TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday that total tax collections in March were $760.4 million. That is $7.0 million, or 0.9%, more than the monthly estimate after falling short of estimates for the pasr four months.

Total tax collections are up 0.3% from March 2023. 

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vY29udGVudC5nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeS5jb20vYXR0YWNobWVudHMvS1NPRy8yMDI0LzA0LzAxL2ZpbGVfYXR0YWNobWVudHMvMjgzMjM3Ny8wOV9NYXJjaF9SZXZlbnVlX0ZZMjAyNF8wNC0wMS0yMDI0X0ZpbmFsLnBkZiIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MDEuOTI2ODExMDEifQ.NEu6uLbCL29ToZQF4JbeHL3flXTyzczQVGhY0ajqpiA/s/1303160919/br/239919311948-l" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;to view the March 2024 revenue numbers.

“As we continue to work toward cutting taxes, the Legislature must be mindful that any tax relief must be fiscally sustainable,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “The bipartisan tax cuts plan I introduced in January, among other things, eliminates all state income tax on Social Security benefits and provides about $100 million in property tax relief for Kansas homeowners every year. It is a fiscally responsible plan that puts money back into every Kansan’s pocket while enabling us to continue to fully fund schools and invest in our infrastructure and other critical areas.”

Individual income tax collections were $364.9 million. That is $29.9 million, or 8.9%, more than the month’s estimate and up 16.0% from March 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $77.1 million. That is $7.9 million, or 9.3%, less than the estimate, and down 24.8% from March 2023.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $261.2 million, which is $8.8 million, or 3.2%, less than the estimate. Those collections are $14.2 million, or 5.1%, less than March 2023.&nbsp;

The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group (CRE), comprised of the Department of Revenue, Division of Budget, Legislative Research Department, and economists from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University, will meet on April 19, 2024, to review the fall estimate and make any revisions it may consider necessary.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday that total tax collections in March were $760.4 million. That is $7.0 million, or 0.9%, more than the monthly estimate after falling short of estimates for the pasr four months.Total tax collections are up 0.3% from March 2023. Click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vY29udGVudC5nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeS5jb20vYXR0YWNobWVudHMvS1NPRy8yMDI0LzA0LzAxL2ZpbGVfYXR0YWNobWVudHMvMjgzMjM3Ny8wOV9NYXJjaF9SZXZlbnVlX0ZZMjAyNF8wNC0wMS0yMDI0X0ZpbmFsLnBkZiIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MDEuOTI2ODExMDEifQ.NEu6uLbCL29ToZQF4JbeHL3flXTyzczQVGhY0ajqpiA/s/1303160919/br/239919311948-l" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;to view the March 2024 revenue numbers.“As we continue to work toward cutting taxes, the Legislature must be mindful that any tax relief must be fiscally sustainable,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “The bipartisan tax cuts plan I introduced in January, among other things, eliminates all state income tax on Social Security benefits and provides about $100 million in property tax relief for Kansas homeowners every year. It is a fiscally responsible plan that puts money back into every Kansan’s pocket while enabling us to continue to fully fund schools and invest in our infrastructure and other critical areas.”Individual income tax collections were $364.9 million. That is $29.9 million, or 8.9%, more than the month’s estimate and up 16.0% from March 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $77.1 million. That is $7.9 million, or 9.3%, less than the estimate, and down 24.8% from March 2023.Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $261.2 million, which is $8.8 million, or 3.2%, less than the estimate. Those collections are $14.2 million, or 5.1%, less than March 2023.&nbsp;The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group (CRE), comprised of the Department of Revenue, Division of Budget, Legislative Research Department, and economists from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University, will meet on April 19, 2024, to review the fall estimate and make any revisions it may consider necessary.

After 4 months below estimates, Kansas tax collections are up

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Powerball jackpot climbed to an estimated $1.09 billion after no one matched the six numbers drawn Monday night, continuing a three-month winless streak for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lottery-jackpots-mega-millions-powerball-80fcb836622ba8e18883ce778786c1cc">the top prize</a>.

The numbers drawn were: 19, 24, 40, 42, 56 and the Powerball 23.

No one has won Powerball’s jackpot since New Year’s Day, a stretch of 39 drawings without anyone matching the game’s six numbers. If no one wins the jackpot Wednesday night, the game will match its record of 41 consecutive drawings on Saturday night.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-mega-millions-winning-odds-numbers-a3e5a8e8e7ed15d7500c1d6acdab6785">reason for the jackpot drought</a>&nbsp;is simple: The odds of winning the top prize are miserable, at 1 in 292.2 million. It’s those odds that create the large jackpots that are designed to attract attention and drive up sales.

The $1.09 billion prize is for a sole winner who makes the rare decision to be paid over 30 years through an annuity. Nearly all winners instead take the cash option, which for Wednesday night would be an estimated $527.3 million.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Powerball jackpot climbed to an estimated $1.09 billion after no one matched the six numbers drawn Monday night, continuing a three-month winless streak for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lottery-jackpots-mega-millions-powerball-80fcb836622ba8e18883ce778786c1cc">the top prize</a>.The numbers drawn were: 19, 24, 40, 42, 56 and the Powerball 23.No one has won Powerball’s jackpot since New Year’s Day, a stretch of 39 drawings without anyone matching the game’s six numbers. If no one wins the jackpot Wednesday night, the game will match its record of 41 consecutive drawings on Saturday night.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-mega-millions-winning-odds-numbers-a3e5a8e8e7ed15d7500c1d6acdab6785">reason for the jackpot drought</a>&nbsp;is simple: The odds of winning the top prize are miserable, at 1 in 292.2 million. It’s those odds that create the large jackpots that are designed to attract attention and drive up sales.The $1.09 billion prize is for a sole winner who makes the rare decision to be paid over 30 years through an annuity. Nearly all winners instead take the cash option, which for Wednesday night would be an estimated $527.3 million.

Powerball jackpot rises to $1.09 billion, stretches a 3-month losing streak

CRAWFORD COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 4p.m. Monday in Crawford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1988 Chevy Blazer driven by Terry L. Harper, 74, Frontenac, was southbound on Kansas 7 Highway nine miles south of Girard, Kansas.

The SUV struck a 1989 GMC truck driven by Antonio Zamora&nbsp;Gallardo, 64, Miami, Oklahoma, who&nbsp;was backing out of a private drive on the east side of Kansas 7.&nbsp;The truck driver failed to yield and backed out across the highway into the path of the Blazer. After impact the truck overturned. 

Harper was pronounced dead at the scene. Gallardo was not injured.&nbsp; Harper was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

CRAWFORD COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 4p.m. Monday in Crawford County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1988 Chevy Blazer driven by Terry L. Harper, 74, Frontenac, was southbound on Kansas 7 Highway nine miles south of Girard, Kansas.The SUV struck a 1989 GMC truck driven by Antonio Zamora&nbsp;Gallardo, 64, Miami, Oklahoma, who&nbsp;was backing out of a private drive on the east side of Kansas 7.&nbsp;The truck driver failed to yield and backed out across the highway into the path of the Blazer. After impact the truck overturned. Harper was pronounced dead at the scene. Gallardo was not injured.&nbsp; Harper was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after SUV strikes truck backing out of driveway

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;posted a $175 million bond on Monday in his New York civil fraud case, halting collection of the more than $454 million he owes and preventing the state from seizing his assets to satisfy the debt while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-civil-fraud-verdict-attorney-general-cf9df608a576d561393b4ceeac4cae3a">he appeals</a>, according to a court filing.

A New York appellate court had given the former president 10 days to put up the money after a panel of judges agreed last month to slash the amount needed to stop the clock on enforcement.

The bond Trump is posting with the court now is essentially a placeholder, meant to guarantee payment if the judgment is upheld. If that happens, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee will have to pay the state the whole sum, which grows with daily interest.

If Trump wins, he won't have to pay the state anything and will get back the money he has put up now.

“As promised, President Trump has posted bond. He looks forward to vindicating his rights on appeal and overturning this unjust verdict,” said one of Trump's lawyers, Alina Habba.

Until the appeals court intervened to lower the required bond, New York Attorney General Letitia James had been poised to initiate efforts to collect the judgment, possibly by seizing some of Trump's marquee properties. James, a Democrat, brought the lawsuit on the state’s behalf. Her office declined to comment Monday.

The court ruled after Trump’s lawyers complained it was “a practical impossibility” to get an underwriter to sign off on a bond for the $454 million, plus interest, that he owes.

The company that underwrote the bond is Knight Specialty Insurance, which is part of the Knight Insurance Group. The chairman of that company, billionaire Don Hankey, told The Associated Press that both cash and bond were used as collateral for Trump’s appellate bond.

