KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating after the Kansas City Drug Enforcement Unit intercepted fentanyl brick which could have killed thousands, according to a social media report from KCPD.

Squad members estimate this brick would have been broken down into approximately 10,000 tablets resembling oxycodone.

This fentanyl arrived in Kansas City from California and was headed to Alabama. We believe the markings indicate a shipping destination. Suspects are facing charges.

The DEU intercepts fentanyl or fentanyl-laced pills weekly. It is a dangerous and growing issue nationwide. On Tuesday night,&nbsp;two KCPD officers went to the hospital for a possible fentanyl exposure during an arrest. The officers are fine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647479097154.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating after the Kansas City Drug Enforcement Unit intercepted fentanyl brick which could have killed thousands, according to a social media report from KCPD.Squad members estimate this brick would have been broken down into approximately 10,000 tablets resembling oxycodone.This fentanyl arrived in Kansas City from California and was headed to Alabama. We believe the markings indicate a shipping destination. Suspects are facing charges.The DEU intercepts fentanyl or fentanyl-laced pills weekly. It is a dangerous and growing issue nationwide. On Tuesday night,&nbsp;two KCPD officers went to the hospital for a possible fentanyl exposure during an arrest. The officers are fine.

KCPD: Fentanyl brick from California “could have killed thousands"

The Federal Trade Commission’s 
first-ever report on e-cigarette products paints a disturbing picture of
 surging e-cigarette sales and advertising that are likely to damage the
 health of America’s youth.

The report, which is based on 
industry data provided for the years 2015 to 2018, shows that total 
e-cigarette sales, including both disposable units and those using 
changeable cartridges, increased more than six-fold from $304.2 million 
to $2.06 billion in those three years alone. The sales of fruit and 
other flavored e-cigarette cartridges preferred by youth increased 
seven-fold over that time, and nicotine concentrations in disposable 
e-cigarette products also increased. 

“The Commission’s inaugural e-cigarette 
report paints a disturbing picture, especially with e-cigarettes driving
 an unprecedented increase in youth use of tobacco products,” said 
Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The
 data show that this increase coincided with dramatic spikes in the 
market share of flavored products, higher concentrations of nicotine, 
and an industry attempt to evade a ban on free sampling.”

In October 2019, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/10/ftc-study-e-cigarette-manufacturers-sales-advertising-promotional">the Commission issued identical orders under Section 6(b) of the FTC Act</a> to six of the largest domestic e-cigarette manufacturers:

While the FTC has collected information on 
traditional cigarette and smokeless tobacco sales and advertising 
expenditures for many years, this was the first time it sought 
information related to e-cigarettes. The orders asked about e-cigarette 
sales and advertising and promotional activities for 2015 to 2018. The 
report issued today presents an aggregated and anonymized summary of the
 information the six companies provided to the Commission.

Total Sales. The data collected show a dramatic increase in <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/03/federal-trade-commissions-first-report-e-cigarette-sales-advertising-reveals-disturbing-trends">e-cigarette </a>sales
 in general between 2015 and 2018 (from $304.2 million to $2.06 billion,
 respectively), as well as a similarly dramatic increase in the sales of
 cartridge e-cigarette systems such as Juul’s. The companies sold $260 
million worth of such cartridge systems in 2015, with sales growing to 
$1.969 billion in just three years.

Flavored E-Cigarette Sales.
 In addition, the FTC found that there was a large shift in sales from 
tobacco-flavored e-cigarette products to fruit, candy, and dessert 
flavors. For example, tobacco-flavored e-cigarette cartridges sales 
dropped from 47.2% of those sold or given away in 2015 to 21% in 2018, 
while the sale of “other” flavored cartridges tripled in that time, 
increasing from 13.8% in 2015 to 42.1% in 2018.

Of those other flavored cartridges, 
fruit-flavored cartridges were the most popular, with sales increasing 
600% from 4.7% of all cartridges sold in 2015 to 29.7% in 2018. Similar 
increases were seen in the sale of candy and dessert-flavored 
cartridges, as well as the sale of disposable e-cigarettes with these 
flavors.

The report concludes that “the 
dramatic increase in flavored products raises serious concerns that such
 products might have maintained or increased youth use of e-cigarette 
products.” It notes that a 2018 survey of high school students 
nationwide found that more than two-thirds of e-cigarette users used 
flavored products and that research shows that young people identify 
flavors as a primary reason they use e-cigarettes. 

This was a significant increase from 
2016, when a national survey of high school and middle school students 
found that just 31% said that the availability of “flavors such as mint,
 candy, fruit, or chocolate” was the primary reason they used 
e-cigarettes. In addition, 81% of adolescents said they used flavors the
 first time they tried e-cigarettes. 

Increasing Nicotine Concentration.
 The report also reveals a large increase in the concentration of 
nicotine in disposable e-cigarettes sold between 2015 and 2018. In 2015,
 disposable products on average contained 25 mg of nicotine per ml of 
e-liquid. This concentration increased nearly 60% to 39.5 mg/ml in 2018,
 increasing their addictiveness. Cartridge-based e-cigarettes contained 
even higher nicotine concentrations, with the most popular products 
having concentrations between 51 and 61 mg/ml, while the sale of 
nicotine-free cartridges was negligible.

The report stated that, “Increased use of e-cigarette <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/03/federal-trade-commissions-first-report-e-cigarette-sales-advertising-reveals-disturbing-trends">products with high nicotine concentrations </a>raises
 serious public health and safety concerns for users . . . including 
youth and young adults, who are uniquely at risk for long-term, 
long-lasting effects, including nicotine addiction, from exposing their 
developing brains to nicotine.”

Advertising and Promotion.
 Finally, the report provides detailed information on advertising and 
promotional expenditures by domestic e-cigarettes manufacturers between 
2015 and 2018. The Commission found that spending on advertising and 
promotion more than tripled in three years, from $197.8 million in 2015 
to $643.6 million in 2018. The Commission stated that “the increased 
advertising and promotion raise public health concerns,” as public 
health authorities have concluded that e-cigarette advertising exposure 
is one of several factors that has contributed to the recent surge in 
youth e-cigarette use.

The report finds that spending on 
free or deeply discounted e-cigarette products more than doubled between
 2015 and 2018, with some companies evading the FDA’s 2016 ban on free 
e-cigarette samples by offering products for $1 or a similar amount. 

The report also states that price 
discounts paid to retailers or wholesalers to reduce the price of 
e-cigarettes to consumers increased 14-fold between 2015 and 2018, and 
spending on celebrity endorsers, social media influencers, brand 
ambassadors, and others to promote e-cigarettes products increased even 
more – nearly 15-fold during those three years. 

