SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on drug allegations.

On Friday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Shawnee County Drug Task Force served a search warrant in the 1100 Block of SW High Avenue in Topeka as part of an ongoing investigation, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.

While conducting the search warrant, officers located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

As a result officers arrested 25-year-old Steven Ferris Jr.; 24-year-old Amber Hester and 43-year-old Chelsea Estep all of Topeka.&nbsp; They were transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

All three are being held on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Aggravated Endangering a Child.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677936965446.png" alt="Ferris-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Ferris-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on drug allegations.On Friday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Shawnee County Drug Task Force served a search warrant in the 1100 Block of SW High Avenue in Topeka as part of an ongoing investigation, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677937064326.png" alt="Estep-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Estep-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>While conducting the search warrant, officers located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.As a result officers arrested 25-year-old Steven Ferris Jr.; 24-year-old Amber Hester and 43-year-old Chelsea Estep all of Topeka.&nbsp; They were transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677937002265.png" alt="Hester-photo Shawne Co." />
 <figcaption>Hester-photo Shawne Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>All three are being held on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Aggravated Endangering a Child.

Police found meth, children during drug bust at Kansas home 

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Republicans and their pro-life allies, who suffered a series of defeats in ballot questions in states across the political spectrum last year, are changing tactics as new legislative sessions and the new election season start.

In states where citizens have direct access to the ballot, Republicans are considering ways to prevent another loss in an abortion-rights referendum.

In some states, Republicans are considering exemptions to sweeping bans or looking at ways to prevent abortions besides trying to roll back the number of weeks during which an abortion is allowed.

To be sure, abortion restrictions have seen some success in a few Republican-controlled states.

West Virginia and Indiana passed laws to ban abortion after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">U.S. Supreme Court’s June ruling</a>&nbsp;overturning a nationwide constitutional protection for the procedure.

South Carolina&nbsp;and&nbsp;Montana&nbsp;lawmakers are also trying to ban abortion — or more heavily restrict it — despite a court-ordered right to privacy that currently protects a right to abortion in those states.

But in a number of states, the battle over abortion rights is fluid and influenced by what voters had to say last year, when Kansas, Kentucky and Montana rejected anti-abortion measures on ballots and&nbsp;Michigan,&nbsp;California&nbsp;and&nbsp;Vermont&nbsp;approved abortion rights amendments.

In politically divided Pennsylvania, Republican lawmakers have stalled their push for a constitutional amendment that would declare there is no constitutional right to an abortion or for taxpayer support for an abortion.

The wording is nearly identical to a measure that failed in Kentucky, and the experience in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">Kansas last August</a>&nbsp;told abortion opponents that it would be very difficult to win a statewide referendum, said Michael McMonagle, president of the Pro-Life Coalition of Pennsylvania.

“We realized that if the referendum turns on the left's arguments that ‘these pro-lifers are trying to outlaw abortion,’ we’re going to get slaughtered," McMonagle said. “It will be the mushy middle people who will vote against the pro-life referendum.”

Rather, abortion opponents in Pennsylvania decided to wait to see the outcome of a pending court case where abortion clinics are asking the state Supreme Court to overturn a law that bans taxpayer funding for abortions.

A court decision that overturns the law — and allows the state to use public money for abortions — would give abortion opponents a stronger message and a more persuasive case with voters to help them succeed in a referendum, McMonagle said.

Elizabeth Nash, of the New York-based Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights, sees Republicans changing their approach in some states by trying to put up barriers to abortion pills, fund pregnancy programs or soften strict abortion bans.

As an example, Nash pointed to Tennessee, where a growing number of Republican lawmakers say the state’s abortion ban went too far. A bill to allow an abortion if necessary to save the mother's life passed a Senate subcommittee in February but faces uncertain prospects in the GOP-controlled Legislature, and with Republican Gov. Bill Lee should it reach his desk.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton, a Republican, said polling data and discussions with Republican women persuaded him that the law should, at least, include an exception for the life of the mother.

“It’s a very delicate issue,” Sexton said, “but what you see is Republican women wanting exceptions.”

In Kansas, meanwhile, anti-abortion lawmakers recovering from their referendum defeat last August have dropped the idea of trying to ban abortion earlier in pregnancy. Kansas is one of the more permissive states, barring most abortions after the 22nd week.

For the moment, Kansas Republican legislators are aiming to provide financial help to centers that discourage abortion by offering free pregnancy and post-pregnancy services.

Elsewhere, officials at Planned Parenthood say several Republican-controlled states are taking steps to head off potential ballot questions that ask voters to enshrine abortion rights into state constitutions.

That dynamic is playing out in conservative&nbsp;Missouri.

It is one of 13 states where abortion is banned — largely by “trigger” laws that took effect after the high court overturned its landmark Roe v. Wade decision — and one of 22 where citizens have direct ballot access.

There, Republican state lawmakers are considering a handful of alternatives, including making it more difficult to amend the constitution by raising the threshold for voter approval from 50% to 60% in a referendum.

Republicans also floated their own proposal to amend the constitution to say that no provision in the constitution “shall be construed to secure or protect a right to abortion.”

In Republican-controlled Ohio, abortion opponents are gearing up to try to defeat what is expected to be the nation's next&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ohio-state-government-michigan-health-7758b37b35cbb87f3185877fcbfc2139">referendum</a>&nbsp;to protect access to abortion.

Abortion remains legal in Ohio through 20 weeks, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-ohio-government-and-politics-d4dd3a0c4816ccb9f56df30163f58b9e">courts may allow a near-complete ban on abortion</a>&nbsp;approved by lawmakers in 2019.

To fight the referendum, a Republican state lawmaker is sponsoring a resolution to make it more difficult for voters to amend the constitution.

In a memo to colleagues, Rep. Brian Stewart wrote, “after decades of Republicans’ work to make Ohio a pro-life state, the Left intends to write abortion on demand into Ohio’s Constitution.”

Stewart’s measure drew support from Ohio Right to Life, whose leaders met with their philosophical allies in Kentucky, Kansas and Michigan to research why the movement had suffered losses in referendums in those states.

Mike Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life, said he is raising money, hiring campaign staff and intending to get out their message early in the state that just elected a slate of anti-abortion politicians to statewide offices in November.

