filed, the IRS will do these 
recalculations in two phases, starting with those taxpayers eligible for
 the up to $10,200 exclusion. The IRS will then adjust returns for those
 married filing jointly taxpayers who are eligible for the up to $20,400
 exclusion and others with more complex returns.

There is no need for taxpayers to file an amended return unless the 
calculations make the taxpayer newly eligible for additional federal 
credits and deductions not already included on the original tax return.

For example, the IRS can adjust returns for those taxpayers who 
claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and, because the exclusion 
changed the income level, may now be eligible for an increase in the 
EITC amount which may result in a larger refund. However, taxpayers 
would have to file an amended return if they did not originally claim 
the EITC or other credits but now are eligible because the exclusion 
changed their income.

These taxpayers may want to review their state tax returns as well.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 23 million U.S. 
workers nationwide filed for unemployment last year. For the first time,
 some self-employed workers qualified for unemployed benefits as well. 
The IRS is working to determine how many workers affected by the tax 
change already have filed their tax returns.

The new IRS guidance also includes details for those eligible taxpayers who have not yet filed.

The IRS has worked with the tax return preparation software industry 
to reflect these updates so people who choose to file electronically 
simply need to respond to the related questions when electronically 
preparing their tax returns. See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/new-exclusion-of-up-to-10200-of-unemployment-compensation">New Exclusion of up to $10,200 of Unemployment Compensation</a>
 for information and examples. For others, instructions and an updated 
worksheet about the exclusion were available in March and posted to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040">IRS.gov/form1040</a>. These instructions can assist taxpayers who have not yet filed to prepare returns correctly.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — To help taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service 
announced today that it will take steps to automatically refund money 
this spring and summer to people who filed their tax return reporting 
unemployment compensation before the recent changes made by the American
 Rescue Plan.The legislation, signed on March 11, allows taxpayers who earned less
 than $150,000 in modified adjusted gross income to exclude unemployment
 compensation up to $20,400 if married filing jointly and $10,200 for 
all other eligible taxpayers. The legislation excludes only 2020 
unemployment benefits from taxes.Because the change occurred after some people filed their taxes, the 
IRS will take steps in the spring and summer to make the appropriate 
change to their return, which may result in a refund. The first refunds 
are expected to be made in May and will continue into the summer.For those taxpayers who already have filed and figured their tax 
based on the full amount of unemployment compensation, the IRS will 
determine the correct taxable amount of unemployment compensation and 
tax. Any resulting overpayment of tax will be either refunded or applied
 to other outstanding taxes owed.For those who have already filed, the IRS will do these 
recalculations in two phases, starting with those taxpayers eligible for
 the up to $10,200 exclusion. The IRS will then adjust returns for those
 married filing jointly taxpayers who are eligible for the up to $20,400
 exclusion and others with more complex returns.There is no need for taxpayers to file an amended return unless the 
calculations make the taxpayer newly eligible for additional federal 
credits and deductions not already included on the original tax return.For example, the IRS can adjust returns for those taxpayers who 
claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and, because the exclusion 
changed the income level, may now be eligible for an increase in the 
EITC amount which may result in a larger refund. However, taxpayers 
would have to file an amended return if they did not originally claim 
the EITC or other credits but now are eligible because the exclusion 
changed their income.These taxpayers may want to review their state tax returns as well.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 23 million U.S. 
workers nationwide filed for unemployment last year. For the first time,
 some self-employed workers qualified for unemployed benefits as well. 
The IRS is working to determine how many workers affected by the tax 
change already have filed their tax returns.The new IRS guidance also includes details for those eligible taxpayers who have not yet filed.The IRS has worked with the tax return preparation software industry 
to reflect these updates so people who choose to file electronically 
simply need to respond to the related questions when electronically 
preparing their tax returns. See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/new-exclusion-of-up-to-10200-of-unemployment-compensation">New Exclusion of up to $10,200 of Unemployment Compensation</a>
 for information and examples. For others, instructions and an updated 
worksheet about the exclusion were available in March and posted to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040">IRS.gov/form1040</a>. These instructions can assist taxpayers who have not yet filed to prepare returns correctly.

IRS will recalculate taxes on unemployment benefits; refunds to start in May

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 510 to a total of 302,372, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4913, an increase of 11.

<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 510 to a total of 302,372, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4913, an increase of 11.<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/2021/3/1617210132057.png" alt="Wednesday March 31, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday March 31, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent domestic incident and after asking the public for help to locate&nbsp; a suspect now have 34-year-old Stefon C. Butler in custody.

On Tuesday evening, Butler turned himself in to authorities, according to Lt. Shane Hilton.

 He was&nbsp;booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated battery, Aggravated assault, Rape and Criminal Restraint.

On March 24, police responded to the 1300 block of SW Lincoln Street in Topeka on a report of a violent domestic disturbance.

Throughout the course of the investigation, Butler had been identified as a person of interest in this incident.

TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent domestic violence incident and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.

On Tuesday evening, police responded to the 1300 block of SW Lincoln Street in Topeka on a report of a violent domestic disturbance.