The Commission vote approving issuance of the FTC’s E-Cigarette Report was 4-0.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe Federal Trade Commission’s 
first-ever report on e-cigarette products paints a disturbing picture of
 surging e-cigarette sales and advertising that are likely to damage the
 health of America’s youth.The report, which is based on 
industry data provided for the years 2015 to 2018, shows that total 
e-cigarette sales, including both disposable units and those using 
changeable cartridges, increased more than six-fold from $304.2 million 
to $2.06 billion in those three years alone. The sales of fruit and 
other flavored e-cigarette cartridges preferred by youth increased 
seven-fold over that time, and nicotine concentrations in disposable 
e-cigarette products also increased. “The Commission’s inaugural e-cigarette 
report paints a disturbing picture, especially with e-cigarettes driving
 an unprecedented increase in youth use of tobacco products,” said 
Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The
 data show that this increase coincided with dramatic spikes in the 
market share of flavored products, higher concentrations of nicotine, 
and an industry attempt to evade a ban on free sampling.”BackgroundIn October 2019, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/10/ftc-study-e-cigarette-manufacturers-sales-advertising-promotional">the Commission issued identical orders under Section 6(b) of the FTC Act</a> to six of the largest domestic e-cigarette manufacturers: <ul>
 <li>Fontem US, Inc.; </li><li>JUUL Labs, Inc. </li><li>Logic Technology Development LLC; </li><li>NJOY, LLC; </li><li>Nu Mark LLC; and</li><li>R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company. </li>
 </ul>While the FTC has collected information on 
traditional cigarette and smokeless tobacco sales and advertising 
expenditures for many years, this was the first time it sought 
information related to e-cigarettes. The orders asked about e-cigarette 
sales and advertising and promotional activities for 2015 to 2018. The 
report issued today presents an aggregated and anonymized summary of the
 information the six companies provided to the Commission.Key FindingsTotal Sales. The data collected show a dramatic increase in <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/03/federal-trade-commissions-first-report-e-cigarette-sales-advertising-reveals-disturbing-trends">e-cigarette </a>sales
 in general between 2015 and 2018 (from $304.2 million to $2.06 billion,
 respectively), as well as a similarly dramatic increase in the sales of
 cartridge e-cigarette systems such as Juul’s. The companies sold $260 
million worth of such cartridge systems in 2015, with sales growing to 
$1.969 billion in just three years.Flavored E-Cigarette Sales.
 In addition, the FTC found that there was a large shift in sales from 
tobacco-flavored e-cigarette products to fruit, candy, and dessert 
flavors. For example, tobacco-flavored e-cigarette cartridges sales 
dropped from 47.2% of those sold or given away in 2015 to 21% in 2018, 
while the sale of “other” flavored cartridges tripled in that time, 
increasing from 13.8% in 2015 to 42.1% in 2018. Of those other flavored cartridges, 
fruit-flavored cartridges were the most popular, with sales increasing 
600% from 4.7% of all cartridges sold in 2015 to 29.7% in 2018. Similar 
increases were seen in the sale of candy and dessert-flavored 
cartridges, as well as the sale of disposable e-cigarettes with these 
flavors.The report concludes that “the 
dramatic increase in flavored products raises serious concerns that such
 products might have maintained or increased youth use of e-cigarette 
products.” It notes that a 2018 survey of high school students 
nationwide found that more than two-thirds of e-cigarette users used 
flavored products and that research shows that young people identify 
flavors as a primary reason they use e-cigarettes. This was a significant increase from 
2016, when a national survey of high school and middle school students 
found that just 31% said that the availability of “flavors such as mint,
 candy, fruit, or chocolate” was the primary reason they used 
e-cigarettes. In addition, 81% of adolescents said they used flavors the
 first time they tried e-cigarettes. Increasing Nicotine Concentration.
 The report also reveals a large increase in the concentration of 
nicotine in disposable e-cigarettes sold between 2015 and 2018. In 2015,
 disposable products on average contained 25 mg of nicotine per ml of 
e-liquid. This concentration increased nearly 60% to 39.5 mg/ml in 2018,
 increasing their addictiveness. Cartridge-based e-cigarettes contained 
even higher nicotine concentrations, with the most popular products 
having concentrations between 51 and 61 mg/ml, while the sale of 
nicotine-free cartridges was negligible. The report stated that, “Increased use of e-cigarette <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/03/federal-trade-commissions-first-report-e-cigarette-sales-advertising-reveals-disturbing-trends">products with high nicotine concentrations </a>raises
 serious public health and safety concerns for users . . . including 
youth and young adults, who are uniquely at risk for long-term, 
long-lasting effects, including nicotine addiction, from exposing their 
developing brains to nicotine.”Advertising and Promotion.
 Finally, the report provides detailed information on advertising and 
promotional expenditures by domestic e-cigarettes manufacturers between 
2015 and 2018. The Commission found that spending on advertising and 
promotion more than tripled in three years, from $197.8 million in 2015 
to $643.6 million in 2018. The Commission stated that “the increased 
advertising and promotion raise public health concerns,” as public 
health authorities have concluded that e-cigarette advertising exposure 
is one of several factors that has contributed to the recent surge in 
youth e-cigarette use. The report finds that spending on 
free or deeply discounted e-cigarette products more than doubled between
 2015 and 2018, with some companies evading the FDA’s 2016 ban on free 
e-cigarette samples by offering products for $1 or a similar amount. The report also states that price 
discounts paid to retailers or wholesalers to reduce the price of 
e-cigarettes to consumers increased 14-fold between 2015 and 2018, and 
spending on celebrity endorsers, social media influencers, brand 
ambassadors, and others to promote e-cigarettes products increased even 
more – nearly 15-fold during those three years. The Commission vote approving issuance of the FTC’s E-Cigarette Report was 4-0.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

FTC: Disturbing trends surround vape sales, advertising on youngsters

JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri police officer who was wounded in a shooting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joplin-missouri-police-shootings-991e30b2aeee2983351a6fe7dca78fb7">that killed two other officers&nbsp;</a>has been released from the hospital.

The Joplin Police Department said officer Rick Hirshey, 53, left Freeman Health System in Joplin on Wednesday.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.koamnewsnow.com/update-officer-rick-hirshey-walks-out-of-freeman-hospital-during-hero-send-off/">Video</a>&nbsp;on KOAM-TV shows hospital personnel lining the hallways and applauding as Hirshey was released.

The department said Hirshey, who was wearing a neck brace as he left the hospital, “still has a long recovery period.”

Hirshey was wounded on March 8 when 40-year-old Alex Felix shot him through his patrol car window, police said.

Hirshey and other Joplin officers were searching for Felix after he fatally shot Joplin police Cpl. Benjamin Cooper, 40, and Officer Jake Reed, 27, during a confrontation at a Joplin shopping area.

Another Joplin officer shot and killed Felix after Hirshey was wounded. Police have not discussed a possible motive for Felix's actions.

Cooper was laid to rest on Tuesday in a ceremony attended by more than 2,000 people, including many other law enforcement officers and emergency responders. Reed's funeral is scheduled for Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647512437482.png" alt="Officer Rick Hirshey on his way out of the hospital Wednesday-photo courtesy KOAM TV" />
 <figcaption>Officer Rick Hirshey on his way out of the hospital Wednesday-photo courtesy KOAM TV</figcaption>
 </figure>JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri police officer who was wounded in a shooting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joplin-missouri-police-shootings-991e30b2aeee2983351a6fe7dca78fb7">that killed two other officers&nbsp;</a>has been released from the hospital.The Joplin Police Department said officer Rick Hirshey, 53, left Freeman Health System in Joplin on Wednesday.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.koamnewsnow.com/update-officer-rick-hirshey-walks-out-of-freeman-hospital-during-hero-send-off/">Video</a>&nbsp;on KOAM-TV shows hospital personnel lining the hallways and applauding as Hirshey was released.The department said Hirshey, who was wearing a neck brace as he left the hospital, “still has a long recovery period.”Hirshey was wounded on March 8 when 40-year-old Alex Felix shot him through his patrol car window, police said.Hirshey and other Joplin officers were searching for Felix after he fatally shot Joplin police Cpl. Benjamin Cooper, 40, and Officer Jake Reed, 27, during a confrontation at a Joplin shopping area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646959490285.png" alt="Felix -photo Joplin Police" />
 <figcaption>Felix -photo Joplin Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Another Joplin officer shot and killed Felix after Hirshey was wounded. Police have not discussed a possible motive for Felix's actions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646959719466.png" alt="Cpl. Benjamin Cooper-photo Joplin Police&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Cpl. Benjamin Cooper-photo Joplin Police&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Cooper was laid to rest on Tuesday in a ceremony attended by more than 2,000 people, including many other law enforcement officers and emergency responders. Reed's funeral is scheduled for Friday.

Missouri officer wounded in shooting released from hospital

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged sex crimes.

Just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, detectives with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office arrested 19-year-old Anthony D. Rodriguez of Topeka following an investigation into a sexual offense that took place on March 11, at a residence in southwest Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

The victim was a 14-year-old girl. Rodriguez was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of rape.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647457633588.png" alt="Rodriguez-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Rodriguez-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged sex crimes.Just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, detectives with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office arrested 19-year-old Anthony D. Rodriguez of Topeka following an investigation into a sexual offense that took place on March 11, at a residence in southwest Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.The victim was a 14-year-old girl. Rodriguez was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of rape.

Sheriff: Kansas man accused of rape of 14-year-old 

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A newly released affidavit says a student at a Kansas high school began shooting after two school officials asked to search his backpack because of rumors the student had a gun. 

The affidavit released Wednesday says the confrontation on March 4 at Olathe East High School came after a student told a school counselor about rumors that a student called Jay was bringing a gun to school.

 The affidavit says 18-year-old Jaylon Desean Elmore fired five shots when assistant principal Kaleb Stoppel and Erik Clark, the school's resource officer, asked to search his backpack.

Clark returned fire, wounding Elmore. The two school officials were released from the hospital the day of the shooting. Elmore remains hospitalized.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646530374745.png" alt="Jaylon Elmore photo courtesy Olathe East football" />
 <figcaption>Jaylon Elmore photo courtesy Olathe East football</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A newly released affidavit says a student at a Kansas high school began shooting after two school officials asked to search his backpack because of rumors the student had a gun. The affidavit released Wednesday says the confrontation on March 4 at Olathe East High School came after a student told a school counselor about rumors that a student called Jay was bringing a gun to school.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646417385414.png" alt="Scene outside the school on the morning of the shooting -photo courtesy KMBC TV" />
 <figcaption>Scene outside the school on the morning of the shooting -photo courtesy KMBC TV</figcaption>
 </figure> The affidavit says 18-year-old Jaylon Desean Elmore fired five shots when assistant principal Kaleb Stoppel and Erik Clark, the school's resource officer, asked to search his backpack.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646450835191.png" alt="Erik Clark-photo courtesy Olathe Police" />
 <figcaption>Erik Clark-photo courtesy Olathe Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Clark returned fire, wounding Elmore. The two school officials were released from the hospital the day of the shooting. Elmore remains hospitalized.

Affidavit details shooting at Kansas high school

LARNED — The baseball&nbsp; world is mourning the death of Ralph Terry who died Wednesday in Larned where he lived for many years following a successful major league baseball career with the New York Yankees, Kansas City A's, Cleveland Indians and New York Mets.

He led the American League with 23 victories in 1962 and was the MVP of the&nbsp;1962 World Series, according to the Yankee web site.

Terry is also best known for pitching the walk-off home run to&nbsp;Bill Mazeroski&nbsp;that won the&nbsp;1960 World Series&nbsp;for the&nbsp;Pittsburgh Pirates. Terry was 86.