“What we’re doing now is we’re creating a campaign operation to oppose what Planned Parenthood wants to do,” Gonidakis said. “And we’re going to hire campaign manager, media firms — we’re running this as if it’s a traditional campaign. You have to. They’re going to raise, by their own admission, probably $40 million. We’ve got to match them dollar for dollar. And we’ll do that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656088183967.png" alt="Protestors for and against abortion outside the Supreme Court ruling in June 2022-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Protestors for and against abortion outside the Supreme Court ruling in June 2022-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Republicans and their pro-life allies, who suffered a series of defeats in ballot questions in states across the political spectrum last year, are changing tactics as new legislative sessions and the new election season start.In states where citizens have direct access to the ballot, Republicans are considering ways to prevent another loss in an abortion-rights referendum.In some states, Republicans are considering exemptions to sweeping bans or looking at ways to prevent abortions besides trying to roll back the number of weeks during which an abortion is allowed.To be sure, abortion restrictions have seen some success in a few Republican-controlled states.West Virginia and Indiana passed laws to ban abortion after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">U.S. Supreme Court’s June ruling</a>&nbsp;overturning a nationwide constitutional protection for the procedure.South Carolina&nbsp;and&nbsp;Montana&nbsp;lawmakers are also trying to ban abortion — or more heavily restrict it — despite a court-ordered right to privacy that currently protects a right to abortion in those states.But in a number of states, the battle over abortion rights is fluid and influenced by what voters had to say last year, when Kansas, Kentucky and Montana rejected anti-abortion measures on ballots and&nbsp;Michigan,&nbsp;California&nbsp;and&nbsp;Vermont&nbsp;approved abortion rights amendments.In politically divided Pennsylvania, Republican lawmakers have stalled their push for a constitutional amendment that would declare there is no constitutional right to an abortion or for taxpayer support for an abortion.The wording is nearly identical to a measure that failed in Kentucky, and the experience in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">Kansas last August</a>&nbsp;told abortion opponents that it would be very difficult to win a statewide referendum, said Michael McMonagle, president of the Pro-Life Coalition of Pennsylvania.“We realized that if the referendum turns on the left's arguments that ‘these pro-lifers are trying to outlaw abortion,’ we’re going to get slaughtered," McMonagle said. “It will be the mushy middle people who will vote against the pro-life referendum.”Rather, abortion opponents in Pennsylvania decided to wait to see the outcome of a pending court case where abortion clinics are asking the state Supreme Court to overturn a law that bans taxpayer funding for abortions.A court decision that overturns the law — and allows the state to use public money for abortions — would give abortion opponents a stronger message and a more persuasive case with voters to help them succeed in a referendum, McMonagle said.Elizabeth Nash, of the New York-based Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights, sees Republicans changing their approach in some states by trying to put up barriers to abortion pills, fund pregnancy programs or soften strict abortion bans.As an example, Nash pointed to Tennessee, where a growing number of Republican lawmakers say the state’s abortion ban went too far. A bill to allow an abortion if necessary to save the mother's life passed a Senate subcommittee in February but faces uncertain prospects in the GOP-controlled Legislature, and with Republican Gov. Bill Lee should it reach his desk.House Speaker Cameron Sexton, a Republican, said polling data and discussions with Republican women persuaded him that the law should, at least, include an exception for the life of the mother.“It’s a very delicate issue,” Sexton said, “but what you see is Republican women wanting exceptions.”In Kansas, meanwhile, anti-abortion lawmakers recovering from their referendum defeat last August have dropped the idea of trying to ban abortion earlier in pregnancy. Kansas is one of the more permissive states, barring most abortions after the 22nd week.For the moment, Kansas Republican legislators are aiming to provide financial help to centers that discourage abortion by offering free pregnancy and post-pregnancy services.Elsewhere, officials at Planned Parenthood say several Republican-controlled states are taking steps to head off potential ballot questions that ask voters to enshrine abortion rights into state constitutions.That dynamic is playing out in conservative&nbsp;Missouri.It is one of 13 states where abortion is banned — largely by “trigger” laws that took effect after the high court overturned its landmark Roe v. Wade decision — and one of 22 where citizens have direct ballot access.There, Republican state lawmakers are considering a handful of alternatives, including making it more difficult to amend the constitution by raising the threshold for voter approval from 50% to 60% in a referendum.Republicans also floated their own proposal to amend the constitution to say that no provision in the constitution “shall be construed to secure or protect a right to abortion.”In Republican-controlled Ohio, abortion opponents are gearing up to try to defeat what is expected to be the nation's next&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ohio-state-government-michigan-health-7758b37b35cbb87f3185877fcbfc2139">referendum</a>&nbsp;to protect access to abortion.Abortion remains legal in Ohio through 20 weeks, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-ohio-government-and-politics-d4dd3a0c4816ccb9f56df30163f58b9e">courts may allow a near-complete ban on abortion</a>&nbsp;approved by lawmakers in 2019.To fight the referendum, a Republican state lawmaker is sponsoring a resolution to make it more difficult for voters to amend the constitution.In a memo to colleagues, Rep. Brian Stewart wrote, “after decades of Republicans’ work to make Ohio a pro-life state, the Left intends to write abortion on demand into Ohio’s Constitution.”Stewart’s measure drew support from Ohio Right to Life, whose leaders met with their philosophical allies in Kentucky, Kansas and Michigan to research why the movement had suffered losses in referendums in those states.Mike Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life, said he is raising money, hiring campaign staff and intending to get out their message early in the state that just elected a slate of anti-abortion politicians to statewide offices in November.“What we’re doing now is we’re creating a campaign operation to oppose what Planned Parenthood wants to do,” Gonidakis said. “And we’re going to hire campaign manager, media firms — we’re running this as if it’s a traditional campaign. You have to. They’re going to raise, by their own admission, probably $40 million. We’ve got to match them dollar for dollar. And we’ll do that.”___

Pro-life allies in Kansas change tactics after post-Roe defeats

WASHINGTON —The United States will transfer military equipment worth up to $400 million to Ukraine to aid its defense against the Russian invasion, according to a statement from the the Defense Department on Friday.&nbsp;Including this latest package, the U.S. has now provided more than $32 billion in military aid to Ukraine. 

This security assistance package features ammunition and support equipment to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, the United States has sent more than $30 billion worth of gear to Ukraine. This is the 33rd time the Biden administration has invoked the drawdown authority for Ukraine.

In this package, the United States will provide additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, additional 105 mm and 155 mm artillery rounds, and additional 25 mm ammunition.

The package also includes armored vehicle-launched bridges. These vehicles are designed to accompany armored columns and give them the ability to cross rivers, streams, ditches and trenches. The bridges are carried on the chassis of armored vehicles and launched at river or stream banks. Once the crossing is finished, the vehicle can pick up the bridge on the far bank and carry on.

The package will also include demolition munitions and equipment for obstacle clearing. To help the Ukrainians sustain their forces in combat, the package also includes testing and diagnostic equipment to support vehicle maintenance and repair, as well as spare parts and other field equipment.

Since the Russian invasion, the aid the United States has proffered has changed as the battle changed. In the beginning of the conflict, the Ukrainians needed anti-armor and air defense capabilities. The U.S. rushed Javelins anti-armor systems and Stinger air defense weapons to the country.

After Ukraine's military turned back the Russian thrust on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, artillery became more important, and the U.S. responded with howitzers and High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and ammunition. Air defense remained a priority, and the U.S. sent National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems to the country and has pledged a Patriot air defense battery. The battle is changing again, and the United States will send 31 M1A2 main battle tanks to the country.

But the United States is just one nation supporting Ukraine's right to sovereignty. According to DOD figures, more than 54 countries from around the world have pledged more than 1,000 tanks and other armored vehicles. They've delivered or pledged more than 800 artillery systems, and they've delivered more than 2 million rounds of artillery ammunition and more than 50 advanced Multiple Rocket Launch Systems.

WASHINGTON (AP) —The U.S. announced a new $400 million military aid package for Ukraine on Friday that for the first time includes armored vehicles that can launch bridges — allowing troops to cross rivers or other gaps as Russian and Ukrainian forces remain entrenched on opposite sides of the Dnieper River.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine?utm_source=apnewsnav&amp;utm_medium=hub">The war</a>&nbsp;had largely slowed to a grinding stalemate during the winter months, with Russia and Ukraine firing at each other from across the river. Both sides are expected to launch offensives as temperatures warm.

This round of aid will be drawn from existing U.S. weapons stockpiles so it can arrive in Ukraine faster. The U.S. and allies are trying to rush additional support to Kyiv to best position it for intensified spring fighting.

The Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge is a portable, 60-foot (18-meter) folding metal bridge that is carried on top of a tank body. Providing that system now could make it easier for Ukrainian troops to cross rivers to get to Russian forces.

Because Ukraine also continues to face shortages of ammunition in the intense firefight, this aid package, like previous ones, includes thousands of replacement rounds, such as rockets for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and 155mm Howitzer rounds. This package also includes demolition munitions and equipment for clearing obstacles to help Ukraine break through dug-in lines.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine a year ago, the U.S. has sent in more than $32 billion in weapons and equipment.

The U.S. is also roughly tripling the number of Ukrainian forces it is training on advanced battle tactics at a base in Germany, to help them punch through entrenched Russian lines. At the Grafenwoehr training area, Ukrainian forces run through a five-week course that prepares them to conduct advanced combined arms maneuvers with Bradley fighting vehicles, M109 Paladins and Stryker armored personnel carriers. The first 600 Ukrainian troops completed the course last month and 1,600 more are in training.

The aid will also include spare parts and equipment for vehicle maintenance and repair.

The announcement comes on the heels of a brief meeting Thursday between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a gathering of top diplomats from the Group of 20 nations in New Delhi. It was the highest-level in-person talk between the two countries since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But there was no indication of any movement toward easing the intense tensions between the two nations.

Blinken said he told Lavrov the U.S. would continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Lavrov, who did not mention speaking with Blinken when he held a news conference after the meeting, told reporters Moscow would continue to press its action in Ukraine.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is expected to announce a new package of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">military aid for Ukraine</a>&nbsp;Friday, including —for the first time — eight armored vehicles that can launch bridges and allow troops to cross rivers or other gaps, U.S. officials said Thursday.

