Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall from Kansas are in Poland about two and one half miles from the border of Ukraine. They are there&nbsp; to gain more insight on needed security support for Ukraine and NATO readiness.

On social media Saturday, Senator Marshall wrote,&nbsp;"One million+ Ukrainians have come through this refugee center in Poland. We brought Emporia, KS made Hostess Twinkies with us — a little dessert to go alongside the wholesome meals <a href="https://twitter.com/WCKitchen">World Central Kitchen</a> is providing to add a smile to the faces of the brave Ukrainians we met."

Marshall said they met a woman named Katarina at a refugee center in Poland. "She’s a proud Ukrainian who wants her country back, wants to go home, but most of all she wants peace."

"Just miles away we are seeing the worst of mankind but right here in this refugee center we saw the best of mankind."

Before he left, Marshall said "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.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647717467291.png" alt="Photos courtesy Senator Roger Marshall" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy Senator Roger Marshall</figcaption>
 </figure>Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall from Kansas are in Poland about two and one half miles from the border of Ukraine. They are there&nbsp; to gain more insight on needed security support for Ukraine and NATO readiness.On social media Saturday, Senator Marshall wrote,&nbsp;"One million+ Ukrainians have come through this refugee center in Poland. We brought Emporia, KS made Hostess Twinkies with us — a little dessert to go alongside the wholesome meals <a href="https://twitter.com/WCKitchen">World Central Kitchen</a> is providing to add a smile to the faces of the brave Ukrainians we met."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In Poland about 2.5 miles from the border of Ukraine. Just miles away we are seeing the worst of mankind but right here in this refugee center we saw the best of mankind. <a href="https://t.co/aFGk8unYNN">pic.twitter.com/aFGk8unYNN</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1505248782031630336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Marshall said they met a woman named Katarina at a refugee center in Poland. "She’s a proud Ukrainian who wants her country back, wants to go home, but most of all she wants peace."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647717816422.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Just miles away we are seeing the worst of mankind but right here in this refugee center we saw the best of mankind."Before he left, Marshall said "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.”

🎥 Senator Marshall in Poland to learn about support for Ukraine

RUSH COUNTY— The Silver Alert for a Kansas man ended Saturday when authorities located a single vehicle accident.

A 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback driven by&nbsp;71-year-old Thomas Talburt of Wichita was westbound in the 3900 Block of Avenue X, according to the Rush County Sheriff.

 The vehicle left the road, and he was ejected. The Rush County Deputy Coroner pronounced&nbsp;Talburt dead at the scene .

SEDGWICK COUNTY – A Silver Alert for a missing 71-year-old Kansas man was cancelled Saturday afternoon after Thomas Talburt  was located in Rush County after a single vehicle accident, according to Wichita Police.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.

SEDGWICK COUNTY –Authorities need&nbsp; help locating 71-year-old Thomas “Tom” Talburt. He was last seen in the 4500 block of S. Water in Wichita at approximately&nbsp;10:45 a.m. Saturday, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

Talburt is&nbsp; described as 6-foot tall, 135 pounds, white hair with blue eyes. He is cleanly shaven and was last seen wearing&nbsp;brown puffy winter vest, a grey long sleeve Henley with blue sleeves, blue sweat pants, brown “desert boots” with white soles, a blue stocking cap, and sunglasses.

He is driving a two tone, black on top, tan on bottom 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback License plate 621 AIS.&nbsp; Left rear quarter panel has holes from rust.&nbsp;

Talburt was last contacted on the phone&nbsp;at 12:30 p.m.&nbsp;today&nbsp;stating he was lost. &nbsp;Talburt has reportedly shown signs of early onset dementia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647719932659.png" alt="Tom Talburt photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Tom Talburt photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>RUSH COUNTY— The Silver Alert for a Kansas man ended Saturday when authorities located a single vehicle accident.A 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback driven by&nbsp;71-year-old Thomas Talburt of Wichita was westbound in the 3900 Block of Avenue X, according to the Rush County Sheriff. The vehicle left the road, and he was ejected. The Rush County Deputy Coroner pronounced&nbsp;Talburt dead at the scene .--------SEDGWICK COUNTY – A Silver Alert for a missing 71-year-old Kansas man was cancelled Saturday afternoon after Thomas Talburt was located in Rush County after a single vehicle accident, according to Wichita Police.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.--------SEDGWICK COUNTY –Authorities need&nbsp; help locating 71-year-old Thomas “Tom” Talburt. He was last seen in the 4500 block of S. Water in Wichita at approximately&nbsp;10:45 a.m. Saturday, according to Officer Chad Ditch.Talburt is&nbsp; described as 6-foot tall, 135 pounds, white hair with blue eyes. He is cleanly shaven and was last seen wearing&nbsp;brown puffy winter vest, a grey long sleeve Henley with blue sleeves, blue sweat pants, brown “desert boots” with white soles, a blue stocking cap, and sunglasses.He is driving a two tone, black on top, tan on bottom 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback License plate 621 AIS.&nbsp; Left rear quarter panel has holes from rust.&nbsp;Talburt was last contacted on the phone&nbsp;at 12:30 p.m.&nbsp;today&nbsp;stating he was lost. &nbsp;Talburt has reportedly shown signs of early onset dementia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sheriff: Silver Alert canceled; missing Kan. man dies in crash

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/18/survivors-of-child-sex-abuse-call-for-elimination-of-kansas-statute-of-limitations/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kim Bergman was 12 years old when her gymnastics coach, David Byrd, began abusing her.

Bergman was not his first victim, and she was not his last. Coaches 
she confided in did not report the crime, and when a therapist finally 
did, nothing came of it. Bergman said she felt she had done something 
wrong and that nobody believed her.

By the time she was able to come forward, it was past the statute of 
limitations in Kansas to collect damages for childhood sexual abuse. 
Under current law, these lawsuits must be filed within three years of 
the survivor turning 18 or within three years of discovering an injury 
or illness caused by the abuse.

When Byrd was eventually arrested for indecent liberties with a 
minor, Bergman said, she felt tremendous guilt for not having come 
forward sooner, reigniting her desire to ensure others in her position 
have a way to seek justice. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb420/">Senate Bill 420</a> would do that by eliminating the deadline for filing lawsuits.

“One of David Byrd’s last known victims recently stated, ‘If the 
statute of limitations had been lifted before my assault, there’s a good
 chance that I never would have been a victim,’ ” Bergman said Thursday 
at a news conference at the Statehouse. “Over and over, I have been told
 that my abusers’ rights mattered more than mine. Removing the statute 
of limitations would give me the opportunity to make my abuser 
accountable for what he did to me.”

Sen. Cindy Holscher, D-Overland Park, introduced legislation four 
years ago, but after a wave of initial support, it was put on the 
backburner as COVID-19 matters took priority. Supporters were optimistic
 the bill would clear the Legislature this year, but Sen. Kellie Warren,
 a Leawood Republican and chairwoman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, 
has yet to schedule the bill for a hearing despite repeated requests 
from Bregman and other supporters.

A coalition of victims, legislators and an attorney are now calling 
on Warren to schedule a hearing and give the bill a chance. Warren, who 
is seeking the GOP nomination for attorney general, did not respond to a
 request for comment for this story.

“A person who has been subjected to this type of sexual assault, 
sexual violence as a child, may take decades before they’re able to talk
 about it again,” Holscher said. “It’s what we call the age of 
disclosure, which on average for this is the age of 52.”

It would also eliminate the requirement that the claimant must have 
suffered injury or illness from childhood sexual abuse. Any claims for 
damages suffered because of childhood sexual abuse that occurred on or 
after July 1984 would also be revived.

Chris Mann, a Democrat campaigning for Kansas Attorney General, said 
his time as a police officer and prosecutor taught him how daunting it 
can be for victims to come forward, especially if they are a child. With
 the statute of limitations in place, he said, the opportunity for many 
to seek justice is limited.

“We must not put an expiration date on justice. We must not put an 
expiration date on protecting our children from violent sexual 
predators,” Mann said. “This type of crime can rock a family to its core
 and rob survivors of their future. We cannot turn a blind eye just 
because it happened too far in the past.”

Another bill the group pushed for, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb75/">Senate Bill 75</a>,
 would add duly ordained ministers to the list of positions required to 
report abuse and neglect of children. A minister who suspects abuse or 
neglect based on penitential communication would not be required to 
violate penitential privilege.

Susan Lenore, a victim of clergy childhood sexual abuse, said the 
bill was one step in a long road to justice and accountability for the 
many survivors of clergy abuse.