LARNED — The baseball&nbsp; world is mourning the death of Ralph Terry who died Wednesday in Larned where he lived for many years following a successful major league baseball career with the New York Yankees, Kansas City A's, Cleveland Indians and New York Mets.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Royals mourn the loss of Kansas resident, World Series hero, and former Yankees and Kansas City A&#39;s pitcher Ralph Terry. <a href="https://t.co/BIG9WbRAol">pic.twitter.com/BIG9WbRAol</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1504168316209795072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He led the American League with 23 victories in 1962 and was the MVP of the&nbsp;1962 World Series, according to the Yankee web site.Terry is also best known for pitching the walk-off home run to&nbsp;Bill Mazeroski&nbsp;that won the&nbsp;1960 World Series&nbsp;for the&nbsp;Pittsburgh Pirates. Terry was 86.

World Series hero Ralph Terry dies in Larned

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/16/kansas-senate-advances-22-8b-spending-plan-with-pay-raise-for-state-workers-no-food-tax-relief/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Senate has advanced a $22.8 billion state spending plan that provides a 5% pay raise for state employees, doesn’t account for any reduction in the state sales tax on food, and leaves the state general fund with a balance of $359.6 million.

<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/sb444/">The budget bill</a>&nbsp;also invests $245 million in disability services, eliminates funding the governor set aside for an unlikely expansion of the Medicaid program, counts on federal aid to pay for the remodel of the Docking State Office Building and a new health agency lab, and reduces revenues by $255.1 million in the current fiscal year, which ends July 1, and $80.1 million next year to account for tax cuts that have already passed the Senate.

Those tax cuts include incentives for a mystery company that promises thousands of jobs if it chooses to move to Kansas, as well as credits for wildfire victims, aviation program graduates, and college graduates who move to rural areas of the state.

Not included: Gov. Laura Kelly’s proposed one-time $250 rebate on income taxes this year, which would have cost $460 million, or the elimination of the 6.5% state sales tax on food, which would cost $402 million over 12 months.

The Senate advanced the spending plan on a voice vote following a three-hour debate that centered on last-second changes. The Senate still has to take a final vote, and work out differences with a House plan that isn’t finished yet.

Senators approved an amendment from Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Republican to add a 15% pay increase for legislative staff at a cost of $240,880. Those employees were not included in the governor’s proposal to raise executive branch salaries by 5%. The raise for state workers would come in the form of a $145.5 million lump sum to be distributed based on merit.

Senators also accepted a proposal from Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, to require state contractors to use the E-Verify system to ensure employees can legally work in the U.S. The governor vetoed the same amendment a year ago.

Holland successfully proposed two additional amendments.

One of the amendments would have banned state contractors from outsourcing IT services overseas or using employees who are working in the U.S. on temporary H-1B visas. Holland said the proposal would help protect American jobs.

Sen. Rob Olson, R-Olathe, accused Holland of “dabbling” in hate.

“I have a company in my district called Garmin,” Olson said. “They have a lot of H-1B employees. They’re all over my neighborhood. Some of them are my best friends.”

Holland’s other amendment would have capped the monthly cost of insulin for those on the state employee health plan.

In both cases, Republicans complained that Holland was attempting to introduce complex policies that have never received a legislative hearing. Holland said he repeatedly introduces the legislation, and Republican leaders refuse to hold a hearing on it.

“This is why this place drives me nuts,” Holland said. “I’ve had this bill in the Public Health and Welfare for several years. It’s never had a hearing. I’m sorry, if the committees aren’t going to work public policy, we need to work them here.”

“Everybody acts shocked,” he added, “when it’s like, ‘How could you dare bring this to effect good policy for Kansans?’ ”

Sen. Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence, proposed making a $62.75 million investment in special education services. The cost would be offset by reducing a planned $80 million payment toward debt on Big Hill, Clinton and Hillsdale reservoirs.

Senators narrowly rejected amendment over pleas from&nbsp;Sen. John Doll, R-Garden City, to “look into your heart and soul.”

When it comes to helping people with special needs, Doll said, “they’re blowing it” at the federal level, “and we’re blowing it here.”

“Government is supposed to help the ones that can’t speak for themselves,” Doll said. “And this is an emotional issue, because this is a moral issue in my mind.”

The Senate budget makes adjustments to the current fiscal year that would result in spending $21.84 billion, including $8.14 billion from the state general fund. For the upcoming year, the budget expands to $22.8 billion, including $9.17 billion from the state general fund.

The ending balance in July would be $1 billion. A year later, the balance is expected to shrink to $359.6 million.

That balance includes a planned $400 million payment to the state pension fund.

The budget removes the governor’s addition of eight full-time employees to implement the elimination of the sales tax on food, as well as five employees for a special detox unit at Osawatomie State Hospital.

There is an investment of $245.5M, including $103.6M from the state, to improve reimbursement rates for disability services, Medicaid behavioral health services, and nursing care, among other services.

Senators deleted $60 million for the remodel of the Docking building and $32.5 million for a new Kansas Department of Health and Environment lab, with the expectation that funding could be offset by federal aid.

Instead of spending $18 million on new aircraft for the Kansas Highway Patrol, as the governor requested, the budget would redirect that money from highway funds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647458656585.png" alt="Sen. Rob Olson, R-Olathe, middle, objected to a budget amendment that would have banned contractors from using foreign workers on temporary visas for IT services. Olson says Garmin employees those workers in his district, and “some of them are my best friends.” (Feb. 23, 2022, photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Rob Olson, R-Olathe, middle, objected to a budget amendment that would have banned contractors from using foreign workers on temporary visas for IT services. Olson says Garmin employees those workers in his district, and “some of them are my best friends.” (Feb. 23, 2022, photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/16/kansas-senate-advances-22-8b-spending-plan-with-pay-raise-for-state-workers-no-food-tax-relief/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Senate has advanced a $22.8 billion state spending plan that provides a 5% pay raise for state employees, doesn’t account for any reduction in the state sales tax on food, and leaves the state general fund with a balance of $359.6 million.<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/sb444/">The budget bill</a>&nbsp;also invests $245 million in disability services, eliminates funding the governor set aside for an unlikely expansion of the Medicaid program, counts on federal aid to pay for the remodel of the Docking State Office Building and a new health agency lab, and reduces revenues by $255.1 million in the current fiscal year, which ends July 1, and $80.1 million next year to account for tax cuts that have already passed the Senate.Those tax cuts include incentives for a mystery company that promises thousands of jobs if it chooses to move to Kansas, as well as credits for wildfire victims, aviation program graduates, and college graduates who move to rural areas of the state.Not included: Gov. Laura Kelly’s proposed one-time $250 rebate on income taxes this year, which would have cost $460 million, or the elimination of the 6.5% state sales tax on food, which would cost $402 million over 12 months.The Senate advanced the spending plan on a voice vote following a three-hour debate that centered on last-second changes. The Senate still has to take a final vote, and work out differences with a House plan that isn’t finished yet.Senators approved an amendment from Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Republican to add a 15% pay increase for legislative staff at a cost of $240,880. Those employees were not included in the governor’s proposal to raise executive branch salaries by 5%. The raise for state workers would come in the form of a $145.5 million lump sum to be distributed based on merit.Senators also accepted a proposal from Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, to require state contractors to use the E-Verify system to ensure employees can legally work in the U.S. The governor vetoed the same amendment a year ago.Holland successfully proposed two additional amendments.One of the amendments would have banned state contractors from outsourcing IT services overseas or using employees who are working in the U.S. on temporary H-1B visas. Holland said the proposal would help protect American jobs.Sen. Rob Olson, R-Olathe, accused Holland of “dabbling” in hate.“I have a company in my district called Garmin,” Olson said. “They have a lot of H-1B employees. They’re all over my neighborhood. Some of them are my best friends.”<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/P2230371-1024x576.jpg" alt="Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, expressed frustration during the budget debate with not being able to get a hearing on legislation and then being told he shouldn’t propose policies that haven’t had a hearing. (Feb. 23, 2022, photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, expressed frustration during the budget debate with not being able to get a hearing on legislation and then being told he shouldn’t propose policies that haven’t had a hearing. (Feb. 23, 2022, photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Holland’s other amendment would have capped the monthly cost of insulin for those on the state employee health plan.In both cases, Republicans complained that Holland was attempting to introduce complex policies that have never received a legislative hearing. Holland said he repeatedly introduces the legislation, and Republican leaders refuse to hold a hearing on it.“This is why this place drives me nuts,” Holland said. “I’ve had this bill in the Public Health and Welfare for several years. It’s never had a hearing. I’m sorry, if the committees aren’t going to work public policy, we need to work them here.”“Everybody acts shocked,” he added, “when it’s like, ‘How could you dare bring this to effect good policy for Kansans?’ ”Sen. Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence, proposed making a $62.75 million investment in special education services. The cost would be offset by reducing a planned $80 million payment toward debt on Big Hill, Clinton and Hillsdale reservoirs.Senators narrowly rejected amendment over pleas from&nbsp;Sen. John Doll, R-Garden City, to “look into your heart and soul.”When it comes to helping people with special needs, Doll said, “they’re blowing it” at the federal level, “and we’re blowing it here.”“Government is supposed to help the ones that can’t speak for themselves,” Doll said. “And this is an emotional issue, because this is a moral issue in my mind.”The Senate budget makes adjustments to the current fiscal year that would result in spending $21.84 billion, including $8.14 billion from the state general fund. For the upcoming year, the budget expands to $22.8 billion, including $9.17 billion from the state general fund.The ending balance in July would be $1 billion. A year later, the balance is expected to shrink to $359.6 million.That balance includes a planned $400 million payment to the state pension fund.The budget removes the governor’s addition of eight full-time employees to implement the elimination of the sales tax on food, as well as five employees for a special detox unit at Osawatomie State Hospital.There is an investment of $245.5M, including $103.6M from the state, to improve reimbursement rates for disability services, Medicaid behavioral health services, and nursing care, among other services.Senators deleted $60 million for the remodel of the Docking building and $32.5 million for a new Kansas Department of Health and Environment lab, with the expectation that funding could be offset by federal aid.Instead of spending $18 million on new aircraft for the Kansas Highway Patrol, as the governor requested, the budget would redirect that money from highway funds.

