WASHINGTON&nbsp;–&nbsp; U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.) and U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01), Jake LaTurner (KS-02), Sharice Davids (KS-03) and Ron Estes (KS-04) urged President Joe Biden to authorize a state funeral for the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, according to a media release from Moran's office.

“The men and women who fought and served in World War II, rightfully called the 'Greatest Generation,' saved our nation and the world from the tyranny and evil of the Axis Powers,”&nbsp;wrote the delegation.&nbsp;“The 473 Medal of Honor recipients of World War II represent the incredible courage and sacrifice of that generation. Only two of these heroes remain, and when the last one passes away, we must render a farewell that properly represents our nation’s highest regard and most profound gratitude.

“Mr. President, we speak for our constituents when we share our conviction that this last decorated hero of the Greatest Generation must be given a farewell of the very highest order our nation can offer,”&nbsp;continued the delegation.

We, the members of the Kansas Congressional Delegation, write today to request your support for a state funeral for the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. The men and women who fought and served in World War II, rightfully called the “Greatest Generation,” saved our nation and the world from the tyranny and evil of the Axis Powers. The 473 Medal of Honor recipients of World War II represent the incredible courage and sacrifice of that generation. Only two of these heroes remain, and when the last one passes away, we must render a farewell that properly represents our nation’s highest regard and most profound gratitude.

Medal of Honor winners are frequently called upon to speak about their wartime experiences, and their perspectives share a common theme: the conviction that their medal represents countless other acts of heroism by their brothers and sisters in arms, acts that were committed selflessly and without acknowledgement or celebration. They often use their speaking engagements to recognize the heroism of their fellow warriors. One example is Walter D. Ehlers, a Medal of Honor recipient from Kansas. Sergeant Ehlers, who participated in the D-Day invasion of Normandy, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his acts of bravery “in the face of overwhelming forces” a few days later. What his citation does not mention is that his brother, Roland, participated in the D-Day invasion as well but was killed in action on the beach. Sergeant Ehlers said of his brother in one interview, “He was my hero until the day he died. He still is.” Thus, Medal of Honor winners serve as living and breathing testaments to the courage and sacrifice of all of our nation’s warriors, and the last remaining Medal of Honor recipient from World War II will carry that legacy.

This would not be the first time that a soldier received a state funeral to honor the countless others they represent, along with their own personal sacrifice. In 1921, the Unknown Soldier of World War I was interred with a state funeral because President Harding recognized that the Unknown Soldier represents countless others who died and were buried in unmarked graves with no honors and no recognition. Significantly, President Harding placed a Medal of Honor on the Unknown Soldier’s casket.

Mr. President, we speak for our constituents when we share our conviction that this last decorated hero of the Greatest Generation must be given a farewell of the very highest order our nation can offer. Please let us know if there is any way that we can further support this noble and necessary effort.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614817353591.png" alt="Rep. LaTurner, Rep. Estes, Senator Moran, Rep. Davids, Senator Marshall and Rep. Mann -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. LaTurner, Rep. Estes, Senator Moran, Rep. Davids, Senator Marshall and Rep. Mann -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;–&nbsp; U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.) and U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01), Jake LaTurner (KS-02), Sharice Davids (KS-03) and Ron Estes (KS-04) urged President Joe Biden to authorize a state funeral for the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, according to a media release from Moran's office.“The men and women who fought and served in World War II, rightfully called the 'Greatest Generation,' saved our nation and the world from the tyranny and evil of the Axis Powers,”&nbsp;wrote the delegation.&nbsp;“The 473 Medal of Honor recipients of World War II represent the incredible courage and sacrifice of that generation. Only two of these heroes remain, and when the last one passes away, we must render a farewell that properly represents our nation’s highest regard and most profound gratitude.“Mr. President, we speak for our constituents when we share our conviction that this last decorated hero of the Greatest Generation must be given a farewell of the very highest order our nation can offer,”&nbsp;continued the delegation.The full letter is below.Dear Mr. President:We, the members of the Kansas Congressional Delegation, write today to request your support for a state funeral for the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. The men and women who fought and served in World War II, rightfully called the “Greatest Generation,” saved our nation and the world from the tyranny and evil of the Axis Powers. The 473 Medal of Honor recipients of World War II represent the incredible courage and sacrifice of that generation. Only two of these heroes remain, and when the last one passes away, we must render a farewell that properly represents our nation’s highest regard and most profound gratitude.Medal of Honor winners are frequently called upon to speak about their wartime experiences, and their perspectives share a common theme: the conviction that their medal represents countless other acts of heroism by their brothers and sisters in arms, acts that were committed selflessly and without acknowledgement or celebration. They often use their speaking engagements to recognize the heroism of their fellow warriors. One example is Walter D. Ehlers, a Medal of Honor recipient from Kansas. Sergeant Ehlers, who participated in the D-Day invasion of Normandy, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his acts of bravery “in the face of overwhelming forces” a few days later. What his citation does not mention is that his brother, Roland, participated in the D-Day invasion as well but was killed in action on the beach. Sergeant Ehlers said of his brother in one interview, “He was my hero until the day he died. He still is.” Thus, Medal of Honor winners serve as living and breathing testaments to the courage and sacrifice of all of our nation’s warriors, and the last remaining Medal of Honor recipient from World War II will carry that legacy.This would not be the first time that a soldier received a state funeral to honor the countless others they represent, along with their own personal sacrifice. In 1921, the Unknown Soldier of World War I was interred with a state funeral because President Harding recognized that the Unknown Soldier represents countless others who died and were buried in unmarked graves with no honors and no recognition. Significantly, President Harding placed a Medal of Honor on the Unknown Soldier’s casket.Mr. President, we speak for our constituents when we share our conviction that this last decorated hero of the Greatest Generation must be given a farewell of the very highest order our nation can offer. Please let us know if there is any way that we can further support this noble and necessary effort.

Kan. delegation urges president to authorize state funeral for Medal of Honor recipient

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a domestic violence case and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.

On Saturday, police were sent to a domestic violence call in the 200 block of South College Avenue in Salina, according to a media release.

A 29-year-old Salina woman reported being the victim of domestic violence related crimes. The suspect identified as 34-year-old Brandon Lambert, had left the area as officers arrived.

Lambert is described as 5-foot-7, 204 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. Lambert has previous contacts within Dickinson, Riley, and Saline counties, and has also been known to drive tractor-trailer rigs in the north-central region of Kansas for Lambert Trucking (Kansas Transport Company), operating under USDOT Number 832682 and MC Number 736568, SPD noted.