The officials said the total cost of the package will be about $400 million and will also include large amounts of ammunition, such as rockets for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems. It comes just a week after the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and as Ukrainian forces are preparing for a spring offensive.

Officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the aid package has not yet been publicly announced.

The so-called Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge is a portable, 60-foot folding metal bridge that is carried on top of a tank body. Providing that system now could help Ukrainian troops as they launch the expected offensive, and make it easier for troops to cross rivers to get to Russian forces.

Including this latest package, the U.S. has now provided more than $32 billion in military aid to Ukraine. The vehicle bridges and ammunition in the package will be taken from Pentagon stocks through the presidential drawdown authority, so they will be able to be delivered quickly to the warfront.

The aid will also include an undisclosed amount of rounds for howitzers, other ammunition, demolition munitions and other equipment to clear obstacles, spare parts and equipment for vehicle maintenance and repair.

The announcement comes on the heels of a brief meeting Thursday between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-russia-ukraine-g20-blinken-lavrov-1af60a2c2918e9c0777b33b3e71bd54b">U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov</a>&nbsp;at a meeting of top diplomats from the Group of 20 nations in New Delhi. It was the highest-level in-person talk between the two countries since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But there was no indication of any movement toward easing the intense tensions between the two nations.

The war had largely slowed to a grinding stalemate during the winter months, but both sides are expected to be preparing to launch offensives in the spring.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677883597374.png" alt="Army combat engineers train on the operation of the M60 Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridge system Feb. 28, 2020. The M60 AVLB is based on the M60 Patton main battle tank hull and is used for the launching and retrieval of a 60-foot, scissor-type bridge.-photo Defense Department" />
 <figcaption>Army combat engineers train on the operation of the M60 Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridge system Feb. 28, 2020. The M60 AVLB is based on the M60 Patton main battle tank hull and is used for the launching and retrieval of a 60-foot, scissor-type bridge.-photo Defense Department</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —The United States will transfer military equipment worth up to $400 million to Ukraine to aid its defense against the Russian invasion, according to a statement from the the Defense Department on Friday.&nbsp;Including this latest package, the U.S. has now provided more than $32 billion in military aid to Ukraine. This security assistance package features ammunition and support equipment to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs.Since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, the United States has sent more than $30 billion worth of gear to Ukraine. This is the 33rd time the Biden administration has invoked the drawdown authority for Ukraine.In this package, the United States will provide additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, additional 105 mm and 155 mm artillery rounds, and additional 25 mm ammunition.The package also includes armored vehicle-launched bridges. These vehicles are designed to accompany armored columns and give them the ability to cross rivers, streams, ditches and trenches. The bridges are carried on the chassis of armored vehicles and launched at river or stream banks. Once the crossing is finished, the vehicle can pick up the bridge on the far bank and carry on.The package will also include demolition munitions and equipment for obstacle clearing. To help the Ukrainians sustain their forces in combat, the package also includes testing and diagnostic equipment to support vehicle maintenance and repair, as well as spare parts and other field equipment.Since the Russian invasion, the aid the United States has proffered has changed as the battle changed. In the beginning of the conflict, the Ukrainians needed anti-armor and air defense capabilities. The U.S. rushed Javelins anti-armor systems and Stinger air defense weapons to the country.After Ukraine's military turned back the Russian thrust on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, artillery became more important, and the U.S. responded with howitzers and High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and ammunition. Air defense remained a priority, and the U.S. sent National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems to the country and has pledged a Patriot air defense battery. The battle is changing again, and the United States will send 31 M1A2 main battle tanks to the country.But the United States is just one nation supporting Ukraine's right to sovereignty. According to DOD figures, more than 54 countries from around the world have pledged more than 1,000 tanks and other armored vehicles. They've delivered or pledged more than 800 artillery systems, and they've delivered more than 2 million rounds of artillery ammunition and more than 50 advanced Multiple Rocket Launch Systems.-------------WASHINGTON (AP) —The U.S. announced a new $400 million military aid package for Ukraine on Friday that for the first time includes armored vehicles that can launch bridges — allowing troops to cross rivers or other gaps as Russian and Ukrainian forces remain entrenched on opposite sides of the Dnieper River.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine?utm_source=apnewsnav&amp;utm_medium=hub">The war</a>&nbsp;had largely slowed to a grinding stalemate during the winter months, with Russia and Ukraine firing at each other from across the river. Both sides are expected to launch offensives as temperatures warm.This round of aid will be drawn from existing U.S. weapons stockpiles so it can arrive in Ukraine faster. The U.S. and allies are trying to rush additional support to Kyiv to best position it for intensified spring fighting.The Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge is a portable, 60-foot (18-meter) folding metal bridge that is carried on top of a tank body. Providing that system now could make it easier for Ukrainian troops to cross rivers to get to Russian forces.Because Ukraine also continues to face shortages of ammunition in the intense firefight, this aid package, like previous ones, includes thousands of replacement rounds, such as rockets for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and 155mm Howitzer rounds. This package also includes demolition munitions and equipment for clearing obstacles to help Ukraine break through dug-in lines.Since Russia invaded Ukraine a year ago, the U.S. has sent in more than $32 billion in weapons and equipment.The U.S. is also roughly tripling the number of Ukrainian forces it is training on advanced battle tactics at a base in Germany, to help them punch through entrenched Russian lines. At the Grafenwoehr training area, Ukrainian forces run through a five-week course that prepares them to conduct advanced combined arms maneuvers with Bradley fighting vehicles, M109 Paladins and Stryker armored personnel carriers. The first 600 Ukrainian troops completed the course last month and 1,600 more are in training.The aid will also include spare parts and equipment for vehicle maintenance and repair.The announcement comes on the heels of a brief meeting Thursday between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a gathering of top diplomats from the Group of 20 nations in New Delhi. It was the highest-level in-person talk between the two countries since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But there was no indication of any movement toward easing the intense tensions between the two nations.Blinken said he told Lavrov the U.S. would continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.Lavrov, who did not mention speaking with Blinken when he held a news conference after the meeting, told reporters Moscow would continue to press its action in Ukraine.--------------WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is expected to announce a new package of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">military aid for Ukraine</a>&nbsp;Friday, including —for the first time — eight armored vehicles that can launch bridges and allow troops to cross rivers or other gaps, U.S. officials said Thursday.The officials said the total cost of the package will be about $400 million and will also include large amounts of ammunition, such as rockets for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems. It comes just a week after the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and as Ukrainian forces are preparing for a spring offensive.Officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the aid package has not yet been publicly announced.The so-called Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge is a portable, 60-foot folding metal bridge that is carried on top of a tank body. Providing that system now could help Ukrainian troops as they launch the expected offensive, and make it easier for troops to cross rivers to get to Russian forces.Including this latest package, the U.S. has now provided more than $32 billion in military aid to Ukraine. The vehicle bridges and ammunition in the package will be taken from Pentagon stocks through the presidential drawdown authority, so they will be able to be delivered quickly to the warfront.The aid will also include an undisclosed amount of rounds for howitzers, other ammunition, demolition munitions and other equipment to clear obstacles, spare parts and equipment for vehicle maintenance and repair.The announcement comes on the heels of a brief meeting Thursday between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-russia-ukraine-g20-blinken-lavrov-1af60a2c2918e9c0777b33b3e71bd54b">U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov</a>&nbsp;at a meeting of top diplomats from the Group of 20 nations in New Delhi. It was the highest-level in-person talk between the two countries since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But there was no indication of any movement toward easing the intense tensions between the two nations.Blinken said he told Lavrov the U.S. would continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.Lavrov, who did not mention speaking with Blinken when he held a news conference after the meeting, told reporters Moscow would continue to press its action in Ukraine.The war had largely slowed to a grinding stalemate during the winter months, but both sides are expected to be preparing to launch offensives in the spring.

US sends another $400M in aid to Ukraine; total now $32 billion

KANSAS CITY —Three Kansas City police officers shot and wounded while searching a suspected drug house late Tuesday left the hospital Friday afternoon, according to a statement from KCPD. The department wrote on their social media. page, "Please continue to pray for their healing."

The incident prompted a standoff that ended about 18 hours later with the discovery of a body.