Throughout the course of the investigation, 34-year-old Stefon C. Butler has been identified as a person of interest in this incident. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616615447991.png" alt="Butler is described a 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He has previous convictions for aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, criminal possession of a firearm,&nbsp;Violation of the Kansas Offender Registration Act and for drugs." />
 <figcaption>Butler is described a 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He has previous convictions for aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, criminal possession of a firearm,&nbsp;Violation of the Kansas Offender Registration Act and for drugs.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent domestic incident and after asking the public for help to locate&nbsp; a suspect now have 34-year-old Stefon C. Butler in custody.On Tuesday evening, Butler turned himself in to authorities, according to Lt. Shane Hilton. He was&nbsp;booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated battery, Aggravated assault, Rape and Criminal Restraint.On March 24, police responded to the 1300 block of SW Lincoln Street in Topeka on a report of a violent domestic disturbance.Throughout the course of the investigation, Butler had been identified as a person of interest in this incident.------TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent domestic violence incident and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.On Tuesday evening, police responded to the 1300 block of SW Lincoln Street in Topeka on a report of a violent domestic disturbance.Throughout the course of the investigation, 34-year-old Stefon C. Butler has been identified as a person of interest in this incident.

Police: After a week, Kan. rape suspect turns himself in

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal motorcycle crash have identified the victim as 29-year-old Kyle Eaton of Wichita.

&nbsp;Just after 9p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to an injury accident at Pawnee and Mosley, according to officer Trevor Macey. When they arrived, they located a three-vehicle accident with an injured victim later identified Eaton.

 Despite life-saving efforts by witnesses and EMS crews, he died at the scene.

The investigation revealed that Eaton was stopped on Eastbound Pawnee on a motorcycle, waiting to turn left onto Mosley when he was struck from behind by another vehicle. 

This impact pushed Eaton's motorcycle into Westbound Pawnee, and a westbound vehicle struck him.&nbsp;

Inattentive driving is suspected to be the cause. This is the first motorcycle traffic fatality of the year and the 15th overall traffic fatality.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617203503013.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal accident -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal accident -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal motorcycle crash have identified the victim as 29-year-old Kyle Eaton of Wichita.&nbsp;Just after 9p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to an injury accident at Pawnee and Mosley, according to officer Trevor Macey. When they arrived, they located a three-vehicle accident with an injured victim later identified Eaton. Despite life-saving efforts by witnesses and EMS crews, he died at the scene.The investigation revealed that Eaton was stopped on Eastbound Pawnee on a motorcycle, waiting to turn left onto Mosley when he was struck from behind by another vehicle. This impact pushed Eaton's motorcycle into Westbound Pawnee, and a westbound vehicle struck him.&nbsp;Inattentive driving is suspected to be the cause. This is the first motorcycle traffic fatality of the year and the 15th overall traffic fatality.

Police ID Kan. man who died in 3-vehicle motorcycle crash

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

An Ellis County man pleaded guilty to a pair of child sex crimes Tuesday in Ellis County District Court.

Christopher Leroy Boese, 20, Hays pleaded guilty to criminal sodomy and electronic solicitation of a minor. Both are level-three person felonies.

According to court documents, Boese was accused of having sex with a 14-year-old on Dec. 29, 2019. Boese used Snapchat to message and set up the encounter with the girl he believed to be 15.

As a result of the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped a potential rape or an alternative count of aggravated indecent liberties.

Based on Boese’s criminal history, he faced 100 months, or 8 years and four years, in prison for the criminal sodomy conviction and 61 months or, 5 years and one month, in prison.

The plea agreement calls for Boese to be sentenced to 94 months, or seven years and 10 months, in prison for both convictions.

Court Services officials will conduct a criminal history investigation prior to sentencing to determine Boese’s criminal history.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617152982905.png" alt="Boese photo Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Boese photo Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostAn Ellis County man pleaded guilty to a pair of child sex crimes Tuesday in Ellis County District Court.Christopher Leroy Boese, 20, Hays pleaded guilty to criminal sodomy and electronic solicitation of a minor. Both are level-three person felonies.According to court documents, Boese was accused of having sex with a 14-year-old on Dec. 29, 2019. Boese used Snapchat to message and set up the encounter with the girl he believed to be 15.As a result of the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped a potential rape or an alternative count of aggravated indecent liberties.Based on Boese’s criminal history, he faced 100 months, or 8 years and four years, in prison for the criminal sodomy conviction and 61 months or, 5 years and one month, in prison.The plea agreement calls for Boese to be sentenced to 94 months, or seven years and 10 months, in prison for both convictions.Court Services officials will conduct a criminal history investigation prior to sentencing to determine Boese’s criminal history.Sentencing is set for later this year.

Kan. man admits using snapchat to set up sex with juvenile

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman accused of in a hit and run shooting made her first court appearance Tuesday.

Charity Blackmon, 31, is charged with Murder in the 1st degree and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 4:30 p.m. March 26, police were dispatched to 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue for a shooting call, according to officer Paul Cruz. Upon arriving, they located&nbsp;54-year-old <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/2blv6y22g0?qid=7f0e4807b16464f4303f8d95ed764ff1">Merrill Rabus of Wichita</a> unconscious and receiving life-saving measures.

Rabus had undetermined injuries, including what appeared to be a single gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The investigation revealed Rabus was on his bicycle at the intersection of 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue when he was struck by a white Plymouth van driven by 31-year-old Charity Blackmon. 

Blackmon then got out of her vehicle and fired a shot from a handgun, striking Rabus. Blackmon fled the scene and was followed by witnesses who provided her location. She was located and arrested at 14th&nbsp;Street North and Green Street by a Wichita State University police officer, according to Cruz.

 Blackmon and Rabus were not known to each other. Officers also recovered a handgun through this investigation.&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman in connection with a fatal shooting.

Just before 4:30 p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue for a shooting call, according to officer Paul Cruz. Upon arriving, they located&nbsp;54-year-old Merrill Rabus of Wichita unconscious and receiving life-saving measures.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a bicyclist is dead after a woman struck him with her van as he crossed a Wichita street and then apparently shot him. 

