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

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

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

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

Prosecutors requested a $1 million 10 percent bond.

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

Kansas City man charged in fatal kidnapping 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🎥 Ukraine President addresses Congress, pleads for help

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

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

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

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

Some facts about Kansas' current food tax:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

· Sixth, given the record evidence of significant national security and law enforcement risks concerning the companies’ section 214 authority, the Order will reclaim the two International Signaling Point Codes that were provisionally assigned to ComNet in 2001 and in 2003, sixty days from the release date of the Order. 

The Commission will seek to raise consumer awareness by issuing a consumer guide in English, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese on the Commission’s website, advising ComNet’s customers of the Commission’s decision and raising awareness of other options for calling card services.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977952684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FCCWASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission adopted an Order ending the ability of Pacific Networks Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, ComNet (USA) LLC, to provide domestic interstate and international telecommunications services within the United States. The Order on Revocation and Termination directs the companies to discontinue any domestic or international services that they provide pursuant to their section 214 authority within sixty days following the release of the Order. Based on input from Executive Branch agencies, thorough review of the companies’ responses in this proceeding, the public record, and the FCC’s public interest analysis under the law, the Commission finds that today’s action safeguards the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure from potential security threats. In March 2021, the Commission found that Pacific Networks and ComNet had failed to dispel serious concerns regarding their retention of their authority to provide telecommunications services in the United States. The Commission thus adopted procedures that allowed for Pacific Networks and ComNet, the Executive Branch agencies, and the public to present any remaining arguments or evidence in the matter. Today, based on the FCC’s public interest analysis and the totality of the extensive record, the Commission finds that the present and future public interest, convenience, and necessity is no longer served by the companies’ retention of their section 214 authority. · First, the Order finds that the companies are U.S. subsidiaries of a Chinese state-owned entity, and therefore they are subject to exploitation, influence, and control by the Chinese government and are highly likely to be forced to comply with Chinese government requests without sufficient legal procedures subject to independent judicial oversight. · Second, given the changed national security environment with respect to China since the Commission authorized the companies to provide telecommunications services in the United States, the Order finds that the companies’ ownership and control by the Chinese government raise significant national security and law enforcement risks by providing opportunities for the companies, their parent entities and affiliates, and the Chinese government to access, monitor, store, and in some cases disrupt and/or misroute U.S. communications, which in turn allow them to engage in espionage and other harmful activities against the United States. · Third, independent of these concerns, the companies’ conduct and representations to the Commission and Congress demonstrate a lack of trustworthiness and reliability that erodes the baseline level of trust that the Commission and other U.S. government agencies require of telecommunications carriers given the critical nature of the provision of telecommunications service in the United States. · Fourth, given the record evidence, the Order finds that further mitigation would not address these significant national security and law enforcement concerns. The Order therefore revokes the companies’ domestic and international section 214 authority.· Fifth, separate and apart from revocation, the Order finds that the companies violated the 2009 Letter of Assurances with the Executive Branch agencies, compliance with which is an express condition of the Companies’ international section 214 authorizations. The Order therefore terminates the Companies’ international section 214 authorizations.· Sixth, given the record evidence of significant national security and law enforcement risks concerning the companies’ section 214 authority, the Order will reclaim the two International Signaling Point Codes that were provisionally assigned to ComNet in 2001 and in 2003, sixty days from the release date of the Order. The Commission will seek to raise consumer awareness by issuing a consumer guide in English, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese on the Commission’s website, advising ComNet’s customers of the Commission’s decision and raising awareness of other options for calling card services.

FCC: Telecom with ties to China barred from doing business

KANSAS CITY&nbsp;– Domestic poultry flocks in the Sunflower State are at increased risk of contracting Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or HPAI – a highly contagious influenza type A virus that’s carried by wild waterfowl, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

Because light goose hunters are likely to encounter wild birds this time of year, KDWP is asking hunters to engage in best practices to minimize inadvertent spread of the virus that can cause severe illness and/or sudden death in domestic poultry flocks.

“Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is carried by ducks, geese and shorebirds and presents itself differently in different species,” said Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) wildlife disease coordinator Shane Hesting. “Some wild birds carry it without symptoms, while some get sick and die. There is also the chance the virus is adapting and becoming more virulent, so we must be as vigilant as possible to prevent unintentional spread to new areas.”

“KDWP continues to work alongside our partners at the state and federal level to monitor this virus, but minimizing its spread requires the help of everyone, hunters included” added Hesting. “Stay vigilant, follow proper biosecurity protocols, and if something doesn’t appear right in a flock, be sure to report it.”

KANSAS CITY&nbsp;– Domestic poultry flocks in the Sunflower State are at increased risk of contracting Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or HPAI – a highly contagious influenza type A virus that’s carried by wild waterfowl, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.Because light goose hunters are likely to encounter wild birds this time of year, KDWP is asking hunters to engage in best practices to minimize inadvertent spread of the virus that can cause severe illness and/or sudden death in domestic poultry flocks.“Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is carried by ducks, geese and shorebirds and presents itself differently in different species,” said Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) wildlife disease coordinator Shane Hesting. “Some wild birds carry it without symptoms, while some get sick and die. There is also the chance the virus is adapting and becoming more virulent, so we must be as vigilant as possible to prevent unintentional spread to new areas.”What Hunters Need To Know<ul>
 <li>HPAI is carried by ducks, shorebirds and geese ­– including light geese.</li><li>Birds at risk for contracting the virus include: raptors, domestic poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl), cranes, swans, and scavenger birds like vultures, magpies, crows, and pelicans.</li><li>HPAI can be transmitted on clothing, shoes and equipment containing waterfowl residues.</li><li>Following exposure, HPAI can remain present in the environment for extended periods of time, including cold, untreated water for two weeks or more.</li><li>According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections do not present an immediate public health concern. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States. And, avian influenza does not present a food safety risk when poultry and eggs are handled and cooked properly.</li>
 </ul>What Hunters Can Do<ul>
 <li>Wear nitrile gloves when handling or cleaning wild birds; wash hands and arms thoroughly with soap and water; and, change clothes and shoes immediately thereafter, especially before approaching domestic flocks.</li><li>Keep wild waterfowl separate from domestic birds; do not let domestic birds roam in areas frequented by wild waterfowl or where wild waterfowl have been cleaned or disposed of.</li><li>Do not transport sick and/or dead birds, wild or domestic, away from where they were found.</li><li>Report sick wild birds, or unusual wild bird deaths, to KDWP’s Emporia Research and Survey Office at (620) 342-0658 or send an email to Hesting at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:shane.hesting@ks.gov" target="_blank">hesting@ks.gov</a>. (Bird owners who suspect their domestic flock has HPAI should contact their veterinarian or the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s (KDA) Division of Animal Health toll-free at 833-765-2006).</li>
 </ul>“KDWP continues to work alongside our partners at the state and federal level to monitor this virus, but minimizing its spread requires the help of everyone, hunters included” added Hesting. “Stay vigilant, follow proper biosecurity protocols, and if something doesn’t appear right in a flock, be sure to report it.”