Kansas Senate advances $22.8B spending plan with no food tax relief

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Kauffman Museum’s traveling exhibit,&nbsp;V<a href="https://kauffmanmuseum.org/exhibitions/travelingexhibits/vapes-exhibit/">apes: Marketing an Addiction,</a>&nbsp;is on a statewide tour to provide education on "what we know about e-cigarettes–the new alternative to smoking," according to the Kansas Department of Health and the museum.

The exhibit was part of the the Take Down Tobacco Day event earlier in March at the Kansas Capitol building.

Take Down Tobacco Day is an annual event held by the Tobacco Free Kansas Coalition (TFKC) and American Cancer Society (ACS) that brings middle school and high school students, representing 13 Resist Chapters across Kansas, together to learn about tobacco prevention and their role in local and state advocacy. Resist is a youth-led, statewide movement created to fight against the tobacco industry’s influence on teens.

During the event, teens had the opportunity to visit the&nbsp;Vapes&nbsp;exhibit that dives into the promotion of tobacco products from the year 1880 to present. Kauffman Museum at Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas, worked with their local hospital and local youth substance misuse leadership program called STAND to develop this impressive historical exhibit.

Vapes&nbsp;tells three intertwining stories: the rise and fall of cigarette smoking and advertising; the emergence of e-cigarettes in the 21st century along with current marketing strategies and the challenges of nicotine addiction and quitting. Displayed in three compact, free-standing modules.&nbsp;Vapes&nbsp;showcases examples of vaping products, photomurals, videos and an LED infographic to educate visitors about e-cigarettes and advertising by the tobacco industry.

“We were really grateful to host this exhibit in tandem with our Take Down Tobacco Day event,”&nbsp;said Jordan Roberts, Youth Prevention Program Manager and Resist Coordinator at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. “We hope that the exhibit created a welcoming space for our event participants and others to learn more about the tobacco industry’s marketing and advertising efforts and allowed them space to reflect on their own stories and experiences.”

The exhibit is designed to travel to schools, hospitals, libraries and museums in Kansas and will be continuing its statewide tour this spring at the following locations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647460537081.png" alt="Photo courtesy Kaufman Museum" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kaufman Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp;Kauffman Museum’s traveling exhibit,&nbsp;V<a href="https://kauffmanmuseum.org/exhibitions/travelingexhibits/vapes-exhibit/">apes: Marketing an Addiction,</a>&nbsp;is on a statewide tour to provide education on "what we know about e-cigarettes–the new alternative to smoking," according to the Kansas Department of Health and the museum.The exhibit was part of the the Take Down Tobacco Day event earlier in March at the Kansas Capitol building.Take Down Tobacco Day is an annual event held by the Tobacco Free Kansas Coalition (TFKC) and American Cancer Society (ACS) that brings middle school and high school students, representing 13 Resist Chapters across Kansas, together to learn about tobacco prevention and their role in local and state advocacy. Resist is a youth-led, statewide movement created to fight against the tobacco industry’s influence on teens.During the event, teens had the opportunity to visit the&nbsp;Vapes&nbsp;exhibit that dives into the promotion of tobacco products from the year 1880 to present. Kauffman Museum at Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas, worked with their local hospital and local youth substance misuse leadership program called STAND to develop this impressive historical exhibit.Vapes&nbsp;tells three intertwining stories: the rise and fall of cigarette smoking and advertising; the emergence of e-cigarettes in the 21st century along with current marketing strategies and the challenges of nicotine addiction and quitting. Displayed in three compact, free-standing modules.&nbsp;Vapes&nbsp;showcases examples of vaping products, photomurals, videos and an LED infographic to educate visitors about e-cigarettes and advertising by the tobacco industry.“We were really grateful to host this exhibit in tandem with our Take Down Tobacco Day event,”&nbsp;said Jordan Roberts, Youth Prevention Program Manager and Resist Coordinator at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. “We hope that the exhibit created a welcoming space for our event participants and others to learn more about the tobacco industry’s marketing and advertising efforts and allowed them space to reflect on their own stories and experiences.”The exhibit is designed to travel to schools, hospitals, libraries and museums in Kansas and will be continuing its statewide tour this spring at the following locations.<ul>
 <li>March 4-28, 2022 at the Lawrence College and Career Center</li><li>March 29-31, 2022 at the 2022 Governor’s Public Health Conference at the Manhattan Conference Center</li>
 </ul>

Vape exhibit shows Kan. teens dangers of e-cigarettes 

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER, AP Economics Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve launched a high-risk effort Wednesday to tame the worst inflation since the 1970s, raising its benchmark short-term interest rate and signaling potentially up to seven rate hikes this year.

The Fed's quarter-point hike in its key rate, which it had pinned near zero since the pandemic recession struck two years ago, marks the start of its effort to curb the high inflation that has followed the recovery from the recession. The rate hikes will eventually mean higher loan rates for many consumers and businesses.

The central bank's policymakers expect inflation to remain elevated and to end 2022 at 4.3%, according to updated quarterly projections they released Wednesday. That's far above the Fed's 2% annual target. The officials also now forecast much slower economic growth this year, of 2.8%, down from its 4% estimate in December.

Chair Jerome Powell is steering the Fed into a sharp U-turn. Officials had kept rates ultra-low to support growth and hiring during the recession and its aftermath. As recently as December, Fed officials had expected to raise rates just three times this year. Now, its projected seven hikes would raise its short-term rate to 1.875% at the end of 2022. It could increase rates by a half-point at future meetings.

Fed officials also forecast four additional hikes in 2023, boosting its benchmark rate to 2.8%. That would be the highest level since March 2008. Borrowing costs for mortgage loans, credit cards and auto loans will likely rise as a result.

Powell is hoping that the rate hikes will achieve a difficult and narrow objective: Raising borrowing costs enough to slow growth and tame high inflation, yet not so much as to topple the economy into recession.

Yet many economists worry that with inflation already so high — it reached 7.9% in February, the worst in four decades — and with Russia's invasion of Ukraine driving up gas prices, the Fed may have to raise rates even higher than it now expects and potentially tip the economy into recession.

By its own admission, the central bank underestimated the breadth and persistence of high inflation after the pandemic struck. Many economists say the Fed made its task riskier by waiting too long to begin raising rates.

Since its last meeting in January, the challenges and uncertainties for the Fed have escalated. Russia’s invasion has magnified the cost of oil, gas, wheat and other commodities. China has closed ports and factories again to try to contain a new outbreak of COVID, which will worsen supply chain disruptions and likely further fuel price pressures.

In the meantime, the sharp rise in average gas prices since the invasion, up more than 60 cents to $4.31 a gallon nationally, will send inflation higher while also probably slowing growth — two conflicting trends that are notoriously difficult for the Fed to manage simultaneously.

The economy’s steady expansion does provide some cushion against higher rates and more expensive gas. Consumers are spending at a healthy pace, and employers keep rapidly hiring. There are still a near-record 11.3 million job openings, far outnumbering the number of unemployed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647457048932.png" alt="Fed Chairman Jerome Powell is hoping that the rate hikes will achieve a difficult and narrow objective: Raising borrowing costs enough to slow growth and tame high inflation-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Fed Chairman Jerome Powell is hoping that the rate hikes will achieve a difficult and narrow objective: Raising borrowing costs enough to slow growth and tame high inflation-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER, AP Economics WriterWASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve launched a high-risk effort Wednesday to tame the worst inflation since the 1970s, raising its benchmark short-term interest rate and signaling potentially up to seven rate hikes this year.The Fed's quarter-point hike in its key rate, which it had pinned near zero since the pandemic recession struck two years ago, marks the start of its effort to curb the high inflation that has followed the recovery from the recession. The rate hikes will eventually mean higher loan rates for many consumers and businesses.The central bank's policymakers expect inflation to remain elevated and to end 2022 at 4.3%, according to updated quarterly projections they released Wednesday. That's far above the Fed's 2% annual target. The officials also now forecast much slower economic growth this year, of 2.8%, down from its 4% estimate in December.Chair Jerome Powell is steering the Fed into a sharp U-turn. Officials had kept rates ultra-low to support growth and hiring during the recession and its aftermath. As recently as December, Fed officials had expected to raise rates just three times this year. Now, its projected seven hikes would raise its short-term rate to 1.875% at the end of 2022. It could increase rates by a half-point at future meetings.Fed officials also forecast four additional hikes in 2023, boosting its benchmark rate to 2.8%. That would be the highest level since March 2008. Borrowing costs for mortgage loans, credit cards and auto loans will likely rise as a result.Powell is hoping that the rate hikes will achieve a difficult and narrow objective: Raising borrowing costs enough to slow growth and tame high inflation, yet not so much as to topple the economy into recession.Yet many economists worry that with inflation already so high — it reached 7.9% in February, the worst in four decades — and with Russia's invasion of Ukraine driving up gas prices, the Fed may have to raise rates even higher than it now expects and potentially tip the economy into recession.By its own admission, the central bank underestimated the breadth and persistence of high inflation after the pandemic struck. Many economists say the Fed made its task riskier by waiting too long to begin raising rates.Since its last meeting in January, the challenges and uncertainties for the Fed have escalated. Russia’s invasion has magnified the cost of oil, gas, wheat and other commodities. China has closed ports and factories again to try to contain a new outbreak of COVID, which will worsen supply chain disruptions and likely further fuel price pressures.In the meantime, the sharp rise in average gas prices since the invasion, up more than 60 cents to $4.31 a gallon nationally, will send inflation higher while also probably slowing growth — two conflicting trends that are notoriously difficult for the Fed to manage simultaneously.The economy’s steady expansion does provide some cushion against higher rates and more expensive gas. Consumers are spending at a healthy pace, and employers keep rapidly hiring. There are still a near-record 11.3 million job openings, far outnumbering the number of unemployed.