“This is what we do at Knight Insurance, and we’re happy to do this for anyone who needs a bond,” said Hankey, who is best known in the business world for making high-risk, high-interest loans to car buyers with flawed credit histories. Hankey told the AP he has never met or spoken with Trump.

Trump is fighting to overturn&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24432595-trump-civil-trial-decision">a judge's Feb. 16 finding</a>&nbsp;that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-civil-fraud-trial-engoron-new-york-646814bb4945306f19a22f38fdb246a5">lied about his wealth</a>&nbsp;as he fostered the real estate empire that launched him to stardom and the presidency. The trial focused on how Trump's assets were valued on financial statements that went to bankers and insurers to get loans and deals.

Trump denies any wrongdoing, saying the statements actually&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fraud-trial-testimony-dca74420da0f92ee9bc9caff7a92c3b2">lowballed his fortune</a>, came with disclaimers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-letitia-james-fraud-trial-testimony-f73b28ef92cf3606d66bc9418f3025bc">weren’t taken at face value</a>&nbsp;by the institutions that lent to or insured him.

The state courts’ Appellate Division has said it would hear arguments in September. A specific date has not been set. If the schedule holds, it will fall in the final weeks of the presidential race.

Under New York law, filing an appeal generally doesn’t hold off enforcement of a judgment. But there’s an automatic pause — in legalese, a stay — if the person or entity obtains a bond guaranteeing payment of what’s owed.

Courts sometimes grant exceptions and lower the amount required for a stay, as in Trump’s case.

Trump’s lawyers had told the appeals court more than 30 bonding companies were unwilling to take a mix of cash and real estate as collateral for a $454 million-plus bond. Underwriters insisted on only cash, stocks or other liquid assets, the attorneys said.

They said most bonding companies require collateral covering 120% of the amount owed.

Trump recently claimed to have almost a half-billion dollars in cash — along with billions of dollars worth of real estate and other assets — but said he wanted to have some cash available for his presidential run.

Recent legal debts have taken a sizable chunk out of Trump’s cash reserves.

In addition to the $175 million he had to put up in the New York case, Trump has posted a bond and cash worth more than $97 million to cover money he owes to writer E. Jean Carroll while he appeals verdicts in a pair of federal civil trials. Juries found that he sexually assaulted her in the 1990s and defamed her when she went public with the allegation in 2019. He denies all the allegations.

In February, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-new-york-times-taxes-lawsuit-slapp-f39342501d9a2a5cfd36181f9f336215">paid the $392,638 in legal fees a judge ordered him to cover for The New York Times</a>&nbsp;and three reporters after he unsuccessfully sued them over a Pulitzer Prize-winning 2018 story about his family’s wealth and tax practices.

In March, a British court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-steele-dossier-uk-lawsuit-russia-55427915a83f33a8ead484109b8a89f6">ordered Trump to pay to pay legal fees of 300,000 pounds</a>&nbsp;($382,000) to a company he unsuccessfully sued over the so-called Steele dossier that contained salacious allegations about him. Trump said those claims were false.

Trump could eventually generate cash by selling some of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cash-spac-digital-world-dwac-ce4b055545378ab05d52513ffe2d4d4f">nearly 60% of stock</a>&nbsp;he owns in his newly public social media company, Trump Media &amp; Technology Group — but that would be a longer-term play. Trump’s stake could be worth billions of dollars, but a “lock-up” provision prevents insiders like him from selling their shares for six months.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711383346720.png" alt="File photo Donald Trump in a New York Appeals Court March 25-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo Donald Trump in a New York Appeals Court March 25-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;posted a $175 million bond on Monday in his New York civil fraud case, halting collection of the more than $454 million he owes and preventing the state from seizing his assets to satisfy the debt while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-civil-fraud-verdict-attorney-general-cf9df608a576d561393b4ceeac4cae3a">he appeals</a>, according to a court filing.A New York appellate court had given the former president 10 days to put up the money after a panel of judges agreed last month to slash the amount needed to stop the clock on enforcement.The bond Trump is posting with the court now is essentially a placeholder, meant to guarantee payment if the judgment is upheld. If that happens, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee will have to pay the state the whole sum, which grows with daily interest.If Trump wins, he won't have to pay the state anything and will get back the money he has put up now.“As promised, President Trump has posted bond. He looks forward to vindicating his rights on appeal and overturning this unjust verdict,” said one of Trump's lawyers, Alina Habba.Until the appeals court intervened to lower the required bond, New York Attorney General Letitia James had been poised to initiate efforts to collect the judgment, possibly by seizing some of Trump's marquee properties. James, a Democrat, brought the lawsuit on the state’s behalf. Her office declined to comment Monday.The court ruled after Trump’s lawyers complained it was “a practical impossibility” to get an underwriter to sign off on a bond for the $454 million, plus interest, that he owes.The company that underwrote the bond is Knight Specialty Insurance, which is part of the Knight Insurance Group. The chairman of that company, billionaire Don Hankey, told The Associated Press that both cash and bond were used as collateral for Trump’s appellate bond.“This is what we do at Knight Insurance, and we’re happy to do this for anyone who needs a bond,” said Hankey, who is best known in the business world for making high-risk, high-interest loans to car buyers with flawed credit histories. Hankey told the AP he has never met or spoken with Trump.Trump is fighting to overturn&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24432595-trump-civil-trial-decision">a judge's Feb. 16 finding</a>&nbsp;that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-civil-fraud-trial-engoron-new-york-646814bb4945306f19a22f38fdb246a5">lied about his wealth</a>&nbsp;as he fostered the real estate empire that launched him to stardom and the presidency. The trial focused on how Trump's assets were valued on financial statements that went to bankers and insurers to get loans and deals.Trump denies any wrongdoing, saying the statements actually&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fraud-trial-testimony-dca74420da0f92ee9bc9caff7a92c3b2">lowballed his fortune</a>, came with disclaimers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-letitia-james-fraud-trial-testimony-f73b28ef92cf3606d66bc9418f3025bc">weren’t taken at face value</a>&nbsp;by the institutions that lent to or insured him.The state courts’ Appellate Division has said it would hear arguments in September. A specific date has not been set. If the schedule holds, it will fall in the final weeks of the presidential race.Under New York law, filing an appeal generally doesn’t hold off enforcement of a judgment. But there’s an automatic pause — in legalese, a stay — if the person or entity obtains a bond guaranteeing payment of what’s owed.Courts sometimes grant exceptions and lower the amount required for a stay, as in Trump’s case.Trump’s lawyers had told the appeals court more than 30 bonding companies were unwilling to take a mix of cash and real estate as collateral for a $454 million-plus bond. Underwriters insisted on only cash, stocks or other liquid assets, the attorneys said.They said most bonding companies require collateral covering 120% of the amount owed.Trump recently claimed to have almost a half-billion dollars in cash — along with billions of dollars worth of real estate and other assets — but said he wanted to have some cash available for his presidential run.Recent legal debts have taken a sizable chunk out of Trump’s cash reserves.In addition to the $175 million he had to put up in the New York case, Trump has posted a bond and cash worth more than $97 million to cover money he owes to writer E. Jean Carroll while he appeals verdicts in a pair of federal civil trials. Juries found that he sexually assaulted her in the 1990s and defamed her when she went public with the allegation in 2019. He denies all the allegations.In February, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-new-york-times-taxes-lawsuit-slapp-f39342501d9a2a5cfd36181f9f336215">paid the $392,638 in legal fees a judge ordered him to cover for The New York Times</a>&nbsp;and three reporters after he unsuccessfully sued them over a Pulitzer Prize-winning 2018 story about his family’s wealth and tax practices.In March, a British court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-steele-dossier-uk-lawsuit-russia-55427915a83f33a8ead484109b8a89f6">ordered Trump to pay to pay legal fees of 300,000 pounds</a>&nbsp;($382,000) to a company he unsuccessfully sued over the so-called Steele dossier that contained salacious allegations about him. Trump said those claims were false.Trump could eventually generate cash by selling some of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cash-spac-digital-world-dwac-ce4b055545378ab05d52513ffe2d4d4f">nearly 60% of stock</a>&nbsp;he owns in his newly public social media company, Trump Media &amp; Technology Group — but that would be a longer-term play. Trump’s stake could be worth billions of dollars, but a “lock-up” provision prevents insiders like him from selling their shares for six months.

Trump posts $175m bond in civil fraud case and averts asset seizures

FRANKLIN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after a&nbsp;

Just before 5:30p.m. March 28, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop involving 34-year-old Joshua Franks. He has a history of crime with previous convictions for robbery, interference with law enforcement, flee or attempt to elude and drugs, according tot he Kansas Department of Corrections.

After a brief conversation, Franks ran from the deputy and jumped into the&nbsp; Marais des Cygnes River, according to a media release from the Franklin County Sheriff.