“How do I find the right words for describing what happened to me in 
church and school when I was 10 and 12 years old?” she said. “Words like
 ‘terrorized,’ ‘rape,’ ‘sexually abused’ or ‘violent sexual predator,’ 
and I believe the most important word is ‘silence’ — to be silenced and 
shamed by what happened, to be silenced and never to speak about what 
happened.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647613717527.png" alt="Kim Bergman urges Kansas lawmakers during a news conference Thursday at the Statehouse in Topeka to adopt a bill that would eliminate the deadline for filing civil lawsuits seeking damages for childhood sexual abuse. Bergman has sent repeated emails and messages over social media calling on Sen. Kellie Warren to schedule a hearing on Senate Bill 420, but hasn’t gotten a response. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kim Bergman urges Kansas lawmakers during a news conference Thursday at the Statehouse in Topeka to adopt a bill that would eliminate the deadline for filing civil lawsuits seeking damages for childhood sexual abuse. Bergman has sent repeated emails and messages over social media calling on Sen. Kellie Warren to schedule a hearing on Senate Bill 420, but hasn’t gotten a response. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/18/survivors-of-child-sex-abuse-call-for-elimination-of-kansas-statute-of-limitations/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kim Bergman was 12 years old when her gymnastics coach, David Byrd, began abusing her.Bergman was not his first victim, and she was not his last. Coaches 
she confided in did not report the crime, and when a therapist finally 
did, nothing came of it. Bergman said she felt she had done something 
wrong and that nobody believed her.By the time she was able to come forward, it was past the statute of 
limitations in Kansas to collect damages for childhood sexual abuse. 
Under current law, these lawsuits must be filed within three years of 
the survivor turning 18 or within three years of discovering an injury 
or illness caused by the abuse.When Byrd was eventually arrested for indecent liberties with a 
minor, Bergman said, she felt tremendous guilt for not having come 
forward sooner, reigniting her desire to ensure others in her position 
have a way to seek justice. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb420/">Senate Bill 420</a> would do that by eliminating the deadline for filing lawsuits.“One of David Byrd’s last known victims recently stated, ‘If the 
statute of limitations had been lifted before my assault, there’s a good
 chance that I never would have been a victim,’ ” Bergman said Thursday 
at a news conference at the Statehouse. “Over and over, I have been told
 that my abusers’ rights mattered more than mine. Removing the statute 
of limitations would give me the opportunity to make my abuser 
accountable for what he did to me.”Sen. Cindy Holscher, D-Overland Park, introduced legislation four 
years ago, but after a wave of initial support, it was put on the 
backburner as COVID-19 matters took priority. Supporters were optimistic
 the bill would clear the Legislature this year, but Sen. Kellie Warren,
 a Leawood Republican and chairwoman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, 
has yet to schedule the bill for a hearing despite repeated requests 
from Bregman and other supporters.A coalition of victims, legislators and an attorney are now calling 
on Warren to schedule a hearing and give the bill a chance. Warren, who 
is seeking the GOP nomination for attorney general, did not respond to a
 request for comment for this story.“A person who has been subjected to this type of sexual assault, 
sexual violence as a child, may take decades before they’re able to talk
 about it again,” Holscher said. “It’s what we call the age of 
disclosure, which on average for this is the age of 52.”It would also eliminate the requirement that the claimant must have 
suffered injury or illness from childhood sexual abuse. Any claims for 
damages suffered because of childhood sexual abuse that occurred on or 
after July 1984 would also be revived.Chris Mann, a Democrat campaigning for Kansas Attorney General, said 
his time as a police officer and prosecutor taught him how daunting it 
can be for victims to come forward, especially if they are a child. With
 the statute of limitations in place, he said, the opportunity for many 
to seek justice is limited.“We must not put an expiration date on justice. We must not put an 
expiration date on protecting our children from violent sexual 
predators,” Mann said. “This type of crime can rock a family to its core
 and rob survivors of their future. We cannot turn a blind eye just 
because it happened too far in the past.”Another bill the group pushed for, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb75/">Senate Bill 75</a>,
 would add duly ordained ministers to the list of positions required to 
report abuse and neglect of children. A minister who suspects abuse or 
neglect based on penitential communication would not be required to 
violate penitential privilege.Susan Lenore, a victim of clergy childhood sexual abuse, said the 
bill was one step in a long road to justice and accountability for the 
many survivors of clergy abuse.“How do I find the right words for describing what happened to me in 
church and school when I was 10 and 12 years old?” she said. “Words like
 ‘terrorized,’ ‘rape,’ ‘sexually abused’ or ‘violent sexual predator,’ 
and I believe the most important word is ‘silence’ — to be silenced and 
shamed by what happened, to be silenced and never to speak about what 
happened.”

Survivors of child sex abuse call for end to Kan. statute of limitations

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at Towne East Mall on Friday have identified the 14-year-old victim as&nbsp;Trenjvious Hutton of Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

Just after 5:30 p.m. on Friday, officers responded to a shooting at Towne East Mall, 7700 E Kellogg Drive in Wichita.

 Upon arrival, officers entered the mall and located Hutton inside who had been shot. He was pronounced deceased on scene.

The investigation revealed, Hutton was involved in a physical altercation with several individuals known to him stemming from an ongoing dispute. During the altercation a 16-year-old suspect pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking Hutton. The suspect then fled on foot.

Witnesses provided officers with a description of the suspect which allowed arriving officers to quickly locate him in the area and make an arrest, according to Ditch.

 A 17-year-old boy with the suspect was detained, questioned, and released. Additionally, officers have recovered two handguns during the investigation.

The 16-year-old shooting suspect is being held on a requested charge of 2nd-degree murder, according to Ditch.

"Any death stemming from a shooting is traumatic for our community,” said Wichita Police Chief Lem Moore said. “Especially when it involves one of our youths at a very busy shopping area. Wichita Police will be proactively providing extra resources at this shopping area to ensure safety of patrons and employees.”

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have two suspects in custody.

Just before 5:30p.m. Friday, police were dispatched what was originally believed to be an active shooter at Towne East Mall, 7700 East Kellog in Wichita according to Officer Chad Ditch.

As officers arrived on scene, there was a mass exodus of people from the mall. As officers entered the lower level of the mall, they located a 14-year-old boy with several gunshot wounds. He was later pronounced deceased, according to Ditch.

Police later learned there was an altercation between several juveniles. One of the juveniles brandished a firearm and shot the victim several times.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A short time later, police located two suspect in the area. Officers took a 17-year-old and a 16-year-old into custody, according to Ditch.

Police released no additional details including the victim's name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647654687490.png" alt="Police were dispatched to what was originally believed to be an active shooter -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police were dispatched to what was originally believed to be an active shooter -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at Towne East Mall on Friday have identified the 14-year-old victim as&nbsp;Trenjvious Hutton of Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.Just after 5:30 p.m. on Friday, officers responded to a shooting at Towne East Mall, 7700 E Kellogg Drive in Wichita. Upon arrival, officers entered the mall and located Hutton inside who had been shot. He was pronounced deceased on scene.The investigation revealed, Hutton was involved in a physical altercation with several individuals known to him stemming from an ongoing dispute. During the altercation a 16-year-old suspect pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking Hutton. The suspect then fled on foot.Witnesses provided officers with a description of the suspect which allowed arriving officers to quickly locate him in the area and make an arrest, according to Ditch. A 17-year-old boy with the suspect was detained, questioned, and released. Additionally, officers have recovered two handguns during the investigation.The 16-year-old shooting suspect is being held on a requested charge of 2nd-degree murder, according to Ditch."Any death stemming from a shooting is traumatic for our community,” said Wichita Police Chief Lem Moore said. “Especially when it involves one of our youths at a very busy shopping area. Wichita Police will be proactively providing extra resources at this shopping area to ensure safety of patrons and employees.”-----------SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have two suspects in custody.Just before 5:30p.m. Friday, police were dispatched what was originally believed to be an active shooter at Towne East Mall, 7700 East Kellog in Wichita according to Officer Chad Ditch.As officers arrived on scene, there was a mass exodus of people from the mall. As officers entered the lower level of the mall, they located a 14-year-old boy with several gunshot wounds. He was later pronounced deceased, according to Ditch.Police later learned there was an altercation between several juveniles. One of the juveniles brandished a firearm and shot the victim several times.&nbsp;&nbsp;A short time later, police located two suspect in the area. Officers took a 17-year-old and a 16-year-old into custody, according to Ditch.Police released no additional details including the victim's name.

Police ID 14-year-old shot and killed at Wichita Towne East Mall

LVIV, Ukraine (AP)— A Ukrainian military official has confirmed to a local news outlet that Russian forces carried out a missile strike Friday on a missile and ammunition warehouse in the Delyatyn settlement of the Ivano-Frankivsk region in western Ukraine.

Ukraine’s Air Forces spokesman Yurii Ihnat told the Ukrainskaya Pravda newspaper Saturday, however, that it is yet to be confirmed whether the missile the Russians used was indeed Kinzhal, the county’s latest hypersonic missile, or some other kind.