According to SPD, "an affidavit was submitted to the Saline County Attorney’s Office, and an Arrest Warrant was issued by the Saline County District Court for Lambert for the following requested charges: Attempted First Degree Murder, Aggravated Domestic Violence Battery, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Intimidation of a Witness, Criminal Threat, Criminal Damage to Property, Violation of Protection Order, and Harassment by Telecommunication Device."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616591520358.jpeg" alt="Lambert -photo Salina Police" />
 <figcaption>Lambert -photo Salina Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a domestic violence case and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.On Saturday, police were sent to a domestic violence call in the 200 block of South College Avenue in Salina, according to a media release.A 29-year-old Salina woman reported being the victim of domestic violence related crimes. The suspect identified as 34-year-old Brandon Lambert, had left the area as officers arrived.Lambert is described as 5-foot-7, 204 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. Lambert has previous contacts within Dickinson, Riley, and Saline counties, and has also been known to drive tractor-trailer rigs in the north-central region of Kansas for Lambert Trucking (Kansas Transport Company), operating under USDOT Number 832682 and MC Number 736568, SPD noted.According to SPD, "an affidavit was submitted to the Saline County Attorney’s Office, and an Arrest Warrant was issued by the Saline County District Court for Lambert for the following requested charges: Attempted First Degree Murder, Aggravated Domestic Violence Battery, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Intimidation of a Witness, Criminal Threat, Criminal Damage to Property, Violation of Protection Order, and Harassment by Telecommunication Device."

Police: Kan. man wanted for violent attack on woman

WASHINGTON (AP) —Postmaster General Louis DeJoy on Tuesday announced plans to slow mail delivery standards and cut hours at some post offices as part of a 10-year strategy to stabilize the struggling agency.

Details of the long-awaited plan come at a time of intense scrutiny on the U.S. Postal Service over persistent delivery delays under DeJoy, a major GOP donor who took over the agency last summer. The plan also includes a proposal to consolidate underused post offices, hinted at a potential postage rate increase and detailed investments in new delivery vehicles, among other things.

Facing an expected $160 billion in losses over the next decade, DeJoy and postal executives stressed the need to cut costs and modernize the agency's operations as its workload increasingly shifts from handling letters to hauling more and more packages.

“This is about the long-term viability of the organization under the two missions that we have that are legislated, that is deliver to every house six days a week and be self-sustaining," DeJoy said. He announced the plans at a webinar with other postal service officials.

DeJoy said the biggest change would be a relaxing of the current first-class letter delivery standard of one-to-three-days to a one-to-five-day benchmark. Postal leadership said the longer timeframe would apply only to mail going to the farthest reaches of its network and that 70% of first-class mail will still be delivered within a three-day standard.

The agency said it will subject potential changes to delivery standards, as well as several other parts of their plan, to a formal rulemaking process and advisory opinions from the independent Postal Regulatory Commission before they go into effect.

Sen. Gary Peters, a Michigan Democrat who has been critical of DeJoy, cautioned that any reduction of delivery standards would have a big impact on customers.

“While I understand Postal Service leadership’s desire to set long-term goals, I am concerned that several of the initiatives in this plan will harm service for folks across the country who rely on the Postal Service for prescription drugs, financial documents, running their small businesses, and more," said Peters.

Democrats have repeatedly called for DeJoy to be removed from his post as delivery times have lagged across the country. Late last month, President Joe Biden named three nominees to the agency's governing board, which if approved, would give Democrats and Democratic appointees a majority on the panel and the ability to oust DeJoy through a vote. Currently, all six of the board's members were appointed by former President Donald Trump. The White House didn't immediately return an email seeking comment.

DeJoy, a former supply-chain CEO who took over the Postal Service last June, has been mired in controversy since taking over the agency.

Shortly after taking the position, DeJoy carried out a series of controversial policy changes that delayed mail before the 2020 election, fueling worry that he was sabotaging the agency on behalf of Trump, a vocal critic of mail-in voting. DeJoy has strongly disputed that claim and eventually suspended some of his changes following intense public pushback and a crush of legal challenges.

Despite the concerns, the agency said it processed and delivered at least 135 million ballots during the general election and that 99.7% of ballots were delivered to election officials within five days.

Mark Dimondstein, president of the American Postal Workers Union, said the plan included some positive elements but urged the agency to prioritize on-time deliveries and other service standards.

“Any proposals that would either slow the mail, reduce access to post offices, or further pursue the failed strategy of plant consolidation will need to be addressed,” he said in a statement. “The APWU will proactively engage with USPS’s managers, the Postal Regulatory Commission, leaders in Congress and the public to address these issues.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616542786053.png" alt="Postmaster General Louis DeJoy testified before a Congressional committee in February -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Postmaster General Louis DeJoy testified before a Congressional committee in February -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Postmaster General Louis DeJoy on Tuesday announced plans to slow mail delivery standards and cut hours at some post offices as part of a 10-year strategy to stabilize the struggling agency.Details of the long-awaited plan come at a time of intense scrutiny on the U.S. Postal Service over persistent delivery delays under DeJoy, a major GOP donor who took over the agency last summer. The plan also includes a proposal to consolidate underused post offices, hinted at a potential postage rate increase and detailed investments in new delivery vehicles, among other things.Facing an expected $160 billion in losses over the next decade, DeJoy and postal executives stressed the need to cut costs and modernize the agency's operations as its workload increasingly shifts from handling letters to hauling more and more packages.“This is about the long-term viability of the organization under the two missions that we have that are legislated, that is deliver to every house six days a week and be self-sustaining," DeJoy said. He announced the plans at a webinar with other postal service officials.DeJoy said the biggest change would be a relaxing of the current first-class letter delivery standard of one-to-three-days to a one-to-five-day benchmark. Postal leadership said the longer timeframe would apply only to mail going to the farthest reaches of its network and that 70% of first-class mail will still be delivered within a three-day standard.The agency said it will subject potential changes to delivery standards, as well as several other parts of their plan, to a formal rulemaking process and advisory opinions from the independent Postal Regulatory Commission before they go into effect.Sen. Gary Peters, a Michigan Democrat who has been critical of DeJoy, cautioned that any reduction of delivery standards would have a big impact on customers.“While I understand Postal Service leadership’s desire to set long-term goals, I am concerned that several of the initiatives in this plan will harm service for folks across the country who rely on the Postal Service for prescription drugs, financial documents, running their small businesses, and more," said Peters.Democrats have repeatedly called for DeJoy to be removed from his post as delivery times have lagged across the country. Late last month, President Joe Biden named three nominees to the agency's governing board, which if approved, would give Democrats and Democratic appointees a majority on the panel and the ability to oust DeJoy through a vote. Currently, all six of the board's members were appointed by former President Donald Trump. The White House didn't immediately return an email seeking comment.DeJoy, a former supply-chain CEO who took over the Postal Service last June, has been mired in controversy since taking over the agency.Shortly after taking the position, DeJoy carried out a series of controversial policy changes that delayed mail before the 2020 election, fueling worry that he was sabotaging the agency on behalf of Trump, a vocal critic of mail-in voting. DeJoy has strongly disputed that claim and eventually suspended some of his changes following intense public pushback and a crush of legal challenges.Despite the concerns, the agency said it processed and delivered at least 135 million ballots during the general election and that 99.7% of ballots were delivered to election officials within five days.Mark Dimondstein, president of the American Postal Workers Union, said the plan included some positive elements but urged the agency to prioritize on-time deliveries and other service standards.“Any proposals that would either slow the mail, reduce access to post offices, or further pursue the failed strategy of plant consolidation will need to be addressed,” he said in a statement. “The APWU will proactively engage with USPS’s managers, the Postal Regulatory Commission, leaders in Congress and the public to address these issues.”