&nbsp;Charity Charmon Blackmon, 31,&nbsp; was booked into jail Friday night on suspicion of first-degree murder, driving with a suspended license, unsafe turning or stopping and failure to give proper signal. 

Wichita police chief Gordon Ramsay said the victim was either riding or walking his bicycle when he was hit Friday afternoon. Ramsay said the initial reports were that the suspect got out to shoot the man after the crash. 

Ramsay said police would know definitively if he was shot after an autopsy. The man’s name wasn’t immediately released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616855135199.png" alt="Blackmon photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Blackmon photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman accused of in a hit and run shooting made her first court appearance Tuesday.Charity Blackmon, 31, is charged with Murder in the 1st degree and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616871807743.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation on Friday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation on Friday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 4:30 p.m. March 26, police were dispatched to 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue for a shooting call, according to officer Paul Cruz. Upon arriving, they located&nbsp;54-year-old <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/2blv6y22g0?qid=7f0e4807b16464f4303f8d95ed764ff1">Merrill Rabus of Wichita</a> unconscious and receiving life-saving measures.Rabus had undetermined injuries, including what appeared to be a single gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries.The investigation revealed Rabus was on his bicycle at the intersection of 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue when he was struck by a white Plymouth van driven by 31-year-old Charity Blackmon. Blackmon then got out of her vehicle and fired a shot from a handgun, striking Rabus. Blackmon fled the scene and was followed by witnesses who provided her location. She was located and arrested at 14th&nbsp;Street North and Green Street by a Wichita State University police officer, according to Cruz. Blackmon and Rabus were not known to each other. Officers also recovered a handgun through this investigation.&nbsp;--------SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman in connection with a fatal shooting.Just before 4:30 p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue for a shooting call, according to officer Paul Cruz. Upon arriving, they located&nbsp;54-year-old Merrill Rabus of Wichita unconscious and receiving life-saving measures.Rabus had undetermined injuries, including what appeared to be a single gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries.The investigation revealed Rabus was on his bicycle at the intersection of 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue when he was struck by a white Plymouth van driven by 31-year-old Charity Blackmon. Blackmon then got out of her vehicle and fired a shot from a handgun, striking Rabus. Blackmon fled the scene and was followed by witnesses who provided her location. She was located and arrested at 14th&nbsp;Street North and Green Street by a Wichita State University police officer, according to Cruz. Blackmon and Rabus were not known to each other. Officers also recovered a handgun through this investigation.&nbsp;---------WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a bicyclist is dead after a woman struck him with her van as he crossed a Wichita street and then apparently shot him. &nbsp;Charity Charmon Blackmon, 31,&nbsp; was booked into jail Friday night on suspicion of first-degree murder, driving with a suspended license, unsafe turning or stopping and failure to give proper signal. Wichita police chief Gordon Ramsay said the victim was either riding or walking his bicycle when he was hit Friday afternoon. Ramsay said the initial reports were that the suspect got out to shoot the man after the crash. Ramsay said police would know definitively if he was shot after an autopsy. The man’s name wasn’t immediately released.

Kan. woman charged in fatal hit-and-run and shooting

Chamber adopts ‘our-fiscal-policy-stinks’ motion for 2% budget cut

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/30/house-gop-kills-off-another-medicaid-expansion-attempt-by-democrats/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Republican 
majority in the Kansas House stiff-armed Tuesday the latest in a long 
series of attempts by Democrats to expand eligibility for Medicaid to at
 least 120,000 lower-income Kansans.

The minority party 
attempted to amend expansion into a state budget bill because GOP 
leadership in the House had successfully blocked bills in committee that
 would commit the state to a bigger Medicaid program under the 2010 
Affordable Care Act. The amendment offered by Overland Park Rep. Brett 
Parker was rejected 46-78, after Republicans tried to avoid the public 
vote through a procedural maneuver.

Democratic Gov. Laura 
Kelly has made Medicaid expansion a top policy priority. She also 
proposed the state’s share of expansion costs could be covered by 
revenue from passage of a medicinal marijuana law.

Thirty-eight states have 
implemented Medicaid expansion or passed expansion measures, including 
Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado and Nebraska. At this point, the federal 
government would cover 90% of a state’s cost of increasing coverage 
under Medicaid. In addition, the federal stimulus law would deliver to 
Kansas approximately $450 million in additional funding over the next 
two years if it went ahead with Medicaid reform.

Proponents of expansion 
said the amendment would draw to Kansas a projected $460 million 
annually in federal funding to serve 120,000 to 160,000 people at 
clinics and hospitals statewide. By stopping adoption of Medicaid 
growth, Kansas lawmakers have turned away $4.6 billion in federal aid 
for preventative health care.

“I’ve been here for five 
years now,” said Parker, the Overland Park Democrat. “I don’t think 
we’ve worked an expansion bill in the health committee in those five 
years. Medicaid expansion is the right thing to do. It’s been available 
for too long. We’ve not taken action for too long.”

Rep. Susan Humphries, 
R-Wichita, urged her colleagues to oppose the amendment because Medicaid
 would be available to pay for abortions. However, the state Medicaid 
director said federal funding could be relied upon for abortions under 
expanded Medicaid only in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of 
the woman.

After the dust settled on 
Medicaid, Rep. Troy Waymaster, the House budget committee chairman, 
continued to battle through debate on the budget blueprint. A reduction 
of about $20 in the state fee for a concealed firearm license was 
adopted by House members. An amendment lifting a moratorium on filling 
more beds at the Osawatomie state hospital was defeated.