Inflation fight: Fed approves first interest rate hike in 3-years

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall joined a press conference following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s address to Congress Wednesday morning. 

Senators Moran and Marshall will be traveling to Poland and Germany this week to gain more insight on needed security support for Ukraine and NATO readiness.

“America should do what America does best – protect freedom and liberty for our own citizens and for people around the world,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“President Zelenskyy’s address to Congress was a powerful and moving reminder that the United States must continue to take action to aid Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s unprovoked attack, assist refugees fleeing Ukraine, support our NATO allies and make certain Vladimir Putin pays for his aggression."

"The United States has the capability to provide further resources to Ukrainians through defensive military equipment, food aid and medical supplies to give Ukraine a fighting chance not only to survive but to win. We must demonstrate through our actions that we stand with Ukraine and our European allies in the fight for democracy.”

“I do believe the Unites States can do so much more – that we can show more compassion and we are doing that by helping getting food and medical supplies to the people of Ukraine,”&nbsp;said Sen. Marshall.&nbsp;“Our sanctions on Russia could be much stronger and President Biden is delaying implementation of so many of the sanctions – we are basically continuing to fund this Russian war. I do believe we can get MiG-29s, A-10s, more drones, and more anti-aircraft missiles, but President Biden has to step forward and start leading."

"I am committed that there will be no American bloodshed in Ukraine – this has to be a war that is led be Europe. We will be standing beside and behind but we don’t want American pilots in the air space or American boots on the ground. We must do all we can to help the brave people of Ukraine.”

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall joined a press conference following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s address to Congress Wednesday morning. Senators Moran and Marshall will be traveling to Poland and Germany this week to gain more insight on needed security support for Ukraine and NATO readiness.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MG308NcJduM?start=13" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“America should do what America does best – protect freedom and liberty for our own citizens and for people around the world,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“President Zelenskyy’s address to Congress was a powerful and moving reminder that the United States must continue to take action to aid Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s unprovoked attack, assist refugees fleeing Ukraine, support our NATO allies and make certain Vladimir Putin pays for his aggression.""The United States has the capability to provide further resources to Ukrainians through defensive military equipment, food aid and medical supplies to give Ukraine a fighting chance not only to survive but to win. We must demonstrate through our actions that we stand with Ukraine and our European allies in the fight for democracy.”<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NZbMXASnJN0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“I do believe the Unites States can do so much more – that we can show more compassion and we are doing that by helping getting food and medical supplies to the people of Ukraine,”&nbsp;said Sen. Marshall.&nbsp;“Our sanctions on Russia could be much stronger and President Biden is delaying implementation of so many of the sanctions – we are basically continuing to fund this Russian war. I do believe we can get MiG-29s, A-10s, more drones, and more anti-aircraft missiles, but President Biden has to step forward and start leading.""I am committed that there will be no American bloodshed in Ukraine – this has to be a war that is led be Europe. We will be standing beside and behind but we don’t want American pilots in the air space or American boots on the ground. We must do all we can to help the brave people of Ukraine.”

🎥 Kan. Senators to travel to Poland to learn more on support for Ukraine

TOPEKA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 226 to a total of 769,046, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.

The state reported 60 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 8,088.

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

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

As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;

Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

TOPEKA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 226 to a total of 769,046, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.The state reported 60 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 8,088.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647450165912.png" alt="Wednesday March 16, 2022 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday March 16, 2022 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE reports 60 additional COVID-19 deaths

PAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect following a&nbsp;two-month narcotics investigation in Pawnee County, according to the sheriff's department.

Deputies and Larned police were assisted by ATF and the Wichita Police Department Bomb Squad in seizing multiple firearms, explosives, marijuana and a large quantity of methamphetamine.

One arrest was made on numerous requested charges including distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000' of a school, criminal use of explosives and criminal possession of firearms.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647449462804.jpeg" alt="Photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect following a&nbsp;two-month narcotics investigation in Pawnee County, according to the sheriff's department.Deputies and Larned police were assisted by ATF and the Wichita Police Department Bomb Squad in seizing multiple firearms, explosives, marijuana and a large quantity of methamphetamine.One arrest was made on numerous requested charges including distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000' of a school, criminal use of explosives and criminal possession of firearms.&nbsp;

Sheriff: Explosives, guns and drugs seized at Kansas home

TOPEKA—A hearings started Wednesday in the Senate State and Federal Affairs Committee on Medical Marijuana. This is the first discussion on Senate Bill 560.

Missouri is one of 39 states in the country to have legal medical marijuana.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647446387819.png" alt="A crowded Senate Federal and State Affairs committee hearing on Wednesday as they discuss legalizing Medical Marijuana- SB 560" />
 <figcaption>A crowded Senate Federal and State Affairs committee hearing on Wednesday as they discuss legalizing Medical Marijuana- SB 560</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—A hearings started Wednesday in the Senate State and Federal Affairs Committee on Medical Marijuana. This is the first discussion on Senate Bill 560.(Click here to listen to the discussion)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aYJcVbdrjOs" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Missouri is one of 39 states in the country to have legal medical marijuana.&nbsp;

🎥 Medical marijuana debate begins in Kansas Senate committee

WASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;U.S. Senate voted on Tuesday in support of Senator Rand Paul's legislation to put an end to the mask mandate for public transportation – including on airlines with a bipartisan vote of 57-40

Kansas Senator Roger Marshall served as an original cosponsor of the resolution to repeal travel mask mandates.

&nbsp;“The CDC continues to make decisions as if they are in a vacuum without consideration for the big picture...95% of Americans have some form of immunity... New infections are down 94%... It’s time to stop the travel mask mandates. It’s time to let our people go," said Senator Marshall.

Despite the vote, the resolution may not survive a vote in the House. It would also need to overcome a possible veto by&nbsp;President Biden.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632163961062.png" alt="Image courtesy Department of Transportation" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Department of Transportation</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;U.S. Senate voted on Tuesday in support of Senator Rand Paul's legislation to put an end to the mask mandate for public transportation – including on airlines with a bipartisan vote of 57-40Kansas Senator Roger Marshall served as an original cosponsor of the resolution to repeal travel mask mandates.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6igXIzX21PY?start=2" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>&nbsp;“The CDC continues to make decisions as if they are in a vacuum without consideration for the big picture...95% of Americans have some form of immunity... New infections are down 94%... It’s time to stop the travel mask mandates. It’s time to let our people go," said Senator Marshall.Despite the vote, the resolution may not survive a vote in the House. It would also need to overcome a possible veto by&nbsp;President Biden.

U.S. Senate votes to end travel mask mandates

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man has been charged in the May 2021 fatal kidnapping and stabbing or beating of Gilberto Gutierrez, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Ahmad R. Herring, 31, faces Murder 2nd Degree, Kidnapping 1st Degree, Attempting Kidnapping 1st Degree, Robbery 1st Degree, Abandonment of a Corpse and four counts of Armed Criminal Action.* These charges were filed earlier this month but just unsealed this week.

According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched on May 11, 2021, on a reported missing person and the victim's family told them they had not heard from their father. 

But bloody clothing of the victim had been found. On May 17, 2021, a dead male body was found; it was wrapped in a tarp and found near 56th and Elmwood. The victim was identified as Gilberto Gutierrez. He died from several stab wounds. During a search of a vehicle associated with the defendant, police detectives found receipts for drop cloths and bleach. Several cellphones also were recovered. Tests for DNA showed the defendant's DNA on a zip tie recovered near the victim.

Prosecutors requested a $1 million 10 percent bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647428374611.png" alt="Herring-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Herring-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man has been charged in the May 2021 fatal kidnapping and stabbing or beating of Gilberto Gutierrez, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Ahmad R. Herring, 31, faces Murder 2nd Degree, Kidnapping 1st Degree, Attempting Kidnapping 1st Degree, Robbery 1st Degree, Abandonment of a Corpse and four counts of Armed Criminal Action.* These charges were filed earlier this month but just unsealed this week.According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched on May 11, 2021, on a reported missing person and the victim's family told them they had not heard from their father. But bloody clothing of the victim had been found. On May 17, 2021, a dead male body was found; it was wrapped in a tarp and found near 56th and Elmwood. The victim was identified as Gilberto Gutierrez. He died from several stab wounds. During a search of a vehicle associated with the defendant, police detectives found receipts for drop cloths and bleach. Several cellphones also were recovered. Tests for DNA showed the defendant's DNA on a zip tie recovered near the victim.Prosecutors requested a $1 million 10 percent bond.