Slower mail, higher prices in U.S. Postal Service plan

FORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a teen in Ford County and asking the public for help with information.

Just before 8:30p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a residence for a report of an individual knowing about a deceased body, according to a media release from Dodge City. Police.

With the information from this individual, officers responded to the 1200 block of West Elm Street in Dodge City where they located the body later identified as&nbsp;18-year-old Zacarias Giannino of Dodge City.

After processing the scene, the body of the teen was turned over to the Ford County Coroner for further examination. The condition of the body indicated he had been deceased for a few weeks.

On Tuesday an autopsy was performed to determine the cause of death. This is an active and ongoing homicide investigation. DCPD asks that anyone with information about this incident please call the department at 620-225-8126, dispatch at 620-227-4646, or submit a tip through the DCPD Facebook page or tip411 service.

FORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a teen in Ford County and asking the public for help with information.Just before 8:30p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a residence for a report of an individual knowing about a deceased body, according to a media release from Dodge City. Police.With the information from this individual, officers responded to the 1200 block of West Elm Street in Dodge City where they located the body later identified as&nbsp;18-year-old Zacarias Giannino of Dodge City.After processing the scene, the body of the teen was turned over to the Ford County Coroner for further examination. The condition of the body indicated he had been deceased for a few weeks.On Tuesday an autopsy was performed to determine the cause of death. This is an active and ongoing homicide investigation. DCPD asks that anyone with information about this incident please call the department at 620-225-8126, dispatch at 620-227-4646, or submit a tip through the DCPD Facebook page or tip411 service.

Police ID teen murder victim in SW Kansas 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a jail kitchen worker and have made an arrest.

On Monday, the Sheriff’s Office received information concerning a contract kitchen employee bringing contraband into the Detention Facility, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

 The complaint was investigated by the Investigations Division of the Sheriff’s Office and determined probable cause existed to arrest the kitchen employee identified as 42-year-old Natalie Willis on requested charges of of Possession of Hallucinogenic Drugs, one count of Trafficking Contraband, and one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance.

She is a kitchen contract employee and employed by Summit Food Service. All contract employees go through a background check before they are allowed to work inside of the Detention Facility, according to Blick.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616529480958.png" alt="Willis photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Willis photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a jail kitchen worker and have made an arrest.On Monday, the Sheriff’s Office received information concerning a contract kitchen employee bringing contraband into the Detention Facility, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick. The complaint was investigated by the Investigations Division of the Sheriff’s Office and determined probable cause existed to arrest the kitchen employee identified as 42-year-old Natalie Willis on requested charges of of Possession of Hallucinogenic Drugs, one count of Trafficking Contraband, and one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance.She is a kitchen contract employee and employed by Summit Food Service. All contract employees go through a background check before they are allowed to work inside of the Detention Facility, according to Blick.

Kitchen worker at Kan. jail arrested following investigation

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats said Tuesday that they are pushing toward a vote on expanded gun control measures as the nation reels from its second mass shooting in a week. President Joe Biden said “we have to act,” but prospects for any major changes were dim, for now, in the closely divided Congress.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?510204-1/president-biden-calls-congress-ban-assault-weapons-pass-background-checks-legislation">Click here&nbsp;</a>to watch the President's statement

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer vowed Tuesday morning to bring to the Senate floor legislation passed by the House that would require background checks for most gun sales and transfers. He said the Senate “must confront a devastating truth” after a lack of congressional action on the issue for almost three decades.

“This Senate will be different,” Schumer, D-N.Y., said a day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colorado-supermarket-shooting-10-dead-3da92f0d3db65afdb373cc6bb534a711">a shooting at a crowded Boulder, Colorado, supermarket</a>, killed 10 people, including a police officer. “The Senate is going to debate and address the epidemic of gun violence in this country.”

While a Senate vote on new gun control would be the first in several years, Democrats do not have the votes to pass any significant reform. They are not even united themselves, as Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., told reporters Tuesday that he opposes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-shootings-legislation-gun-politics-bills-fbb6872ac0575551e2fc190f3aefbd73">the House legislation on background checks</a>.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who has aggressively pushed for expanded gun control since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3795f3325a095af631cd19c280ae249b">the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School</a>&nbsp;that killed 20 children and six educators, expressed optimism about the chances for new laws with Biden in the White House and Democrats controlling the House and the Senate. He called it “the dawn of a new era.”

Reality is likely more complicated. Senate Democrats do not currently have deep enough support among Republicans to pass new gun control legislation in the 50-50 Senate, as they would need 60 votes to do so. While expanding background checks is generally popular with the American public, even with some conservatives, Congress has been unable to find a successful compromise on guns in decades, making it one of the most intractable issues in American politics.

The gun debate also highlights a larger difficulty for Senate Democrats as they try to move forward on gun legislation and other policy priorities of the Biden White House. With the filibuster in place, forcing a 60-vote threshold for most legislation, House-passed bills on issues like gun control and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-passes-sweeping-voting-rights-bill-88088175552f13a8e3f6f25d7bc45f6c">voting rights</a>&nbsp;are effectively nonstarters unless Democrats secure significant GOP support.