Earlier on Saturday, a spokesman of the Russian Defense Ministry, Igor Konashenkov, said the Russian military hit the underground warehouse in Delyatyn on Friday with the hypersonic Kinzhal missile in its first reported combat use. According to Russian officials, the Kinzhal, carried by MiG-31 fighter jets, has a range of up to 2,000 kilometers (about 1,250 miles) and flies at 10 times the speed of sound.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647435977643.png" alt="Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed a joint session of Congress on Wednesday-image photo CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed a joint session of Congress on Wednesday-image photo CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>LVIV, Ukraine (AP)— A Ukrainian military official has confirmed to a local news outlet that Russian forces carried out a missile strike Friday on a missile and ammunition warehouse in the Delyatyn settlement of the Ivano-Frankivsk region in western Ukraine.Ukraine’s Air Forces spokesman Yurii Ihnat told the Ukrainskaya Pravda newspaper Saturday, however, that it is yet to be confirmed whether the missile the Russians used was indeed Kinzhal, the county’s latest hypersonic missile, or some other kind.Earlier on Saturday, a spokesman of the Russian Defense Ministry, Igor Konashenkov, said the Russian military hit the underground warehouse in Delyatyn on Friday with the hypersonic Kinzhal missile in its first reported combat use. According to Russian officials, the Kinzhal, carried by MiG-31 fighter jets, has a range of up to 2,000 kilometers (about 1,250 miles) and flies at 10 times the speed of sound.

Russia strikes Ukraine with  new hypersonic missile for first time

WICHITA —Frontier Airlines notified the city of Wichita Friday that they will&nbsp; discontinue service at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, according to a media release from the city.

 Frontier intended to resume flights to Las Vegas from Wichita on April 1 but has canceled those plans. The decision follows a shortage of aircraft, according to the airline.&nbsp;Last week, SkyWest announced it would be ending air service to Dodge City, Hays, Liberal and Salina.

“We certainly are disappointed that Frontier is leaving, especially now that passenger demand is increasing and more seats are needed. There are opportunities for Frontier in this market and we hope to bring them back,” said Valerie Wise, Air Service and Marketing Manager for Eisenhower National Airport.

 Frontier began service to Denver in August 2018, causing fares to drop 29%. During the pandemic, Southwest began flying to Denver in September 2020. United also flies nonstop to Denver, causing an abundance of capacity. Frontier began Las Vegas service in March 2021 and eventually ended the Denver service in September 2021.

Nonstop service to Las Vegas continues to be served by Southwest Airlines on Saturdays and Allegiant Air on Sundays and Thursdays, according to the airport.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647698062748.png" alt="Frontier intended to resume flights to Las Vegas from Wichita on April 1 but has canceled those plans-photo courtesy Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Frontier intended to resume flights to Las Vegas from Wichita on April 1 but has canceled those plans-photo courtesy Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA —Frontier Airlines notified the city of Wichita Friday that they will&nbsp; discontinue service at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, according to a media release from the city. Frontier intended to resume flights to Las Vegas from Wichita on April 1 but has canceled those plans. The decision follows a shortage of aircraft, according to the airline.&nbsp;Last week, SkyWest announced it would be ending air service to Dodge City, Hays, Liberal and Salina.“We certainly are disappointed that Frontier is leaving, especially now that passenger demand is increasing and more seats are needed. There are opportunities for Frontier in this market and we hope to bring them back,” said Valerie Wise, Air Service and Marketing Manager for Eisenhower National Airport. Frontier began service to Denver in August 2018, causing fares to drop 29%. During the pandemic, Southwest began flying to Denver in September 2020. United also flies nonstop to Denver, causing an abundance of capacity. Frontier began Las Vegas service in March 2021 and eventually ended the Denver service in September 2021.Nonstop service to Las Vegas continues to be served by Southwest Airlines on Saturdays and Allegiant Air on Sundays and Thursdays, according to the airport.

Another airline announces they will end service in Kansas

KANSAS CITY (AP) — First-of-its-kind Missouri legislation shows that pro-life lawmakers in Republican-led states aren’t likely to stop at banning most abortions within their borders but also could try to make it harder to go out of state to end pregnancies.

A proposal that could be debated in the Legislature as soon as next week seeks to make it illegal to “aid or abet” abortions outlawed in Missouri, even if they are performed in other states.

Like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-health-abortion-government-and-politics-ba02cd7c3f02b1eb5c87094257ee4db2">a Texas law passed&nbsp;</a>last&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-health-abortion-government-and-politics-ba02cd7c3f02b1eb5c87094257ee4db2">year</a>, the bill puts enforcement in the hands of residents, who could file lawsuits against those they believe have violated it.

State Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman’s bill is aimed at a key frustration for abortion foes: people crossing state lines to avoid restrictions. The bill also targets a network of 90-plus groups across the U.S. that have sprung up specifically to preserve access to abortion.

The proposal comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to decide by June&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-united-states-mississippi-65751e1b9ca7d34f1458ffe9729f82b2">whether to overturn its 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion&nbsp;</a>and GOP-led states rush to pass more restrictions in anticipation that the landmark ruling could be tossed out.

“If the court does that, the ability to get an abortion will be on the line for everyone in America, and so we’re at a crisis point,” said Andrew Beck, senior staff attorney with the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project. “The Missouri bill crystallizes that as extreme and dangerous as that crisis is, it’s just the first step in politicians’ effort to outlaw abortions for everyone.”

Missouri lawmakers in 2019&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/df05286364fb4ba6bfb501aea5c335d8">passed a law banning almost all abortions if Roe v. Wade is overturned.</a>

Under Coleman’s measure, anything from driving women across state lines for abortions to internet providers allowing access to certain abortion-related websites would be outlawed. She said St. Louis-area billboards advertising easier-to-get abortions in neighboring Illinois would be banned, too.

“It’s trying to evade the laws of the state of Missouri,” said Coleman, a St. Louis-area Republican. “Abortion is a really brutal practice and Illinois has chosen not to, in any way, provide protections for the unborn and women, and so we’re trying to do everything we can to make sure Missourians are protected.”

For a clinic across the state line from St. Louis, 75% of the patients from September 2021 through February were from Missouri, according to the Planned Parenthood affiliate that operates it.

In the Kansas City area, the two clinics performing abortions are on the Kansas side. Missouri residents have traditionally accounted for a large percentage of the abortions performed in Kansas — 42% in 2020, the latest data available.

“We’re taking it (Coleman’s proposal) seriously because I think if we’ve learned anything from Missouri and also from what’s happened in Texas, it’s that laws that clearly violate an individual’s constitutional rights, rights that have been recognized and protected for decades, are now going into effect and impacting whether people can get care,” said Emily Wales, president and CEO of the Planned Parenthood affiliate that operates one of those Kansas City clinics.

Coleman’s proposal also would outlaw paying for a woman’s abortion or helping them get insurance coverage to pay for the procedure.

The Missouri Abortion Fund provided financial assistance to 1,866 Missouri residents seeking abortions last year — only two of them in Missouri. Its aid averaged $113, but Michele Landeau, its president, said it helped some people who were only $10 short of being able to pay for their procedures.

“It’s already so difficult to obtain abortion in Missouri and in a lot of parts of the country, and we don’t need additional threats to people’s lives and people’s livelihoods,” Landeau said.

While some legal experts doubt that Coleman’s proposal is constitutional, they also worry that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-texas-56fe96917e21b53b581005cb30db66e0">Supreme Court might refuse to intervene to stop it — just as it did with the Texas law.</a>

“It’s unclear to these states what they’re going to be able to do, and so I think they’re sort of throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks,” said Mary Ziegler, a Florida State University law professor.

The Missouri proposal comes as other Republican-led states consider laws like Texas,′ with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-business-lawsuits-51f006f5be4ac59b85c28a2d50f1710d">Idaho lawmakers passing</a>&nbsp;a similar measure this week.

“While this is the first, it could kick off similar measures elsewhere as states look to adopt more and more outrageous legislation,” said Elizabeth Nash, a policy expert for the abortion-rights supporting Guttmacher Institute.

John Seago, legislative director of Texas Right to Life, said women traveling to other states is “going to be a reality” if Roe v. Wade is overturned.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-coronavirus-pandemic-health-austin-texas-d85d715dc7f73a3cc4f1638df7ce4a14">Since Texas’ six-week ban took effect last year,&nbsp;</a>clinics in neighboring states have reported a sharp increase in the number of patients from that state.

“This is something that the pro-life movement has to come to terms with and figure out what really is the proper response,” he said.

Abortion-rights advocates said regardless of what happens with such laws in the courts, they can create fear or confusion.