Although the river is shallow, the Franklin County EMS and Ottawa Fire Department were contacted in case a water rescue was necessary.

Deputies and police spoke with Franks for an extended period of time. He eventually came out of the water and was arrested on requested charges of driving with a suspended license; having no proof of insurance; and interference with a law enforcement officer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711818364223.png" alt="Franks photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Franks photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>FRANKLIN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after a&nbsp;Just before 5:30p.m. March 28, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop involving 34-year-old Joshua Franks. He has a history of crime with previous convictions for robbery, interference with law enforcement, flee or attempt to elude and drugs, according tot he Kansas Department of Corrections.After a brief conversation, Franks ran from the deputy and jumped into the&nbsp; Marais des Cygnes River, according to a media release from the Franklin County Sheriff.Although the river is shallow, the Franklin County EMS and Ottawa Fire Department were contacted in case a water rescue was necessary.Deputies and police spoke with Franks for an extended period of time. He eventually came out of the water and was arrested on requested charges of driving with a suspended license; having no proof of insurance; and interference with a law enforcement officer.

Sheriff: Kan. felon ran from traffic stop, jumped in river

HARVEY COUNTY —No April Fool's joke Monday in Harvey County.According to a social media report from Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Chad Crittenden,&nbsp; Master Trooper Morris stopped a motorist on Highway 50 in Harvey County for driving 95mph over the posted speed limit.

In February,  KHP Lieutenant Craig Davis had an encounter with a 2011 BMW on Interstate 70, checking its speed at 151 mph, 76 mph over the speed limit, according to a social media report from the KHP.

During approximately the same week, the Kansas Highway Patrol reported two traffic stops for 100-plus miles per hour within 6 miles in the same afternoon, and both vehicles had children in the car, according to a social media report.

The resulting fine for Lieutenant Davis's efforts on alone amounted to $993, not including the second ticket from police.&nbsp; Trooper Morris did not report the amount of the fine for the driver on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712016691683.png" alt="image KHP" />
 <figcaption>image KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY —No April Fool's joke Monday in Harvey County.According to a social media report from Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Chad Crittenden,&nbsp; Master Trooper Morris stopped a motorist on Highway 50 in Harvey County for driving 95mph over the posted speed limit.In February, KHP Lieutenant Craig Davis had an encounter with a 2011 BMW on Interstate 70, checking its speed at 151 mph, 76 mph over the speed limit, according to a social media report from the KHP.During approximately the same week, the Kansas Highway Patrol reported two traffic stops for 100-plus miles per hour within 6 miles in the same afternoon, and both vehicles had children in the car, according to a social media report.The resulting fine for Lieutenant Davis's efforts on alone amounted to $993, not including the second ticket from police.&nbsp; Trooper Morris did not report the amount of the fine for the driver on Monday.

No April Fool: 95mph over the posted speed limit in Kansas

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan–Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on drug and other allegations.

Just after 9:30p.m. March 30, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 1992 Honda passenger car near 150th and U.S. Highway 75 for traffic infractions, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. During the course of the traffic stop, a Jackson County Sheriff’s K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal substances inside the vehicle.

The driver, Michael Allin Cohorn, 53, of El Dorado, Kansas, was arrested for violating the Kansas offender registration act and driving while suspended. A passenger, Amanda Carol Martinez, 38, of Topeka, was arrested on a requested charge of&nbsp; distribution of methamphetamine.

Another passenger of the vehicle, Sherra Dianne Stapleton, 45 of Topeka, was arrested on a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine. All three were transported to and booked into the Jackson County Jail, according to Morse.

Cohorn has been listed as a registered Kansas sex offender since 2000. He has eight previous sex crime convictions from 1998 and 1999 including incest, sexual battery and aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to the offender registry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711926552559.png" alt="Martinez-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Martinez-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan–Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on drug and other allegations.Just after 9:30p.m. March 30, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 1992 Honda passenger car near 150th and U.S. Highway 75 for traffic infractions, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. During the course of the traffic stop, a Jackson County Sheriff’s K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal substances inside the vehicle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712003788643.png" alt="Cohorn photo KBI offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Cohorn photo KBI offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver, Michael Allin Cohorn, 53, of El Dorado, Kansas, was arrested for violating the Kansas offender registration act and driving while suspended. A passenger, Amanda Carol Martinez, 38, of Topeka, was arrested on a requested charge of&nbsp; distribution of methamphetamine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711926529424.png" alt="Stapleton-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Stapleton-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Another passenger of the vehicle, Sherra Dianne Stapleton, 45 of Topeka, was arrested on a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine. All three were transported to and booked into the Jackson County Jail, according to Morse.Cohorn has been listed as a registered Kansas sex offender since 2000. He has eight previous sex crime convictions from 1998 and 1999 including incest, sexual battery and aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to the offender registry.

Kan. sex offender caught with women transporting drugs

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged scam involving Bitcoin.

Just after 4p.m. Saturday, an employee at Taco Bell, 1700 West Crawford Avenue in Salina received a suspected scam call from someone who claimed they were a corporate staff member who requested more than $1,500 in Bitcoin from the franchise, according to Salina Police Department Captain James Feldman.

The employee first attempted to verify the reliability of the corporate staff member.

"The caller stated there was a financial discrepancy, and the business needed to pay in Bitcoin to fix the issue," Feldman said. "The employee asked multiple questions which the caller was able to answer. The employee decided to purchase Bitcoin."

Feldman said the employee made three transactions for the local Taco Bell franchise for $1,618 in Bitcoin. Around 6:30 p.m., the employees realized the scam and contacted police. Police have not reported a suspect as they continue to investigate.

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged scam involving Bitcoin.Just after 4p.m. Saturday, an employee at Taco Bell, 1700 West Crawford Avenue in Salina received a suspected scam call from someone who claimed they were a corporate staff member who requested more than $1,500 in Bitcoin from the franchise, according to Salina Police Department Captain James Feldman.The employee first attempted to verify the reliability of the corporate staff member."The caller stated there was a financial discrepancy, and the business needed to pay in Bitcoin to fix the issue," Feldman said. "The employee asked multiple questions which the caller was able to answer. The employee decided to purchase Bitcoin."Feldman said the employee made three transactions for the local Taco Bell franchise for $1,618 in Bitcoin. Around 6:30 p.m., the employees realized the scam and contacted police. Police have not reported a suspect as they continue to investigate.

Police: Bitcoin scam at Kansas fast-food restaurant

PAWNEE COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office are conducting a homicide investigation after a weekend shooting in Pawnee County.

Just after 5 p.m. Saturday, Dr. Tomas Garza, 52, of Larned, was shot multiple times during an argument with Michael Reynolds, 67, of Larned, according to a media release from the KBI. The shooting occurred at 1219 Kansas Highway 19 South, in rural Pawnee County. Garza was transported to an area hospital but died of his injuries.

Reynolds was arrested at the scene on a requested charges of second-degree murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was booked into the Pawnee County Jail. Formal charges are pending.

PAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting in Pawnee County have made an arrest.

Just after 5:00 p.m. Saturday, emergency dispatch was notified of a shooting that had just occurred at a property on K19 Highway South near Larned, Kansas, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett

The Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department, Larned Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol and Pawnee County EMS responded to the scene where they discovered one male gunshot victim. The individual was transported to the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital where he late died from his injuries.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is assisting in the investigation at the request of the Pawnee County Sheriff. Special agents from the KBI processed the crime scene. A formal autopsy has been ordered.

Michael Reynolds, 67 of Larned, was taken into custody at the scene without incident, on requested charges of Intentional Murder in the Second Degree and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. He is being held at the Pawnee County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712009351520.png" alt="Reynolds photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Reynolds photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office are conducting a homicide investigation after a weekend shooting in Pawnee County.Just after 5 p.m. Saturday, Dr. Tomas Garza, 52, of Larned, was shot multiple times during an argument with Michael Reynolds, 67, of Larned, according to a media release from the KBI. The shooting occurred at 1219 Kansas Highway 19 South, in rural Pawnee County. Garza was transported to an area hospital but died of his injuries.Reynolds was arrested at the scene on a requested charges of second-degree murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was booked into the Pawnee County Jail. Formal charges are pending.----------------------PAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting in Pawnee County have made an arrest.Just after 5:00 p.m. Saturday, emergency dispatch was notified of a shooting that had just occurred at a property on K19 Highway South near Larned, Kansas, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNettThe Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department, Larned Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol and Pawnee County EMS responded to the scene where they discovered one male gunshot victim. The individual was transported to the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital where he late died from his injuries.The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is assisting in the investigation at the request of the Pawnee County Sheriff. Special agents from the KBI processed the crime scene. A formal autopsy has been ordered.Michael Reynolds, 67 of Larned, was taken into custody at the scene without incident, on requested charges of Intentional Murder in the Second Degree and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. He is being held at the Pawnee County Jail.