Missouri, patrol spokesman Sgt. Bill Lowe said the SWAT team entered around 3:30 p.m., finding the body and an uninjured woman.

She has been taken into custody, along with two others who surrendered from the home hours earlier.

One of those who surrendered, 50-year-old Jimmie Lewis Jr., was charged Wednesday with meth-dealing and two other federal counts stemming from a November 2021 police pursuit.

No charges were immediately filed in the shooting. And the names of the other two suspects weren't immediately released, Lowe said. Identification of the slain man and his cause of death also wasn't released, pending an autopsy and notification of his relatives.

It all started around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday when tactical response team officers forced entry into the house and were fired upon, Kansas City police Chief Stacey Graves told reporters outside a hospital.

The officers shot back. They were taken to the hospital, where they were in non-life-threatening condition, Graves said.

Lewis surrendered late Tuesday and another suspect early Wednesday. But Lowe said law enforcement waited to enter the home until they could get robotics inside to determine it was safe.

The case started as a federal drug investigation. The patrol said the Jackson County Drug Task Force, which works with federal agencies, requested the assistance of the Kansas City SWAT team to serve the search warrant.

The officers had announced that they were police before trying to enter the home, Graves said.

“They are highly trained, good men,” Graves said of the wounded officers. “And, you know, we’re just so thankful tonight that each one of them, I was able to to physically talk to them.”

According to an affidavit filed against Lewis in the unrelated federal case, he fled from Independence police after he was spotted driving a pickup truck that matched the description of a stolen vehicle.

He reached speeds of more than 100 mph and ran stop signs before he struck a curb and flattened a tire, the affidavit said. Lewis then fled on foot but was apprehended with $2,084 in his pocket.

Inside his backpack, officers found a loaded handgun and nine plastic bags filled with methamphetamine. More meth was found under the passenger seat of the truck, the affidavit said.

Lewis is charged with one count each of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Federal prosecutors said in a news release that he has multiple prior felony convictions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677717053405.png" alt="The injured officers were taken to the hospital, where they were in non-life-threatening condition-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>The injured officers were taken to the hospital, where they were in non-life-threatening condition-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Three Kansas City police officers shot and wounded while searching a suspected drug house late Tuesday left the hospital Friday afternoon, according to a statement from KCPD. The department wrote on their social media. page, "Please continue to pray for their healing."The incident prompted a standoff that ended about 18 hours later with the discovery of a body.Missouri, patrol spokesman Sgt. Bill Lowe said the SWAT team entered around 3:30 p.m., finding the body and an uninjured woman.She has been taken into custody, along with two others who surrendered from the home hours earlier.One of those who surrendered, 50-year-old Jimmie Lewis Jr., was charged Wednesday with meth-dealing and two other federal counts stemming from a November 2021 police pursuit.No charges were immediately filed in the shooting. And the names of the other two suspects weren't immediately released, Lowe said. Identification of the slain man and his cause of death also wasn't released, pending an autopsy and notification of his relatives.It all started around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday when tactical response team officers forced entry into the house and were fired upon, Kansas City police Chief Stacey Graves told reporters outside a hospital.The officers shot back. They were taken to the hospital, where they were in non-life-threatening condition, Graves said.Lewis surrendered late Tuesday and another suspect early Wednesday. But Lowe said law enforcement waited to enter the home until they could get robotics inside to determine it was safe.The case started as a federal drug investigation. The patrol said the Jackson County Drug Task Force, which works with federal agencies, requested the assistance of the Kansas City SWAT team to serve the search warrant.The officers had announced that they were police before trying to enter the home, Graves said.“They are highly trained, good men,” Graves said of the wounded officers. “And, you know, we’re just so thankful tonight that each one of them, I was able to to physically talk to them.”According to an affidavit filed against Lewis in the unrelated federal case, he fled from Independence police after he was spotted driving a pickup truck that matched the description of a stolen vehicle.He reached speeds of more than 100 mph and ran stop signs before he struck a curb and flattened a tire, the affidavit said. Lewis then fled on foot but was apprehended with $2,084 in his pocket.Inside his backpack, officers found a loaded handgun and nine plastic bags filled with methamphetamine. More meth was found under the passenger seat of the truck, the affidavit said.Lewis is charged with one count each of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm.Federal prosecutors said in a news release that he has multiple prior felony convictions.

3 KC officers wounded in standoff released from hospital

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman who admitted to driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a fatal crash is going to prison.

A Sedgwick County District Court Judge sentenced 27-year-old&nbsp; Lila Garcia of Wichita, to 32 months in prison with 24 months of post release, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In August of 2021 Garcia was driving a car eastbound at Pawnee and Woodlawn in Wichita . She turned the car t in front of a westbound motorcycle driven by Albert Ortiz-Carrasco, 34 of Wichita.&nbsp;

He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; Garcia left the scene. Sheriff's deputies later found her car at her home in the 900 block of S. Fabrique.

In January, Garcia pled guilty to driving under the influence and leaving the scene of the accident.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628780235399.png" alt="Garcia-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Garcia-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman who admitted to driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a fatal crash is going to prison.A Sedgwick County District Court Judge sentenced 27-year-old&nbsp; Lila Garcia of Wichita, to 32 months in prison with 24 months of post release, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In August of 2021 Garcia was driving a car eastbound at Pawnee and Woodlawn in Wichita . She turned the car t in front of a westbound motorcycle driven by Albert Ortiz-Carrasco, 34 of Wichita.&nbsp;He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; Garcia left the scene. Sheriff's deputies later found her car at her home in the 900 block of S. Fabrique.In January, Garcia pled guilty to driving under the influence and leaving the scene of the accident.&nbsp;

Kan. woman sentenced for DUI crash that killed motorcyclist

TOPEKA —For the second time in recent months, New York City Mayor Eric Adams made remarks critical of Kansas.&nbsp; Governor Laura Kelly is asking for an apology.

(click to watch Mayor Adams' latest comment on Kansas)

At an interfaith breakfast this week, Adams criticized Topeka, according to his YouTube&nbsp; page.&nbsp; “God said, ‘I’m going to take the most broken person and I’m going to elevate him to the place of being the mayor of the most powerful city on the globe. He could have made me the mayor of Topeka, Kansas. He could have made me the mayor of some small town or village somewhere.”

“I was in NYC visiting my granddaughter when you disparaged my hometown Topeka Kansas,” Kelly wrote on twitter. “It was this granddaughter who, with her parents, delivered Kansas kindness to you at Gracie Mansion when you disparaged my state last September. Enough already. You owe Kansas an apology.”

In September, the 110th mayor of New York City said Kansas doesn't have a brand. "New York has a brand, and when people see it means something. Kansas doesn't have a brand. When you go there it's OK, you’re from Kansas," Adams said.&nbsp;

In October, Big 12 Conference commissioner Brett Yormark visited with Adams and took him a basketball jersey from the University of Kansas, the defending national champions.

TOPEKA —For the second time in recent months, New York City Mayor Eric Adams made remarks critical of Kansas.&nbsp; Governor Laura Kelly is asking for an apology.(click to watch Mayor Adams' latest comment on Kansas)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HfoSj55HEOU?start=3777" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>At an interfaith breakfast this week, Adams criticized Topeka, according to his YouTube&nbsp; page.&nbsp; “God said, ‘I’m going to take the most broken person and I’m going to elevate him to the place of being the mayor of the most powerful city on the globe. He could have made me the mayor of Topeka, Kansas. He could have made me the mayor of some small town or village somewhere.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/NYCMayor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYCMayor</a> I was in NYC visiting my granddaughter when you disparaged my hometown Topeka KS. It was this granddaughter who, with her parents, delivered Kansas kindness to you at Gracie Mansion when you disparaged my state last September. Enough already. You owe Kansas an apology.&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1631703549137518635?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“I was in NYC visiting my granddaughter when you disparaged my hometown Topeka Kansas,” Kelly wrote on twitter. “It was this granddaughter who, with her parents, delivered Kansas kindness to you at Gracie Mansion when you disparaged my state last September. Enough already. You owe Kansas an apology.”In September, the 110th mayor of New York City said Kansas doesn't have a brand. "New York has a brand, and when people see it means something. Kansas doesn't have a brand. When you go there it's OK, you’re from Kansas," Adams said.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It’s true, I got a BRAND new feeling about Kansas. <a href="https://t.co/iIKdjHpKjH">https://t.co/iIKdjHpKjH</a>&mdash; Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCMayor/status/1580203094977044480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In October, Big 12 Conference commissioner Brett Yormark visited with Adams and took him a basketball jersey from the University of Kansas, the defending national champions.