State cautions goose hunters in Kansas as Avian influenza cases rise

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after a traffic stop.

Just after 2:30 p.m. Monday, a sheriff's deputy stopped a red Dodge Dakota in the 300 block of NW 40th Road, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as 51-year-old Michael “Spike” Croslin of Great Bend.

Further investigation revealed Croslin was in possession of several controlled substances. Sheriff’s deputies discovered suspected methamphetamine, crack cocaine, LSD and fentanyl.

Deputies transported Croslin to the Barton County Jail without incident where he was booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of hallucinogenic drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while revoked. Croslin is being held in lieu of a $100,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647373739624.jpeg" alt="Croslin-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Croslin-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after a traffic stop.Just after 2:30 p.m. Monday, a sheriff's deputy stopped a red Dodge Dakota in the 300 block of NW 40th Road, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.The driver of the vehicle was identified as 51-year-old Michael “Spike” Croslin of Great Bend.Further investigation revealed Croslin was in possession of several controlled substances. Sheriff’s deputies discovered suspected methamphetamine, crack cocaine, LSD and fentanyl.Deputies transported Croslin to the Barton County Jail without incident where he was booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of hallucinogenic drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while revoked. Croslin is being held in lieu of a $100,000 bond.

Kan. deputy finds fentanyl and LSD during traffic stop

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City man was sentenced in federal court Tuesday for his role in a series of armed business robberies in Kansas City and Independence, Mo., according to the United State's Attorney.

Henry Simmons, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 15 years in federal prison without parole.

On Sept. 1, 2021, Simmons pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit robbery and one count of attempted robbery. Co-defendants Vonterrious Humbert, 22, Tremaine Johnson, 23, both of Kansas City, Mo., have also pleaded guilty and been sentenced. Humbert was sentenced on Feb. 24, 2021, to eight years in federal prison without parole. Johnson was sentenced on Sept. 23, 2021, to five years in federal prison without parole.

Simmons, Humbert, and Johnson were arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, following the early-morning armed robbery of a Phillips 66 convenience store and the attempted robbery of a Taco Bell on N.W. Barry Road in Kansas City.

The conspiracy included eight additional business robberies: five armed robberies of 7-Eleven convenience stores in Independence, Mo., and Kansas City, Mo., in the early morning hours of Nov. 21, 2018, and three armed robberies of a Domino’s Pizza, a 7-Eleven convenience store and a Sinclair convenience store in Kansas City, Mo., during the early morning hours of Nov. 25, 2018.

Law enforcement officials identified a 2003 Dodge Durango SUV as being used in some of the robberies. On Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, law enforcement observed Humbert, Johnson, Simmons and two juveniles traveling in that Dodge Durango SUV to approximately 15 to 20 convenience stores, fast-food restaurants and other businesses that were open late or operated 24 hours a day. Officers believed they were casing the businesses – making repetitive passes by these businesses in a slow, surveillance-like manner, as if examining the businesses for activity and occupants in advance of initiating a robbery.

At approximately 2:37 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, the vehicle arrived at the shopping area at N.W. Barry Road and Ambassador Drive in Kansas City, Mo. The vehicle parked at a nearby apartment complex. Four individuals got out of the vehicle; Humbert and Johnson walked across the street to the Phillips 66 convenience store while Simmons and a juvenile male walked to the Taco Bell.

Humbert and Johnson robbed the Phillips 66 store at gunpoint, stealing approximately $400, then ran back across the street toward a wooded area near the apartment complex. Johnson and Humbert were pursued into a strip mall area near the apartment complex. Both were apprehended nearby and were found to have discarded the firearms they possessed at the time of the robbery – a Taurus handgun with a laser sight and an SKS-type 7.62x39mm rifle.

As this robbery was occurring, Simmons and the juvenile were attempting to gain entry to the Taco Bell to rob the employees.&nbsp; When officers approached, Simmons and the juvenile ran and discharged two firearms.&nbsp; After they were taken into custody, officers retrieved a loaded Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun with a laser sight and a loaded Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun.