Kansas City man charged in fatal kidnapping 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cited Pearl Harbor and the Sept. 11 terror attacks on Wednesday as he appealed to the U.S. Congress to do more to help Ukraine’s fight against Russia, but acknowledged the no-fly zone he has sought to “close the sky” over his country may not happen.

(Caution, the video shown during the address is very graphic)

Livestreamed into the Capitol complex, Zelenskyy said the U.S. must sanction Russian lawmakers and block imports. He showed a packed auditorium of lawmakers a graphic video of the destruction and devastation his country has suffered in the war, along with heartbreaking scenes of civilian casualties.

“We need you right now,” Zelenskyy said, adding, “I call on you to do more.” In urging a steeper economic hit to the Russians, he said: “Peace is more important than income.”

Lawmakers gave him a standing ovation, before and after his short remarks, which Zelenskyy began in Ukrainian through an interpreter but then switched to English in a heartfelt appeal to help end the bloodshed.

“I see no sense in life if it cannot stop the deaths,” he told them.

Wearing a short-sleeved army T-shirt, Zelinskyy began his remarks by invoking the destruction the U.S. suffered in 1941 when Japan bombed the naval base at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, and the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon by militants who commandeered passenger airplanes to crash into the symbols of Western democracy and economy.

“Remember Pearl Harbor? Remember September 11?” Zelenzkyy asked. “Our countries experience the same every day right now.”

Nearing the three-week mark in an ever-escalating war, Zelenskyy has been imploring allied leaders to stop the Russian airstrikes. President Joe Biden’s administration has stopped short of providing a no-fly zone or the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-poland-united-states-europe-warsaw-534cd345f7bcb5a08a21fc2244efb04f">transfer of military jets from neighboring Poland</a>&nbsp;as the U.S. seeks to avoid a direct confrontation with Russia.

Biden is set to deliver his own address following Zelenskyy’s speech, in which he is expected to announce an additional $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine, according to a White House official. That would bring the total announced in the last week alone to $1 billion. It includes money for anti-armor and air-defense weapons, according to the official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Zelenskyy has emerged as a heroic figure at the center of what many view as the biggest security threat to Europe since World War II.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-business-poland-nato-86980020366ace4e8e5caa0d4ac1b7d6">Almost 3 million refugees have fled Ukraine,</a>&nbsp;the fastest exodus in modern times.

The U.S. Congress has remain remarkably unified in its support of Ukraine and Sen. Angus King, the Maine independent. said there was a “collective holding of the breath” in the room during Zelenskyy’s address. Outside the Capitol a group of protesters held a large sign lawmakers saw as they walked back to their offices. “No Fly Zone=World War 3.”

Majority Whip Dick Durbin called the address heartbreaking and pledged to take on any action to stop the aggression on the Ukrainian people. “I’m on board with a blank check on sanctions, just whatever we can do to stop this Russian advance,” he said.

The Ukrainian president is no stranger to Congress, having played a central role in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-elections-international-news-politics-0756fda2b5143891c5da1c6897001cee">Donald Trump’s first impeachment</a>. As president, Trump was accused of withholding security aid to Ukraine as he pressured Zelenskyy to dig up dirt on political rival Biden. Zelensky spoke on the giant screen to many of the same Republican lawmakers who declined to impeach or convict Trump, but are among the bipartisan groundswell in Congress now clamoring for military aid to Ukraine.

He thanked the American people saying Ukraine is “grateful” for the outpouring of support, even as he urged Biden to use his office to do more.

“You are the leader of the nation. I wish you be the leader of the world,” he sad “Being the leader of the world means being the leader of peace.”

Invoking Shakespeare’s hero last week, Zelenskyy asked the British House of Commons whether Ukraine is “to be or not to be.” On Tuesday, he appealed to “Dear Justin” as he addressed the Canadian Parliament and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Zelenskyy called on European Union leaders at the start of the war to do the politically unthinkable and fast-track Ukraine’s membership — and he has continued to push for more help to save his young democracy than world leaders have so far pledged to do.

To Congress, he drew on U.S. history and the faces of past presidents on Mount Rushmore in telling the lawmakers that people in his country want to live their our national dream, just like the you have,” he said. “Democracy, independence, freedom.”

Biden has insisted there will be no U.S. troops on the ground in Ukraine and has resisted Zelenskyy’s relentless pleas for warplanes as too risky, potentially escalating into a direct confrontation with nuclear-armed Russia.

“Direct conflict between NATO and Russia is World War III,” Biden has said.

Zelenskyy appeared to acknowledge the political reality of his request to “close the sky” as he seeks other military aid from the U.S.

“Is this to too much to ask to create a no fly zone over Ukraine?” he asked, answering his own question. “If this is too much to ask, we offer an alternative,” calling for weapons systems that would help fight Russian aircraft.

Already the Biden administration has sent Ukraine more than 600 Stinger missiles, 2,600 Javelin anti-armor systems, unmanned aerial system tracking radars; grenade launchers, 200 shotguns, 200 machine guns and nearly 40 million rounds of small arms ammunition, along with helicopters, patrol boats, satellite imagery and body armor, helmets, and other tactical gear, the official said.

This wasn’t the first time he Zelenskyy has appealed directly to Congress. Nearly two weeks ago, he delivered a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-volodymyr-zelenskyy-kyiv-business-europe-a0f619604ad19c50484e6a41eb02880c">desperate plea&nbsp;</a>to some 300 lawmakers and staff on a private call that if they could not enforce a no-fly zone, at least send more planes.

Congress has already approved $13.6 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine, and the newly announced security aid will come from that allotment, which is part of a broader bill that Biden signed into law Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/volodymyr-zelenskyy">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;will address the U.S. Congress, the actor-turned-wartime leader’s latest video speech as he uses the West’s great legislative bodies as a global stage to orchestrate support against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia’s crushing invasion</a>.

Zelenskyy’s livestreamed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukrriane-volodymyr-zelensky-congress-address-babf66809eec5138482d14cee7f32221">address Wednesday into the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;will be among the most important in a unique and very public strategy in which he has invoked Winston Churchill, Hamlet and the power of world opinion in his fight to stop Russia.

Nearing the three-week mark in an ever-escalating war, Zelenskyy has used his campaign to implore allied leaders to “close the sky” to prevent the Russian airstrikes that are devastating his country. It’s a singular request and now a rallying cry in popular culture. It has also put Zelenskyy at odds with President Joe Biden, whose administration has stopped short of providing a no-fly zone or the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-poland-united-states-europe-warsaw-534cd345f7bcb5a08a21fc2244efb04f">transfer of military jets from neighboring Poland</a>&nbsp;as the U.S. seeks to avoid a direct confrontation with Russia.

Instead, Biden will deliver his own address following Zelenskyy’s speech, in which he is expected to announce an additional $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine, according to a White House official familiar with the matter. That would bring the total announced in the last week alone to $1 billion. It includes money for anti-armor and air-defense weapons, according to the official, who was not authorized to comment and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Click below to watch Zelenskyy's address to the Canadian Parliament&nbsp;

Appearing in his now trademark army green T-shirt as he appeals to world leaders, the boyish but unshaven Zelenskyy has emerged as a heroic figure at the center of what many view as the biggest security threat to Europe since World War II.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-business-poland-nato-86980020366ace4e8e5caa0d4ac1b7d6">Almost 3 million refugees have fled Ukraine,</a>&nbsp;the fastest exodus in modern times.

Invoking Shakespeare’s hero last week, he asked the British House of Commons whether Ukraine is “to be or not to be.” On Tuesday, he appealed to “Dear Justin” as he addressed the Canadian Parliament and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Zelenskyy called on European Union leaders at the start of the war to do the politically unthinkable and fast-track Ukraine’s membership — and he has continued to push for more help to save his young democracy than world leaders have so far pledged to do.

”I know he will ask for more help,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.

U.S. defense officials, for their part, say they are puzzled by Zelenskyy’s demand for more warplanes. They say Ukraine isn’t often flying the planes it has now, while making good use of other weapons the West is providing, including Stinger missiles for shooting down helicopters and other aircraft.

While officials are anticipating that Zelenskyy may once again call on the U.S. and the West for fighter jets or help establishing a no-fly zone, the Biden administration is looking to send Ukraine “more of what’s been working well,” according to an official who was not authorized to comment and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Even though Zelenskyy and Biden speak almost daily by phone, the Ukrainian president has found a potentially more receptive audience in Congress.

This won’t be the first time he has appealed directly to members of the House and Senate, who have remained remarkably unified in their support of Ukraine with some feeling they have made a commitment to do as much as they can in the fight against Russia. Nearly two weeks ago, Zelenskyy delivered a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-volodymyr-zelenskyy-kyiv-business-europe-a0f619604ad19c50484e6a41eb02880c">desperate plea&nbsp;</a>to some 300 lawmakers and staff on a private call that if they could not enforce a no-fly zone, at least send more planes.

“We think the United States needs to do more,” said Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., returning from a weekend visit with other lawmakers to Poland.

Congress has already approved $13.6 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine, and the newly announced security aid will come from that allotment, which is part of a broader bill that Biden signed into law Tuesday. But lawmakers expect more aid will be needed.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Zelenskyy asked for help in rebuilding his country when they spoke last week.