Police ID victim in rural Kansas killing

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thunder and lightning delayed the start of the annual&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-house-easter-egg-roll-jill-biden-f1bbacddf2ae3b35812a5083ce12bc09">Easter egg roll</a>&nbsp;at the White House on Monday, but the event eventually rolled ahead under gray skies with a large crowd including many youngsters wearing ponchos or colorful jackets against intermittent rain.

More than 40,000 people — 10,000 more than last year — were expected to attend, with children attempting to coax colorfully dyed hard-boiled eggs across the lawn to a finish line, among other “egg-tivities.” This year's theme was “EGG-ucation,” and led by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jill-biden">Jill Biden</a>, a teacher for more than 30 years.

“Easter reminds us of the power of hope and renewal, and sacrifice and resurrection,” President Joe Biden told attendees, speaking from the White House balcony, where he was flanked by two large Easter bunnies, one wearing sunglasses fashioned like his trademark Ray-Bans. “But mainly love and grace towards one another."

Biden said it's a time to “cherish the blessings, the possibilities that we have as Americans."

“That’s what I see in our country. We’re a great nation because we’re a good people,” he said. "Our values are solid.”

The president, accompanied by the first lady, then went down to the lawn, bending down to help a few youngsters with their eggs. He blew a whistle to officially start the roll — one of the oldest White House traditions&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/whho/planyourvisit/easter-egg-roll.htm">first held in 1878</a>.

Participants included thousands of military and veteran families, their caregivers and survivors. Members of the general public claimed tickets through an online lottery. All were being admitted in nine waves until the evening.

A large schoolhouse erected on the South Lawn offered kids activities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM — including making circuit-breakers, simulating a fossil dig and learning about next week's solar eclipse. Youngsters also wrote notes to U.S. troops and first responders with Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit organization.

The American Egg Board donated 64,000 eggs to the White House for the event — 40,000 for egg rolling and 24,00 for decorating and other uses.

“I'm a teacher so I love any time when we can turn the White House into a classroom,” the first lady said, noting that the South Lawn had been turned into a "learning playground and school community.”

After blowing a whistle to help with a few egg roll games, Jill Biden went to the garden outside the East Wing and read “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” to a group.

The first couple also gave a brief interview Monday to NBC's “Today” and said Easter Sunday for them featured putting dollar bills in plastic easter eggs and holding a hunt with their grandchildren. “We’re still missing one,” joked the first lady.

The Democratic president drew criticism from top conservatives and the campaign of former President Donald Trump, a Republican who is running to reclaim the White House, by proclaiming March 31 — the same day as Easter — as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/03/29/a-proclamation-on-transgender-day-of-visibility-2024/">“Transgender Day of Visibility.</a>&nbsp;″

Asked about the criticism as he was leaving the lawn, Biden said his critics were ”thoroughly uninformed" and that he did not arrange for Easter and transgender recognition to fall on the same day.

Karine Jean-Pierre, the president's chief spokesperson, was more direct and slammed as “cruel, hateful and dishonest” what she said was being pushed “to divide us.”

At her daily press briefing, Jean-Pierre said that "folks who understand the calendar and how it works” know that the date for Easter changes every year and that this year it coincided with Transgender Day of Visibility.

Separately, Biden was asked in the NBC News interview about his final campaign as he seeks a second term. He said he was optimistic and thinks “people are so tired of the negativity" they hear from the other side that he will be reelected.

“I think people are going to surprise people again,” Biden said.

The White House Easter Egg Roll, one of its oldest traditions,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehousehistory.org/questions/what-is-the-history-of-the-white-house-easter-egg-roll">dates to the presidency of</a>&nbsp;Rutherford B. Hayes, who opened the White House lawn to children after they were kicked off the grounds of the U.S. Capitol.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thunder and lightning delayed the start of the annual&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-house-easter-egg-roll-jill-biden-f1bbacddf2ae3b35812a5083ce12bc09">Easter egg roll</a>&nbsp;at the White House on Monday, but the event eventually rolled ahead under gray skies with a large crowd including many youngsters wearing ponchos or colorful jackets against intermittent rain.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden kicks off the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, which dates back to the 1870s. <a href="https://t.co/TtsiL2kMqz">pic.twitter.com/TtsiL2kMqz</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1774900182225666136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>More than 40,000 people — 10,000 more than last year — were expected to attend, with children attempting to coax colorfully dyed hard-boiled eggs across the lawn to a finish line, among other “egg-tivities.” This year's theme was “EGG-ucation,” and led by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jill-biden">Jill Biden</a>, a teacher for more than 30 years.(click below to watch the fun)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1389389235047315%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=5" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>“Easter reminds us of the power of hope and renewal, and sacrifice and resurrection,” President Joe Biden told attendees, speaking from the White House balcony, where he was flanked by two large Easter bunnies, one wearing sunglasses fashioned like his trademark Ray-Bans. “But mainly love and grace towards one another."Biden said it's a time to “cherish the blessings, the possibilities that we have as Americans."“That’s what I see in our country. We’re a great nation because we’re a good people,” he said. "Our values are solid.”The president, accompanied by the first lady, then went down to the lawn, bending down to help a few youngsters with their eggs. He blew a whistle to officially start the roll — one of the oldest White House traditions&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/whho/planyourvisit/easter-egg-roll.htm">first held in 1878</a>.Participants included thousands of military and veteran families, their caregivers and survivors. Members of the general public claimed tickets through an online lottery. All were being admitted in nine waves until the evening.A large schoolhouse erected on the South Lawn offered kids activities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM — including making circuit-breakers, simulating a fossil dig and learning about next week's solar eclipse. Youngsters also wrote notes to U.S. troops and first responders with Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit organization.The American Egg Board donated 64,000 eggs to the White House for the event — 40,000 for egg rolling and 24,00 for decorating and other uses.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">First lady Jill Biden reads &quot;Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?&quot; at the White House Easter Egg Roll. <a href="https://t.co/5fKT52Emrs">pic.twitter.com/5fKT52Emrs</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1774890757398118778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“I'm a teacher so I love any time when we can turn the White House into a classroom,” the first lady said, noting that the South Lawn had been turned into a "learning playground and school community.”After blowing a whistle to help with a few egg roll games, Jill Biden went to the garden outside the East Wing and read “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” to a group.The first couple also gave a brief interview Monday to NBC's “Today” and said Easter Sunday for them featured putting dollar bills in plastic easter eggs and holding a hunt with their grandchildren. “We’re still missing one,” joked the first lady.The Democratic president drew criticism from top conservatives and the campaign of former President Donald Trump, a Republican who is running to reclaim the White House, by proclaiming March 31 — the same day as Easter — as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/03/29/a-proclamation-on-transgender-day-of-visibility-2024/">“Transgender Day of Visibility.</a>&nbsp;″Asked about the criticism as he was leaving the lawn, Biden said his critics were ”thoroughly uninformed" and that he did not arrange for Easter and transgender recognition to fall on the same day.Karine Jean-Pierre, the president's chief spokesperson, was more direct and slammed as “cruel, hateful and dishonest” what she said was being pushed “to divide us.”At her daily press briefing, Jean-Pierre said that "folks who understand the calendar and how it works” know that the date for Easter changes every year and that this year it coincided with Transgender Day of Visibility.Separately, Biden was asked in the NBC News interview about his final campaign as he seeks a second term. He said he was optimistic and thinks “people are so tired of the negativity" they hear from the other side that he will be reelected.“I think people are going to surprise people again,” Biden said.The White House Easter Egg Roll, one of its oldest traditions,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehousehistory.org/questions/what-is-the-history-of-the-white-house-easter-egg-roll">dates to the presidency of</a>&nbsp;Rutherford B. Hayes, who opened the White House lawn to children after they were kicked off the grounds of the U.S. Capitol.

🎥White House Easter egg roll draws a huge crowd

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Easter Sunday crash have identified the driver who died as 41-year-old&nbsp; Brooke Hacker of Wichita, according to Wichita Police Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Just before 1:30p.m. Sunday, a car driven by Hacker was westbound on 47th Street South at Interstate 135 when she drifted off the roadway and collided with a signal pole. 