A second juvenile male was identified as the driver and sole occupant of the Dodge Durango SUV at the time of the arrests. Officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun and a jar containing marijuana.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City man was sentenced in federal court Tuesday for his role in a series of armed business robberies in Kansas City and Independence, Mo., according to the United State's Attorney.Henry Simmons, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 15 years in federal prison without parole.On Sept. 1, 2021, Simmons pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit robbery and one count of attempted robbery. Co-defendants Vonterrious Humbert, 22, Tremaine Johnson, 23, both of Kansas City, Mo., have also pleaded guilty and been sentenced. Humbert was sentenced on Feb. 24, 2021, to eight years in federal prison without parole. Johnson was sentenced on Sept. 23, 2021, to five years in federal prison without parole.Simmons, Humbert, and Johnson were arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, following the early-morning armed robbery of a Phillips 66 convenience store and the attempted robbery of a Taco Bell on N.W. Barry Road in Kansas City.The conspiracy included eight additional business robberies: five armed robberies of 7-Eleven convenience stores in Independence, Mo., and Kansas City, Mo., in the early morning hours of Nov. 21, 2018, and three armed robberies of a Domino’s Pizza, a 7-Eleven convenience store and a Sinclair convenience store in Kansas City, Mo., during the early morning hours of Nov. 25, 2018.Law enforcement officials identified a 2003 Dodge Durango SUV as being used in some of the robberies. On Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, law enforcement observed Humbert, Johnson, Simmons and two juveniles traveling in that Dodge Durango SUV to approximately 15 to 20 convenience stores, fast-food restaurants and other businesses that were open late or operated 24 hours a day. Officers believed they were casing the businesses – making repetitive passes by these businesses in a slow, surveillance-like manner, as if examining the businesses for activity and occupants in advance of initiating a robbery.At approximately 2:37 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, the vehicle arrived at the shopping area at N.W. Barry Road and Ambassador Drive in Kansas City, Mo. The vehicle parked at a nearby apartment complex. Four individuals got out of the vehicle; Humbert and Johnson walked across the street to the Phillips 66 convenience store while Simmons and a juvenile male walked to the Taco Bell.Humbert and Johnson robbed the Phillips 66 store at gunpoint, stealing approximately $400, then ran back across the street toward a wooded area near the apartment complex. Johnson and Humbert were pursued into a strip mall area near the apartment complex. Both were apprehended nearby and were found to have discarded the firearms they possessed at the time of the robbery – a Taurus handgun with a laser sight and an SKS-type 7.62x39mm rifle.As this robbery was occurring, Simmons and the juvenile were attempting to gain entry to the Taco Bell to rob the employees.&nbsp; When officers approached, Simmons and the juvenile ran and discharged two firearms.&nbsp; After they were taken into custody, officers retrieved a loaded Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun with a laser sight and a loaded Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun.A second juvenile male was identified as the driver and sole occupant of the Dodge Durango SUV at the time of the arrests. Officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun and a jar containing marijuana.

Man sentenced for series of KC-area armed robberies 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has unanimously approved a measure that would make daylight saving time permanent next year. The bipartisan bill approved Tuesday would ensure Americans would no longer have to change their clocks twice a year.

But the bill still needs to pass the House and win the signature of President Joe Biden to become law. 

Senators from both sides of the aisle made their case for how making daylight saving time permanent would have positive impacts on public health and the economy and even cut energy consumption. Nearly a dozen states across the U.S. have already standardized daylight saving time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647381127738.png" alt="Courtesy Senator Marco Rubio" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Senator Marco Rubio</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has unanimously approved a measure that would make daylight saving time permanent next year. The bipartisan bill approved Tuesday would ensure Americans would no longer have to change their clocks twice a year.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today we passed out of the Senate my bill to make Daylight Savings Time permanent Now it’s up to the House to help us <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LockTheClock?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LockTheClock</a> <a href="https://t.co/NneP6loZ5Q">pic.twitter.com/NneP6loZ5Q</a>&mdash; Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) <a href="https://twitter.com/marcorubio/status/1503831261596499974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>But the bill still needs to pass the House and win the signature of President Joe Biden to become law. Senators from both sides of the aisle made their case for how making daylight saving time permanent would have positive impacts on public health and the economy and even cut energy consumption. Nearly a dozen states across the U.S. have already standardized daylight saving time.

Unanimous: Senate wants to make daylight saving time permanent

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Biden on Tuesday signed a mammoth $1.5 trillion legislative package that funds the government for the rest of the year and delivers badly needed humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

The legislation includes $730 billion for domestic programs, the largest increase in four years, along with $782 billion for defense. It also includes emergency funding for Ukraine and European allies.

At the request of the White House, the bill had initially included $15.6 billion for the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic. But that money was stripped out on Wednesday afternoon when House Democrats balked at cutting previously approved pandemic assistance to their states.

Highlights from the more than 2,700-page legislation, which the House approved Wednesday night and the Senate was expected to pass in the days ahead:

The legislation contains a supplemental spending bill which provides $13.6 billion in emergency funding to support Ukrainian defense, aid and humanitarian efforts. The tally includes $43.6 million for the FBI to investigative cyber threats and cryptocurrency activities and for the establishment of a “Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative,” for violators of sanctions.

Nearly $4 billion is included for rural development programs, which invests over $550 million in the expansion of broadband service. This is an addition to the $1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that became law last November.

The funding bill provides $14.3 billion to the Treasury Department, including $12.6 billion devoted to the IRS, which is the largest increase to the tax agency since 2001. The White House has said the agency has not been equipped to serve taxpayers.

The measure dedicates $35.2 billion overall for the Department of Justice, which includes FBI funding of $10.77 billion and a $506.4 million increase in grants to state and local law enforcement.

The bill provides $14.8 billion for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and $8.26 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and $409.5 million to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to address USCIS backlogs and delays.

The Environmental Protection Agency would receive a total of $9.56 billion and the Department of Energy would get $44.9 billion. Notably, the spending bill includes $100 million to bolster environmental justice activities, an $83 million increase above the 2021 enacted level. Environmental justice addresses equity and pollution issues that impact marginalized communities.

The bill provides $140.4 billion in required mandatory spending for SNAP, including $3 billion for the SNAP reserve fund, which would be used by more than 42 million people. The program provides food aid to needy families.