It was in that call that Zelenskyy asked for the opportunity to address the U.S. Congress, something the Democratic leader readily agreed to.

“The Congress, our country and the world are in awe of the people of Ukraine,” said Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in a statement Monday announcing the address.

They said Congress “remains unwavering in our commitment to supporting Ukraine as they face Putin’s cruel and diabolical aggression.”

Zelenskyy’s next stop could be Spain. The speaker of Spain’s Congress of Deputies has invited the Ukrainian president to address Spanish lawmakers via videolink.

In a letter to Zelenskyy, Speaker Meritxell Batet wrote that the address “will be a magnificent opportunity for the chamber, all Spanish people and the thousands of Ukrainians living in Spain to listen to your message and express our firmest support.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647435977643.png" alt="Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as he addressed Congress Wednesday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as he addressed Congress Wednesday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cited Pearl Harbor and the Sept. 11 terror attacks on Wednesday as he appealed to the U.S. Congress to do more to help Ukraine’s fight against Russia, but acknowledged the no-fly zone he has sought to “close the sky” over his country may not happen.(Caution, the video shown during the address is very graphic)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6YF0qfAj8IY?start=2" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Livestreamed into the Capitol complex, Zelenskyy said the U.S. must sanction Russian lawmakers and block imports. He showed a packed auditorium of lawmakers a graphic video of the destruction and devastation his country has suffered in the war, along with heartbreaking scenes of civilian casualties.“We need you right now,” Zelenskyy said, adding, “I call on you to do more.” In urging a steeper economic hit to the Russians, he said: “Peace is more important than income.”Lawmakers gave him a standing ovation, before and after his short remarks, which Zelenskyy began in Ukrainian through an interpreter but then switched to English in a heartfelt appeal to help end the bloodshed.“I see no sense in life if it cannot stop the deaths,” he told them.Wearing a short-sleeved army T-shirt, Zelinskyy began his remarks by invoking the destruction the U.S. suffered in 1941 when Japan bombed the naval base at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, and the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon by militants who commandeered passenger airplanes to crash into the symbols of Western democracy and economy.“Remember Pearl Harbor? Remember September 11?” Zelenzkyy asked. “Our countries experience the same every day right now.”Nearing the three-week mark in an ever-escalating war, Zelenskyy has been imploring allied leaders to stop the Russian airstrikes. President Joe Biden’s administration has stopped short of providing a no-fly zone or the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-poland-united-states-europe-warsaw-534cd345f7bcb5a08a21fc2244efb04f">transfer of military jets from neighboring Poland</a>&nbsp;as the U.S. seeks to avoid a direct confrontation with Russia.Biden is set to deliver his own address following Zelenskyy’s speech, in which he is expected to announce an additional $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine, according to a White House official. That would bring the total announced in the last week alone to $1 billion. It includes money for anti-armor and air-defense weapons, according to the official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.Zelenskyy has emerged as a heroic figure at the center of what many view as the biggest security threat to Europe since World War II.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-business-poland-nato-86980020366ace4e8e5caa0d4ac1b7d6">Almost 3 million refugees have fled Ukraine,</a>&nbsp;the fastest exodus in modern times.The U.S. Congress has remain remarkably unified in its support of Ukraine and Sen. Angus King, the Maine independent. said there was a “collective holding of the breath” in the room during Zelenskyy’s address. Outside the Capitol a group of protesters held a large sign lawmakers saw as they walked back to their offices. “No Fly Zone=World War 3.”Majority Whip Dick Durbin called the address heartbreaking and pledged to take on any action to stop the aggression on the Ukrainian people. “I’m on board with a blank check on sanctions, just whatever we can do to stop this Russian advance,” he said.The Ukrainian president is no stranger to Congress, having played a central role in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-elections-international-news-politics-0756fda2b5143891c5da1c6897001cee">Donald Trump’s first impeachment</a>. As president, Trump was accused of withholding security aid to Ukraine as he pressured Zelenskyy to dig up dirt on political rival Biden. Zelensky spoke on the giant screen to many of the same Republican lawmakers who declined to impeach or convict Trump, but are among the bipartisan groundswell in Congress now clamoring for military aid to Ukraine.He thanked the American people saying Ukraine is “grateful” for the outpouring of support, even as he urged Biden to use his office to do more.“You are the leader of the nation. I wish you be the leader of the world,” he sad “Being the leader of the world means being the leader of peace.”Invoking Shakespeare’s hero last week, Zelenskyy asked the British House of Commons whether Ukraine is “to be or not to be.” On Tuesday, he appealed to “Dear Justin” as he addressed the Canadian Parliament and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Zelenskyy called on European Union leaders at the start of the war to do the politically unthinkable and fast-track Ukraine’s membership — and he has continued to push for more help to save his young democracy than world leaders have so far pledged to do.To Congress, he drew on U.S. history and the faces of past presidents on Mount Rushmore in telling the lawmakers that people in his country want to live their our national dream, just like the you have,” he said. “Democracy, independence, freedom.”Biden has insisted there will be no U.S. troops on the ground in Ukraine and has resisted Zelenskyy’s relentless pleas for warplanes as too risky, potentially escalating into a direct confrontation with nuclear-armed Russia.“Direct conflict between NATO and Russia is World War III,” Biden has said.Zelenskyy appeared to acknowledge the political reality of his request to “close the sky” as he seeks other military aid from the U.S.“Is this to too much to ask to create a no fly zone over Ukraine?” he asked, answering his own question. “If this is too much to ask, we offer an alternative,” calling for weapons systems that would help fight Russian aircraft.Already the Biden administration has sent Ukraine more than 600 Stinger missiles, 2,600 Javelin anti-armor systems, unmanned aerial system tracking radars; grenade launchers, 200 shotguns, 200 machine guns and nearly 40 million rounds of small arms ammunition, along with helicopters, patrol boats, satellite imagery and body armor, helmets, and other tactical gear, the official said.This wasn’t the first time he Zelenskyy has appealed directly to Congress. Nearly two weeks ago, he delivered a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-volodymyr-zelenskyy-kyiv-business-europe-a0f619604ad19c50484e6a41eb02880c">desperate plea&nbsp;</a>to some 300 lawmakers and staff on a private call that if they could not enforce a no-fly zone, at least send more planes.Congress has already approved $13.6 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine, and the newly announced security aid will come from that allotment, which is part of a broader bill that Biden signed into law Tuesday.___WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/volodymyr-zelenskyy">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;will address the U.S. Congress, the actor-turned-wartime leader’s latest video speech as he uses the West’s great legislative bodies as a global stage to orchestrate support against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia’s crushing invasion</a>.Zelenskyy’s livestreamed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukrriane-volodymyr-zelensky-congress-address-babf66809eec5138482d14cee7f32221">address Wednesday into the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;will be among the most important in a unique and very public strategy in which he has invoked Winston Churchill, Hamlet and the power of world opinion in his fight to stop Russia.Nearing the three-week mark in an ever-escalating war, Zelenskyy has used his campaign to implore allied leaders to “close the sky” to prevent the Russian airstrikes that are devastating his country. It’s a singular request and now a rallying cry in popular culture. It has also put Zelenskyy at odds with President Joe Biden, whose administration has stopped short of providing a no-fly zone or the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-poland-united-states-europe-warsaw-534cd345f7bcb5a08a21fc2244efb04f">transfer of military jets from neighboring Poland</a>&nbsp;as the U.S. seeks to avoid a direct confrontation with Russia.Instead, Biden will deliver his own address following Zelenskyy’s speech, in which he is expected to announce an additional $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine, according to a White House official familiar with the matter. That would bring the total announced in the last week alone to $1 billion. It includes money for anti-armor and air-defense weapons, according to the official, who was not authorized to comment and spoke on the condition of anonymity.Click below to watch Zelenskyy's address to the Canadian Parliament&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpresident.gov.ua%2Fvideos%2F330422952396185%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=2" 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>Appearing in his now trademark army green T-shirt as he appeals to world leaders, the boyish but unshaven Zelenskyy has emerged as a heroic figure at the center of what many view as the biggest security threat to Europe since World War II.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-business-poland-nato-86980020366ace4e8e5caa0d4ac1b7d6">Almost 3 million refugees have fled Ukraine,</a>&nbsp;the fastest exodus in modern times.Invoking Shakespeare’s hero last week, he asked the British House of Commons whether Ukraine is “to be or not to be.” On Tuesday, he appealed to “Dear Justin” as he addressed the Canadian Parliament and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Zelenskyy called on European Union leaders at the start of the war to do the politically unthinkable and fast-track Ukraine’s membership — and he has continued to push for more help to save his young democracy than world leaders have so far pledged to do.”I know he will ask for more help,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.Biden has insisted there will be no U.S. troops on the ground in Ukraine and has resisted Zelenskyy’s relentless pleas for warplanes as too risky, potentially escalating into a direct confrontation with nuclear-armed Russia.“Direct conflict between NATO and Russia is World War III,” Biden has said.U.S. defense officials, for their part, say they are puzzled by Zelenskyy’s demand for more warplanes. They say Ukraine isn’t often flying the planes it has now, while making good use of other weapons the West is providing, including Stinger missiles for shooting down helicopters and other aircraft.While officials are anticipating that Zelenskyy may once again call on the U.S. and the West for fighter jets or help establishing a no-fly zone, the Biden administration is looking to send Ukraine “more of what’s been working well,” according to an official who was not authorized to comment and spoke on the condition of anonymity.Already the Biden administration has sent Ukraine more than 600 Stinger missiles, 2,600 Javelin anti-armor systems, unmanned aerial system tracking radars; grenade launchers, 200 shotguns, 200 machine guns and nearly 40 million rounds of small arms ammunition, along with helicopters, patrol boats, satellite imagery and body armor, helmets, and other tactical gear, the official said.Even though Zelenskyy and Biden speak almost daily by phone, the Ukrainian president has found a potentially more receptive audience in Congress.This won’t be the first time he has appealed directly to members of the House and Senate, who have remained remarkably unified in their support of Ukraine with some feeling they have made a commitment to do as much as they can in the fight against Russia. Nearly two weeks ago, Zelenskyy delivered a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-volodymyr-zelenskyy-kyiv-business-europe-a0f619604ad19c50484e6a41eb02880c">desperate plea&nbsp;</a>to some 300 lawmakers and staff on a private call that if they could not enforce a no-fly zone, at least send more planes.“We think the United States needs to do more,” said Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., returning from a weekend visit with other lawmakers to Poland.Congress has already approved $13.6 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine, and the newly announced security aid will come from that allotment, which is part of a broader bill that Biden signed into law Tuesday. But lawmakers expect more aid will be needed.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Zelenskyy asked for help in rebuilding his country when they spoke last week.It was in that call that Zelenskyy asked for the opportunity to address the U.S. Congress, something the Democratic leader readily agreed to.“The Congress, our country and the world are in awe of the people of Ukraine,” said Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in a statement Monday announcing the address.They said Congress “remains unwavering in our commitment to supporting Ukraine as they face Putin’s cruel and diabolical aggression.”Zelenskyy’s next stop could be Spain. The speaker of Spain’s Congress of Deputies has invited the Ukrainian president to address Spanish lawmakers via videolink.In a letter to Zelenskyy, Speaker Meritxell Batet wrote that the address “will be a magnificent opportunity for the chamber, all Spanish people and the thousands of Ukrainians living in Spain to listen to your message and express our firmest support.”___