Fire and EMS arrived promptly and started to provide life-saving measures.&nbsp; Hacker was pronounced deceased at the scene. The cause of death is pending an autopsy/toxicology examination through the Sedgwick County coroner’s office, according to Rebolledo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712002851072.png" alt="Investigators in the scene of the fatal crash-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Investigators in the scene of the fatal crash-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Easter Sunday crash have identified the driver who died as 41-year-old&nbsp; Brooke Hacker of Wichita, according to Wichita Police Officer Juan Rebolledo.Just before 1:30p.m. Sunday, a car driven by Hacker was westbound on 47th Street South at Interstate 135 when she drifted off the roadway and collided with a signal pole. Fire and EMS arrived promptly and started to provide life-saving measures.&nbsp; Hacker was pronounced deceased at the scene. The cause of death is pending an autopsy/toxicology examination through the Sedgwick County coroner’s office, according to Rebolledo.

Police ID Kansas woman who died after crash into signal pole

KANSAS CITY(AP) — A person in Texas has been diagnosed with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bird-flu">bird flu</a>, an infection tied to the recent discovery of the virus in dairy cows, health officials said Monday.

The patient is being treated with an antiviral drug and their only reported symptom was eye redness,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/dshs-reports-first-human-case-avian-influenza-texas">Texas health officials said</a>. Health officials say the person had been in contact with cows presumed to be infected, and the risk to the public remains low.

Last week, dairy cows in Kansas and Texas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-dairy-cattle-usda-kansas-texas-c3040bb31a9a8293717d47362f006902">were reported</a>&nbsp;to be infected with bird flu — and federal agriculture officials later confirmed infections in a Michigan dairy herd that had recently received cows from Texas.

Since 2020, the bird flu virus has been spreading among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/disease-outbreaks-hong-kong-health-bird-flu-animals-75e5d058e0fda23b5359f66cafb74cdf">more animal species</a>&nbsp;– including dogs, cats, skunks, bears and even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seals-bird-flu-deaths-oceans-80184a8793fbcc21fab01b1c90b0d71b">seals</a>&nbsp;and porpoises – in scores of countries. However, the detection is U.S. livestock is an “unexpected and problematic twist,” said Dr. Ali Khan, a former CDC outbreak investigator who is now dean of the University of Nebraska’s public health college.

This bird flu was first identified as a threat to people during a 1997 outbreak in Hong Kong. More than 460 people have died in the past two decades from bird flu infections, according to the World Health Organization.

The vast majority of infected people got it directly from birds, but scientists have been on guard for any sign of spread among people. Their biggest concern is that the virus could mutate to spread easily among humans, something that hasn’t happened yet.

It’s only the second time a person in the United States has been diagnosed with what’s known as Type A H5N1 virus. In 2022, a prison inmate in a work program&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-environment-colorado-b98906e0a1899bb1f92da30a7b1dbe28">picked it up</a>&nbsp;while killing infected birds at a poultry farm in Montrose County, Colorado. His only symptom was fatigue, and he recovered.

Texas officials didn’t identify the newly infected person, nor release any details about what brought them in contact with the cows.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636037846131.jpeg" alt="Photo USDA" />
 <figcaption>Photo USDA</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY(AP) — A person in Texas has been diagnosed with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bird-flu">bird flu</a>, an infection tied to the recent discovery of the virus in dairy cows, health officials said Monday.The patient is being treated with an antiviral drug and their only reported symptom was eye redness,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/dshs-reports-first-human-case-avian-influenza-texas">Texas health officials said</a>. Health officials say the person had been in contact with cows presumed to be infected, and the risk to the public remains low.Last week, dairy cows in Kansas and Texas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-dairy-cattle-usda-kansas-texas-c3040bb31a9a8293717d47362f006902">were reported</a>&nbsp;to be infected with bird flu — and federal agriculture officials later confirmed infections in a Michigan dairy herd that had recently received cows from Texas.Since 2020, the bird flu virus has been spreading among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/disease-outbreaks-hong-kong-health-bird-flu-animals-75e5d058e0fda23b5359f66cafb74cdf">more animal species</a>&nbsp;– including dogs, cats, skunks, bears and even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seals-bird-flu-deaths-oceans-80184a8793fbcc21fab01b1c90b0d71b">seals</a>&nbsp;and porpoises – in scores of countries. However, the detection is U.S. livestock is an “unexpected and problematic twist,” said Dr. Ali Khan, a former CDC outbreak investigator who is now dean of the University of Nebraska’s public health college.This bird flu was first identified as a threat to people during a 1997 outbreak in Hong Kong. More than 460 people have died in the past two decades from bird flu infections, according to the World Health Organization.The vast majority of infected people got it directly from birds, but scientists have been on guard for any sign of spread among people. Their biggest concern is that the virus could mutate to spread easily among humans, something that hasn’t happened yet.It’s only the second time a person in the United States has been diagnosed with what’s known as Type A H5N1 virus. In 2022, a prison inmate in a work program&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-environment-colorado-b98906e0a1899bb1f92da30a7b1dbe28">picked it up</a>&nbsp;while killing infected birds at a poultry farm in Montrose County, Colorado. His only symptom was fatigue, and he recovered.Texas officials didn’t identify the newly infected person, nor release any details about what brought them in contact with the cows.___

First person diagnosed with bird flu after being in contact with cows

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids and former Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts share bipartisan angst about political gridlock impeding progress on a new five-year farm bill outlining federal programs in agriculture, conservation, nutrition and trade.

Davids, who serves on the House Agriculture Committee, and Roberts, who was the first member of Congress to chair both the House and Senate agriculture committees, said during a joint appearance at the Olathe campus of Kansas State University that there was good reason to be concerned about reaching consensus on a farm bill. The current law enacted in 2018 was extended one year to Sept. 30, 2024, after Congress failed to make a deal last fall.

“You can see that the economy and the future of our state is so tied up on how well our farmers and producers in the ag sector are doing,” said Davids, who serves the five-county 3rd District. “The farm bill is not a partisan issue. I’ll continue working to pass a bipartisan farm bill this year.”

She said after touring a Johnson County farm and taking part in a roundtable discussion on agriculture that the tradition of the House and Senate taking a bipartisan approach to the farm bill was being challenged by combative politicians in Washington, D.C.

“I was honored to be joined by so many agriculture professionals and policymakers from both parties as we work to ensure Kansas producers have the support needed to thrive,” Davids said.

Roberts, who retired in 2021 and three terms in the U.S. Senate and eight terms in the U.S. House, said there was an 80% chance the Congress wouldn’t reach agreement this year on a new farm bill. It’s noteworthy, he said, that others with congressional experience were convinced there was no chance of a bill passing this year.

He said serving as agriculture committee chairman during work on four farm bills taught him lawmakers — urban and rural, conservative and liberal — had to set aside differences and reach across the aisle.

“We know the most important thing when you get down to it is to get a bill passed to provide farmers certainty and predictability,” Roberts said. That is the most important question you have with the farm bill. Unfortunately, that is not the most important question we see today in the House of Representatives.”

During a news conference with Davids, the Kansas agriculture secretary and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s deputy secretary, Roberts said the fate of the farm bill inspired him to speak frankly about damage caused by the House Freedom Caucus composed of the chamber’s most conservative members. He said nearly two-dozen in this furthest-right block — especially a core group of perhaps eight GOP “ideologues” —&nbsp; were eager to engage in political conflict rather than pragmatic governing.

“That’s not the House that I represented for many years or, for that matter, the Senate,” Roberts said. “If you’re an ideologue, they’re right and you’re wrong. No amount of talking or reasonable conversation or whatever is going to bring them to the table. That’s what we’re faced with. Quite frankly, the Republican Party in the House of Representatives is in danger of losing their majority due to this kind of performance, or nonperformance.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/u-s-sen-jerry-moran-frustrated-by-slow-pace-of-negotiations-on-new-five-year-farm-bill/">U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, also a Kansas Republican, separately shared frustration</a>&nbsp;with pace of work on the new farm bill and raised an alarm about the potential of the bill not be completed before the clock ran out in September.

Davids was joined by Roberts, USDA deputy secretary Xochitl Torres Small, Kansas agriculture secretary Mike Beam, former U.S. Rep. Jim Slattery of Kansas and former U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson of Minnesota for the tour last week of Finley Farms, a family-owned farming operation in Edgerton specializing in growing corn and soybeans.

Findley Farms, which is a sixth-generation business, turned to funding provided through the USDA’s environmental quality incentives program, or EQIP, to build a tiled pipe system on terraced fields to better manage water and minimize erosion.

“It was through that investment that they were able to look at the best way, the most efficient way to grow their corn and be able to pass that farm on for generations,” Torres Small said. “We know we succeed when we invest in farmers and rural communities.”

After the tour, the group took part in a roundtable conversation on Kansas agriculture with representatives from Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Farmers Union, National Crop Insurance Services, Kansas Livestock Association and other commodity groups, grocers, and local agriculture professionals.