The bill provides $782 billion for defense spending, an increase of $32.5 billion above fiscal year 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647373573665.png" alt="President Biden during the Tuesday signing ceremony- White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden during the Tuesday signing ceremony- White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Biden on Tuesday signed a mammoth $1.5 trillion legislative package that funds the government for the rest of the year and delivers badly needed humanitarian aid to Ukraine.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1318266868584052%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=258" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The legislation includes $730 billion for domestic programs, the largest increase in four years, along with $782 billion for defense. It also includes emergency funding for Ukraine and European allies.At the request of the White House, the bill had initially included $15.6 billion for the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic. But that money was stripped out on Wednesday afternoon when House Democrats balked at cutting previously approved pandemic assistance to their states.Highlights from the more than 2,700-page legislation, which the House approved Wednesday night and the Senate was expected to pass in the days ahead:AIDING UKRAINEThe legislation contains a supplemental spending bill which provides $13.6 billion in emergency funding to support Ukrainian defense, aid and humanitarian efforts. The tally includes $43.6 million for the FBI to investigative cyber threats and cryptocurrency activities and for the establishment of a “Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative,” for violators of sanctions.___INFRASTRUCTURE SPENDINGNearly $4 billion is included for rural development programs, which invests over $550 million in the expansion of broadband service. This is an addition to the $1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that became law last November.___TREASURY AND IRS FUNDINGThe funding bill provides $14.3 billion to the Treasury Department, including $12.6 billion devoted to the IRS, which is the largest increase to the tax agency since 2001. The White House has said the agency has not been equipped to serve taxpayers.___CRIME SPENDINGThe measure dedicates $35.2 billion overall for the Department of Justice, which includes FBI funding of $10.77 billion and a $506.4 million increase in grants to state and local law enforcement.___IMMIGRATIONThe bill provides $14.8 billion for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and $8.26 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and $409.5 million to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to address USCIS backlogs and delays.___ENVIRONMENTThe Environmental Protection Agency would receive a total of $9.56 billion and the Department of Energy would get $44.9 billion. Notably, the spending bill includes $100 million to bolster environmental justice activities, an $83 million increase above the 2021 enacted level. Environmental justice addresses equity and pollution issues that impact marginalized communities.___FOOD STAMPSThe bill provides $140.4 billion in required mandatory spending for SNAP, including $3 billion for the SNAP reserve fund, which would be used by more than 42 million people. The program provides food aid to needy families.___DEFENSE SPENDINGThe bill provides $782 billion for defense spending, an increase of $32.5 billion above fiscal year 2021.

🎥 What is in the $1.5 trillion spending bill President Biden signed 

By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-03-15/kansas-wants-more-black-foster-parents-to-better-match-families-with-kids-in-crisis">Kansas News Service</a>

MANHATTAN, Kansas — Tara Coleman grew accustomed to being the only person of color at classes for licensed foster parents.

“Maybe there’s one other person of color,” she said, “but generally not.”

Coleman
 isn’t surprised that in predominantly white Kansas Black foster parents
 are rare in the state. That’s not to say it could still use more of 
them.

Black kids can thrive in white homes. Still, foster children
 and parents say the trauma of leaving a family to live with strangers 
can prove even more unsettling when you throw in a racial divide.

Even
 prosaic things like a familiar dish on the dinner table, the programs 
playing on the living room TV, the availability of the right hair 
products — they can all ease the shock of leaving, even temporarily, 
biological parents behind.

“I can do anybody’s hair. But if you 
are a Black child who has kinky, coily hair, I also have products in my 
house and can help you do whatever,” Coleman said. “There is comfort in 
familiarity.”

State agencies that license foster parents need all 
types of people. They want Black, white and Latino families. Straight 
and gay. Catholic, Jewish, Muslim. Chess fanatics and soccer obsessives.

The
 Kansas Department for Children and Families didn’t respond to requests 
for comment and the Kansas News Service didn’t find demographic 
breakdowns of foster parents online.

Yet some of the companies hired by the state to run foster care services give a clue about the lack of diversity.

Both
 KVC Kansas and TFI Kansas, two of the state’s larger foster agencies, 
said about 80% of their foster families are white. KVC said only 3.8% of
 its families are Hispanic, though 25% of parents did not disclose their
 ethnic background.

Nine percent of TFI foster homes and 6.8% of 
KVC foster homes are Black. That roughly reflects the population of 
Kansas. But not the foster population. Black children make up about 20% 
of out-of-home placements. Similar disparities don’t exist for Asian, 
Native American or Hispanic children.

Laney Uphoff, director of 
recruitment for TFI Family Services, said the agency has more Black 
children in care than it has Black homes.

A study published in the
 U.S. National Library of Medicine examined over 100 children in New 
York who entered foster care. It measured how different languages, 
countries of origin and ethnicity impacted children. The study found 
that children with different cultural backgrounds than their caregivers 
were more vulnerable to social isolation, depression and behavior 
problems.

Nathan Ross, a Black child adopted by white parents in 
Missouri, said that difference affected his sense of belonging and even 
made him feel shame. He originally wasn’t interested in connecting to 
anyone, and “ seeing that we looked different made it easier.”

“Not having reference points, people who … look like me, it does make you feel kind of isolated,” he said.

Ross
 lived with a foster family until he was placed with his adoptive 
family. Both sets of parents were white. He did live with his biological
 parents until age 10 and he was placed with his siblings, but he 
struggled to connect with his cultural identity.

Ross has begun to
 reconnect with this culture as an adult, but he wonders how his life 
would have been different if that had come earlier.

“It really 
felt like they were two separate things. I had my family, and then I had
 my racial identity formation and trying to figure that out. But they 
didn’t really go together because no one really bridged that for me,” he
 said. “You don’t quite fit into either world.”

Race also wasn’t 
talked about much during his childhood. That made talking about the 
racism he experienced uncomfortable. Ross loves his adoptive parents and
 has no regrets about how he was raised, but he said foster care 
agencies need to invest in communities more so children aren’t put in 
his position.

TFI is working with “influential black leaders in 
our community” and recently hired a diversity, equality and inclusion 
team to examine how the agency handles diversity. It partnered with 
salons to teach parents how to care for all hair types and has staff 
take cultural competency courses. KVC Kansas launched a campaign to get 
more Black parents to become licensed. Black homes were only 4% of KVC’s
 foster parent population around six months ago when the campaign 
started.