“We still get calls from Texas ... where they ask, ‘Is it even legal for me to call you?’” said Zack Gingrich-Gaylord, spokesperson for the abortion-rights group Trust Women, which operates clinics proving abortions in Wichita, Kansas, and Norman, Oklahoma.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1569156934026.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — First-of-its-kind Missouri legislation shows that pro-life lawmakers in Republican-led states aren’t likely to stop at banning most abortions within their borders but also could try to make it harder to go out of state to end pregnancies.A proposal that could be debated in the Legislature as soon as next week seeks to make it illegal to “aid or abet” abortions outlawed in Missouri, even if they are performed in other states.Like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-health-abortion-government-and-politics-ba02cd7c3f02b1eb5c87094257ee4db2">a Texas law passed&nbsp;</a>last&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-health-abortion-government-and-politics-ba02cd7c3f02b1eb5c87094257ee4db2">year</a>, the bill puts enforcement in the hands of residents, who could file lawsuits against those they believe have violated it.State Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman’s bill is aimed at a key frustration for abortion foes: people crossing state lines to avoid restrictions. The bill also targets a network of 90-plus groups across the U.S. that have sprung up specifically to preserve access to abortion.The proposal comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to decide by June&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-united-states-mississippi-65751e1b9ca7d34f1458ffe9729f82b2">whether to overturn its 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion&nbsp;</a>and GOP-led states rush to pass more restrictions in anticipation that the landmark ruling could be tossed out.“If the court does that, the ability to get an abortion will be on the line for everyone in America, and so we’re at a crisis point,” said Andrew Beck, senior staff attorney with the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project. “The Missouri bill crystallizes that as extreme and dangerous as that crisis is, it’s just the first step in politicians’ effort to outlaw abortions for everyone.”Missouri lawmakers in 2019&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/df05286364fb4ba6bfb501aea5c335d8">passed a law banning almost all abortions if Roe v. Wade is overturned.</a>Under Coleman’s measure, anything from driving women across state lines for abortions to internet providers allowing access to certain abortion-related websites would be outlawed. She said St. Louis-area billboards advertising easier-to-get abortions in neighboring Illinois would be banned, too.“It’s trying to evade the laws of the state of Missouri,” said Coleman, a St. Louis-area Republican. “Abortion is a really brutal practice and Illinois has chosen not to, in any way, provide protections for the unborn and women, and so we’re trying to do everything we can to make sure Missourians are protected.”For a clinic across the state line from St. Louis, 75% of the patients from September 2021 through February were from Missouri, according to the Planned Parenthood affiliate that operates it.In the Kansas City area, the two clinics performing abortions are on the Kansas side. Missouri residents have traditionally accounted for a large percentage of the abortions performed in Kansas — 42% in 2020, the latest data available.“We’re taking it (Coleman’s proposal) seriously because I think if we’ve learned anything from Missouri and also from what’s happened in Texas, it’s that laws that clearly violate an individual’s constitutional rights, rights that have been recognized and protected for decades, are now going into effect and impacting whether people can get care,” said Emily Wales, president and CEO of the Planned Parenthood affiliate that operates one of those Kansas City clinics.Coleman’s proposal also would outlaw paying for a woman’s abortion or helping them get insurance coverage to pay for the procedure.The Missouri Abortion Fund provided financial assistance to 1,866 Missouri residents seeking abortions last year — only two of them in Missouri. Its aid averaged $113, but Michele Landeau, its president, said it helped some people who were only $10 short of being able to pay for their procedures.“It’s already so difficult to obtain abortion in Missouri and in a lot of parts of the country, and we don’t need additional threats to people’s lives and people’s livelihoods,” Landeau said.While some legal experts doubt that Coleman’s proposal is constitutional, they also worry that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-texas-56fe96917e21b53b581005cb30db66e0">Supreme Court might refuse to intervene to stop it — just as it did with the Texas law.</a>“It’s unclear to these states what they’re going to be able to do, and so I think they’re sort of throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks,” said Mary Ziegler, a Florida State University law professor.The Missouri proposal comes as other Republican-led states consider laws like Texas,′ with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-business-lawsuits-51f006f5be4ac59b85c28a2d50f1710d">Idaho lawmakers passing</a>&nbsp;a similar measure this week.“While this is the first, it could kick off similar measures elsewhere as states look to adopt more and more outrageous legislation,” said Elizabeth Nash, a policy expert for the abortion-rights supporting Guttmacher Institute.John Seago, legislative director of Texas Right to Life, said women traveling to other states is “going to be a reality” if Roe v. Wade is overturned.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-coronavirus-pandemic-health-austin-texas-d85d715dc7f73a3cc4f1638df7ce4a14">Since Texas’ six-week ban took effect last year,&nbsp;</a>clinics in neighboring states have reported a sharp increase in the number of patients from that state.“This is something that the pro-life movement has to come to terms with and figure out what really is the proper response,” he said.Abortion-rights advocates said regardless of what happens with such laws in the courts, they can create fear or confusion.“We still get calls from Texas ... where they ask, ‘Is it even legal for me to call you?’” said Zack Gingrich-Gaylord, spokesperson for the abortion-rights group Trust Women, which operates clinics proving abortions in Wichita, Kansas, and Norman, Oklahoma.

Missouri could make it harder to get out-of-state abortions

&nbsp;Interstate 70 Westbound has now reopened late Friday, according to Kansas City Kansas Police.&nbsp; However, only the inside lane is clear.  The middle and outside lanes remain closed to clear accident debris. 

Westbound drivers were cautioned not to driver at full speed.&nbsp;

Authorities have not released additional details on the crash.

Eastbound Interstate 70 reopened to traffic just after 12:40p.m. Friday, according to Kansas City, Kansas Police. Westbound remains closed will likely remain closed for a good portion of the afternoon.

KANSAS CITY— Authorities say it may take until late Friday afternoon to reopen Interstate 70 to east and westbound traffic due to a fatal crash and fire in Kansas City, Kansas just <a href="https://legendsshopping.com/">east of The Legends Outlets.</a>

According to KCK Police, eastbound traffic continues to be diverted at Interstate 435 and westbound at 78th Street.

Just after 7:30a.m. Friday, police responded to the crash that involved two semi trucks, according to KCK police. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647617462937.png" alt="The crash occurred just after 7:30 a.m. Friday -Photo courtesy Kansas City Scout" />
 <figcaption>The crash occurred just after 7:30 a.m. Friday -Photo courtesy Kansas City Scout</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Interstate 70 Westbound has now reopened late Friday, according to Kansas City Kansas Police.&nbsp; However, only the inside lane is clear. The middle and outside lanes remain closed to clear accident debris. Westbound drivers were cautioned not to driver at full speed.&nbsp;Authorities have not released additional details on the crash.-----------Eastbound Interstate 70 reopened to traffic just after 12:40p.m. Friday, according to Kansas City, Kansas Police. Westbound remains closed will likely remain closed for a good portion of the afternoon.---------KANSAS CITY— Authorities say it may take until late Friday afternoon to reopen Interstate 70 to east and westbound traffic due to a fatal crash and fire in Kansas City, Kansas just <a href="https://legendsshopping.com/">east of The Legends Outlets.</a>According to KCK Police, eastbound traffic continues to be diverted at Interstate 435 and westbound at 78th Street.Just after 7:30a.m. Friday, police responded to the crash that involved two semi trucks, according to KCK police. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Westbound I-70 now open after crash, fire east of Legends Outlets

ELLIS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a chase and crash in Hays.

Just before 5p.m. Friday, police responded to a robbery at All the Rage Studios, 2707 Vine Street in Hays, according to a media release.

 It was reported that a black male with dreadlocks and a face mask came into the business with his hand stuffed into a bag and demanded the money from the business. 

An employee handed the man the money and the male suspect left the area driving a black SUV with a Texas tag. &nbsp;

Other law enforcement started looking for the suspect’s vehicle and information was given out to the surrounding jurisdictions on the robbery suspect and his vehicle.

 The Russell Police Department located a black Toyota 4 Runner SUV with a Texas license plate in the McDonald’s drive-thru. From running the license plate, officers were able to determine the vehicle was reported stolen out of Colorado.

The suspect vehicle fled from officers, and a pursuit was initiated that headed west bound on Interstate 70 with speeds exceeding 100 mph.&nbsp; Numerous attempts to deploy stop stick tire deflation devices were attempted but were unsuccessful. 

The suspect drove down the west bound off ramp at the 159 exit and drove onto Vine Street in Hays.

 The suspect continued south on Vine Street after driving through the roundabout at the off-ramp exit. 

As the suspect’s vehicle exited the second roundabout just south of interstate on Vine Street, the vehicle started driving south in the northbound lane, directly into oncoming traffic. Hays Police Officers interceded and stopped the suspect vehicle from continuing into oncoming traffic. 

Three police vehicles were damaged along with the suspect’s stolen vehicle. The suspect was identified as 31-year-old Irving Wozanee Brooks III from Jacksonville, Florida. 

Brooks was arrested and taken to the Ellis County Jail. One officer was injured and taken to the hospital with minor injuries. 

Traffic on north Vine Street was blocked and congested to one lane for a lengthy period, causing traffic to be diverted onto interstate for a while as emergency responders worked to remove the damaged vehicles and debris from the roadway.