Then, Rep. Henry 
Helgerson, D-Wichita, proposed an amendment slashing the state general 
fund budget by 2%, or $161 million, across the board except for debt 
service. His cut would take no prisoners — it would even hammer the K-12
 education budget. Shockingly, it passed on a voice vote.

He said the state of 
Kansas was prepared to spend $650 million more annually than it took in 
through tax revenue, producing a $35 million shortfall by the end of 
June. It is unconstitutional for the state to operate with a deficit.

“I really haven’t heard 
anybody talking about doing anything,” said Helgerson, who referred to 
himself a “flaming” fiscal conservative while pointing to Republican and
 Democratic incompetence that wasted millions of dollars in state tax 
dollars. “Our fiscal policy stinks. We spend money like drunken sailors,
 except that it does a disservice to sailors. Financially, we’re out of 
whack.”

Helgerson’s subsequent 
motion to send the House budget bill back to the House Appropriations 
Committee to deal with the spending rollback was soundly rejected. In 
the end, the massive reduction in state spending will likely be removed 
in negotiations with the Senate.

Before adjourning for the evening, the House approved the budget bill — House Bill 2397 — on a vote of 71-52.

Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617197834568.png" alt="Overland Park Democratic Rep. Brett Parker, at center in glasses, failed in an attempt to convince the Kansas House to pass an amendment on Medicaid expansion extending health care to 120,000 to 160,000 Kansans. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Overland Park Democratic Rep. Brett Parker, at center in glasses, failed in an attempt to convince the Kansas House to pass an amendment on Medicaid expansion extending health care to 120,000 to 160,000 Kansans. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Chamber adopts ‘our-fiscal-policy-stinks’ motion for 2% budget cut</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/30/house-gop-kills-off-another-medicaid-expansion-attempt-by-democrats/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Republican 
majority in the Kansas House stiff-armed Tuesday the latest in a long 
series of attempts by Democrats to expand eligibility for Medicaid to at
 least 120,000 lower-income Kansans.The minority party 
attempted to amend expansion into a state budget bill because GOP 
leadership in the House had successfully blocked bills in committee that
 would commit the state to a bigger Medicaid program under the 2010 
Affordable Care Act. The amendment offered by Overland Park Rep. Brett 
Parker was rejected 46-78, after Republicans tried to avoid the public 
vote through a procedural maneuver.Democratic Gov. Laura 
Kelly has made Medicaid expansion a top policy priority. She also 
proposed the state’s share of expansion costs could be covered by 
revenue from passage of a medicinal marijuana law.Thirty-eight states have 
implemented Medicaid expansion or passed expansion measures, including 
Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado and Nebraska. At this point, the federal 
government would cover 90% of a state’s cost of increasing coverage 
under Medicaid. In addition, the federal stimulus law would deliver to 
Kansas approximately $450 million in additional funding over the next 
two years if it went ahead with Medicaid reform.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617197889941.jpeg" alt="Wichita Democratic Rep. Henry Helgerson, left, chatting with Rep. Shannon Francis, R-Liberal, gained House approval of an amendment making a 2% or $161 million across-the-board reduction in the state budget. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Wichita Democratic Rep. Henry Helgerson, left, chatting with Rep. Shannon Francis, R-Liberal, gained House approval of an amendment making a 2% or $161 million across-the-board reduction in the state budget. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Proponents of expansion 
said the amendment would draw to Kansas a projected $460 million 
annually in federal funding to serve 120,000 to 160,000 people at 
clinics and hospitals statewide. By stopping adoption of Medicaid 
growth, Kansas lawmakers have turned away $4.6 billion in federal aid 
for preventative health care.“I’ve been here for five 
years now,” said Parker, the Overland Park Democrat. “I don’t think 
we’ve worked an expansion bill in the health committee in those five 
years. Medicaid expansion is the right thing to do. It’s been available 
for too long. We’ve not taken action for too long.”Rep. Susan Humphries, 
R-Wichita, urged her colleagues to oppose the amendment because Medicaid
 would be available to pay for abortions. However, the state Medicaid 
director said federal funding could be relied upon for abortions under 
expanded Medicaid only in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of 
the woman.After the dust settled on 
Medicaid, Rep. Troy Waymaster, the House budget committee chairman, 
continued to battle through debate on the budget blueprint. A reduction 
of about $20 in the state fee for a concealed firearm license was 
adopted by House members. An amendment lifting a moratorium on filling 
more beds at the Osawatomie state hospital was defeated.Then, Rep. Henry 
Helgerson, D-Wichita, proposed an amendment slashing the state general 
fund budget by 2%, or $161 million, across the board except for debt 
service. His cut would take no prisoners — it would even hammer the K-12
 education budget. Shockingly, it passed on a voice vote.He said the state of 
Kansas was prepared to spend $650 million more annually than it took in 
through tax revenue, producing a $35 million shortfall by the end of 
June. It is unconstitutional for the state to operate with a deficit.“I really haven’t heard 
anybody talking about doing anything,” said Helgerson, who referred to 
himself a “flaming” fiscal conservative while pointing to Republican and
 Democratic incompetence that wasted millions of dollars in state tax 
dollars. “Our fiscal policy stinks. We spend money like drunken sailors,
 except that it does a disservice to sailors. Financially, we’re out of 
whack.”Helgerson’s subsequent 
motion to send the House budget bill back to the House Appropriations 
Committee to deal with the spending rollback was soundly rejected. In 
the end, the massive reduction in state spending will likely be removed 
in negotiations with the Senate.Before adjourning for the evening, the House approved the budget bill — House Bill 2397 — on a vote of 71-52.Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.&nbsp;

House GOP kills off another Kan. Medicaid expansion attempt

Pfizer announced Wednesday that its COVID-19 vaccine is safe and strongly protective in kids as young as 12, a step toward possibly beginning shots in this age group before they head back to school in the fall.