“Do I think we’re doing enough? Yes, and no,” said Uphoff
 of TFI. “We’re doing everything that we know how to do right now. Are 
we still looking for ways to improve? Absolutely.” 

Blaise Mesa 
reports on criminal justice and social services for the Kansas News 
Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter @Blaise_Mesa. Foster 
parents hoping to talk about their experiences in Kansas can email him 
at <a href="mailto:blaise@kcur.org" target="_blank">blaise@kcur.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647354141708.png" alt="Tara Coleman said there could be more diversity among foster parents. Blaise Mesa / Kansas News Service " />
 <figcaption>Tara Coleman said there could be more diversity among foster parents. Blaise Mesa / Kansas News Service </figcaption>
 </figure>By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-03-15/kansas-wants-more-black-foster-parents-to-better-match-families-with-kids-in-crisis">Kansas News Service</a>MANHATTAN, Kansas — Tara Coleman grew accustomed to being the only person of color at classes for licensed foster parents.“Maybe there’s one other person of color,” she said, “but generally not.”Coleman
 isn’t surprised that in predominantly white Kansas Black foster parents
 are rare in the state. That’s not to say it could still use more of 
them.Black kids can thrive in white homes. Still, foster children
 and parents say the trauma of leaving a family to live with strangers 
can prove even more unsettling when you throw in a racial divide.Even
 prosaic things like a familiar dish on the dinner table, the programs 
playing on the living room TV, the availability of the right hair 
products — they can all ease the shock of leaving, even temporarily, 
biological parents behind.“I can do anybody’s hair. But if you 
are a Black child who has kinky, coily hair, I also have products in my 
house and can help you do whatever,” Coleman said. “There is comfort in 
familiarity.”State agencies that license foster parents need all 
types of people. They want Black, white and Latino families. Straight 
and gay. Catholic, Jewish, Muslim. Chess fanatics and soccer obsessives.The
 Kansas Department for Children and Families didn’t respond to requests 
for comment and the Kansas News Service didn’t find demographic 
breakdowns of foster parents online.Yet some of the companies hired by the state to run foster care services give a clue about the lack of diversity.Both
 KVC Kansas and TFI Kansas, two of the state’s larger foster agencies, 
said about 80% of their foster families are white. KVC said only 3.8% of
 its families are Hispanic, though 25% of parents did not disclose their
 ethnic background.Nine percent of TFI foster homes and 6.8% of 
KVC foster homes are Black. That roughly reflects the population of 
Kansas. But not the foster population. Black children make up about 20% 
of out-of-home placements. Similar disparities don’t exist for Asian, 
Native American or Hispanic children.Laney Uphoff, director of 
recruitment for TFI Family Services, said the agency has more Black 
children in care than it has Black homes.A study published in the
 U.S. National Library of Medicine examined over 100 children in New 
York who entered foster care. It measured how different languages, 
countries of origin and ethnicity impacted children. The study found 
that children with different cultural backgrounds than their caregivers 
were more vulnerable to social isolation, depression and behavior 
problems.Nathan Ross, a Black child adopted by white parents in 
Missouri, said that difference affected his sense of belonging and even 
made him feel shame. He originally wasn’t interested in connecting to 
anyone, and “ seeing that we looked different made it easier.”“Not having reference points, people who … look like me, it does make you feel kind of isolated,” he said.Ross
 lived with a foster family until he was placed with his adoptive 
family. Both sets of parents were white. He did live with his biological
 parents until age 10 and he was placed with his siblings, but he 
struggled to connect with his cultural identity.Ross has begun to
 reconnect with this culture as an adult, but he wonders how his life 
would have been different if that had come earlier.“It really 
felt like they were two separate things. I had my family, and then I had
 my racial identity formation and trying to figure that out. But they 
didn’t really go together because no one really bridged that for me,” he
 said. “You don’t quite fit into either world.”Race also wasn’t 
talked about much during his childhood. That made talking about the 
racism he experienced uncomfortable. Ross loves his adoptive parents and
 has no regrets about how he was raised, but he said foster care 
agencies need to invest in communities more so children aren’t put in 
his position.TFI is working with “influential black leaders in 
our community” and recently hired a diversity, equality and inclusion 
team to examine how the agency handles diversity. It partnered with 
salons to teach parents how to care for all hair types and has staff 
take cultural competency courses. KVC Kansas launched a campaign to get 
more Black parents to become licensed. Black homes were only 4% of KVC’s
 foster parent population around six months ago when the campaign 
started.“Do I think we’re doing enough? Yes, and no,” said Uphoff
 of TFI. “We’re doing everything that we know how to do right now. Are 
we still looking for ways to improve? Absolutely.” Blaise Mesa 
reports on criminal justice and social services for the Kansas News 
Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter @Blaise_Mesa. Foster 
parents hoping to talk about their experiences in Kansas can email him 
at <a href="mailto:blaise@kcur.org" target="_blank">blaise@kcur.org</a>.

Kan. wants more Black foster parents to better match families with kids in crisis

WASHINGTON (AP) — Drugmaker Pfizer is expected to request authorization this week for an additional COVID-19 booster dose for seniors, according to a person familiar with the matter.

It would add a fourth dose to the regimen, which currently consists of a primary series of two shots, followed months later by a booster dose, in an effort to provide maximum protection to the over-65 population that has been hit hardest by the pandemic.

The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control must approve the request. The person who spoke about the upcoming Pfizer authorization request spoke on condition of anonymity because the person wasn’t authorized to speak on the record.

“We’re continuing to collect and assess all available data and we’re in continuous, open dialogue with regulators and health authorities to help inform a COVID-19 vaccine strategy as the virus evolves,” said Pfizer spokeswoman Jerica Pitts.