Irving W. Brooks III is currently being held in the Ellis County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647653621461.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a chase and crash in Hays.Just before 5p.m. Friday, police responded to a robbery at All the Rage Studios, 2707 Vine Street in Hays, according to a media release. It was reported that a black male with dreadlocks and a face mask came into the business with his hand stuffed into a bag and demanded the money from the business. An employee handed the man the money and the male suspect left the area driving a black SUV with a Texas tag. &nbsp;Other law enforcement started looking for the suspect’s vehicle and information was given out to the surrounding jurisdictions on the robbery suspect and his vehicle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647653478281.jpeg" alt="Photos by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photos by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure> The Russell Police Department located a black Toyota 4 Runner SUV with a Texas license plate in the McDonald’s drive-thru. From running the license plate, officers were able to determine the vehicle was reported stolen out of Colorado.The suspect vehicle fled from officers, and a pursuit was initiated that headed west bound on Interstate 70 with speeds exceeding 100 mph.&nbsp; Numerous attempts to deploy stop stick tire deflation devices were attempted but were unsuccessful. The suspect drove down the west bound off ramp at the 159 exit and drove onto Vine Street in Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647653659036.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> The suspect continued south on Vine Street after driving through the roundabout at the off-ramp exit. As the suspect’s vehicle exited the second roundabout just south of interstate on Vine Street, the vehicle started driving south in the northbound lane, directly into oncoming traffic. Hays Police Officers interceded and stopped the suspect vehicle from continuing into oncoming traffic. Three police vehicles were damaged along with the suspect’s stolen vehicle. The suspect was identified as 31-year-old Irving Wozanee Brooks III from Jacksonville, Florida. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647653727062.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Brooks was arrested and taken to the Ellis County Jail. One officer was injured and taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Traffic on north Vine Street was blocked and congested to one lane for a lengthy period, causing traffic to be diverted onto interstate for a while as emergency responders worked to remove the damaged vehicles and debris from the roadway.Irving W. Brooks III is currently being held in the Ellis County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647653832353.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Armed robbery suspect caught after chase, crash in Hays

KANSAS CITY— A judge sentenced a Kansas City man to 20 years in prison for the fatal stabbing in November 2020 of Daniel Atkinson, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Trever A. Young, 30, pleaded guilty to Murder 2nd Degree.&nbsp;

According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched on Nov. 5, 2020 to the 3700 block of Gardner Avenue on a reported cutting. Officers found a victim, later identified as 37-year-old Daniel Atkison.

 He was suffering from apparent trauma. He later died at a hospital of his injuries. A witness provided a suspect description, a name and that the suspect was traveling on foot from the crime scene.

Officers took the Young into custody soon after. He had apparent blood on his clothing and a knife that appeared to be bloody. Witnesses described for police how the suspect punched or stabbed the victim in the stomach.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647461066969.png" alt="Young-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Young-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— A judge sentenced a Kansas City man to 20 years in prison for the fatal stabbing in November 2020 of Daniel Atkinson, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Trever A. Young, 30, pleaded guilty to Murder 2nd Degree.&nbsp;According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched on Nov. 5, 2020 to the 3700 block of Gardner Avenue on a reported cutting. Officers found a victim, later identified as 37-year-old Daniel Atkison. He was suffering from apparent trauma. He later died at a hospital of his injuries. A witness provided a suspect description, a name and that the suspect was traveling on foot from the crime scene.Officers took the Young into custody soon after. He had apparent blood on his clothing and a knife that appeared to be bloody. Witnesses described for police how the suspect punched or stabbed the victim in the stomach.

Kansas City man sentenced for fatal knife attack

MOSCOW (AP) —The United States stepped up its push Friday for consular access to Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who is detained in Russia on allegations of drug smuggling, as a member of a Russian state-backed prison monitoring group said Griner was faring well behind bars.

Ekaterina Kalugina told The Associated Press on Friday that she visited Griner on Monday at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-russia-arrest-extended-d769f6dfe03a3b55f23ef24960dae787">pretrial detention facility outside of Moscow</a>&nbsp;where she’s being held and spoke to her with the help of a cellmate who speaks Russian and English and served as an interpreter.

“Her physical condition is fine, she’s holding up fine, and I’d even say that she is fairly calm and isn’t anxious,” Kalugina said of the Phoenix Mercury star and former 3-time Big 12 Player of the year, whose legal ordeal comes amid tension between Russia and the U.S. over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-united-nations-europe-antony-blinken-c3310a12490a0cf2e06f5f389e22e3a6">Russia’s invasion of Ukraine</a>.

The United States stepped up its push Friday for consular access to Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who is detained in Russia on allegations of drug smuggling, as a member of a Russian state-backed prison monitoring group said Griner was faring well behind bars.

“Her physical condition is fine, she’s holding up fine, and I’d even say that she is fairly calm and isn’t anxious,” Kalugina said of the Phoenix Mercury star, whose legal ordeal comes amid tension between Russia and the U.S. over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-united-nations-europe-antony-blinken-c3310a12490a0cf2e06f5f389e22e3a6">Russia’s invasion of Ukraine</a>.

Kalugina said Griner is being held at the facility where an Israeli woman, Naama Issachar, spent time before Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/122f4edecc8fa71d30b060ef2fa81a62">pardoned her in 2020</a>. Russian authorities said they found hashish in Issachar’s luggage while she was transferring between flights in Moscow en route from India to Israel, at the same airport where Griner was detained. Issachar was convicted and sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison before she was freed after spending nine months behind bars.

Griner’s legal team has been quietly seeking her release and has declined to speak out about the case since her arrest was made public earlier this month.

Of the thousands of U.S. citizens arrested and jailed in prisons abroad, a small subset are designated by the U.S. government as wrongfully detained — a category that affords their cases an extra level of government attention and places them under the auspices of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs at the State Department. The U.S. government has not yet put Griner’s case in that category.

Griner is not the only American detained in Russia. Marine veteran Trevor Reed was sentenced to nine years in prison in 2020 on charges alleging that he assaulted police officers in Moscow. And Michigan corporate security executive Paul Whelan is serving a 16-year sentence on espionage charges that his family and the U.S. government have said are false. U.S. officials have publicly called for Moscow to release them.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646510097872.png" alt="The 31-year-old Griner, one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor-photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury" />
 <figcaption>The 31-year-old Griner, one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor-photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury</figcaption>
 </figure>MOSCOW (AP) —The United States stepped up its push Friday for consular access to Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who is detained in Russia on allegations of drug smuggling, as a member of a Russian state-backed prison monitoring group said Griner was faring well behind bars.Ekaterina Kalugina told The Associated Press on Friday that she visited Griner on Monday at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-russia-arrest-extended-d769f6dfe03a3b55f23ef24960dae787">pretrial detention facility outside of Moscow</a>&nbsp;where she’s being held and spoke to her with the help of a cellmate who speaks Russian and English and served as an interpreter.“Her physical condition is fine, she’s holding up fine, and I’d even say that she is fairly calm and isn’t anxious,” Kalugina said of the Phoenix Mercury star and former 3-time Big 12 Player of the year, whose legal ordeal comes amid tension between Russia and the U.S. over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-united-nations-europe-antony-blinken-c3310a12490a0cf2e06f5f389e22e3a6">Russia’s invasion of Ukraine</a>.The United States stepped up its push Friday for consular access to Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who is detained in Russia on allegations of drug smuggling, as a member of a Russian state-backed prison monitoring group said Griner was faring well behind bars.Ekaterina Kalugina told The Associated Press on Friday that she visited Griner on Monday at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-russia-arrest-extended-d769f6dfe03a3b55f23ef24960dae787">pretrial detention facility outside of Moscow</a>&nbsp;where she’s being held and spoke to her with the help of a cellmate who speaks Russian and English and served as an interpreter.“Her physical condition is fine, she’s holding up fine, and I’d even say that she is fairly calm and isn’t anxious,” Kalugina said of the Phoenix Mercury star, whose legal ordeal comes amid tension between Russia and the U.S. over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-united-nations-europe-antony-blinken-c3310a12490a0cf2e06f5f389e22e3a6">Russia’s invasion of Ukraine</a>.Kalugina said Griner is being held at the facility where an Israeli woman, Naama Issachar, spent time before Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/122f4edecc8fa71d30b060ef2fa81a62">pardoned her in 2020</a>. Russian authorities said they found hashish in Issachar’s luggage while she was transferring between flights in Moscow en route from India to Israel, at the same airport where Griner was detained. Issachar was convicted and sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison before she was freed after spending nine months behind bars.Griner’s legal team has been quietly seeking her release and has declined to speak out about the case since her arrest was made public earlier this month.Of the thousands of U.S. citizens arrested and jailed in prisons abroad, a small subset are designated by the U.S. government as wrongfully detained — a category that affords their cases an extra level of government attention and places them under the auspices of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs at the State Department. The U.S. government has not yet put Griner’s case in that category.Griner is not the only American detained in Russia. Marine veteran Trevor Reed was sentenced to nine years in prison in 2020 on charges alleging that he assaulted police officers in Moscow. And Michigan corporate security executive Paul Whelan is serving a 16-year sentence on espionage charges that his family and the U.S. government have said are false. U.S. officials have publicly called for Moscow to release them.