🎥Kansas governor asks New York City mayor for an apology

KANSAS CITY —A homeless man has been charged in the Feb. 25, 2023, fatal stabbing of James Perry inside a homeless camp near 1st Street in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Tracy E. Mckee, 59,&nbsp; faces Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges.

According to court records, detectives from the Kansas City Police Department were dispatched to a homeless encampment on E. 1st Street in Kansas City and found the victim with lacerations to his arms, legs and head. 

He was declared deceased by emergency responders. Emergency responders had two days earlier been dispatched to the same area and treated the defendant suffering from an injury and hallucinating. Witnesses told police that the defendant was hacking the victim with a type of sword or machete.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677766068537.png" alt="McKee-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>McKee-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A homeless man has been charged in the Feb. 25, 2023, fatal stabbing of James Perry inside a homeless camp near 1st Street in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Tracy E. Mckee, 59,&nbsp; faces Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges.According to court records, detectives from the Kansas City Police Department were dispatched to a homeless encampment on E. 1st Street in Kansas City and found the victim with lacerations to his arms, legs and head. He was declared deceased by emergency responders. Emergency responders had two days earlier been dispatched to the same area and treated the defendant suffering from an injury and hallucinating. Witnesses told police that the defendant was hacking the victim with a type of sword or machete.

Man charged in fatal Kansas City homeless camp sword attack 

WASHINGTON (AP) — A skin lesion removed from President Joe Biden's chest last month was a basal cell carcinoma — a common form of skin cancer — his doctor said Friday, adding that no further treatment was required.

Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the White House doctor who has served as Biden's longtime physician, said “all cancerous tissue was successfully removed” during the president's routine physical on Feb. 16. Biden, 80, was deemed by O'Connor to be “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-health-bdce6c15df6186e06710f2d903a3513e">healthy, vigorous” and “fit</a>&nbsp;” to handle his White House responsibilities during that physical exam, which comes as he is weeks away from launching an expected bid for reelection in 2024.

O'Connor said the site of the removal on Biden's chest has “healed nicely” and the president will continue regular skin screenings as part of his routine health plan.

Basal cells are among the most common and easily treated forms of cancer — especially when caught early. O'Connor said they don't tend to spread like other cancers, but could grow in size, which is why they are removed.

Biden had “several localized non-melanoma skin cancers" removed from his body before he started his presidency, O'Connor said in his Feb. 16 summary of the president's health, noting it was well established that Biden spent a lot of time in the sun during his youth.

First lady Jill Biden in January had two basal cell lesions removed from her right eye and chest.

She said in an Associated Press interview last week that she's now “extra careful” about sunscreen, especially when she’s at the beach.

Basal cell carcinoma is a slow-growing cancer that usually is confined to the surface of skin — doctors almost always can remove it all with a shallow incision — and seldom causes serious complications or becomes life-threatening.

The Bidens have long been advocates for fighting cancer. Their adult son Beau died in 2015 from brain cancer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677875788057.png" alt="Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the White House doctor who has served as Biden's longtime physician, said “all cancerous tissue was successfully removed” during the president's routine physical on Feb. 16-White House p hoto" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the White House doctor who has served as Biden's longtime physician, said “all cancerous tissue was successfully removed” during the president's routine physical on Feb. 16-White House p hoto</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A skin lesion removed from President Joe Biden's chest last month was a basal cell carcinoma — a common form of skin cancer — his doctor said Friday, adding that no further treatment was required.Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the White House doctor who has served as Biden's longtime physician, said “all cancerous tissue was successfully removed” during the president's routine physical on Feb. 16. Biden, 80, was deemed by O'Connor to be “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-health-bdce6c15df6186e06710f2d903a3513e">healthy, vigorous” and “fit</a>&nbsp;” to handle his White House responsibilities during that physical exam, which comes as he is weeks away from launching an expected bid for reelection in 2024.O'Connor said the site of the removal on Biden's chest has “healed nicely” and the president will continue regular skin screenings as part of his routine health plan.Basal cells are among the most common and easily treated forms of cancer — especially when caught early. O'Connor said they don't tend to spread like other cancers, but could grow in size, which is why they are removed.Biden had “several localized non-melanoma skin cancers" removed from his body before he started his presidency, O'Connor said in his Feb. 16 summary of the president's health, noting it was well established that Biden spent a lot of time in the sun during his youth.First lady Jill Biden in January had two basal cell lesions removed from her right eye and chest.She said in an Associated Press interview last week that she's now “extra careful” about sunscreen, especially when she’s at the beach.Basal cell carcinoma is a slow-growing cancer that usually is confined to the surface of skin — doctors almost always can remove it all with a shallow incision — and seldom causes serious complications or becomes life-threatening.The Bidens have long been advocates for fighting cancer. Their adult son Beau died in 2015 from brain cancer.

Doctor: Lesion removed from Biden's chest was cancerous

NORTH PLATTE — Over the last several weeks, deputies continued to investigate the abuse of livestock on several different areas of rural Lincoln County, according to a media release from the Lincoln County Nebraska Sheriff's office.

 During the investigation information was gained that numerous cattle, horses and other livestock were not being taken cared of.  Deputies, with the help of the Nebraska Brand Inspectors Office and Nebraska State Patrol Aircraft completed an investigative search warrant to inspect the livestock on at least five sections of property under the control and operated by Larry and Matthew Mikoloyck of rural Lincoln County. 

  Deputies and Brand Inspectors found over 150 dead cattle on the property March 1.   Also observed numerous sick and dying cattle including bulls, cows and calves.  Deputies observed very little substantial food sources for the animals and no water to sustain most of the herd.  On March 1, deputies arrested Larry Mikoloyck, 75, and his son, Matthew Mikoloyck, 41, for one-hundred fifty counts of animal cruelty / neglect resulting in death, a class IIIA felony for each offense. Both were incarcerated in the Lincoln County Detention Center. 

  On March 2, Deputies from Lincoln County, with the help of Nebraska Brand Inspectors, served a warrant to seize all the cattle on properties under control of the Mikoloycks.  Deputies were assisted by the Logan County, Thomas County Sheriff’s Office and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Posse.  In addition, numerous subjects from Lincoln and Logan County assisted deputies and we are grateful for their hard work.  Deputies did seize and transported over 1,000 bulls, cows and calves to the North Platte Sale Barn for inspection by a licensed veterinarian. 

 Numerous cattle had to be put down on scene as they were very sick, injured and dying.    The investigation continues today and additional charges for Larry and Matthew Mikoloyck will be forthcoming.

NORTH PLATTE — Over the last several weeks, deputies continued to investigate the abuse of livestock on several different areas of rural Lincoln County, according to a media release from the Lincoln County Nebraska Sheriff's office. During the investigation information was gained that numerous cattle, horses and other livestock were not being taken cared of. Deputies, with the help of the Nebraska Brand Inspectors Office and Nebraska State Patrol Aircraft completed an investigative search warrant to inspect the livestock on at least five sections of property under the control and operated by Larry and Matthew Mikoloyck of rural Lincoln County. Deputies and Brand Inspectors found over 150 dead cattle on the property March 1. Also observed numerous sick and dying cattle including bulls, cows and calves. Deputies observed very little substantial food sources for the animals and no water to sustain most of the herd. On March 1, deputies arrested Larry Mikoloyck, 75, and his son, Matthew Mikoloyck, 41, for one-hundred fifty counts of animal cruelty / neglect resulting in death, a class IIIA felony for each offense. Both were incarcerated in the Lincoln County Detention Center. On March 2, Deputies from Lincoln County, with the help of Nebraska Brand Inspectors, served a warrant to seize all the cattle on properties under control of the Mikoloycks. Deputies were assisted by the Logan County, Thomas County Sheriff’s Office and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Posse. In addition, numerous subjects from Lincoln and Logan County assisted deputies and we are grateful for their hard work. Deputies did seize and transported over 1,000 bulls, cows and calves to the North Platte Sale Barn for inspection by a licensed veterinarian. Numerous cattle had to be put down on scene as they were very sick, injured and dying. The investigation continues today and additional charges for Larry and Matthew Mikoloyck will be forthcoming.