Speaking to CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said, “Right now, the way that we have seen, it is necessary, a fourth booster right now. The protection that you are getting from the third, it is good enough, actually quite good for hospitalizations and deaths. It’s not that good against infections, but doesn’t last very long. But we are just submitting those data to the FDA and then we will see what the experts also will say outside Pfizer.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Drugmaker Pfizer is expected to request authorization this week for an additional COVID-19 booster dose for seniors, according to a person familiar with the matter.It would add a fourth dose to the regimen, which currently consists of a primary series of two shots, followed months later by a booster dose, in an effort to provide maximum protection to the over-65 population that has been hit hardest by the pandemic.The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control must approve the request. The person who spoke about the upcoming Pfizer authorization request spoke on condition of anonymity because the person wasn’t authorized to speak on the record.“We’re continuing to collect and assess all available data and we’re in continuous, open dialogue with regulators and health authorities to help inform a COVID-19 vaccine strategy as the virus evolves,” said Pfizer spokeswoman Jerica Pitts.Speaking to CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said, “Right now, the way that we have seen, it is necessary, a fourth booster right now. The protection that you are getting from the third, it is good enough, actually quite good for hospitalizations and deaths. It’s not that good against infections, but doesn’t last very long. But we are just submitting those data to the FDA and then we will see what the experts also will say outside Pfizer.”

Pfizer seeking OK for 4th COVID dose for seniors

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will travel to Europe next week for face-to-face talks with European leaders about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, White House press secretary Jen Psaki announced Tuesday.

Biden will meet with NATO and European leaders at a summit in Brussels on March 24. He will also attend a scheduled European Council summit, where efforts to impose sanctions and further humanitarian efforts are underway.

“While he’s there, his goal is to meet in person face-to-face with his European counterparts and talk about, assess where we are at this point in the conflict in the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. We’ve been incredibly aligned to date,” Psaki said. “That doesn’t happen by accident. The president is a big believer in face-to-face diplomacy. So it’s an opportunity to do exactly that.”

The trip follows on Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to eastern flank NATO countries of Poland and Romania last week to discuss with leaders the growing refugee crisis in eastern Europe sparked by the Russian invasion and to underscore the Biden administration’s support for NATO allies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647366296588.png" alt="President Biden will meet with NATO and European leaders at a summit in Brussels on March 24-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden will meet with NATO and European leaders at a summit in Brussels on March 24-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will travel to Europe next week for face-to-face talks with European leaders about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, White House press secretary Jen Psaki announced Tuesday.Biden will meet with NATO and European leaders at a summit in Brussels on March 24. He will also attend a scheduled European Council summit, where efforts to impose sanctions and further humanitarian efforts are underway.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We will make sure Ukraine has weapons to defend against the invading Russian force. We will send money and food and aid to save Ukrainian lives. We will welcome Ukrainian refugees with open arms.&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1503492230148931590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“While he’s there, his goal is to meet in person face-to-face with his European counterparts and talk about, assess where we are at this point in the conflict in the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. We’ve been incredibly aligned to date,” Psaki said. “That doesn’t happen by accident. The president is a big believer in face-to-face diplomacy. So it’s an opportunity to do exactly that.”The trip follows on Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to eastern flank NATO countries of Poland and Romania last week to discuss with leaders the growing refugee crisis in eastern Europe sparked by the Russian invasion and to underscore the Biden administration’s support for NATO allies.

White House: Biden will travel to Europe for talks on Ukraine 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon for alleged domestic crimes.

Just after 10:30p.m. Monday, police following tips located 44-year-old Spencer Anthony Allen in a car and took him into custody without incident, according to Topeka police.

Allen is being held without bon on requested charges of Aggravated domestic battery, Aggravated assault, use of a deadly weapon, Domestic battery, aggravated battery, Criminal damage to property $1000-$25,000 and theft.

Allen has previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647362891567.png" alt="Allen has previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Allen has previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon for alleged domestic crimes.Just after 10:30p.m. Monday, police following tips located 44-year-old Spencer Anthony Allen in a car and took him into custody without incident, according to Topeka police.Allen is being held without bon on requested charges of Aggravated domestic battery, Aggravated assault, use of a deadly weapon, Domestic battery, aggravated battery, Criminal damage to property $1000-$25,000 and theft.Allen has previous convictions for theft, burglary, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Tips lead to arrest of Kansas felon for alleged violent attack

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas man died in an accident just after 1a.m. Tuesday in Sedgwick County.

A Toyota Avalon driven by&nbsp;29-year-old Andrew Ornelas, Wichita, was eastbound on 21st at Amidon, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

The driver lost control of the vehicle. It collided with pole, flipped and and Ornelas was ejected. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

No other vehicles were involved, and no other injuries occurred. Speed and alcohol are believed to be a factor, according to Ditch. The accident remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647353859240.png" alt="First responders on the scene of Tuesday's fatal crash -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of Tuesday's fatal crash -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas man died in an accident just after 1a.m. Tuesday in Sedgwick County.A Toyota Avalon driven by&nbsp;29-year-old Andrew Ornelas, Wichita, was eastbound on 21st at Amidon, according to Officer Chad Ditch.The driver lost control of the vehicle. It collided with pole, flipped and and Ornelas was ejected. He was pronounced dead at the scene.No other vehicles were involved, and no other injuries occurred. Speed and alcohol are believed to be a factor, according to Ditch. The accident remains under investigation.

Police: Speed, alcohol factors in crash that killed Kansas man

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/15/unbothered-by-cost-concerns-kansas-senators-give-ballot-watermark-bill-preliminary-approval/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A senator’s efforts to 
ensure all voting systems in Kansas use a paper ballot with a 
distinctive watermark won preliminary approval Monday in the Senate.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb389/">Senate Bill 389</a>,
 introduced by Sen. Richard Hildebrand, R-Galena, also requires a hand 
audit of these ballots after the election. Currently, Kansas requires 
election clerks to physically stamp each ballot, but Hildebrand brought 
the bill to ensure human error does not come into play.