Most COVID-19 vaccines being rolled out worldwide are for adults, who are at higher risk from the coronavirus. Pfizer’s vaccine is authorized for ages 16 and older. But vaccinating children of all ages will be critical to stopping the pandemic — and helping schools, at least the upper grades, start to look a little more normal after months of disruption.

In a study of 2,260 U.S. volunteers ages 12 to 15, preliminary data showed there were no cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated adolescents compared to 18 among those given dummy shots, Pfizer reported.

It’s a small study, that hasn’t yet been published, so another important piece of evidence is how well the shots revved up the kids’ immune systems. Researchers reported high levels of virus-fighting antibodies, somewhat higher than were seen in studies of young adults.

Kids had side effects similar to young adults, the company said. The main side effects are pain, fever, chills and fatigue, particularly after the second dose. The study will continue to track participants for two years for more information about long-term protection and safety.

Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech in the coming weeks plan to ask the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European regulators to allow emergency use of the shots starting at age 12.

“We share the urgency to expand the use of our vaccine,” Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said in a statement. He expressed “the hope of starting to vaccinate this age group before the start of the next school year” in the United States.

Pfizer isn’t the only company seeking to lower the age limit for its vaccine. Results also are expected soon from a U.S. study of Moderna’s vaccine in 12- to 17-year-olds.

But in a sign that the findings were promising, the FDA already allowed both companies to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-pandemics-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-3c2490cd1bef6221c9b33146fee0fe4c">begin U.S. studies&nbsp;</a>in children 11 and younger, working their way to as young as 6-month-old.

AstraZeneca last month began a study of its vaccine among 6- to 17-year-olds in Britain. Johnson &amp; Johnson is planning its own pediatric studies. And in China, Sinovac recently announced it has submitted preliminary data to Chinese regulators showing its vaccine is safe in children as young as 3.

While most COVID-19 vaccines being used globally were first tested in tens of thousands of adults, pediatric studies won’t need to be nearly as large. Scientists have safety information from those studies and from subsequent vaccinations in millions more adults.

One key question is the dosage: Pfizer gave the 12-and-older participants the same dose adults receive, while testing different doses in younger children.

It’s not clear how quickly the FDA would act on Pfizer’s request to allow vaccination starting at age 12. Another question is when the country would have enough supply of shots — and people to get them into adolescents’ arms — to let kids start getting in line.

Supplies are set to steadily increase over the spring and summer, at the same time states are opening vaccinations to younger, healthier adults who until now haven’t had a turn.

Children represent about 13% of COVID-19 cases documented in the U.S. And while children are far less likely than adults to get seriously ill, at least 268 have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. alone and more than 13,500 have been hospitalized, according to a tally by the American Academy of Pediatrics. That’s more than die from the flu in an average year. Additionally, a small number have developed a serious inflammatory condition linked to the coronavirus.

Caleb Chung, who turns 13 later this week, agreed to volunteer after his father, a Duke University pediatrician, presented the option. He doesn’t know if he received the vaccine or a placebo.

“Usually I’m just at home doing online school and there’s not much I can really do to fight back against the virus,” Caleb said in a recent interview. The study “was really somewhere that I could actually help out.”

His father, Dr. Richard Chung, said he’s proud of his son and all the other children volunteering for the needle pricks, blood tests and other tasks a study entails.

“We need kids to do these trials so that kids can get protected. Adults can’t do that for them,” Chung said.