150+ cows dead, 1,000+ seized in Neb. animal cruelty case

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/kansas-house-agrees-to-raise-legal-smoking-age-to-21/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas House passed legislation Thursday to raise the legal age for tobacco products from 18 to 21.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2269/">House Bill 2269</a>
 — which applies to the sale, purchase or possession of cigarette and 
tobacco products — would bring Kansas into compliance with federal law. 
The House granted initial approval after a brief debate, then declared 
an emergency in order to take immediate final action.

The bill passed on a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20230302115606_550943/">68-53 vote,</a>
 with an assortment of Republicans joining Democrats in support of the 
measure. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

The Kansas Department of Revenue predicts the change would cost the 
state about $7.6 million in annual revenue from decreased sales. But by 
raising the minimum age, the state would retain about $1.2 million in 
federal aid for the enforcement of cigarette and tobacco laws.

Rep. John Eplee, a Republican and family physician from Atchison, 
said during floor debate that hundreds of millions of dollars are spent 
in health care to cover COPD, lung cancer and other illnesses, and that 
some people start smoking between the ages of 18 and 21.

“Most vendors have already complied with this but are not required 
to, and it makes enforcement herky-jerky in our state,” Eplee said. “You
 need to understand clearly — and I want you to hear this — 46 other 
states have already fallen into compliance. We’re just asking for Kansas
 to do the same thing.”

Supporters of the legislation include the Greater Kansas City Chamber
 of Commerce, the Kansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, 
the Kansas Hospital Association, the Kansas National Education 
Association and the University of Kansas Cancer Center.

The American Heart Association and Tobacco Free Kansas Coalition 
raised concerns that the bill may not apply to synthetic nicotine and 
electronic cigarettes.

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/kansas-house-agrees-to-raise-legal-smoking-age-to-21/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas House passed legislation Thursday to raise the legal age for tobacco products from 18 to 21.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2269/">House Bill 2269</a>
 — which applies to the sale, purchase or possession of cigarette and 
tobacco products — would bring Kansas into compliance with federal law. 
The House granted initial approval after a brief debate, then declared 
an emergency in order to take immediate final action.The bill passed on a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20230302115606_550943/">68-53 vote,</a>
 with an assortment of Republicans joining Democrats in support of the 
measure. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.The Kansas Department of Revenue predicts the change would cost the 
state about $7.6 million in annual revenue from decreased sales. But by 
raising the minimum age, the state would retain about $1.2 million in 
federal aid for the enforcement of cigarette and tobacco laws.Rep. John Eplee, a Republican and family physician from Atchison, 
said during floor debate that hundreds of millions of dollars are spent 
in health care to cover COPD, lung cancer and other illnesses, and that 
some people start smoking between the ages of 18 and 21.“Most vendors have already complied with this but are not required 
to, and it makes enforcement herky-jerky in our state,” Eplee said. “You
 need to understand clearly — and I want you to hear this — 46 other 
states have already fallen into compliance. We’re just asking for Kansas
 to do the same thing.”Supporters of the legislation include the Greater Kansas City Chamber
 of Commerce, the Kansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, 
the Kansas Hospital Association, the Kansas National Education 
Association and the University of Kansas Cancer Center.The American Heart Association and Tobacco Free Kansas Coalition 
raised concerns that the bill may not apply to synthetic nicotine and 
electronic cigarettes.

Kansas House agrees to raise legal smoking age to 21

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly 60 years after he was first recommended for the nation’s highest military award for his bravery during the Vietnam War, retired Col. Paris Davis, one of the first Black officers to lead a Special Forces team in combat, received the Medal of Honor on Friday.

The belated recognition for the 83-year-old Virginia resident came after the recommendation for the medal was lost, resubmitted — and then lost again.

It wasn’t until 2016 — half a century after Davis risked his life to save some of his men under fire — that advocates painstakingly recreated and resubmitted the paperwork.

President Joe Biden on Friday described Davis as a “true hero,” describing his efforts to haul injured soldiers to safety under heavy enemy fire. When one of his superiors told him to get to safety, Davis said, according to Biden: “Sir, I”m just not going to leave. I still have an American out there,” and he went back into the firefight to carry out an injured medic.

“You are everything this medal means,” Biden said to Davis. “You’re everything our nation is at our best. Brave and big hearted, determined and devoted, selfless and steadfast.”

Biden said Davis should have received the honor years ago, describing remaining segregation when he returned home and questioning why the honor took so long.

“Somehow the paperwork was never processed,” Biden said. “Not just once. But twice.”

Davis doesn’t dwell on it. He says he doesn’t know why it has taken decades.

“Right now I’m overwhelmed,” he told The Associated Press in an interview the day before he attended the White House ceremony where Biden placed the blue ribbon holding the Medal of Honor around his neck.

“When you’re fighting, you’re not thinking about this moment,” Davis said. “You’re just trying to get through that moment.”

“That moment” stretched over nearly 19 hours and two days in mid-June 1965.

Davis, then a captain and commander with the 5th Special Forces Group, engaged in nearly continuous combat during a pre-dawn raid on a North Vietnamese army camp in the village of Bong Son in Binh Dinh province.

He engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the North Vietnamese, called for precision artillery fire and thwarted the capture of three American soldiers — all while suffering wounds from gunshots and grenade fragments. He used his pinkie finger to fire his rifle after his hand was shattered by an enemy grenade, according to reports.

Davis repeatedly sprinted into an open rice paddy to rescue members of his team, according to the ArmyTimes. His entire team survived.

“That word ‘gallantry’ is not much used these days,” Biden said. “But I can think of no better word to describe Paris.”

Davis, from Cleveland, retired in 1985 at the rank of lieutenant colonel and now lives in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside Washington. Biden called him several weeks ago to deliver the news.

He says the wait in no way lessens the honor.

“It heightens the thing, if you’ve got to wait that long,” he said. “It’s like someone promised you an ice cream cone. You know what it looks like, what it smells like. You just haven’t licked it.”

Davis’ commanding officer recommended him for the military’s top honor, but the paperwork disappeared. He eventually was awarded a Silver Star, the military’s third-highest combat medal, but members of Davis’ team have argued that his skin color was a factor in the disappearance of his Medal of Honor recommendation.

“I believe that someone purposely lost the paperwork,” Ron Deis, a junior member of Davis’ team in Bong Son, told the AP in a separate interview.

Deis, now 79, helped compile the recommendation that was submitted in 2016. He said he knew Davis had been recommended for the Medal of Honor shortly after the battle in 1965, and he spent years wondering why Davis hadn’t been awarded the medal. Nine years ago he learned that a second nomination had been submitted “and that also was somehow, quote, lost.”

“But I don’t believe they were lost,” Deis said. “I believe they were intentionally discarded. They were discarded because he was Black, and that’s the only conclusion that I can come to.”

Army officials say there is no evidence of racism in Davis’ case.

“We’re here to celebrate the fact that he got the award, long time coming,” Maj. Gen. Patrick Roberson, deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, told the AP. “We, the Army, you know, we haven’t been able to see anything that would say, ‘Hey, this is racism.’”

“We can’t know that,” Roberson said.

In early 2021, Christopher Miller, then the acting defense secretary, ordered an expedited review of Davis’ case. He argued in an opinion column later that year that awarding Davis the Medal of Honor would address an injustice.

“Some issues in our nation rise above partisanship,” Miller wrote. “The Davis case meets that standard.”

Davis’ daughter, Regan Davis Hopper, a mom of two teenage sons, told the AP that she only learned of her dad’s heroism in 2019. Like him, she said she tries not to dwell on her disappointment in how the situation was handled.