In a <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/02/ballot-watermark-bill-raises-questions-of-county-costs-implications-for-kansans-with-disabilities/">hearing earlier this month</a>,
 voting rights advocates raised concerns about the impact of the bill on
 Kansans with disabilities and the cost for counties to print new 
ballots. The concerns were echoed by Senate Democrats who said this 
would not address any real issue.

“I am happy to support things that will make our election process 
more secure. I don’t see any way that this would do that,” said Sen. 
Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence. “I also know that we are putting all the 
cost of this on our counties, and it is not something that any of my 
county residents have asked for.”

Hildebrand countered that the cost was with the perceived security.

“How much is peace of mind worth? Two cents? I’ll put my two cents in,” Hildebrand said.

The state would not incur any costs, although counties would incur 
costs related to ballot printing and additional wages for election board
 workers. The Senate can take a final vote on the measure as soon as 
Tuesday.

A provision in the measure authorizes a risk-limiting audit. This 
provides a confidence assessment for each race to allow election offices
 to focus their attention where it is needed most.

Sen. Ethan Corson, a Fairview Democrat, opposed imposing an unfunded 
mandate that didn’t address a clear problem. He also expressed concerns 
about unintended or unforeseen ramifications of the bill.

“I don’t want us to head into another costly taxpayer-funded lawsuit 
like we’ve done several times with election-related bills,” Corson said.
 “I want to make sure at least from an (Americans with Disabilities Act)
 perspective that we’ve kicked the tires on this one.”

Opponents also noted some sloppiness around the legislation, 
including a lack of clear guidelines for the sample audit and mislabeled
 section numbers in the bill.

Republican Secretary of State Scott Schwab has stated Kansas 
elections are safe and secure, and there were no signs of any form of 
voter fraud.

Still, Sen. Rob Olson noted a lack of faith in the election process 
among people across the state. Ensuring Kansans feel their vote is 
secure and the process is well protected is crucial, the Olathe 
Republican said.

“Our voters, more and more, are upset,” Olson said. “They’re not 
believing in the process we have. This is just one more tool that will 
say every ballot is legit.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647354272928.png" alt="Sen. Marci Francisco cast in doubt whether the effort led by Sen. Richard Hilderbrand to have a distinctive watermark on every Kansas ballot actually addressed any issue in election security. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Marci Francisco cast in doubt whether the effort led by Sen. Richard Hilderbrand to have a distinctive watermark on every Kansas ballot actually addressed any issue in election security. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/15/unbothered-by-cost-concerns-kansas-senators-give-ballot-watermark-bill-preliminary-approval/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A senator’s efforts to 
ensure all voting systems in Kansas use a paper ballot with a 
distinctive watermark won preliminary approval Monday in the Senate.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb389/">Senate Bill 389</a>,
 introduced by Sen. Richard Hildebrand, R-Galena, also requires a hand 
audit of these ballots after the election. Currently, Kansas requires 
election clerks to physically stamp each ballot, but Hildebrand brought 
the bill to ensure human error does not come into play.In a <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/02/ballot-watermark-bill-raises-questions-of-county-costs-implications-for-kansans-with-disabilities/">hearing earlier this month</a>,
 voting rights advocates raised concerns about the impact of the bill on
 Kansans with disabilities and the cost for counties to print new 
ballots. The concerns were echoed by Senate Democrats who said this 
would not address any real issue.“I am happy to support things that will make our election process 
more secure. I don’t see any way that this would do that,” said Sen. 
Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence. “I also know that we are putting all the 
cost of this on our counties, and it is not something that any of my 
county residents have asked for.”Hildebrand countered that the cost was with the perceived security.“How much is peace of mind worth? Two cents? I’ll put my two cents in,” Hildebrand said.The state would not incur any costs, although counties would incur 
costs related to ballot printing and additional wages for election board
 workers. The Senate can take a final vote on the measure as soon as 
Tuesday.A provision in the measure authorizes a risk-limiting audit. This 
provides a confidence assessment for each race to allow election offices
 to focus their attention where it is needed most.Sen. Ethan Corson, a Fairview Democrat, opposed imposing an unfunded 
mandate that didn’t address a clear problem. He also expressed concerns 
about unintended or unforeseen ramifications of the bill.“I don’t want us to head into another costly taxpayer-funded lawsuit 
like we’ve done several times with election-related bills,” Corson said.
 “I want to make sure at least from an (Americans with Disabilities Act)
 perspective that we’ve kicked the tires on this one.”Opponents also noted some sloppiness around the legislation, 
including a lack of clear guidelines for the sample audit and mislabeled
 section numbers in the bill.Republican Secretary of State Scott Schwab has stated Kansas 
elections are safe and secure, and there were no signs of any form of 
voter fraud.Still, Sen. Rob Olson noted a lack of faith in the election process 
among people across the state. Ensuring Kansans feel their vote is 
secure and the process is well protected is crucial, the Olathe 
Republican said.“Our voters, more and more, are upset,” Olson said. “They’re not 
believing in the process we have. This is just one more tool that will 
say every ballot is legit.”

Kansas senators give ballot watermark bill preliminary approval

JOPLIN, Mo—A funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon in memory for one of two Missouri police officers who died in the line of duty last week in Joplin, according to a media release from the city.

Cpl. Benjamin Cooper and Officer Jake Reed were two of three officers shot during an investigation on March 8. Another officer, Rick Hirshey, was shot and hurt, but is expected to recover from his injuries.

Following Monday's visitation for Cpl. Cooper, the public funeral service is scheduled to begin at 1p.m. Tuesday at the Leggett and Platt Center located on the Missouri Southern State University Campus.

Public visitation for Officer Reed will be held, Thursday, March 17, from 4-8 p.m. at Leggett and Platt Center with a funeral at 1p.m. Friday at the same location.