By LAURAN NEERGAARD, Associated PressPfizer announced Wednesday that its COVID-19 vaccine is safe and strongly protective in kids as young as 12, a step toward possibly beginning shots in this age group before they head back to school in the fall.Most COVID-19 vaccines being rolled out worldwide are for adults, who are at higher risk from the coronavirus. Pfizer’s vaccine is authorized for ages 16 and older. But vaccinating children of all ages will be critical to stopping the pandemic — and helping schools, at least the upper grades, start to look a little more normal after months of disruption.In a study of 2,260 U.S. volunteers ages 12 to 15, preliminary data showed there were no cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated adolescents compared to 18 among those given dummy shots, Pfizer reported.It’s a small study, that hasn’t yet been published, so another important piece of evidence is how well the shots revved up the kids’ immune systems. Researchers reported high levels of virus-fighting antibodies, somewhat higher than were seen in studies of young adults.Kids had side effects similar to young adults, the company said. The main side effects are pain, fever, chills and fatigue, particularly after the second dose. The study will continue to track participants for two years for more information about long-term protection and safety.Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech in the coming weeks plan to ask the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European regulators to allow emergency use of the shots starting at age 12.“We share the urgency to expand the use of our vaccine,” Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said in a statement. He expressed “the hope of starting to vaccinate this age group before the start of the next school year” in the United States.Pfizer isn’t the only company seeking to lower the age limit for its vaccine. Results also are expected soon from a U.S. study of Moderna’s vaccine in 12- to 17-year-olds.But in a sign that the findings were promising, the FDA already allowed both companies to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-pandemics-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-3c2490cd1bef6221c9b33146fee0fe4c">begin U.S. studies&nbsp;</a>in children 11 and younger, working their way to as young as 6-month-old.AstraZeneca last month began a study of its vaccine among 6- to 17-year-olds in Britain. Johnson &amp; Johnson is planning its own pediatric studies. And in China, Sinovac recently announced it has submitted preliminary data to Chinese regulators showing its vaccine is safe in children as young as 3.ADVERTISEMENTWhile most COVID-19 vaccines being used globally were first tested in tens of thousands of adults, pediatric studies won’t need to be nearly as large. Scientists have safety information from those studies and from subsequent vaccinations in millions more adults.One key question is the dosage: Pfizer gave the 12-and-older participants the same dose adults receive, while testing different doses in younger children.It’s not clear how quickly the FDA would act on Pfizer’s request to allow vaccination starting at age 12. Another question is when the country would have enough supply of shots — and people to get them into adolescents’ arms — to let kids start getting in line.Supplies are set to steadily increase over the spring and summer, at the same time states are opening vaccinations to younger, healthier adults who until now haven’t had a turn.Children represent about 13% of COVID-19 cases documented in the U.S. And while children are far less likely than adults to get seriously ill, at least 268 have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. alone and more than 13,500 have been hospitalized, according to a tally by the American Academy of Pediatrics. That’s more than die from the flu in an average year. Additionally, a small number have developed a serious inflammatory condition linked to the coronavirus.Caleb Chung, who turns 13 later this week, agreed to volunteer after his father, a Duke University pediatrician, presented the option. He doesn’t know if he received the vaccine or a placebo.“Usually I’m just at home doing online school and there’s not much I can really do to fight back against the virus,” Caleb said in a recent interview. The study “was really somewhere that I could actually help out.”His father, Dr. Richard Chung, said he’s proud of his son and all the other children volunteering for the needle pricks, blood tests and other tasks a study entails.“We need kids to do these trials so that kids can get protected. Adults can’t do that for them,” Chung said.___

Pfizer: COVID-19 vaccine effective in kids ages 12 to 15

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — One of the Kansas Legislature’s most powerful lawmakers is eligible to be paid nearly $500 every two weeks he remains in leadership while he fights charges of driving under the influence and trying to elude law enforcement.

The payments can continue even though Kansas Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop turned over the bulk of his duties before he was charged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/53d21c4172c5cd87cbeaec02c0dcb882" target="_blank">Friday</a>&nbsp;in the March 16 incident in Topeka. But he has given no indication he plans to resign or give up his prestigious leadership position, meaning he continues to hold powers that can’t be delegated and remains influential.

Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican and business partner of Suellentrop, has made clear he doesn’t plan to pressure the senator to step down.

As majority leader, Suellentrop receives an allowance of $487. 14 every two weeks during his term of office. The sum is in addition to up to about $200 a day in pay and allowances lawmakers receive during session.

Suellentrop’s chief of staff, Eric Rucker, didn’t respond to questions on Tuesday, including whether the senator is still accepting compensation paid to the majority leader. Suellentrop himself was absent from the Senate on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616963978358.jpeg" alt="Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop was booked March 26 into Shawnee County Jail and released after posting $5,000 bond. photo -Shawnee County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop was booked March 26 into Shawnee County Jail and released after posting $5,000 bond. photo -Shawnee County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — One of the Kansas Legislature’s most powerful lawmakers is eligible to be paid nearly $500 every two weeks he remains in leadership while he fights charges of driving under the influence and trying to elude law enforcement.The payments can continue even though Kansas Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop turned over the bulk of his duties before he was charged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/53d21c4172c5cd87cbeaec02c0dcb882" target="_blank">Friday</a>&nbsp;in the March 16 incident in Topeka. But he has given no indication he plans to resign or give up his prestigious leadership position, meaning he continues to hold powers that can’t be delegated and remains influential.Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican and business partner of Suellentrop, has made clear he doesn’t plan to pressure the senator to step down.As majority leader, Suellentrop receives an allowance of $487. 14 every two weeks during his term of office. The sum is in addition to up to about $200 a day in pay and allowances lawmakers receive during session.Suellentrop’s chief of staff, Eric Rucker, didn’t respond to questions on Tuesday, including whether the senator is still accepting compensation paid to the majority leader. Suellentrop himself was absent from the Senate on Monday.

GOP leader retains pay, influence despite felony charge

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republicans in the GOP-controlled Kansas House are formally registering their opposition to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s plan for encouraging counties to keep mask mandates in place as a potentially more infectious strain of coronavirus becomes more widespread in the state.

The House gave first-round approval Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hr6015_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a resolution</a>&nbsp;telling legislative leaders to revoke any order from Kelly for a statewide mask policy. Kelly issued such an order&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/EO-20-68-Face-Coverings-protocol-Executed-2.pdf" target="_blank">in November</a>&nbsp;that is due to expire Wednesday, and she has said she will issue a new order Thursday.

Given their majority, Republicans expect the resolution to pass when the House takes a final vote by Wednesday. The measure is sponsored by House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., of Olathe; Speaker Pro Tem Blaine Finch, of Ottawa, and Majority Leader Dan Hawkins, of Wichita, who’ve all publicly said they will oppose Kelly’s planned order.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/ccrb_sb40_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">A law&nbsp;</a>that took effect last week extends a state of emergency for the coronavirus pandemic from March 31 until May 28, but it also allows eight top legislative leaders, including Ryckman, Finch and Hawkins, to revoke orders the governor issues during a state of emergency.

The state has seen a sharp decline in new COVID-19 cases in recent months, and they’re now at levels seen last summer. Finch said during a brief House debate Tuesday on the resolution that no circumstances justify an “overreaching” order on masks from Kelly.