Some Republicans hinted that they would be open to negotiations, though it was unclear if there were any real bipartisan discussions. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said he was opposed to the House legislation, but “I’m certainly open to the discussion.”

Manchin and Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, who have worked together for years to find compromise on background checks, both said they were opposed to the House legislation, which would close loopholes to ensure background checks are extended to private and online sales that often go undetected, including at gun shows, with some limited exemptions for family and other scenarios. A similar version Manchin and Toomey proposed just after the Sandy Hook shootings included a broader set of exemptions than the House bill.

The House also passed a second bill to extend a certain review period for background checks from three to 10 days. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., introduced the legislation after a shooter killed nine people at a Charleston, South Carolina, church in 2015.

Toomey said he would like to find legislation that could pass, but “that probably would require something that’s a little bit different. So, we’ll see if we can figure out how to thread that needle.”

Manchin did not say whether he would restart negotiations, only that “we’re going to try to do the responsible, reasonable thing.”

Schumer and Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy, a leading advocate for gun control, said they would meet this week to discuss a path forward. Schumer has not said when he will bring the House legislation up for a vote.

Democrats say they feel the environment around gun legislation has evolved, especially since that last major push in 2013. They point to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-new-york-lawsuits-election-2020-u-s-news-056b7845ad1a35a68a4bf837329d9f6f">troubles at the National Rifle Association</a>, the long-powerful advocacy group that poured tens of millions of dollars into electing Donald Trump in 2016. The organization has been weakened by infighting as well as legal tangles over its finances.

“This is the moment to make our stand. NOW,” tweeted Murphy as details of the Colorado shooting emerged Monday evening. “Today, our movement is stronger than the gun lobby. They are weak. We are potent. Finally, a President and a Congress that supports gun reform.”

Democrats are hoping there is a gradual political shift among voters as well. A Pew Research Center poll in September 2019 showed a wide majority of Americans, 88%, supported making private gun sales and sales at gun shows subject to background checks, which is what the House-passed bill would do. Ninety-three percent of Democrats and 82% of Republicans were in favor of the policy.

Many in the GOP base are still strongly opposed to gun control of any kind. In Tuesday’s hearing, which was scheduled before the Colorado shooting, Republicans showed no signs of wavering. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said that every time there is a shooting, the Senate engages in “ridiculous theater,” with Democrats proposing laws that he said could take guns away from law-abiding citizens. Republicans have argued that background checks would not stop most mass shootings and would prevent some lawful gun owners from purchasing firearms.

“We already know this pattern is predictable, over and over and over again,” Cruz said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616542961618.png" alt="During a White House statement Tuesday President Joe Biden said “we have to act."&nbsp; &nbsp;Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>During a White House statement Tuesday President Joe Biden said “we have to act."&nbsp; &nbsp;Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats said Tuesday that they are pushing toward a vote on expanded gun control measures as the nation reels from its second mass shooting in a week. President Joe Biden said “we have to act,” but prospects for any major changes were dim, for now, in the closely divided Congress.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?510204-1/president-biden-calls-congress-ban-assault-weapons-pass-background-checks-legislation">Click here&nbsp;</a>to watch the President's statementSenate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer vowed Tuesday morning to bring to the Senate floor legislation passed by the House that would require background checks for most gun sales and transfers. He said the Senate “must confront a devastating truth” after a lack of congressional action on the issue for almost three decades.“This Senate will be different,” Schumer, D-N.Y., said a day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colorado-supermarket-shooting-10-dead-3da92f0d3db65afdb373cc6bb534a711">a shooting at a crowded Boulder, Colorado, supermarket</a>, killed 10 people, including a police officer. “The Senate is going to debate and address the epidemic of gun violence in this country.”While a Senate vote on new gun control would be the first in several years, Democrats do not have the votes to pass any significant reform. They are not even united themselves, as Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., told reporters Tuesday that he opposes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-shootings-legislation-gun-politics-bills-fbb6872ac0575551e2fc190f3aefbd73">the House legislation on background checks</a>.Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who has aggressively pushed for expanded gun control since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3795f3325a095af631cd19c280ae249b">the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School</a>&nbsp;that killed 20 children and six educators, expressed optimism about the chances for new laws with Biden in the White House and Democrats controlling the House and the Senate. He called it “the dawn of a new era.”Reality is likely more complicated. Senate Democrats do not currently have deep enough support among Republicans to pass new gun control legislation in the 50-50 Senate, as they would need 60 votes to do so. While expanding background checks is generally popular with the American public, even with some conservatives, Congress has been unable to find a successful compromise on guns in decades, making it one of the most intractable issues in American politics.The gun debate also highlights a larger difficulty for Senate Democrats as they try to move forward on gun legislation and other policy priorities of the Biden White House. With the filibuster in place, forcing a 60-vote threshold for most legislation, House-passed bills on issues like gun control and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-passes-sweeping-voting-rights-bill-88088175552f13a8e3f6f25d7bc45f6c">voting rights</a>&nbsp;are effectively nonstarters unless Democrats secure significant GOP support.Some Republicans hinted that they would be open to negotiations, though it was unclear if there were any real bipartisan discussions. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said he was opposed to the House legislation, but “I’m certainly open to the discussion.”Manchin and Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, who have worked together for years to find compromise on background checks, both said they were opposed to the House legislation, which would close loopholes to ensure background checks are extended to private and online sales that often go undetected, including at gun shows, with some limited exemptions for family and other scenarios. A similar version Manchin and Toomey proposed just after the Sandy Hook shootings included a broader set of exemptions than the House bill.The House also passed a second bill to extend a certain review period for background checks from three to 10 days. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., introduced the legislation after a shooter killed nine people at a Charleston, South Carolina, church in 2015.Toomey said he would like to find legislation that could pass, but “that probably would require something that’s a little bit different. So, we’ll see if we can figure out how to thread that needle.”Manchin did not say whether he would restart negotiations, only that “we’re going to try to do the responsible, reasonable thing.”Schumer and Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy, a leading advocate for gun control, said they would meet this week to discuss a path forward. Schumer has not said when he will bring the House legislation up for a vote.Democrats say they feel the environment around gun legislation has evolved, especially since that last major push in 2013. They point to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-new-york-lawsuits-election-2020-u-s-news-056b7845ad1a35a68a4bf837329d9f6f">troubles at the National Rifle Association</a>, the long-powerful advocacy group that poured tens of millions of dollars into electing Donald Trump in 2016. The organization has been weakened by infighting as well as legal tangles over its finances.“This is the moment to make our stand. NOW,” tweeted Murphy as details of the Colorado shooting emerged Monday evening. “Today, our movement is stronger than the gun lobby. They are weak. We are potent. Finally, a President and a Congress that supports gun reform.”Democrats are hoping there is a gradual political shift among voters as well. A Pew Research Center poll in September 2019 showed a wide majority of Americans, 88%, supported making private gun sales and sales at gun shows subject to background checks, which is what the House-passed bill would do. Ninety-three percent of Democrats and 82% of Republicans were in favor of the policy.Many in the GOP base are still strongly opposed to gun control of any kind. In Tuesday’s hearing, which was scheduled before the Colorado shooting, Republicans showed no signs of wavering. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said that every time there is a shooting, the Senate engages in “ridiculous theater,” with Democrats proposing laws that he said could take guns away from law-abiding citizens. Republicans have argued that background checks would not stop most mass shootings and would prevent some lawful gun owners from purchasing firearms.“We already know this pattern is predictable, over and over and over again,” Cruz said.