US demands Russia allow access to detained basketball star

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/18/kansas-panel-clears-house-redistricting-map-after-changes-in-western-part-of-state/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A panel of state 
representatives approved Friday an updated proposal to redraw Kansas 
House districts that makes changes in western Kansas but ignores 
testimony urging changes in Leavenworth County and surrounding areas.

The updated Freestate 3 map would see many of the incumbents drawn into the same district under <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/16/kansas-house-map-plan-raises-concerns-about-leavenworth-county-lgbtq-representation/">a previous iteration</a>
 remain together, but a dramatic change out west would get rid of the 
district currently occupied by Rep. Tatum Lee, a Ness City Republican, 
pairing her with Rep. Jim Minnix, R-Scott City. Rep. Kyle Hoffman, 
R-Coldwater, and Rep. Boyd Orr, R-Fowler, are no longer together in the 
same district.

The amendment would keep several counties whole, something Rep. Adam 
Smith wanted to be prioritized in the process. He said these changes 
kept confusion down during elections where people are used to one 
representative for a clean group of counties.

“Also, it might sound a little bit strange for some of our more urban
 counterparts, but in western Kansas, we like to follow our highway 
systems that make it efficient for people to get around,” the Weskan 
Republican said. “The very first time I saw this, I played around with 
Google Earth a little bit, and (the 116th District) goes all the way 
from Copeland to Wellington. That is almost six full counties, and I 
believe that would be the longest, most stretched-out district in the 
history of the state.”

The amendment also makes changes in Johnson County. Another amendment
 brought by Smith would make a change to a district in Hutchinson.

Unchanged in the brand new 125 House districts are areas in 
Leavenworth County, where several members of the public expressed 
concerns. In the map, the city is still divided and a finger runs from 
one end of the county to relocate one precinct from the center of 
Leavenworth into another district.

Some opponents argued the map was grossly gerrymandered to improve 
the standing of Republican House redistricting chairman Chris Croft.

The map, introduced earlier this week, pairs House Speaker Ron 
Ryckman with Rep. Megan Lynn, R-Olathe, in the 49th House District. 
Ryckman has held office since 2012 and is in his third term as speaker.

Ryckman’s current district is trending less conservative. Ryckman won
 reelection by five points over a Democrat challenger in 2020, but in 
2016 that margin was 23 points.

“The gerrymandering of Leavenworth needs to be stopped, with 
population numbers adjusted through movement of the southern or western 
boundaries, not through cherry picking the one precinct that is a thorn 
in Rep. Proctor’s side,” said Jeffery Howards, chairman of the 
Leavenworth County Democratic Party in testimony Wednesday.

Across the rotunda Thursday, legislators approved Republican-backed 
Senate maps that would dramatically alter Shawnee County and the 
northeast part of Kansas. Under the plan, Topeka would gain a fourth 
Senate seat that would run along Interstate 70 and rope in part of 
northwest Lawrence.

The three senators who represent Shawnee County currently will add 
other parts of eastern Kansas counties to make up for the new district. 
It is possible under the plan that all four senators could reside 
outside Shawnee County.

Critics argue it unfairly dilutes the voting power of one of the 
state’s largest cities, but supporters say this would better represent 
the left-leaning parts of the county. The measure passed 28 to 8 with a 
handful of Democrats and Republicans opposing the map.

“I have said how the western Kansas voice is being eroded and it 
continues to be eroded by maps like this,” said Sen. Alicia Straub, 
R-Ellinwood. “Without sufficient time to propose thoughtful amendments 
to this, I absolutely cannot support a map that’s neither transparent, 
nor honest.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647639861182.png" alt="Rep. Adam Smith, R-Weskan, proposed an amendment he said would cleanup up confusion in Western Kansas. The change would see Rep. Tatum Lee, a Ness City Republican paired with Rep. Jim Minnix, R-Scott City. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Adam Smith, R-Weskan, proposed an amendment he said would cleanup up confusion in Western Kansas. The change would see Rep. Tatum Lee, a Ness City Republican paired with Rep. Jim Minnix, R-Scott City. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/18/kansas-panel-clears-house-redistricting-map-after-changes-in-western-part-of-state/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A panel of state 
representatives approved Friday an updated proposal to redraw Kansas 
House districts that makes changes in western Kansas but ignores 
testimony urging changes in Leavenworth County and surrounding areas.The updated Freestate 3 map would see many of the incumbents drawn into the same district under <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/16/kansas-house-map-plan-raises-concerns-about-leavenworth-county-lgbtq-representation/">a previous iteration</a>
 remain together, but a dramatic change out west would get rid of the 
district currently occupied by Rep. Tatum Lee, a Ness City Republican, 
pairing her with Rep. Jim Minnix, R-Scott City. Rep. Kyle Hoffman, 
R-Coldwater, and Rep. Boyd Orr, R-Fowler, are no longer together in the 
same district.The amendment would keep several counties whole, something Rep. Adam 
Smith wanted to be prioritized in the process. He said these changes 
kept confusion down during elections where people are used to one 
representative for a clean group of counties.“Also, it might sound a little bit strange for some of our more urban
 counterparts, but in western Kansas, we like to follow our highway 
systems that make it efficient for people to get around,” the Weskan 
Republican said. “The very first time I saw this, I played around with 
Google Earth a little bit, and (the 116th District) goes all the way 
from Copeland to Wellington. That is almost six full counties, and I 
believe that would be the longest, most stretched-out district in the 
history of the state.”The amendment also makes changes in Johnson County. Another amendment
 brought by Smith would make a change to a district in Hutchinson.Unchanged in the brand new 125 House districts are areas in 
Leavenworth County, where several members of the public expressed 
concerns. In the map, the city is still divided and a finger runs from 
one end of the county to relocate one precinct from the center of 
Leavenworth into another district.Some opponents argued the map was grossly gerrymandered to improve 
the standing of Republican House redistricting chairman Chris Croft.The map, introduced earlier this week, pairs House Speaker Ron 
Ryckman with Rep. Megan Lynn, R-Olathe, in the 49th House District. 
Ryckman has held office since 2012 and is in his third term as speaker.Ryckman’s current district is trending less conservative. Ryckman won
 reelection by five points over a Democrat challenger in 2020, but in 
2016 that margin was 23 points.“The gerrymandering of Leavenworth needs to be stopped, with 
population numbers adjusted through movement of the southern or western 
boundaries, not through cherry picking the one precinct that is a thorn 
in Rep. Proctor’s side,” said Jeffery Howards, chairman of the 
Leavenworth County Democratic Party in testimony Wednesday.Across the rotunda Thursday, legislators approved Republican-backed 
Senate maps that would dramatically alter Shawnee County and the 
northeast part of Kansas. Under the plan, Topeka would gain a fourth 
Senate seat that would run along Interstate 70 and rope in part of 
northwest Lawrence.The three senators who represent Shawnee County currently will add 
other parts of eastern Kansas counties to make up for the new district. 
It is possible under the plan that all four senators could reside 
outside Shawnee County.Critics argue it unfairly dilutes the voting power of one of the 
state’s largest cities, but supporters say this would better represent 
the left-leaning parts of the county. The measure passed 28 to 8 with a 
handful of Democrats and Republicans opposing the map.“I have said how the western Kansas voice is being eroded and it 
continues to be eroded by maps like this,” said Sen. Alicia Straub, 
R-Ellinwood. “Without sufficient time to propose thoughtful amendments 
to this, I absolutely cannot support a map that’s neither transparent, 
nor honest.”

Panel clears House redistricting map after western Kan. changes

UPDATE 4:25 p.m. Friday: The Salina Police this afternoon released new information in the landscaper BB shooting case.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A social media challenge apparently is connected to the shooting of a landscaper in downtown Salina late Tuesday morning.

The Salina Police Department this afternoon announced that two people had been apprehended in connection to the case.

Earlier today, by using a partial license plate number, detectives were able to locate in the 700 block of S. Ninth Street the white Dodge Ram connected to the shooting, according to a news release from the department. Two teen males believed to be associated with the shooting were located in the pickup. The two were identified as a 17-year-old Salina boy and Lucas E. Burleson, 18, of Salina. Both were taken to the Salina Police Department for questioning.

"Detectives learned the suspect’s actions might be associated with a Tick Tock 'Orbeez Challenge' on social media involving gel or water beads fired from airsoft-type guns. This challenge encourages participants to use airsoft-type guns which shoot gel or water beads at pedestrians. This Tick Tock social media challenge is apparently a nation-wide phenomenon and has resulted in injuries," the Salina Police Department noted in the news release.

Following are the requested charges for the two, according to information from the police.

The 17-year-old boy: Aggravated assault and battery. Both are Saline County District Court juvenile charges.

Burleson: Unlawful discharge of an air gun within the city limits. This is a Salina Municipal Court charge.

Additionally, there is a third person believed to be involved in the incident.

"Once they are identified, that person will beinterviewed and may be subject to charges," the department noted in the news release.