“What we do not need are more statewide mandates,” Finch said.

The new law also leaves the final decision about mask mandates and restrictions on businesses and public gatherings to counties. But Kelly’s planned order would require their elected county commissions to take a specific public vote to opt out of a statewide policy requiring people to wear masks in indoor businesses and public spaces.

Kelly said in a statement that the resolution is “unnecessary” because counties can opt out her planned order and said Republicans are engaged in “political games.”

Fellow Democrats noted concerns about coronavirus variants. One potentially more infectious variant first identified in the United Kingdom is responsible for 64 cases in 11 of the state’s 105 counties so far, the state health department said.

“We’re not at the end of the pandemic yet,” said Rep. Kathy Wolfe Moore, a Kansas City, Kansas, Democrat. “I do absolutely agree that things are getting better, but let’s not put all the sacrifices that we’ve all made at risk.”

In Shawnee County, home to Topeka, officials on Tuesday confirmed the county’s first three cases of the United Kingdom variant. Neighboring Douglas County confirmed a cases of the variant last week.

Two counties in the Kansas City area, Wyandotte and Leavenworth, have had cases of the variant, as has Sedgwick County, home to the state’s largest city of Wichita. Finney and Ford counties in southwest Kansas and Ellis County in northwest Kansas have had cases, and so have Crawford, Labette and Neosho counties in southeast Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617151479056.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly during a tour of the Prairie Band Health Center this week" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly during a tour of the Prairie Band Health Center this week</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republicans in the GOP-controlled Kansas House are formally registering their opposition to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s plan for encouraging counties to keep mask mandates in place as a potentially more infectious strain of coronavirus becomes more widespread in the state.The House gave first-round approval Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hr6015_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a resolution</a>&nbsp;telling legislative leaders to revoke any order from Kelly for a statewide mask policy. Kelly issued such an order&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/EO-20-68-Face-Coverings-protocol-Executed-2.pdf" target="_blank">in November</a>&nbsp;that is due to expire Wednesday, and she has said she will issue a new order Thursday.Given their majority, Republicans expect the resolution to pass when the House takes a final vote by Wednesday. The measure is sponsored by House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., of Olathe; Speaker Pro Tem Blaine Finch, of Ottawa, and Majority Leader Dan Hawkins, of Wichita, who’ve all publicly said they will oppose Kelly’s planned order.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/ccrb_sb40_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">A law&nbsp;</a>that took effect last week extends a state of emergency for the coronavirus pandemic from March 31 until May 28, but it also allows eight top legislative leaders, including Ryckman, Finch and Hawkins, to revoke orders the governor issues during a state of emergency.The state has seen a sharp decline in new COVID-19 cases in recent months, and they’re now at levels seen last summer. Finch said during a brief House debate Tuesday on the resolution that no circumstances justify an “overreaching” order on masks from Kelly.“What we do not need are more statewide mandates,” Finch said.The new law also leaves the final decision about mask mandates and restrictions on businesses and public gatherings to counties. But Kelly’s planned order would require their elected county commissions to take a specific public vote to opt out of a statewide policy requiring people to wear masks in indoor businesses and public spaces.Kelly said in a statement that the resolution is “unnecessary” because counties can opt out her planned order and said Republicans are engaged in “political games.”Fellow Democrats noted concerns about coronavirus variants. One potentially more infectious variant first identified in the United Kingdom is responsible for 64 cases in 11 of the state’s 105 counties so far, the state health department said.“We’re not at the end of the pandemic yet,” said Rep. Kathy Wolfe Moore, a Kansas City, Kansas, Democrat. “I do absolutely agree that things are getting better, but let’s not put all the sacrifices that we’ve all made at risk.”In Shawnee County, home to Topeka, officials on Tuesday confirmed the county’s first three cases of the United Kingdom variant. Neighboring Douglas County confirmed a cases of the variant last week.Two counties in the Kansas City area, Wyandotte and Leavenworth, have had cases of the variant, as has Sedgwick County, home to the state’s largest city of Wichita. Finney and Ford counties in southwest Kansas and Ellis County in northwest Kansas have had cases, and so have Crawford, Labette and Neosho counties in southeast Kansas.___

Kansas legislators continue fight over governor's mask policy 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a 2-year-old girl and have made an arrest.

On January 5, police were dispatched to 3501 SW 10th Avenue in Topeka on a report of an unresponsive girl, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

 Medical personnel arrived on scene a short time later and the girl later identified as Aurora M. Exon, 2 of Topeka was pronounced deceased.

In late March, the Shawnee County Coroner’s Office determined the manner of death to be homicide.

As a result of an extensive investigation, police on Tuesday arrested&nbsp; 45-year-old Jeffrey J. Exon of Topeka and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for the requested charges of Murder in the 1st degree, Aggravated Endangering A Child and Failure to report the death of a child, according to Spiker.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617140051622.png" alt="Exon photo Shawnee County Detention Center" />
 <figcaption>Exon photo Shawnee County Detention Center</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a 2-year-old girl and have made an arrest.On January 5, police were dispatched to 3501 SW 10th Avenue in Topeka on a report of an unresponsive girl, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker. Medical personnel arrived on scene a short time later and the girl later identified as Aurora M. Exon, 2 of Topeka was pronounced deceased.In late March, the Shawnee County Coroner’s Office determined the manner of death to be homicide.As a result of an extensive investigation, police on Tuesday arrested&nbsp; 45-year-old Jeffrey J. Exon of Topeka and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for the requested charges of Murder in the 1st degree, Aggravated Endangering A Child and Failure to report the death of a child, according to Spiker.