“It is critically important for Kansas to have bipartisan representation in Congress, and this is especially important for the agriculture committee,” said Slattery, a Democrat who served in the U.S. House from 1983 to 1995. “As someone who has a farm in Kansas, the crop insurance program is important to all producers in Kansas and is perhaps the most successful farm bill program.”

The three other U.S. House members and two U.S. senators from Kansas are Republicans, including U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann of the 1st District who also serves on the House Agriculture Committee.

Beam, the state’s agriculture secretary, said the scope of the farm economy wasn’t fully appreciated in some circles. He said there were 72 sectors of agriculture contributing $85 billion to the state’s economy. He said 13% of the state’s labor force was engaged in agricultural occupations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1711982189885.png" alt=" Former U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts. a Republican, said during a news conference on agriculture issues with Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids that he was frustrated with the House Freedom Caucus members for stalling bipartisan negotiations with the House and Senate on a new five-year farm bill. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Davids news conference)" />
 <figcaption> Former U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts. a Republican, said during a news conference on agriculture issues with Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids that he was frustrated with the House Freedom Caucus members for stalling bipartisan negotiations with the House and Senate on a new five-year farm bill. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Davids news conference)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids and former Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts share bipartisan angst about political gridlock impeding progress on a new five-year farm bill outlining federal programs in agriculture, conservation, nutrition and trade.Davids, who serves on the House Agriculture Committee, and Roberts, who was the first member of Congress to chair both the House and Senate agriculture committees, said during a joint appearance at the Olathe campus of Kansas State University that there was good reason to be concerned about reaching consensus on a farm bill. The current law enacted in 2018 was extended one year to Sept. 30, 2024, after Congress failed to make a deal last fall.“You can see that the economy and the future of our state is so tied up on how well our farmers and producers in the ag sector are doing,” said Davids, who serves the five-county 3rd District. “The farm bill is not a partisan issue. I’ll continue working to pass a bipartisan farm bill this year.”She said after touring a Johnson County farm and taking part in a roundtable discussion on agriculture that the tradition of the House and Senate taking a bipartisan approach to the farm bill was being challenged by combative politicians in Washington, D.C.“I was honored to be joined by so many agriculture professionals and policymakers from both parties as we work to ensure Kansas producers have the support needed to thrive,” Davids said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1711982135982.png" alt="U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, discussed following a tour of Findley Farms, a sixth-generation business specializing in production of corn and soybeans, the importance to the agriculture economy for Congress to adopt a bipartisan farm bill by end of September. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Davids news conference)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, discussed following a tour of Findley Farms, a sixth-generation business specializing in production of corn and soybeans, the importance to the agriculture economy for Congress to adopt a bipartisan farm bill by end of September. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Davids news conference)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Ideologues on the right</h2>Roberts, who retired in 2021 and three terms in the U.S. Senate and eight terms in the U.S. House, said there was an 80% chance the Congress wouldn’t reach agreement this year on a new farm bill. It’s noteworthy, he said, that others with congressional experience were convinced there was no chance of a bill passing this year.He said serving as agriculture committee chairman during work on four farm bills taught him lawmakers — urban and rural, conservative and liberal — had to set aside differences and reach across the aisle.“We know the most important thing when you get down to it is to get a bill passed to provide farmers certainty and predictability,” Roberts said. That is the most important question you have with the farm bill. Unfortunately, that is not the most important question we see today in the House of Representatives.”During a news conference with Davids, the Kansas agriculture secretary and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s deputy secretary, Roberts said the fate of the farm bill inspired him to speak frankly about damage caused by the House Freedom Caucus composed of the chamber’s most conservative members. He said nearly two-dozen in this furthest-right block — especially a core group of perhaps eight GOP “ideologues” —&nbsp; were eager to engage in political conflict rather than pragmatic governing.“That’s not the House that I represented for many years or, for that matter, the Senate,” Roberts said. “If you’re an ideologue, they’re right and you’re wrong. No amount of talking or reasonable conversation or whatever is going to bring them to the table. That’s what we’re faced with. Quite frankly, the Republican Party in the House of Representatives is in danger of losing their majority due to this kind of performance, or nonperformance.”<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/u-s-sen-jerry-moran-frustrated-by-slow-pace-of-negotiations-on-new-five-year-farm-bill/">U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, also a Kansas Republican, separately shared frustration</a>&nbsp;with pace of work on the new farm bill and raised an alarm about the potential of the bill not be completed before the clock ran out in September.<h2>Kansas ag future</h2>Davids was joined by Roberts, USDA deputy secretary Xochitl Torres Small, Kansas agriculture secretary Mike Beam, former U.S. Rep. Jim Slattery of Kansas and former U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson of Minnesota for the tour last week of Finley Farms, a family-owned farming operation in Edgerton specializing in growing corn and soybeans.Findley Farms, which is a sixth-generation business, turned to funding provided through the USDA’s environmental quality incentives program, or EQIP, to build a tiled pipe system on terraced fields to better manage water and minimize erosion.“It was through that investment that they were able to look at the best way, the most efficient way to grow their corn and be able to pass that farm on for generations,” Torres Small said. “We know we succeed when we invest in farmers and rural communities.”After the tour, the group took part in a roundtable conversation on Kansas agriculture with representatives from Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Farmers Union, National Crop Insurance Services, Kansas Livestock Association and other commodity groups, grocers, and local agriculture professionals.“It is critically important for Kansas to have bipartisan representation in Congress, and this is especially important for the agriculture committee,” said Slattery, a Democrat who served in the U.S. House from 1983 to 1995. “As someone who has a farm in Kansas, the crop insurance program is important to all producers in Kansas and is perhaps the most successful farm bill program.”The three other U.S. House members and two U.S. senators from Kansas are Republicans, including U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann of the 1st District who also serves on the House Agriculture Committee.Beam, the state’s agriculture secretary, said the scope of the farm economy wasn’t fully appreciated in some circles. He said there were 72 sectors of agriculture contributing $85 billion to the state’s economy. He said 13% of the state’s labor force was engaged in agricultural occupations.

Davids, Roberts anxious about Washington gridlock inhibiting development of new farm bill

KANSAS CITY —Kansas City Police are investigating a deadly officer involved shooting.

Just before 10:20p.m. Saturday, two Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputies and a Gladstone Police officer were involved in an officer-involved shooting that left one man is dead. 

Gladstone Police requested assistance from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office on a traffic stop at about 10:20 p.m. Saturday at Englewood and Garfield, just inside Kansas City, Missouri. Deputies reported shots fired at 10:36 p.m.

No law enforcement officers were injured. The Kansas City Missouri Police Department is investigating the incident.&nbsp;

Kansas City Police recovered a gun at the scene. Their investigation of the incident is ongoing. The involved deputies are on administrative leave, in accordance with Sheriff's Office policy

This is the second deadly officer involved shooting over the Easter holiday weekend. Just before 6a.m. Sunday police responded to a 911 call for help in the 4000 Block of Myrtle Avenue in Kansas City, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol in charge of the investigation.

At the scene officer located a man armed with a handgun walking in the street in front of a nearby residence. Kansas City Police officer attempted to negotiate with him to drop the handgun. The man presented the gun in the direction of officers and several officers fired their weapons.The man was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital where he died.

KANSAS CITY —Kansas City Police are investigating a deadly officer involved shooting.Just before 10:20p.m. Saturday, two Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputies and a Gladstone Police officer were involved in an officer-involved shooting that left one man is dead. Gladstone Police requested assistance from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office on a traffic stop at about 10:20 p.m. Saturday at Englewood and Garfield, just inside Kansas City, Missouri. Deputies reported shots fired at 10:36 p.m.No law enforcement officers were injured. The Kansas City Missouri Police Department is investigating the incident.&nbsp;Kansas City Police recovered a gun at the scene. Their investigation of the incident is ongoing. The involved deputies are on administrative leave, in accordance with Sheriff's Office policyThis is the second deadly officer involved shooting over the Easter holiday weekend. Just before 6a.m. Sunday police responded to a 911 call for help in the 4000 Block of Myrtle Avenue in Kansas City, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol in charge of the investigation.At the scene officer located a man armed with a handgun walking in the street in front of a nearby residence. Kansas City Police officer attempted to negotiate with him to drop the handgun. The man presented the gun in the direction of officers and several officers fired their weapons.The man was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital where he died.

Police recover gun at scene of fatal KC area officer shooting

KANSAS CITY— Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal crash in Kanas City have identified the passenger who died as 18-year-old Kevin Adero of Kansas City, Miossouri, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Just before 9p.m. March 29, a Hyundai Elantra was southbound on U.S. 169 Highway at a very high rate of speed, according to Gonzalez.

 The driver of the Hyundai, for unknown reasons was passing cars on the shoulder and splitting the two lanes of travel and passing on the center lane line. 