“I try not to think about that. I try not to let that weigh me down and make me lose the thrill and excitement of the moment,” Hopper said. “I think that’s most important, to just look ahead and think about how exciting it is for America to meet my dad for the first time. I’m just proud of him.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677863054511.png" alt="President Joe Biden on Friday described Davis as a “true hero."&nbsp; White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden on Friday described Davis as a “true hero."&nbsp; White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly 60 years after he was first recommended for the nation’s highest military award for his bravery during the Vietnam War, retired Col. Paris Davis, one of the first Black officers to lead a Special Forces team in combat, received the Medal of Honor on Friday.(Click below to watch the ceremony)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3lH3FoQxQEw?start=62" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The belated recognition for the 83-year-old Virginia resident came after the recommendation for the medal was lost, resubmitted — and then lost again.It wasn’t until 2016 — half a century after Davis risked his life to save some of his men under fire — that advocates painstakingly recreated and resubmitted the paperwork.President Joe Biden on Friday described Davis as a “true hero,” describing his efforts to haul injured soldiers to safety under heavy enemy fire. When one of his superiors told him to get to safety, Davis said, according to Biden: “Sir, I”m just not going to leave. I still have an American out there,” and he went back into the firefight to carry out an injured medic.“You are everything this medal means,” Biden said to Davis. “You’re everything our nation is at our best. Brave and big hearted, determined and devoted, selfless and steadfast.”Biden said Davis should have received the honor years ago, describing remaining segregation when he returned home and questioning why the honor took so long.“Somehow the paperwork was never processed,” Biden said. “Not just once. But twice.”Davis doesn’t dwell on it. He says he doesn’t know why it has taken decades.“Right now I’m overwhelmed,” he told The Associated Press in an interview the day before he attended the White House ceremony where Biden placed the blue ribbon holding the Medal of Honor around his neck.“When you’re fighting, you’re not thinking about this moment,” Davis said. “You’re just trying to get through that moment.”“That moment” stretched over nearly 19 hours and two days in mid-June 1965.Davis, then a captain and commander with the 5th Special Forces Group, engaged in nearly continuous combat during a pre-dawn raid on a North Vietnamese army camp in the village of Bong Son in Binh Dinh province.He engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the North Vietnamese, called for precision artillery fire and thwarted the capture of three American soldiers — all while suffering wounds from gunshots and grenade fragments. He used his pinkie finger to fire his rifle after his hand was shattered by an enemy grenade, according to reports.Davis repeatedly sprinted into an open rice paddy to rescue members of his team, according to the ArmyTimes. His entire team survived.“That word ‘gallantry’ is not much used these days,” Biden said. “But I can think of no better word to describe Paris.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677863081325.png" alt="White House photo" />
 <figcaption>White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Davis, from Cleveland, retired in 1985 at the rank of lieutenant colonel and now lives in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside Washington. Biden called him several weeks ago to deliver the news.He says the wait in no way lessens the honor.“It heightens the thing, if you’ve got to wait that long,” he said. “It’s like someone promised you an ice cream cone. You know what it looks like, what it smells like. You just haven’t licked it.”Davis’ commanding officer recommended him for the military’s top honor, but the paperwork disappeared. He eventually was awarded a Silver Star, the military’s third-highest combat medal, but members of Davis’ team have argued that his skin color was a factor in the disappearance of his Medal of Honor recommendation.“I believe that someone purposely lost the paperwork,” Ron Deis, a junior member of Davis’ team in Bong Son, told the AP in a separate interview.Deis, now 79, helped compile the recommendation that was submitted in 2016. He said he knew Davis had been recommended for the Medal of Honor shortly after the battle in 1965, and he spent years wondering why Davis hadn’t been awarded the medal. Nine years ago he learned that a second nomination had been submitted “and that also was somehow, quote, lost.”“But I don’t believe they were lost,” Deis said. “I believe they were intentionally discarded. They were discarded because he was Black, and that’s the only conclusion that I can come to.”Army officials say there is no evidence of racism in Davis’ case.“We’re here to celebrate the fact that he got the award, long time coming,” Maj. Gen. Patrick Roberson, deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, told the AP. “We, the Army, you know, we haven’t been able to see anything that would say, ‘Hey, this is racism.’”“We can’t know that,” Roberson said.In early 2021, Christopher Miller, then the acting defense secretary, ordered an expedited review of Davis’ case. He argued in an opinion column later that year that awarding Davis the Medal of Honor would address an injustice.“Some issues in our nation rise above partisanship,” Miller wrote. “The Davis case meets that standard.”Davis’ daughter, Regan Davis Hopper, a mom of two teenage sons, told the AP that she only learned of her dad’s heroism in 2019. Like him, she said she tries not to dwell on her disappointment in how the situation was handled.“I try not to think about that. I try not to let that weigh me down and make me lose the thrill and excitement of the moment,” Hopper said. “I think that’s most important, to just look ahead and think about how exciting it is for America to meet my dad for the first time. I’m just proud of him.”

🎥Black Vietnam vet finally honored with Medal of Honor

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas woman was sentenced Thursday to 48 months in prison for bank fraud.and tax fraud in connection to a scheme to defraud her former employers of millions of dollars, according to the United State's Attorney.

In May 2022, Nancy Martin, 78, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aid or assist filing a false tax document. Martin defrauded Mid-Kansas Wound Specialists and Emergency Services P.A. for whom she worked as a bookkeeper, business manager, and chief operating officer. 

Between 2012 to 2017, Martin embezzled approximately $3.1 million by fraudulently obtaining money from her employers’ banks meanwhile falsifying accounting entries to disguise the embezzlement as payments or transferred funds between entities. Martin spent the stolen funds on personal expenses, travel, and investments.

From 2013 to 2016, Martin either filed tax returns or caused tax returns to be filed to the Internal Revenue Service that omitted income.

In addition to the 48 months in prison, a federal judge ordered Martin to pay more than $3.2 million in restitution to the victims and approximately $670,000 in restitution to the IRS.

“For years Nancy Martin abused her employment position and betrayed the trust of her employers to steal millions of dollars from them, and for that reason she is going to prison,” said U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard. “The role of the prosecution was to seek justice and try to help victims recover their financial losses.”

“IRS Criminal Investigation was able to see through Ms. Martin’s sophisticated embezzlement scheme in order to bring justice to the victims involved,” said St. Louis Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas Murdock. “Ms. Martin’s prison time sends a clear message that bank fraud and tax fraud have serious consequences.”

The IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677799294770.png" alt="Martin photo courtesy Emergency Services, PA" />
 <figcaption>Martin photo courtesy Emergency Services, PA</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas woman was sentenced Thursday to 48 months in prison for bank fraud.and tax fraud in connection to a scheme to defraud her former employers of millions of dollars, according to the United State's Attorney.In May 2022, Nancy Martin, 78, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aid or assist filing a false tax document. Martin defrauded Mid-Kansas Wound Specialists and Emergency Services P.A. for whom she worked as a bookkeeper, business manager, and chief operating officer. Between 2012 to 2017, Martin embezzled approximately $3.1 million by fraudulently obtaining money from her employers’ banks meanwhile falsifying accounting entries to disguise the embezzlement as payments or transferred funds between entities. Martin spent the stolen funds on personal expenses, travel, and investments.From 2013 to 2016, Martin either filed tax returns or caused tax returns to be filed to the Internal Revenue Service that omitted income.In addition to the 48 months in prison, a federal judge ordered Martin to pay more than $3.2 million in restitution to the victims and approximately $670,000 in restitution to the IRS.“For years Nancy Martin abused her employment position and betrayed the trust of her employers to steal millions of dollars from them, and for that reason she is going to prison,” said U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard. “The role of the prosecution was to seek justice and try to help victims recover their financial losses.”“IRS Criminal Investigation was able to see through Ms. Martin’s sophisticated embezzlement scheme in order to bring justice to the victims involved,” said St. Louis Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas Murdock. “Ms. Martin’s prison time sends a clear message that bank fraud and tax fraud have serious consequences.”The IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

Prison for Kansas woman who stole millions from employer

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Two defense attorneys who've questioned the fairness of a yearlong investigation in Kansas into Republican campaign activities accused the state ethics commission Thursday of violating Kansas' open meetings law.

The two attorneys represent people investigated by&nbsp;<a href="https://ethics.kansas.gov/">the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission,</a>&nbsp;and they filed their complaint with state Attorney General Kris Kobach. The complaint said internal documents show that commission members had illegal, secret “serial communications” by email in April 2022 and took official action without a public meeting.