Coroner: Death of 2-year-old Kan. girl was homicide

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A troubled Kansas foster care management provider has reached an agreement with the state to repay $9.4 million in unspent grant funds.

The deal that the Kansas Department for Children and Families announced it had reached Tuesday with St. Francis Ministries comes on the heels of earlier controversies.

In January,&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;agreed to pay millions more to St. Francis after it significantly underbid the company that used to provide child welfare services in the Omaha area. And&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/salina-kansas-topeka-1b3b0e420e470e18a7dec207441ad8f7">Kansas officials announced in December&nbsp;</a>that St. Francis employees had falsified documents to show visits with families that never took place.

DCF spokesman Mike Deines said the grant repayment agreement is unrelated to the falsified document claims. A state audit is pending.

The agency said in a news release that the repayment stems from a requirement that case management providers come up with a plan to reinvest unspent funds into their child welfare programming. The release said St. Francis provided a preliminary plan, but it was never finalized and sent to DCF for approval.

St. Francis Interim CEO William Clark said in a statement that the goal is “always to do what is best for children and families, while also being good stewards of the resources entrusted to us.”

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A troubled Kansas foster care management provider has reached an agreement with the state to repay $9.4 million in unspent grant funds.The deal that the Kansas Department for Children and Families announced it had reached Tuesday with St. Francis Ministries comes on the heels of earlier controversies.In January,&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;agreed to pay millions more to St. Francis after it significantly underbid the company that used to provide child welfare services in the Omaha area. And&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/salina-kansas-topeka-1b3b0e420e470e18a7dec207441ad8f7">Kansas officials announced in December&nbsp;</a>that St. Francis employees had falsified documents to show visits with families that never took place.DCF spokesman Mike Deines said the grant repayment agreement is unrelated to the falsified document claims. A state audit is pending.The agency said in a news release that the repayment stems from a requirement that case management providers come up with a plan to reinvest unspent funds into their child welfare programming. The release said St. Francis provided a preliminary plan, but it was never finalized and sent to DCF for approval.St. Francis Interim CEO William Clark said in a statement that the goal is “always to do what is best for children and families, while also being good stewards of the resources entrusted to us.”

Troubled Kan. foster care agency agrees to repay $9.4M

TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for a series of burglaries.&nbsp;

Just after 2:30 a.m. Sunday, police received a call for service reference a suspicious person in the 1800 block of SW Wanamaker in Topeka, according to Lt. Shane Hilton. 

As officers arrived and were checking the area, they noticed someone matching the description of the suspect.&nbsp; 

The suspect later identified as 32-year-old Brian Wells of Meriden had items reported taken from a series of car burglaries along Wanamaker earlier in the evening in his possession.

Police arrested Wells and transported him to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary and&nbsp;Theft, according to Hilton.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617112201928.png" alt="Wells remains jailed in Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Wells remains jailed in Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for a series of burglaries.&nbsp;Just after 2:30 a.m. Sunday, police received a call for service reference a suspicious person in the 1800 block of SW Wanamaker in Topeka, according to Lt. Shane Hilton. As officers arrived and were checking the area, they noticed someone matching the description of the suspect.&nbsp; The suspect later identified as 32-year-old Brian Wells of Meriden had items reported taken from a series of car burglaries along Wanamaker earlier in the evening in his possession.Police arrested Wells and transported him to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary and&nbsp;Theft, according to Hilton.

Police catch Kan. man with items taken in burglaries

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police say a 21-year-old woman has been arrested in a Jan. 1 killing near downtown Wichita. 

Isabel Diane Leeann Martin was arrested Monday on suspicion of first-degree murder. She is the third person arrested in the death of 22-year-old Gabriel Campos-Torres. 

He was found shot early Jan. 1 and died at the scene. Martin also was arrested in an unrelated case of recruiting gang members. Police had previously arrested her brother 19-year-old Noah Martin of Wichita and a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of second-degree murder in the killing. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617135091618.png" alt="Martin photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Martin photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police say a 21-year-old woman has been arrested in a Jan. 1 killing near downtown Wichita. Isabel Diane Leeann Martin was arrested Monday on suspicion of first-degree murder. She is the third person arrested in the death of 22-year-old Gabriel Campos-Torres. He was found shot early Jan. 1 and died at the scene. Martin also was arrested in an unrelated case of recruiting gang members. Police had previously arrested her brother 19-year-old Noah Martin of Wichita and a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of second-degree murder in the killing. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609538313369.png" alt="Martin photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Martin photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police spokesperson Charley Davidson said investigators developed new information that implicated Isabel Martin in the shooting.&nbsp;----------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have made two arrests.Just after 12:05 a.m. Friday, officers responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of South Ida in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson..&nbsp; A citizen called and reported hearing shots and a man lying on the sidewalk.Upon officers arriving, they located 22-year-old Gabriel Campos-Torres, who had been shot.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene, according to Davidson.Through the investigation, an additional crime scene was located at a home in the 1200 block of South Laura, where Campos-Torres was shot.&nbsp; Investigators also learned that 18-year-old Noah Martin and a 16-year-old were involved in the shooting.&nbsp; They were located at the home on Laura and arrested.&nbsp; Officers also recovered a firearms inside of the home.Martin of Wichita is being <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20065752">held on a requested</a> charge of 2nd-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm.&nbsp; The 16-year-old boy is being held a requested charge of 2nd-degree murder, according to Davidson.The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.