The driver lost control of the car. It traveled off the roadway to the left, struck the guardrail and rolled. 

All four of the occupants were not wearing seatbelts. The front right passenger later identified as Adero was pronounced dead on the scene. The driver and two passengers were transported to area hospitals, with critical injuries. 

Both directions on US 169 were closed down for approximately three hours during the investigation.

KANSAS CITY— Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal crash in Kanas City have identified the passenger who died as 18-year-old Kevin Adero of Kansas City, Miossouri, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.Just before 9p.m. March 29, a Hyundai Elantra was southbound on U.S. 169 Highway at a very high rate of speed, according to Gonzalez. The driver of the Hyundai, for unknown reasons was passing cars on the shoulder and splitting the two lanes of travel and passing on the center lane line. The driver lost control of the car. It traveled off the roadway to the left, struck the guardrail and rolled. All four of the occupants were not wearing seatbelts. The front right passenger later identified as Adero was pronounced dead on the scene. The driver and two passengers were transported to area hospitals, with critical injuries. Both directions on US 169 were closed down for approximately three hours during the investigation.

KCPD IDs teen who died in crash after car passed on shoulder

LAWRENCE —The University of Kansas reported breaking news Monday morning.&nbsp; According to the university's social media account, "KU archaeologists have discovered new evidence that Jayhawks were, in fact, a real species of bird, driven to extinction at the beginning of the Holocene Epoch.

 “The fossil record speaks for itself,” says Dr. Camp A. Nile, the archaeologist behind this discovery.&nbsp; It is April 1, 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1711982346355.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE —The University of Kansas reported breaking news Monday morning.&nbsp; According to the university's social media account, "KU archaeologists have discovered new evidence that Jayhawks were, in fact, a real species of bird, driven to extinction at the beginning of the Holocene Epoch.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BREAKING: KU archaeologists have discovered new evidence that Jayhawks were, in fact, a real species of bird, driven to extinction at the beginning of the Holocene Epoch. “The fossil record speaks for itself,” says Dr. Camp A. Nile, the archaeologist behind this discovery. <a href="https://t.co/gCaEFCecR3">pic.twitter.com/gCaEFCecR3</a>&mdash; University of Kansas (@UnivOfKansas) <a href="https://twitter.com/UnivOfKansas/status/1774805713551811001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> “The fossil record speaks for itself,” says Dr. Camp A. Nile, the archaeologist behind this discovery.&nbsp; It is April 1, 2024.

April 1: KU archaeologists discover new evidence Jayhawks were real

An area legislator has found a spot on a new Missouri House
committee which will consider bills dealing with technology as well as help the
legislature handle emerging technology.

State Rep. Jeff Farnan of Stanberry is one of two freshmen on
the House Special Committee on Innovation and Technology. Farnan has a degree
in computer programming and has written computer programs, stating he has
always enjoyed tech. He says he mentioned to an aide to the Speaker of the
House his background and interest, asking to be a part of the committee. He
says his inexperience in the General Assembly didn’t seem to play a role.

“It’s more the Speaker was looking for somebody that had
experience in that field and by me explaining that to his assistant, that was
why I got on there,” Farnan tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Farnan says the committee will take on legislation concerning
technology, but will also attempt to guide the General Assembly on how best to
deal with the latest innovations.

Farnan has advanced a bill of his own for the committee to
consider. It would allow Missourians to use bio-metrics to buy alcohol.

“The advantage to this is that this scanning process will take
one to two seconds, instead of somebody having to get out their driver’s
license and the person looking at it and determining if their old enough to buy
liquor,” Farnan says. “This will help decrease the time that you have to stand
in line to buy something at the concession stand.”

Farnan says the process would be voluntary, noting that some
might consider it an invasion of privacy.

Farnan, a Republican, says the committee has the expertise to
handle issues that might prove too much for other committees.

“This is where you would want these bills to go, especially
like the bio-metric bill. You wouldn’t want it to go to, say Tourism, where
that committee would probably have no idea what you’re even talking about and
then they’re making a decision if this is a good bill or not,” Farnan says. “So
I think that the Technology Committee can definitely guide the House in the
right direction.”

The Speaker’s office says the committee will support the
development of technology, help ensure Missouri’s future global
competitiveness, and ensure protections for Missourians.

You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn area legislator has found a spot on a new Missouri House
committee which will consider bills dealing with technology as well as help the
legislature handle emerging technology.State Rep. Jeff Farnan of Stanberry is one of two freshmen on
the House Special Committee on Innovation and Technology. Farnan has a degree
in computer programming and has written computer programs, stating he has
always enjoyed tech. He says he mentioned to an aide to the Speaker of the
House his background and interest, asking to be a part of the committee. He
says his inexperience in the General Assembly didn’t seem to play a role.“It’s more the Speaker was looking for somebody that had
experience in that field and by me explaining that to his assistant, that was
why I got on there,” Farnan tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Farnan says the committee will take on legislation concerning
technology, but will also attempt to guide the General Assembly on how best to
deal with the latest innovations.Farnan has advanced a bill of his own for the committee to
consider. It would allow Missourians to use bio-metrics to buy alcohol.“The advantage to this is that this scanning process will take
one to two seconds, instead of somebody having to get out their driver’s
license and the person looking at it and determining if their old enough to buy
liquor,” Farnan says. “This will help decrease the time that you have to stand
in line to buy something at the concession stand.”Farnan says the process would be voluntary, noting that some
might consider it an invasion of privacy.Farnan, a Republican, says the committee has the expertise to
handle issues that might prove too much for other committees.“This is where you would want these bills to go, especially
like the bio-metric bill. You wouldn’t want it to go to, say Tourism, where
that committee would probably have no idea what you’re even talking about and
then they’re making a decision if this is a good bill or not,” Farnan says. “So
I think that the Technology Committee can definitely guide the House in the
right direction.”The Speaker’s office says the committee will support the
development of technology, help ensure Missouri’s future global
competitiveness, and ensure protections for Missourians.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Local-legislator-on-new-Missouri-Committee-e2hrd3a" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Area lawmaker lands on special Missouri House tech committee

KANSAS CITY — A man accused in killing a Kansas City area police officer and process server is now saving additional charges.

Larry D. Acree, 69, now faces 18 felony counts for his fatal shootings on Feb. 29, 2024, that killed a 16th Circuit Court process server Drexel Mack and&nbsp; Independence police officer Cody Allen and wounded others, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced.

Larry D. Acree was charged on March 1, 2024, with two counts of Murder in the 1st Degree, two Assault in the 1st Degree for wounding a police officer and a court process server and three additional counts of Armed Criminal Action charges. Today, the Jackson County Prosecutor announced additional charges were being filed as a result of a new Grand Jury indictment. New charges include additional Assault 1st Degree charges for shooting at special victims and additional Armed Criminal Action charges.*

According to court records, the process server and police officers had gone to a residence on North Elsea Smith Road in eastern Jackson County on Feb. 29, 2024,to evict any person on the property. 

The process server, Mack, after knocking and announcing their presence was shot and fell to the floor inside the front entrance. Officers responded and attempted to retrieve the victim. Officer Allen was mortally wounded and a second officer was wounded. Officers returned fire. Acree was taken into custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709695226784.png" alt="Acree-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Acree-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — A man accused in killing a Kansas City area police officer and process server is now saving additional charges.Larry D. Acree, 69, now faces 18 felony counts for his fatal shootings on Feb. 29, 2024, that killed a 16th Circuit Court process server Drexel Mack and&nbsp; Independence police officer Cody Allen and wounded others, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced.Larry D. Acree was charged on March 1, 2024, with two counts of Murder in the 1st Degree, two Assault in the 1st Degree for wounding a police officer and a court process server and three additional counts of Armed Criminal Action charges. Today, the Jackson County Prosecutor announced additional charges were being filed as a result of a new Grand Jury indictment. New charges include additional Assault 1st Degree charges for shooting at special victims and additional Armed Criminal Action charges.*According to court records, the process server and police officers had gone to a residence on North Elsea Smith Road in eastern Jackson County on Feb. 29, 2024,to evict any person on the property. The process server, Mack, after knocking and announcing their presence was shot and fell to the floor inside the front entrance. Officers responded and attempted to retrieve the victim. Officer Allen was mortally wounded and a second officer was wounded. Officers returned fire. Acree was taken into custody.

Suspect in killing of KC area officer, process server faces new charges

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JOHN%20HANNA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;</a>

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Legislature is scrambling to address tax cuts, funding for disability services and immigration issues ahead of its annual three-week spring break starting next week. Most bills that don’t pass by then won’t be considered when lawmakers return April 29 for a short wrap-up session.