🎥  Prospects dim for any major changes on gun laws

DETROIT (AP) — THE STAR&nbsp;of HGTV's “Rehab Addict Rescue” apparently was “scammed” when she bought a blighted Detroit home from someone who wasn't the owner, the mayor said.

The Detroit Land Bank Authority holds the title to the house. Nicole Curtis said she paid $17,000 for the property in 2017 and has spent $60,000 in repairs and other costs so far.

The land bank has put the house on the market for $40,000. Curtis filed a lawsuit last week, seeking to keep the property or be reimbursed.

“I feel bad for Nicole," Mayor Mike Duggan said Monday. "It appears she was scammed. It appears she paid somebody who didn’t own the house and paid them to buy it. But the land bank can’t legally just give her the property.”

Duggan said courts have already ruled that the land bank is the owner. But he wants Curtis to stick with the project and hopes she can make a deal.

“They can’t turn the property over without getting value,” the mayor said of the land bank.

Curtis’ Detroit Renovations LLC apparently didn’t know that the house had returned to the land bank’s control after the previous owners failed to fixed it up. Those owners executed a quit claim deed to Detroit Renovations in 2017.

Curtis, a native of suburban Detroit, said it would be wrong for the land bank to benefit from her investment.

“I didn’t become so successful in business by being somebody who backs down,” she said.

DETROIT (AP) — THE STAR&nbsp;of HGTV's “Rehab Addict Rescue” apparently was “scammed” when she bought a blighted Detroit home from someone who wasn't the owner, the mayor said.The Detroit Land Bank Authority holds the title to the house. Nicole Curtis said she paid $17,000 for the property in 2017 and has spent $60,000 in repairs and other costs so far.The land bank has put the house on the market for $40,000. Curtis filed a lawsuit last week, seeking to keep the property or be reimbursed.“I feel bad for Nicole," Mayor Mike Duggan said Monday. "It appears she was scammed. It appears she paid somebody who didn’t own the house and paid them to buy it. But the land bank can’t legally just give her the property.”Duggan said courts have already ruled that the land bank is the owner. But he wants Curtis to stick with the project and hopes she can make a deal.“They can’t turn the property over without getting value,” the mayor said of the land bank.Curtis’ Detroit Renovations LLC apparently didn’t know that the house had returned to the land bank’s control after the previous owners failed to fixed it up. Those owners executed a quit claim deed to Detroit Renovations in 2017.Curtis, a native of suburban Detroit, said it would be wrong for the land bank to benefit from her investment.“I didn’t become so successful in business by being somebody who backs down,” she said.

Mayor: HGTV star was 'scammed' in house deal

STRAFFORD, Mo. (AP) — A prosecutor says a man killed his wife and her parents over the weekend because the in-laws arrived for a visit and “they wouldn’t leave.”

The shooting happened Saturday near the small town of Strafford in southwestern Missouri. The suspect, 50-year-old Jesse Huy, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of 48-year-old Tonya Huy and her parents, 71-year-old Ronald Koehler and 78-year-old Linda Koehler of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The Greene County prosecuting attorney’s office on Monday released the suspected motive.

Tonya Huy’s parents were visiting to help their daughter after her recent back surgery. Investigators say Jesse Huy shot all three victims in the head and then called authorities after the killings.

When a dispatcher asked why he did it, he allegedly replied, “Well, they wouldn’t leave. I’ve been waiting for a week for them to leave. I’ve had enough.”

Huy is jailed without bond and doesn’t yet have a listed attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616410507582.png" alt="Huy photo Greene Co." />
 <figcaption>Huy photo Greene Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>STRAFFORD, Mo. (AP) — A prosecutor says a man killed his wife and her parents over the weekend because the in-laws arrived for a visit and “they wouldn’t leave.”The shooting happened Saturday near the small town of Strafford in southwestern Missouri. The suspect, 50-year-old Jesse Huy, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of 48-year-old Tonya Huy and her parents, 71-year-old Ronald Koehler and 78-year-old Linda Koehler of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.The Greene County prosecuting attorney’s office on Monday released the suspected motive.Tonya Huy’s parents were visiting to help their daughter after her recent back surgery. Investigators say Jesse Huy shot all three victims in the head and then called authorities after the killings.When a dispatcher asked why he did it, he allegedly replied, “Well, they wouldn’t leave. I’ve been waiting for a week for them to leave. I’ve had enough.”Huy is jailed without bond and doesn’t yet have a listed attorney.

Man’s alleged motive for killings: ‘In-laws wouldn’t leave’

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man who was serving a 12-year <a href="https://www.freealbertwilson.com/">prison sentence for rape</a> before a judge ordered that he receive a new trial might not be tried a second time, Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez said Tuesday.

Albert Wilson, 25, Wichita was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-lawrence-trials-hutchinson-12f205a83c50b1f1476dc76fb5bedb82">granted a new trial&nbsp;</a>last week after Judge Sally Pokorny ruled he had received ineffective counsel before he was convicted of one count of rape in 2019.

During a hearing on Tuesday, Valdez said her office planned to work with Wilson’s attorneys to resolve the case without a second trial “so that we can hopefully get justice for both the defendant and the survivor.

Wilson’s next court date was scheduled for May 13. He has been released from prison.