Records obtained by them and The Associated Press show commission members and staff decided by email how to counter a short-lived effort by Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-campaigns-legislature-kansas-elections-a0e42fb5eb9b235f49946747ce644e50">to oust the commission's executive director.</a>

That ouster effort came less than six weeks after the commission subpoenaed at least seven Kansas Republican Party officials in February 2022, demanding that they turn over seven months' worth of communications in 2020 with more than 20 other people.

A commission report justifying those subpoenas suggested that it is investigating whether Republicans funneled national GOP funds through various committees to the state party and legislative candidates in 2020 to avoid contribution limits.

The attorneys filing the opening meetings complaint, Kansas City-area law partners Ryan Kriegshauser and Joshua Ney, also argue that the commission has a history of enforcing ethics rules inconsistently and violating people's constitutionally protected rights to free speech and fair treatment under the law.

Some Republican lawmakers believe the commission is on a fishing expedition, and the Kansas House is considering a bill&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-republican-party-wichita-kansas-topeka-subpoenas-20f32f2198174f8db446bee2c4039d85">to overhaul campaign laws and reduce the commission's power</a>&nbsp;over issues raised by Krieghauser, Ney and others.

“Ninety-five percent of the punishment is just the cloud of having an ethics investigation, and so ultimately, the process is the punishment,” Ney said in an interview Thursday. “There is something seriously broken and dysfunctional with this agency.”

The ethics commission's executive director, Mark Skoglund, dismissed the complaint as an effort “to rally support for an absurd bill” that he said would “unleash an endless stream of dark money into Kansas."

Both Kobach and local District Attorney Mike Kagay, who also could wade in, are elected Republicans.

Several people who received the commission's subpoenas are asking a state district court judge to quash them. The commission report justifying the subpoenas listed transactions in 2020 involving Kansas Senate President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-wichita-elections-topeka-b356a78372fd6db9d62ac996459ea641">Ty Masterson</a>&nbsp;and House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-topeka-wichita-dan-hawkins-00703940e631419a6347afeee59e342a">Dan Hawkins,</a>&nbsp;both Wichita-area Republicans, before they had those offices.

The report didn't accuse Masterson or Hawkins of wrongdoing, and no complaints have been filed with the commission over such transactions. Masterson said the commission dropped a demand for records from him, while Hawkins said last week that he was never subpoenaed.

Kriegshauser is the attorney for a GOP consultant under investigation and Ney has long represented people facing commission investigations and complaints. They filed an open records request with the commission in late January to obtain more than 100 pages of emails and other communications.

Skoglund released the same documents Wednesday to The Associated Press and said in emails to the AP that the commission already had reported the email chain questioned by the two attorneys to Kagay, the local district attorney. Skoglund said the commission has "a persistent interest in transparency.”

“There has been no determination of a violation and it is entirely possible that no violation occurred in this instance,” Skoglund said in email Thursday.

Kobach’s office confirmed that it received the attorneys’ complaint electronically but said it could not comment further. Kagay did not immediately return telephone and email messages seeking comment.

Internal documents show that on April 4, 2022, three days after legislators tried to oust Skoglund, the commission's general counsel, Brett Barry, emailed commission members a “reminder” that the Kansas Open Meetings Act greatly restricts discussing public business by email. Skoglund told The AP on Wednesday that the commission also had an open-meetings training session in October.

The documents also show that after Skoglund notified commission members about the legislative effort to oust him, one of them, Wichita banker Jane Deterding, emailed back, “Well, that sucks!!”

Hours later, after the ouster attempt fizzled, another commission member, Kansas City-area attorney Kyle Krull, suggested an “unofficial” commission-and-staff meeting “at an offsite venue” to host lawmakers and discuss the matter “socially.” His email also said “we can even dip into” commission funds to cover such an event.

That message prompted Skoglund to ask Berry to “gently remind” commissioners of the Open Meetings Act's restrictions, though he said of Krull, "I think he is likely joking.”

But Kriegshauser said such an email shows a troubling “cavalier attitude” from commission members about the power they wield.

By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Two defense attorneys who've questioned the fairness of a yearlong investigation in Kansas into Republican campaign activities accused the state ethics commission Thursday of violating Kansas' open meetings law.The two attorneys represent people investigated by&nbsp;<a href="https://ethics.kansas.gov/">the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission,</a>&nbsp;and they filed their complaint with state Attorney General Kris Kobach. The complaint said internal documents show that commission members had illegal, secret “serial communications” by email in April 2022 and took official action without a public meeting.Records obtained by them and The Associated Press show commission members and staff decided by email how to counter a short-lived effort by Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-campaigns-legislature-kansas-elections-a0e42fb5eb9b235f49946747ce644e50">to oust the commission's executive director.</a>That ouster effort came less than six weeks after the commission subpoenaed at least seven Kansas Republican Party officials in February 2022, demanding that they turn over seven months' worth of communications in 2020 with more than 20 other people.A commission report justifying those subpoenas suggested that it is investigating whether Republicans funneled national GOP funds through various committees to the state party and legislative candidates in 2020 to avoid contribution limits.The attorneys filing the opening meetings complaint, Kansas City-area law partners Ryan Kriegshauser and Joshua Ney, also argue that the commission has a history of enforcing ethics rules inconsistently and violating people's constitutionally protected rights to free speech and fair treatment under the law.Some Republican lawmakers believe the commission is on a fishing expedition, and the Kansas House is considering a bill&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-republican-party-wichita-kansas-topeka-subpoenas-20f32f2198174f8db446bee2c4039d85">to overhaul campaign laws and reduce the commission's power</a>&nbsp;over issues raised by Krieghauser, Ney and others.“Ninety-five percent of the punishment is just the cloud of having an ethics investigation, and so ultimately, the process is the punishment,” Ney said in an interview Thursday. “There is something seriously broken and dysfunctional with this agency.”The ethics commission's executive director, Mark Skoglund, dismissed the complaint as an effort “to rally support for an absurd bill” that he said would “unleash an endless stream of dark money into Kansas."Both Kobach and local District Attorney Mike Kagay, who also could wade in, are elected Republicans.Several people who received the commission's subpoenas are asking a state district court judge to quash them. The commission report justifying the subpoenas listed transactions in 2020 involving Kansas Senate President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-wichita-elections-topeka-b356a78372fd6db9d62ac996459ea641">Ty Masterson</a>&nbsp;and House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-topeka-wichita-dan-hawkins-00703940e631419a6347afeee59e342a">Dan Hawkins,</a>&nbsp;both Wichita-area Republicans, before they had those offices.The report didn't accuse Masterson or Hawkins of wrongdoing, and no complaints have been filed with the commission over such transactions. Masterson said the commission dropped a demand for records from him, while Hawkins said last week that he was never subpoenaed.Kriegshauser is the attorney for a GOP consultant under investigation and Ney has long represented people facing commission investigations and complaints. They filed an open records request with the commission in late January to obtain more than 100 pages of emails and other communications.Skoglund released the same documents Wednesday to The Associated Press and said in emails to the AP that the commission already had reported the email chain questioned by the two attorneys to Kagay, the local district attorney. Skoglund said the commission has "a persistent interest in transparency.”“There has been no determination of a violation and it is entirely possible that no violation occurred in this instance,” Skoglund said in email Thursday.Kobach’s office confirmed that it received the attorneys’ complaint electronically but said it could not comment further. Kagay did not immediately return telephone and email messages seeking comment.Internal documents show that on April 4, 2022, three days after legislators tried to oust Skoglund, the commission's general counsel, Brett Barry, emailed commission members a “reminder” that the Kansas Open Meetings Act greatly restricts discussing public business by email. Skoglund told The AP on Wednesday that the commission also had an open-meetings training session in October.The documents also show that after Skoglund notified commission members about the legislative effort to oust him, one of them, Wichita banker Jane Deterding, emailed back, “Well, that sucks!!”“I'm all in to help,” she added.Hours later, after the ouster attempt fizzled, another commission member, Kansas City-area attorney Kyle Krull, suggested an “unofficial” commission-and-staff meeting “at an offsite venue” to host lawmakers and discuss the matter “socially.” His email also said “we can even dip into” commission funds to cover such an event.That message prompted Skoglund to ask Berry to “gently remind” commissioners of the Open Meetings Act's restrictions, though he said of Krull, "I think he is likely joking.”But Kriegshauser said such an email shows a troubling “cavalier attitude” from commission members about the power they wield.