If you have any information concerning this event or identification of the individual(s) involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637), or visit <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950</a> to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward and you are not required to give your name. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210. Case 2022-3667.

On Tuesday, officers with the Salina Police Department received a report from a citizen who had been shot by a BB gun. 

The woman reported that she was working along the side of the road in the 200 block of S. Santa Fe Avenue when a newer white four-door Dodge Ram pickup drove by slowly. The woman observed the rear driver’s side passenger holding a black BB gun. The passenger then fired the BB gun, striking the victim in the chest with a BB.

Video surveillance from the downtown area shows the suspect vehicle leaving the scene.

If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS. You can also make an online tip at: <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</a>. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, or Officer Cranmer, case 2022-7160.

UPDATE 4:25 p.m. Friday: The Salina Police this afternoon released new information in the landscaper BB shooting case.By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA social media challenge apparently is connected to the shooting of a landscaper in downtown Salina late Tuesday morning.The Salina Police Department this afternoon announced that two people had been apprehended in connection to the case.Earlier today, by using a partial license plate number, detectives were able to locate in the 700 block of S. Ninth Street the white Dodge Ram connected to the shooting, according to a news release from the department. Two teen males believed to be associated with the shooting were located in the pickup. The two were identified as a 17-year-old Salina boy and Lucas E. Burleson, 18, of Salina. Both were taken to the Salina Police Department for questioning."Detectives learned the suspect’s actions might be associated with a Tick Tock 'Orbeez Challenge' on social media involving gel or water beads fired from airsoft-type guns. This challenge encourages participants to use airsoft-type guns which shoot gel or water beads at pedestrians. This Tick Tock social media challenge is apparently a nation-wide phenomenon and has resulted in injuries," the Salina Police Department noted in the news release.Following are the requested charges for the two, according to information from the police.The 17-year-old boy: Aggravated assault and battery. Both are Saline County District Court juvenile charges.Burleson: Unlawful discharge of an air gun within the city limits. This is a Salina Municipal Court charge.Additionally, there is a third person believed to be involved in the incident."Once they are identified, that person will beinterviewed and may be subject to charges," the department noted in the news release.If you have any information concerning this event or identification of the individual(s) involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637), or visit <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950</a> to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward and you are not required to give your name. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210. Case 2022-3667.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647624264575.jpeg" alt="Crimestoppers is seeking tips about this white Dodge Ram in connection with an incident in which a worker&nbsp; was shot with a BB gun in the 200 block of S. Santa Fe Avenue.&nbsp;Photos courtesy Crimestoppers&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Crimestoppers is seeking tips about this white Dodge Ram in connection with an incident in which a worker&nbsp; was shot with a BB gun in the 200 block of S. Santa Fe Avenue.&nbsp;Photos courtesy Crimestoppers&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>CrimestoppersOn Tuesday, officers with the Salina Police Department received a report from a citizen who had been shot by a BB gun. The woman reported that she was working along the side of the road in the 200 block of S. Santa Fe Avenue when a newer white four-door Dodge Ram pickup drove by slowly. The woman observed the rear driver’s side passenger holding a black BB gun. The passenger then fired the BB gun, striking the victim in the chest with a BB.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647624406768.jpeg" alt="Another view of the Dodge Ram taken from surveillance video." />
 <figcaption>Another view of the Dodge Ram taken from surveillance video.</figcaption>
 </figure>Video surveillance from the downtown area shows the suspect vehicle leaving the scene.If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS. You can also make an online tip at: <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</a>. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, or Officer Cranmer, case 2022-7160. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647624476894.jpeg" alt="Another image from surveillance video." />
 <figcaption>Another image from surveillance video.</figcaption>
 </figure>

BB shooting case in Salina may be part of nationwide trend

LINCOLN, Neb.&nbsp; — The Nebraska 
State Patrol is renewing its request for information regarding the 
disappearance of Linda Dillard, who went missing last June in southeast 
Nebraska, according to a media release.

Dillard was last seen on June 16, 2021, in the rural Table Rock, Neb., area.
 As part of the investigation, NSP and assisting agencies have conducted
 multiple searches in the area where Dillard was last seen. 
Investigators believe Dillard may have been the victim of a crime, which
 led to her disappearance.

Dillard was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, black DKNY boxer brief shorts, and brown Birkenstock-type 
sandals. Dillard is described as a white female, 5’0”, 130 pounds, with 
blue eyes and brown hair (possibly dyed or wearing a wig).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647635073487.jpeg" alt="Dillard photo Nebraska State Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Dillard photo Nebraska State Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb.&nbsp; — The Nebraska 
State Patrol is renewing its request for information regarding the 
disappearance of Linda Dillard, who went missing last June in southeast 
Nebraska, according to a media release.Dillard was last seen on June 16, 2021, in the rural Table Rock, Neb., area.
 As part of the investigation, NSP and assisting agencies have conducted
 multiple searches in the area where Dillard was last seen. 
Investigators believe Dillard may have been the victim of a crime, which
 led to her disappearance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647635024140.png" alt="Table Rock is in the southeast portion of Nebraska near the Kansas border. Google Maps." />
 <figcaption>Table Rock is in the southeast portion of Nebraska near the Kansas border. Google Maps.</figcaption>
 </figure>Dillard was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, black DKNY boxer brief shorts, and brown Birkenstock-type 
sandals. Dillard is described as a white female, 5’0”, 130 pounds, with 
blue eyes and brown hair (possibly dyed or wearing a wig).

Nebraska Patrol: Search continues for woman missing since June

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) was recently appointed by the Senate to join the Senate North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Observer Group, which serves as a bridge between the U.S. Senate and NATO allies, according to a media release his office.

“As Russia’s unprovoked war with Ukraine threatens European stability, a unified NATO is essential to deterring further threats and preserving American peace and prosperity,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“Through my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have regularly met with NATO military leaders stationed throughout Europe, and I am pleased to now join the Senate NATO Observer Group to continue strengthening this transatlantic alliance. Through this bipartisan group my colleagues and I will track the implementation of NATO initiatives, assess its military capabilities and review NATO defense spending to protect democracy and safeguard freedom for the U.S. and our NATO allies.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647627371678.png" alt="In October, and before Senator Moran's addition, the Senate NATO Observer Group met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Washington.&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH),&nbsp;a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, and U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) co-chair the group " />
 <figcaption>In October, and before Senator Moran's addition, the Senate NATO Observer Group met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Washington.&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH),&nbsp;a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, and U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) co-chair the group </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) was recently appointed by the Senate to join the Senate North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Observer Group, which serves as a bridge between the U.S. Senate and NATO allies, according to a media release his office.“As Russia’s unprovoked war with Ukraine threatens European stability, a unified NATO is essential to deterring further threats and preserving American peace and prosperity,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“Through my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have regularly met with NATO military leaders stationed throughout Europe, and I am pleased to now join the Senate NATO Observer Group to continue strengthening this transatlantic alliance. Through this bipartisan group my colleagues and I will track the implementation of NATO initiatives, assess its military capabilities and review NATO defense spending to protect democracy and safeguard freedom for the U.S. and our NATO allies.”<ul>
 <li>The Senate NATO Observer group was first established in 1997 and helped guide the Senate approval process for aspiring NATO allies from former Soviet satellite countries in Eastern and Southern Europe.</li><li>The Senate NATO Observer Group meets regularly with leaders from the Departments of State and Defense and with key NATO leaders, including the Secretary General.</li><li>Current members of the Senate NATO Observer Group include U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) as co-chairs, along with John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Cory Booker (R-N.J.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Jeff Merkley (Ore.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).</li>
 </ul>

Senator Moran appointed to Senate NATO Observer Group

By ARIANA FIGUEROA <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/03/17/most-hbcu-bomb-threats-may-be-coming-from-one-juvenile-fbi-official-tells-congress/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — A top FBI official 
told members of a U.S. House panel on Thursday that the agency believes a
 single juvenile is behind most of the bomb threats made to more than 30
 Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Ryan Young, executive assistant director of the Intelligence Branch 
at the FBI, said that the bomb threats made to HBCUs and historically 
Black churches are the agency’s top priority.

“We’ve treated this as domestic terrorism,” he said. “It’s meant to inflict harm within the African American population.”

Under questioning from Republican Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana, 
Young said that the FBI believes that a majority of the bomb threats are
 from one juvenile, but declined to give any more information.

Higgins asked if it is correct that the FBI has identified one 
juvenile behind the threats. Young said “that is consistent with the 
message we’ve shared with both law enforcement and the Historically 
Black Colleges.”

The exchange came during a hearing of the House Oversight Committee, 
as lawmakers grilled officials from law enforcement agencies about why 
those making bomb threats made against Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities have not been caught.

“As the investigation is ongoing, I know that the FBI cannot answer 
any questions about the status of these specific cases,” said Rep. Jamie
 Raskin, a Maryland Democrat and chair of the&nbsp;Subcommittee on Civil 
Rights and Civil Liberties.