A girl who was 17 at the time said that she met Wilson, who was 20, at a Lawrence bar on Sept. 11, 2016. She said he assaulted her at the bar and later raped her at his house while she was drunk.

During his appeal for a new trial, Wilson’s attorneys focused on thousands of text messages on the girl’s phone, which Wilson’s original attorney did not present as evidence at the tria

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616540891786.png" alt="Wilson outside the Douglas County Courthouse Tuesday-photo courtesy <a href="https://www.freealbertwilson.com/">Free Albert Wilson</a> Facebook and KAKE" />
 <figcaption>Wilson outside the Douglas County Courthouse Tuesday-photo courtesy <a href="https://www.freealbertwilson.com/">Free Albert Wilson</a> Facebook and KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man who was serving a 12-year <a href="https://www.freealbertwilson.com/">prison sentence for rape</a> before a judge ordered that he receive a new trial might not be tried a second time, Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez said Tuesday.Albert Wilson, 25, Wichita was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-lawrence-trials-hutchinson-12f205a83c50b1f1476dc76fb5bedb82">granted a new trial&nbsp;</a>last week after Judge Sally Pokorny ruled he had received ineffective counsel before he was convicted of one count of rape in 2019.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615914127131.png" alt="Wilson photo Douglas Co." />
 <figcaption>Wilson photo Douglas Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>During a hearing on Tuesday, Valdez said her office planned to work with Wilson’s attorneys to resolve the case without a second trial “so that we can hopefully get justice for both the defendant and the survivor.Wilson’s next court date was scheduled for May 13. He has been released from prison.A girl who was 17 at the time said that she met Wilson, who was 20, at a Lawrence bar on Sept. 11, 2016. She said he assaulted her at the bar and later raped her at his house while she was drunk.During his appeal for a new trial, Wilson’s attorneys focused on thousands of text messages on the girl’s phone, which Wilson’s original attorney did not present as evidence at the tria

Kan. man convicted of rape released from prison

EMPORIA, KAN. (AP) — A Kansas man was charged with first-degree murder and more than 25 other counts after a fatal collision occurred while he was trying to flee from police, law enforcement officers said.

Devawn Mitchell, 23, was being held in the Lyon County Detention Center on $1 million bond after his arrest on Thursday. His first court appearance was scheduled for Monday.

Other charges against Mitchell include an alternative count of second-degree murder, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and numerous fleeing and traffic charges.

An affidavit filed by police detective Kevin Shireman said the chase began Thursday when Mitchell swerved at a marked patrol car, forcing the officer to take evasive action to avoid a collision. Officers tracked Mitchell but broke off two pursuits because he was speeding and running stop signs on city streets, the affidavit said.

Eventually, Mitchell rear-ended a pickup truck, which went airborne and hit a power pole, police said. The pickup's driver, Steven Henry, 64, of Emporia, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mitchell was treated at Newman Regional Health and then taken to the Lyon County Detention Center.

LYON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Thursday in Lyon County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Honda Civic driven by DeVawn T. Mitchell, 23, Emporia,&nbsp;was eastbound on 6th Avenue at Chestnut in the left lane.&nbsp;

The Honda was fleeing law enforcement and rear-ended a 2009 Ford F150 driven by Steven A. Henry, 64, Emporia.

The pickup then struck a power pole and came to rest off the right side of the roadway.

Henry was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Roberts Blue Barnett funeral home. EMS transported Mitchell to&nbsp;Newman Regional Health Center. The drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616434591900.png" alt="Mitchell photo Lyon Co." />
 <figcaption>Mitchell photo Lyon Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>EMPORIA, KAN. (AP) — A Kansas man was charged with first-degree murder and more than 25 other counts after a fatal collision occurred while he was trying to flee from police, law enforcement officers said.Devawn Mitchell, 23, was being held in the Lyon County Detention Center on $1 million bond after his arrest on Thursday. His first court appearance was scheduled for Monday.Other charges against Mitchell include an alternative count of second-degree murder, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and numerous fleeing and traffic charges.An affidavit filed by police detective Kevin Shireman said the chase began Thursday when Mitchell swerved at a marked patrol car, forcing the officer to take evasive action to avoid a collision. Officers tracked Mitchell but broke off two pursuits because he was speeding and running stop signs on city streets, the affidavit said.Eventually, Mitchell rear-ended a pickup truck, which went airborne and hit a power pole, police said. The pickup's driver, Steven Henry, 64, of Emporia, was pronounced dead at the scene.Mitchell was treated at Newman Regional Health and then taken to the Lyon County Detention Center.--------LYON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Thursday in Lyon County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Honda Civic driven by DeVawn T. Mitchell, 23, Emporia,&nbsp;was eastbound on 6th Avenue at Chestnut in the left lane.&nbsp;The Honda was fleeing law enforcement and rear-ended a 2009 Ford F150 driven by Steven A. Henry, 64, Emporia.The pickup then struck a power pole and came to rest off the right side of the roadway.Henry was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Roberts Blue Barnett funeral home. EMS transported Mitchell to&nbsp;Newman Regional Health Center. The drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Murder: Kan. man charged for crash during police chase

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation after mail with a toxic substance arrived at the Sedgwick County Court House Monday.

The Division of Finance employee who was exposed was released from the hospital and is recovering at home, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

 Three other county employees are experiencing minor symptoms from the incident but continue to work.

The employee brought the mail to her workstation on the eighth floor of the courthouse and began opening it. When opening one of the parcels addressed from the Moorish Nationale Republic Federale Gobernmete – Societas Republic ea al Maurikanos, she noticed an odor and a powdery substance located in the envelope. Within a short time, the employee began to experience respiratory issues and skin irritation.

Once county personnel were notified, they called the Wichita Fire Department and shut down ventilation on the eighth floor of the courthouse.

The employee experiencing respiratory issues was removed from the Finance office, decontaminated and transported to a local hospital for evaluation, according to Blick.

Three additional Finance employees, two Courthouse police officers and two Sheriff Deputies were also decontaminated as a precaution.

A Hazmat ID test determined the powdery substance in the envelope was diaminotoluene, according to Blick.

The Sheriff’s Office contacted the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force who responded. The Sheriff’s Office retained the parcel and is cooperating with the FBI in the investigation.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating after mail with a toxic substance arrived at the Sedgwick County Court House.