🎥 Ukraine President addresses Congress, pleads for help

WICHITA&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Legislative session ends April 1. Time is running out for lawmakers to pass a bill to eliminate sales tax on groceries.

Governor Laura Kelly Tuesday toured the Kansas Food Bank in Wichita to discuss her “Axe the Food Tax” plan, which would completely eliminate the state's sales tax on groceries, according to a media release from her office.

"Axing the food tax will directly help hard-working Kansans save money and get much-needed relief from the pandemic-induced inflation,"&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;"I urge the Legislature to work together to send me a clean bill eliminating the state's sales tax on food as quickly as possible."

The Kansas Food Bank partners with hunger relief agencies across the state with a goal of providing hunger relief wherever it is needed within its 85-county service area. The organization supports Governor Kelly's "Axe the Food Tax" plan.

Some facts about Kansas' current food tax:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647381941836.png" alt="courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Legislative session ends April 1. Time is running out for lawmakers to pass a bill to eliminate sales tax on groceries.Governor Laura Kelly Tuesday toured the Kansas Food Bank in Wichita to discuss her “Axe the Food Tax” plan, which would completely eliminate the state's sales tax on groceries, according to a media release from her office."Axing the food tax will directly help hard-working Kansans save money and get much-needed relief from the pandemic-induced inflation,"&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;"I urge the Legislature to work together to send me a clean bill eliminating the state's sales tax on food as quickly as possible."The Kansas Food Bank partners with hunger relief agencies across the state with a goal of providing hunger relief wherever it is needed within its 85-county service area. The organization supports Governor Kelly's "Axe the Food Tax" plan.Some facts about Kansas' current food tax:<ul>
 <li>Kansans pay more for groceries than people in almost every other state. At 6.5%, Kansas has the second-highest rate on groceries in the country.</li><li>The state has the resources to eliminate the sales tax on groceries. With the largest budget surplus in 40 years, the state can responsibly manage the budget while also saving Kansans money.</li><li>Axing the state sales tax on groceries would save a family of four an average of more than $500 a year.</li>
 </ul>

Time is running out for Kansas lawmakers to axe the food tax

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission adopted an Order ending the ability of Pacific Networks Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, ComNet (USA) LLC, to provide domestic interstate and international telecommunications services within the United States.  The Order on Revocation and Termination directs the companies to discontinue any domestic or international services that they provide pursuant to their section 214 authority within sixty days following the release of the Order.  Based on input from Executive Branch agencies, thorough review of the companies’ responses in this proceeding, the public record, and the FCC’s public interest analysis under the law, the Commission finds that today’s action safeguards the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure from potential security threats.  

In March 2021, the Commission found that Pacific Networks and ComNet had failed to dispel serious concerns regarding their retention of their authority to provide telecommunications services in the United States.  The Commission thus adopted procedures that allowed for Pacific Networks and ComNet, the Executive Branch agencies, and the public to present any remaining arguments or evidence in the matter.  

Today, based on the FCC’s public interest analysis and the totality of the extensive record, the Commission finds that the present and future public interest, convenience, and necessity is no longer served by the companies’ retention of their section 214 authority.  

· First, the Order finds that the companies are U.S. subsidiaries of a Chinese state-owned entity, and therefore they are subject to exploitation, influence, and control by the Chinese government and are highly likely to be forced to comply with Chinese government requests without sufficient legal procedures subject to independent judicial oversight.  

· Second, given the changed national security environment with respect to China since the Commission authorized the companies to provide telecommunications services in the United States, the Order finds that the companies’ ownership and control by the Chinese government raise significant national security and law enforcement risks by providing opportunities for the companies, their parent entities and affiliates, and the Chinese government to access, monitor, store, and in some cases disrupt and/or misroute U.S. communications, which in turn allow them to engage in espionage and other harmful activities against the United States.  

· Third, independent of these concerns, the companies’ conduct and representations to the Commission and Congress demonstrate a lack of trustworthiness and reliability that erodes the baseline level of trust that the Commission and other U.S. government agencies require of telecommunications carriers given the critical nature of the provision of telecommunications service in the United States.  

· Fourth, given the record evidence, the Order finds that further mitigation would not address these significant national security and law enforcement concerns.  The Order therefore revokes the companies’ domestic and international section 214 authority.

· Fifth, separate and apart from revocation, the Order finds that the companies violated the 2009 Letter of Assurances with the Executive Branch agencies, compliance with which is an express condition of the Companies’ international section 214 authorizations.   The Order therefore terminates the Companies’ international section 214 authorizations.

<figure>
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 </figure>FCCWASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission adopted an Order ending the ability of Pacific Networks Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, ComNet (USA) LLC, to provide domestic interstate and international telecommunications services within the United States. The Order on Revocation and Termination directs the companies to discontinue any domestic or international services that they provide pursuant to their section 214 authority within sixty days following the release of the Order. Based on input from Executive Branch agencies, thorough review of the companies’ responses in this proceeding, the public record, and the FCC’s public interest analysis under the law, the Commission finds that today’s action safeguards the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure from potential security threats. In March 2021, the Commission found that Pacific Networks and ComNet had failed to dispel serious concerns regarding their retention of their authority to provide telecommunications services in the United States. The Commission thus adopted procedures that allowed for Pacific Networks and ComNet, the Executive Branch agencies, and the public to present any remaining arguments or evidence in the matter. Today, based on the FCC’s public interest analysis and the totality of the extensive record, the Commission finds that the present and future public interest, convenience, and necessity is no longer served by the companies’ retention of their section 214 authority. · First, the Order finds that the companies are U.S. subsidiaries of a Chinese state-owned entity, and therefore they are subject to exploitation, influence, and control by the Chinese government and are highly likely to be forced to comply with Chinese government requests without sufficient legal procedures subject to independent judicial oversight. · Second, given the changed national security environment with respect to China since the Commission authorized the companies to provide telecommunications services in the United States, the Order finds that the companies’ ownership and control by the Chinese government raise significant national security and law enforcement risks by providing opportunities for the companies, their parent entities and affiliates, and the Chinese government to access, monitor, store, and in some cases disrupt and/or misroute U.S. communications, which in turn allow them to engage in espionage and other harmful activities against the United States. · Third, independent of these concerns, the companies’ conduct and representations to the Commission and Congress demonstrate a lack of trustworthiness and reliability that erodes the baseline level of trust that the Commission and other U.S. government agencies require of telecommunications carriers given the critical nature of the provision of telecommunications service in the United States. · Fourth, given the record evidence, the Order finds that further mitigation would not address these significant national security and law enforcement concerns. The Order therefore revokes the companies’ domestic and international section 214 authority.· Fifth, separate and apart from revocation, the Order finds that the companies violated the 2009 Letter of Assurances with the Executive Branch agencies, compliance with which is an express condition of the Companies’ international section 214 authorizations. The Order therefore terminates the Companies’ international section 214 authorizations.· Sixth, given the record evidence of significant national security and law enforcement risks concerning the companies’ section 214 authority, the Order will reclaim the two International Signaling Point Codes that were provisionally assigned to ComNet in 2001 and in 2003, sixty days from the release date of the Order. The Commission will seek to raise consumer awareness by issuing a consumer guide in English, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese on the Commission’s website, advising ComNet’s customers of the Commission’s decision and raising awareness of other options for calling card services.