Republicans disagree over how to cut income taxes, as well as pay for other big-ticket items such as disability rights. It's all coming to a head as lawmakers approach their annual “Drop Dead Day,” a deadline to either pass legislation or let it fade away.

Lawmakers are supposed to finish a proposed $25 billion budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

Here is a look at some of the major issues up for consideration this week:

The Legislature is having its second go at enacting income, sales and property tax cuts this year after Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-income-tax-cuts-budget-veto-kelly-1c321169e87d69480efe91db0ef55f28">vetoed a GOP package</a>&nbsp;in January because it included a single-rate, or “flat,” income tax, which she said favored the “super rich.” With help from several GOP defectors, Democrats narrowly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-income-tax-cuts-budget-4b53850ab4aa72febec4fb728ccbc9b1">stopped the governor's veto from being overridden</a>&nbsp;in the House.

State tax collections have&nbsp;<a href="https://budget.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/08_February_Revenue_FY2024_03-01-2024_Final.pdf">fallen short</a>&nbsp;in recent months, but Kansas is still on track to end June 2025 with more than $4 billion in surplus funds. Legislators are poised to approve tax cuts worth $500 million to $600 million annually, while a plan Kelly outlined in January would be worth about $300 million a year.

The House and Senate both want to exempt retirees' Social Security benefits from income taxes, decrease the property taxes levied by the state for public schools and adjust standard personal income tax deductions.

The key difference is in proposed income tax rates.

A Senate plan would set a single rate of 5.7% — the top rate now — and decrease it over five years to 5.45%.

In the House, GOP leaders concluded a single-rate plan is unlikely to overcome another Kelly veto. Instead, they want to eliminate the lowest income tax bracket and set the top rate at 5.65%.

Kelly hasn't said publicly whether she would accept a plan with two rates.

While Senate Republicans appear to have a two-thirds majority for their plan, the House approved its version this week 123-0. The final tax plan will be drafted by three Senate and three House negotiators.

Immigration and diversity issues are both part of this year's budget negotiations in Kansas.

Republican senators have added a provision to their spending plan that would&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/sr1737_00_0000.pdf">support Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's</a>&nbsp;battle with the Biden administration over border security. The measure sets aside $15.7 million for a proposed border mission before July and directs Kelly to deploy Kansas National Guard resources to help Texas.

Asked about that provision last month, Kelly said the state constitution makes her the guard's commander-in-chief, “And I make those decisions.”

Another provision in the Senate budget proposal would withhold $35.7 million from state universities until top administrators go before Kelly and legislative leaders and renounce certain&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diversity-equity-inclusion-universities-ban-kansas-69ba2c0492944b76772353289e565b19">diversity, equity and inclusion</a>&nbsp;initiatives. The lawmakers want schools to declare they won't require prospective students or job applicants to commit to DEI principles or require them to discuss their experiences with DEI programs.

Last year, Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/culture-war-kansas-abortion-diversity-eb8c355ac54b19c5efc80090accb9ce9">vetoed two anti-DEI budget provisions</a>. One would have prevented state universities from using DEI principles in hiring. The other would have barred the state board that licenses mental health professionals from requiring or incentivizing them to undergo training in diversity or anti-racism theories.

Some Kansas families&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/disability-rights-inhome-services-state-waiting-lists-cf5cfbcf99d3bc82652ec253c7028f8e">are waiting 10 years</a>&nbsp;to get in-home or community services for their children with physical or intellectual-developmental disabilities. Lawmakers are weighing solutions.

While 15,000 disabled Kansans have access to services such as day programs, employment assistance or home care, more than 7,600 are on&nbsp;<a href="ttps://kdads.ks.gov/docs/librariesprovider17/ltss/hcbs/waivers/participation-reports/2024/waiver-program-participation-report-3.15.24.pdf?sfvrsn=7c05f367_3">waiting lists</a>. A total of 23 people died in 2022 and 2023 while waiting for services, according to the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1711976540476.png" alt="Photo Kansas Rep. Tobias Schlingensiepen" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Rep. Tobias Schlingensiepen</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JOHN%20HANNA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;</a>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Legislature is scrambling to address tax cuts, funding for disability services and immigration issues ahead of its annual three-week spring break starting next week. Most bills that don’t pass by then won’t be considered when lawmakers return April 29 for a short wrap-up session.Republicans disagree over how to cut income taxes, as well as pay for other big-ticket items such as disability rights. It's all coming to a head as lawmakers approach their annual “Drop Dead Day,” a deadline to either pass legislation or let it fade away.Lawmakers are supposed to finish a proposed $25 billion budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1.Here is a look at some of the major issues up for consideration this week:GOP WAVERING ON ‘FLAT TAX’The Legislature is having its second go at enacting income, sales and property tax cuts this year after Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-income-tax-cuts-budget-veto-kelly-1c321169e87d69480efe91db0ef55f28">vetoed a GOP package</a>&nbsp;in January because it included a single-rate, or “flat,” income tax, which she said favored the “super rich.” With help from several GOP defectors, Democrats narrowly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-income-tax-cuts-budget-4b53850ab4aa72febec4fb728ccbc9b1">stopped the governor's veto from being overridden</a>&nbsp;in the House.State tax collections have&nbsp;<a href="https://budget.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/08_February_Revenue_FY2024_03-01-2024_Final.pdf">fallen short</a>&nbsp;in recent months, but Kansas is still on track to end June 2025 with more than $4 billion in surplus funds. Legislators are poised to approve tax cuts worth $500 million to $600 million annually, while a plan Kelly outlined in January would be worth about $300 million a year.The House and Senate both want to exempt retirees' Social Security benefits from income taxes, decrease the property taxes levied by the state for public schools and adjust standard personal income tax deductions.The key difference is in proposed income tax rates.A Senate plan would set a single rate of 5.7% — the top rate now — and decrease it over five years to 5.45%.In the House, GOP leaders concluded a single-rate plan is unlikely to overcome another Kelly veto. Instead, they want to eliminate the lowest income tax bracket and set the top rate at 5.65%.Kelly hasn't said publicly whether she would accept a plan with two rates.While Senate Republicans appear to have a two-thirds majority for their plan, the House approved its version this week 123-0. The final tax plan will be drafted by three Senate and three House negotiators.IMMIGRATION AND DIVERSITYImmigration and diversity issues are both part of this year's budget negotiations in Kansas.Republican senators have added a provision to their spending plan that would&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/sr1737_00_0000.pdf">support Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's</a>&nbsp;battle with the Biden administration over border security. The measure sets aside $15.7 million for a proposed border mission before July and directs Kelly to deploy Kansas National Guard resources to help Texas.Asked about that provision last month, Kelly said the state constitution makes her the guard's commander-in-chief, “And I make those decisions.”Another provision in the Senate budget proposal would withhold $35.7 million from state universities until top administrators go before Kelly and legislative leaders and renounce certain&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diversity-equity-inclusion-universities-ban-kansas-69ba2c0492944b76772353289e565b19">diversity, equity and inclusion</a>&nbsp;initiatives. The lawmakers want schools to declare they won't require prospective students or job applicants to commit to DEI principles or require them to discuss their experiences with DEI programs.Last year, Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/culture-war-kansas-abortion-diversity-eb8c355ac54b19c5efc80090accb9ce9">vetoed two anti-DEI budget provisions</a>. One would have prevented state universities from using DEI principles in hiring. The other would have barred the state board that licenses mental health professionals from requiring or incentivizing them to undergo training in diversity or anti-racism theories.SERVICES FOR THE DISABLEDSome Kansas families&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/disability-rights-inhome-services-state-waiting-lists-cf5cfbcf99d3bc82652ec253c7028f8e">are waiting 10 years</a>&nbsp;to get in-home or community services for their children with physical or intellectual-developmental disabilities. Lawmakers are weighing solutions.While 15,000 disabled Kansans have access to services such as day programs, employment assistance or home care, more than 7,600 are on&nbsp;<a href="ttps://kdads.ks.gov/docs/librariesprovider17/ltss/hcbs/waivers/participation-reports/2024/waiver-program-participation-report-3.15.24.pdf?sfvrsn=7c05f367_3">waiting lists</a>. A total of 23 people died in 2022 and 2023 while waiting for services, according to the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.Kelly now proposes spending $23 million to provide services for 250 physically disabled people and 250 with intellectual-developmental disabilities who are now on waiting lists. The House proposal would double that.Some House Democrats have pushed unsuccessfully to spend enough to service an additional 1,000 people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Yet some Republicans question whether service providers can handle such an increased workload.“It is disingenuous to tell them they’re going to get help when we can’t even find the workers to provide the services that they need,” House Health Committee Chairperson Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, said during a recent meeting.But advocates for the disabled have questioned whether another 500 slots for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities will even shrink their waiting list, given that hundreds more individuals were added to it in each of the last two years.