On Monday afternoon, an employee working in the Sedgwick County Division of Finance retrieved mail addressed to their department on the first floor of the Sedgwick County Courthouse, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

The employee brought the mail to her workstation on the eighth floor of the courthouse and began opening it. When opening one of the parcels she noticed an odor and a powdery substance located in the envelope. Within a short time, the employee began to experience respiratory issues and skin irritation.

Once county personnel were notified, they called the Wichita Fire Department and shut down ventilation on the eighth floor of the courthouse. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616503739315.png" alt="Hazmat crews from the Wichita Fire Department on the scene Monday afternoon -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Hazmat crews from the Wichita Fire Department on the scene Monday afternoon -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation after mail with a toxic substance arrived at the Sedgwick County Court House Monday.The Division of Finance employee who was exposed was released from the hospital and is recovering at home, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick. Three other county employees are experiencing minor symptoms from the incident but continue to work.The employee brought the mail to her workstation on the eighth floor of the courthouse and began opening it. When opening one of the parcels addressed from the Moorish Nationale Republic Federale Gobernmete – Societas Republic ea al Maurikanos, she noticed an odor and a powdery substance located in the envelope. Within a short time, the employee began to experience respiratory issues and skin irritation.Once county personnel were notified, they called the Wichita Fire Department and shut down ventilation on the eighth floor of the courthouse.The employee experiencing respiratory issues was removed from the Finance office, decontaminated and transported to a local hospital for evaluation, according to Blick.Three additional Finance employees, two Courthouse police officers and two Sheriff Deputies were also decontaminated as a precaution.A Hazmat ID test determined the powdery substance in the envelope was diaminotoluene, according to Blick.The Sheriff’s Office contacted the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force who responded. The Sheriff’s Office retained the parcel and is cooperating with the FBI in the investigation.-----SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating after mail with a toxic substance arrived at the Sedgwick County Court House.On Monday afternoon, an employee working in the Sedgwick County Division of Finance retrieved mail addressed to their department on the first floor of the Sedgwick County Courthouse, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.The employee brought the mail to her workstation on the eighth floor of the courthouse and began opening it. When opening one of the parcels she noticed an odor and a powdery substance located in the envelope. Within a short time, the employee began to experience respiratory issues and skin irritation.Once county personnel were notified, they called the Wichita Fire Department and shut down ventilation on the eighth floor of the courthouse. The employee experiencing respiratory issues was removed from the Finance office, decontaminated and transported to a local hospital for evaluation, according to Blick.Three additional Finance employees, two Courthouse police officers and two Sheriff Deputies were also decontaminated as a precaution.A Hazmat ID test determined the powdery substance in the envelope was diaminotoluene, according to Blick.The Sheriff’s Office contacted the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force who responded. The Sheriff’s Office retained the parcel and is cooperating with the FBI in the investigation.

Employee out of hospital after toxic powder mailed to Kan. courthouse

WASHINGTON (AP) — Fresh off passage of the COVID-19 relief bill, President Joe Biden is assembling the next big White House priority, a sweeping $3 trillion package of investments on infrastructure and domestic needs.

Biden huddled privately late Monday with Senate Democrats as Congress has already begun laying the groundwork with legislation for developing roads, hospitals and green energy systems as part of Biden’s “Build Back Better” campaign promise. Much like the $1.9 trillion virus rescue plan signed into law earlier this month, the new package would also include family-friendly policies, this time focusing on education and paid family leave.

The White House plans are still preliminary, with a combined $3 trillion in spending proposed to boost the economy and improve quality of life, according to a person familiar with the options who insisted on anonymity to discuss private conversations.

While the goal is a bipartisan package, Democrats in Congress have signaled a willingness to go it alone if they are blocked by Republicans.

“We need to get it done,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., ahead of the virtual meeting with Biden at the senators’ annual retreat Monday evening.

Biden’s outreach to Senate Democrats comes as the White House is under fire for its handling of the U.S.-Mexico border. Migrant crossings are skyrocketing, with images of cramped holding facilities posing a humanitarian and political dilemma for the administration and its allies in Congress. The focus on infrastructure shifts attention back toward priorities that are potentially more popular with Americans and potentially bipartisan.

An infrastructure package would include roughly $1 trillion for roads, bridges, rail lines, electrical vehicle charging stations and the cellular network, among other items. The goal would be to facilitate the shift to cleaner energy while improving economic competitiveness.

A second component would include investments in workers with free community college, universal pre-kindergarten and paid family leave.

No part of the proposal has been finalized and the eventual details of any spending could change.

The overall price tag first reported Monday by The New York Times has been circulating on Capitol Hill for weeks, since the start of the Biden presidency. With the House and Senate under Democratic control, the proposals are expected to draw support from all corners of Congress.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asked Democratic committee chairmen earlier this month to start working with their Republican counterparts to begin “to craft a big, bold and transformational infrastructure package.”

Pelosi said the goal is to build swiftly on the coronavirus rescue plan by developing an economic relief plan to help “people in every zip code by creating good-paying jobs for the future.”

The administration is positioning its priorities at a politically and fiscally sensitive time, after funding its $1.9 trillion relief package entirely with debt. The Federal Reserve estimates that spending could push growth this year to 6.5%, and additional spending would only add pressure to an economy already expected to run hot.

Biden’s campaign proposed higher corporate taxes and increases on people making more than $400,000 annually, effectively undoing much of the 2017 tax cuts by his predecessor, Donald Trump.

A White House official said the president has been very clear about his agenda, even though the details are only just starting to surface. The official insisted on anonymity to discuss private conversations.

On Monday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee debated a $300 billion-plus measure to invest in drinking water, broadband and other priorities. On Thursday, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is set to appear before the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Next week, the Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to release a white paper revisiting the overseas tax code as a way to pay for some of the spending.

Republican leader Mitch McConnell used his opening remarks Monday in the Senate to trash the infrastructure proposal, warning it would only lead to tax hikes and what he called “left-wing policies.”

“We’re hearing the next few months might bring a so-called infrastructure proposal that may actually be a Trojan horse for massive tax hikes and other job-killing, left-wing policies,” he said.

He derided the Democratic proposals as similar to the Green New Deal, a sweeping plan to address climate change that he said would cost “unbelievable sums.”