&nbsp;Members of the public who would like to show support to the Cooper Family or to law enforcement, line up along Main Street in Joplin, Missouri from 3rd Street to 19th Street. A procession will travel that route between 3-4 p.m. on Tuesday and again Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646959719466.png" alt="Cpl. Benjamin Cooper-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Cpl. Benjamin Cooper-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>JOPLIN, Mo—A funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon in memory for one of two Missouri police officers who died in the line of duty last week in Joplin, according to a media release from the city.Cpl. Benjamin Cooper and Officer Jake Reed were two of three officers shot during an investigation on March 8. Another officer, Rick Hirshey, was shot and hurt, but is expected to recover from his injuries.Following Monday's visitation for Cpl. Cooper, the public funeral service is scheduled to begin at 1p.m. Tuesday at the Leggett and Platt Center located on the Missouri Southern State University Campus.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646959627467.png" alt="Officer Jake Reed-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Officer Jake Reed-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Public visitation for Officer Reed will be held, Thursday, March 17, from 4-8 p.m. at Leggett and Platt Center with a funeral at 1p.m. Friday at the same location.&nbsp;Members of the public who would like to show support to the Cooper Family or to law enforcement, line up along Main Street in Joplin, Missouri from 3rd Street to 19th Street. A procession will travel that route between 3-4 p.m. on Tuesday and again Friday.

Memorial service for 1 of 2 Missouri officers who died in line of duty

By JARED STRONG <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/03/14/expanded-rural-broadband-likely-a-focus-of-federal-farm-bill/">Missouri Independent</a>

The coronavirus pandemic 
highlighted the need for federal assistance to develop high-speed 
internet connectivity in all parts of the country, members of a U.S. 
House subcommittee agreed this week as they reviewed provisions that are
 likely to be included in the next farm bill.

“I represent a largely rural district in north-central, northeast 
Florida, and we have children who do their homework in a Hardee’s 
parking lot,” said U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack, a Florida Republican.

Students around the country scrambled to find internet access to 
participate in virtual learning when the pandemic limited in-person 
classes. It was a reminder that federal funds should be focused on 
providing broadband access to as many Americans as possible, Cammack 
said, rather than increasing the speeds of existing service.

Several members of the House’s Commodity Exchanges, Energy and Credit
 subcommittee echoed those concerns about so-called “overbuilding” of 
existing infrastructure during a Tuesday hearing that sought to review 
the rural development component of the next farm bill, which could be 
approved next year.

The current farm bill was last renewed in 2018 and partially expires 
next year. It’s a wide-ranging law that was expected to cost about $428 
billion over the course of five years. About three-fourths of that money
 is devoted to food assistance for low-income residents, and most of the
 rest goes to crop insurance, commodity support and land conservation.

Previous farm bills provided loans to develop internet 
infrastructure, but for the first time in 2018, lawmakers also 
established grants for the projects and raised the minimum speed 
thresholds that define whether an area has sufficiently fast access, 
according to the Congressional Research Service. The previous download 
speed considered sufficient was 4 megabits per second, which was 
increased to 25.

Xochitl Torres Small, undersecretary for rural development for the 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, said establishing broadband access for 
as many rural residents as possible is a paramount priority that must be
 balanced with other projects that will allow for speed upgrades.

“We certainly saw in the midst of COVID, with your kids who are 
sitting in the Hardee’s parking lot, that 25 (megabits per second) isn’t
 enough for them to be able to listen to their teacher and learn from 
home,” Torres Small said.

Lawmakers also created the ReConnect Program in 2018 that is separate
 from the farm bill’s Rural Broadband Program but has similar goals, and
 states have implemented their own programs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647280685056.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JARED STRONG <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/03/14/expanded-rural-broadband-likely-a-focus-of-federal-farm-bill/">Missouri Independent</a>The coronavirus pandemic 
highlighted the need for federal assistance to develop high-speed 
internet connectivity in all parts of the country, members of a U.S. 
House subcommittee agreed this week as they reviewed provisions that are
 likely to be included in the next farm bill.“I represent a largely rural district in north-central, northeast 
Florida, and we have children who do their homework in a Hardee’s 
parking lot,” said U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack, a Florida Republican.Students around the country scrambled to find internet access to 
participate in virtual learning when the pandemic limited in-person 
classes. It was a reminder that federal funds should be focused on 
providing broadband access to as many Americans as possible, Cammack 
said, rather than increasing the speeds of existing service.Several members of the House’s Commodity Exchanges, Energy and Credit
 subcommittee echoed those concerns about so-called “overbuilding” of 
existing infrastructure during a Tuesday hearing that sought to review 
the rural development component of the next farm bill, which could be 
approved next year.The current farm bill was last renewed in 2018 and partially expires 
next year. It’s a wide-ranging law that was expected to cost about $428 
billion over the course of five years. About three-fourths of that money
 is devoted to food assistance for low-income residents, and most of the
 rest goes to crop insurance, commodity support and land conservation.Previous farm bills provided loans to develop internet 
infrastructure, but for the first time in 2018, lawmakers also 
established grants for the projects and raised the minimum speed 
thresholds that define whether an area has sufficiently fast access, 
according to the Congressional Research Service. The previous download 
speed considered sufficient was 4 megabits per second, which was 
increased to 25.Xochitl Torres Small, undersecretary for rural development for the 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, said establishing broadband access for 
as many rural residents as possible is a paramount priority that must be
 balanced with other projects that will allow for speed upgrades.“We certainly saw in the midst of COVID, with your kids who are 
sitting in the Hardee’s parking lot, that 25 (megabits per second) isn’t
 enough for them to be able to listen to their teacher and learn from 
home,” Torres Small said.Lawmakers also created the ReConnect Program in 2018 that is separate
 from the farm bill’s Rural Broadband Program but has similar goals, and
 states have implemented their own programs.Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has made <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/01/19/governor-proposes-record-47-3b-missouri-budget-as-he-taps-surplus-federal-aid/">expanded rural broadband a priority of his administration</a>,
 proposing in his State of the State address this year $400 million for 
broadband access, with $250 million to reach approximately 75,000 
households without access to even moderately fast internet connections.