“But I would like to know how the FBI is coordinating with HBCUs and 
communities of color to address the terrifying rise in hate crimes and 
white supremacy in the U.S.”

This year alone, 36 HBCUs have been targeted with bomb threats. The House and Senate on a bipartisan vote&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/03/08/u-s-house-condemns-bomb-threats-made-against-hbcus/">passed</a>&nbsp;
 a resolution condemning the bomb threats made to HBCUs and several 
congressional hearings on the threats to minority institutions have been
 held.

Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis temporarily closed its campus on Feb. 1 <a target="_blank" href="https://news.stlpublicradio.org/education/2022-02-01/harris-stowe-state-university-shuts-down-campus-following-bomb-threats-to-it-and-other-hbcus">after receiving a bomb threat</a>.

Leaders of faith organizations and HBCUs&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/02/17/u-s-house-hearing-on-extremism-toward-minorities-turns-into-defund-the-police-debate/">detailed</a>&nbsp;to
 the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland 
Security how their institutions and places of worship have been roiled 
by bomb threats and extremism.

Higgins said it was unacceptable that the FBI and Department of Justice have not made an arrest.

“The impact of the bomb threats, when you look at (the) historical 
aspect, that’s a level of fear that we should absolutely investigate in 
the most aggressive way possible,” he said.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/six-juveniles-identified-fbi-persons-interests-bomb-threats-historical-rcna14591">A February report from NBC&nbsp;</a>said
 the FBI was looking at a group of six juveniles as “persons of 
interest” in the threats. That report said the juveniles were “tech 
savvy” and able to disguise the source of the threats.

Students from HBCUs also testified before lawmakers on the impact of dealing with bomb threats.

Emmanuel Ukot, the president of the Student Government Association at
 Xavier University of Louisiana, said many classmates were anxious 
following the bomb threats in February.

“Our HBCUs are spaces where we are the majority, where we are valued,
 and where we are expected to excel,” Ukot said. “These attacks robbed 
us of that freedom and ease that HBCUs have historically provided to 
Black students.”

Another student,&nbsp;Devan Vilfrard, from&nbsp;Florida A&amp;M University in 
Tallahassee, said in his opening statement to lawmakers that “racial 
violence towards HBCUs is a multi-generational occurrence that 
profoundly impacts the Black community.”

“HBCUs should continue to be federally supported and protected as we 
endeavor to remove this ongoing tradition of bombing and bomb threats 
for HBCU students of the future,” he said.

Rep. Shontel Brown, an Ohio Democrat, said that the threats were also
 an attack on the mental health of faculty, students and staff, as a 
majority of the threats were made in February during Black History 
Month.

“HBCUs are building the next generation of Black leaders and Congress
 must continue to recognize their contributions in the most important 
way possible by affording the support, the infrastructure and the 
investment to keep them and our future leaders safe and secure,” Brown 
said.

She asked Michelle Asha Cooper, the acting assistant secretary for 
postsecondary education at the U.S. Department of Education, what the 
agency is doing to help HBCUs address the mental health impact of the 
bomb threats.

Cooper said that HBCUs who have received bomb threats get immediately
 contacted by the Department of Education so the agency can understand 
how to best serve those institutions. Cooper added that the agency is 
working on guidance on how HBCUs can tap into pandemic relief funds to 
address mental health needs.

The chair of the House Oversight Committee, Rep.&nbsp;Carolyn B. Maloney, a
 New York Democrat, asked Young if he believed these threats were being 
made by foreign actors.

Young said that the FBI had found no evidence of foreign influence in
 the bomb threats, but added that “there is an understanding that people
 online are radicalizing a lot more.”

He added that the agency has seen a rise in hate crimes not only 
toward the African American community, but other minority communities 
and places of worship.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647552407908.png" alt="Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis temporarily closed its campus on Feb. 1 after receiving a bomb threat (photo courtesy of Harris-Stowe State)." />
 <figcaption>Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis temporarily closed its campus on Feb. 1 after receiving a bomb threat (photo courtesy of Harris-Stowe State).</figcaption>
 </figure>By ARIANA FIGUEROA <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/03/17/most-hbcu-bomb-threats-may-be-coming-from-one-juvenile-fbi-official-tells-congress/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — A top FBI official 
told members of a U.S. House panel on Thursday that the agency believes a
 single juvenile is behind most of the bomb threats made to more than 30
 Historically Black Colleges and Universities.Ryan Young, executive assistant director of the Intelligence Branch 
at the FBI, said that the bomb threats made to HBCUs and historically 
Black churches are the agency’s top priority.“We’ve treated this as domestic terrorism,” he said. “It’s meant to inflict harm within the African American population.”Under questioning from Republican Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana, 
Young said that the FBI believes that a majority of the bomb threats are
 from one juvenile, but declined to give any more information.Higgins asked if it is correct that the FBI has identified one 
juvenile behind the threats. Young said “that is consistent with the 
message we’ve shared with both law enforcement and the Historically 
Black Colleges.”The exchange came during a hearing of the House Oversight Committee, 
as lawmakers grilled officials from law enforcement agencies about why 
those making bomb threats made against Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities have not been caught.“As the investigation is ongoing, I know that the FBI cannot answer 
any questions about the status of these specific cases,” said Rep. Jamie
 Raskin, a Maryland Democrat and chair of the&nbsp;Subcommittee on Civil 
Rights and Civil Liberties.“But I would like to know how the FBI is coordinating with HBCUs and 
communities of color to address the terrifying rise in hate crimes and 
white supremacy in the U.S.”This year alone, 36 HBCUs have been targeted with bomb threats. The House and Senate on a bipartisan vote&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/03/08/u-s-house-condemns-bomb-threats-made-against-hbcus/">passed</a>&nbsp;
 a resolution condemning the bomb threats made to HBCUs and several 
congressional hearings on the threats to minority institutions have been
 held.Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis temporarily closed its campus on Feb. 1 <a target="_blank" href="https://news.stlpublicradio.org/education/2022-02-01/harris-stowe-state-university-shuts-down-campus-following-bomb-threats-to-it-and-other-hbcus">after receiving a bomb threat</a>.Leaders of faith organizations and HBCUs&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/02/17/u-s-house-hearing-on-extremism-toward-minorities-turns-into-defund-the-police-debate/">detailed</a>&nbsp;to
 the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland 
Security how their institutions and places of worship have been roiled 
by bomb threats and extremism.Higgins said it was unacceptable that the FBI and Department of Justice have not made an arrest.“The impact of the bomb threats, when you look at (the) historical 
aspect, that’s a level of fear that we should absolutely investigate in 
the most aggressive way possible,” he said.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/six-juveniles-identified-fbi-persons-interests-bomb-threats-historical-rcna14591">A February report from NBC&nbsp;</a>said
 the FBI was looking at a group of six juveniles as “persons of 
interest” in the threats. That report said the juveniles were “tech 
savvy” and able to disguise the source of the threats.<h2>Student anxiety</h2>Students from HBCUs also testified before lawmakers on the impact of dealing with bomb threats.Emmanuel Ukot, the president of the Student Government Association at
 Xavier University of Louisiana, said many classmates were anxious 
following the bomb threats in February.“Our HBCUs are spaces where we are the majority, where we are valued,
 and where we are expected to excel,” Ukot said. “These attacks robbed 
us of that freedom and ease that HBCUs have historically provided to 
Black students.”Another student,&nbsp;Devan Vilfrard, from&nbsp;Florida A&amp;M University in 
Tallahassee, said in his opening statement to lawmakers that “racial 
violence towards HBCUs is a multi-generational occurrence that 
profoundly impacts the Black community.”“HBCUs should continue to be federally supported and protected as we 
endeavor to remove this ongoing tradition of bombing and bomb threats 
for HBCU students of the future,” he said.Rep. Shontel Brown, an Ohio Democrat, said that the threats were also
 an attack on the mental health of faculty, students and staff, as a 
majority of the threats were made in February during Black History 
Month.“HBCUs are building the next generation of Black leaders and Congress
 must continue to recognize their contributions in the most important 
way possible by affording the support, the infrastructure and the 
investment to keep them and our future leaders safe and secure,” Brown 
said.She asked Michelle Asha Cooper, the acting assistant secretary for 
postsecondary education at the U.S. Department of Education, what the 
agency is doing to help HBCUs address the mental health impact of the 
bomb threats.Cooper said that HBCUs who have received bomb threats get immediately
 contacted by the Department of Education so the agency can understand 
how to best serve those institutions. Cooper added that the agency is 
working on guidance on how HBCUs can tap into pandemic relief funds to 
address mental health needs.The chair of the House Oversight Committee, Rep.&nbsp;Carolyn B. Maloney, a
 New York Democrat, asked Young if he believed these threats were being 
made by foreign actors.Young said that the FBI had found no evidence of foreign influence in
 the bomb threats, but added that “there is an understanding that people
 online are radicalizing a lot more.”He added that the agency has seen a rise in hate crimes not only 
toward the African American community, but other minority communities 
and places of worship.