Biden is expected to roll out his budget in the weeks ahead as Congress presses forward on the infrastructure package, which lawmakers have said could be ready by summer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614740853199.png" alt="President Biden is expected to roll out his budget in the weeks ahead as Congress presses forward on the infrastructure package, which lawmakers have said could be ready by summer.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden is expected to roll out his budget in the weeks ahead as Congress presses forward on the infrastructure package, which lawmakers have said could be ready by summer.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Fresh off passage of the COVID-19 relief bill, President Joe Biden is assembling the next big White House priority, a sweeping $3 trillion package of investments on infrastructure and domestic needs.Biden huddled privately late Monday with Senate Democrats as Congress has already begun laying the groundwork with legislation for developing roads, hospitals and green energy systems as part of Biden’s “Build Back Better” campaign promise. Much like the $1.9 trillion virus rescue plan signed into law earlier this month, the new package would also include family-friendly policies, this time focusing on education and paid family leave.The White House plans are still preliminary, with a combined $3 trillion in spending proposed to boost the economy and improve quality of life, according to a person familiar with the options who insisted on anonymity to discuss private conversations.While the goal is a bipartisan package, Democrats in Congress have signaled a willingness to go it alone if they are blocked by Republicans.“We need to get it done,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., ahead of the virtual meeting with Biden at the senators’ annual retreat Monday evening.Biden’s outreach to Senate Democrats comes as the White House is under fire for its handling of the U.S.-Mexico border. Migrant crossings are skyrocketing, with images of cramped holding facilities posing a humanitarian and political dilemma for the administration and its allies in Congress. The focus on infrastructure shifts attention back toward priorities that are potentially more popular with Americans and potentially bipartisan.An infrastructure package would include roughly $1 trillion for roads, bridges, rail lines, electrical vehicle charging stations and the cellular network, among other items. The goal would be to facilitate the shift to cleaner energy while improving economic competitiveness.A second component would include investments in workers with free community college, universal pre-kindergarten and paid family leave.No part of the proposal has been finalized and the eventual details of any spending could change.The overall price tag first reported Monday by The New York Times has been circulating on Capitol Hill for weeks, since the start of the Biden presidency. With the House and Senate under Democratic control, the proposals are expected to draw support from all corners of Congress.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asked Democratic committee chairmen earlier this month to start working with their Republican counterparts to begin “to craft a big, bold and transformational infrastructure package.”Pelosi said the goal is to build swiftly on the coronavirus rescue plan by developing an economic relief plan to help “people in every zip code by creating good-paying jobs for the future.”The administration is positioning its priorities at a politically and fiscally sensitive time, after funding its $1.9 trillion relief package entirely with debt. The Federal Reserve estimates that spending could push growth this year to 6.5%, and additional spending would only add pressure to an economy already expected to run hot.Biden’s campaign proposed higher corporate taxes and increases on people making more than $400,000 annually, effectively undoing much of the 2017 tax cuts by his predecessor, Donald Trump.A White House official said the president has been very clear about his agenda, even though the details are only just starting to surface. The official insisted on anonymity to discuss private conversations.On Monday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee debated a $300 billion-plus measure to invest in drinking water, broadband and other priorities. On Thursday, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is set to appear before the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Next week, the Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to release a white paper revisiting the overseas tax code as a way to pay for some of the spending.Republican leader Mitch McConnell used his opening remarks Monday in the Senate to trash the infrastructure proposal, warning it would only lead to tax hikes and what he called “left-wing policies.”“We’re hearing the next few months might bring a so-called infrastructure proposal that may actually be a Trojan horse for massive tax hikes and other job-killing, left-wing policies,” he said.He derided the Democratic proposals as similar to the Green New Deal, a sweeping plan to address climate change that he said would cost “unbelievable sums.”Biden is expected to roll out his budget in the weeks ahead as Congress presses forward on the infrastructure package, which lawmakers have said could be ready by summer.

Biden's $3T plan: Free community college, universal pre-K

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/22/anderson-county-rural-property-owner-compares-wind-farms-to-menacing-strip-clubs-landfills/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Anderson County 
resident Mike Burns ripped pages of his prepared speech in half Monday 
to speak from the heart about why Kansas had to pass a law regulating 
placement of wind farms to protect property rights and bring peace of 
mind to folks in rural areas attractive to developers.

Burns joined dozens of people at the Capitol eager to testify on behalf of <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/sb279_00_0000.pdf">Senate Bill 279</a>,
 which would establish state-crafted regulation of wind generation 
facilities from the turbine to power line. It would replace county 
commission preferences for or against wind farms with state law defining
 turbine setbacks from businesses, parks, homes, property lines and much
 more. The maximum density would be one turbine per square mile, well 
below the current standard. There would be caps on sound and light 
emitted by turbines that sometimes reach 500 feet into the sky.

Landowners and community 
organizations would gain leverage to block projects if the bill became 
law, and wind farm advocates contend passage of the measure would put an
 end to the industry’s growth in Kansas.

Burns said he moved to 
eastern Kansas to open a pharmacy because of the area’s rural appeal. He
 wanted some acreage near Garnett to enjoy the outdoors and build a home
 to raise a family. He was confident there was little anyone could do to
 undermine his dreams.

“I thought there would be 
no chance of anything taking that all away,” he told the Senate 
Utilities Committee. “My family and our assets were protected. My rights
 were protected. So I thought.”

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/committees/ctte_s_utils_1/misc_documents/download_testimony/ctte_s_utils_1_20210322_48_testimony.html">In 2015, Burns said,</a>
 a representative of Calpine Energy called to inquire about leasing 
ground on his property for a wind farm. He turned away the offer after 
concluding wind farms, which he referred to as “power plants,” were 
recipients of massive tax subsidies, created few permanent jobs, 
fostered community divisiveness, negatively influenced health, created 
issues with daytime flicker shadows and nighttime blinking lights, 
depended on “predatory” leases with landowners, disrupted sleep with 
sound pollution and were subjected to relatively little regulation.

Burns said the Anderson 
County Commission listened to skeptics and adopted some barriers to 
deter developers of wind farms. The problem, he said, was that dozens of
 Kansas counties didn’t have zoning to restrain fat-cat developers and 
their persuasive attorneys and lobbyists. The Kansas Legislature should 
stop treating rural people like second-class citizens and stand up for 
uniform management of wind projects and the protection of rural property
 rights, he said.

“Why are there no wind 
power plants in Johnson County? Wyandotte? Sedgwick? Shawnee?” Burns 
said. “If they have no impact, then why? How would any of you feel if 
there were a massage parlor or night club coming into your neighborhood?
 Fast food, gas station or even a landfill or factory?”

He was joined by seven 
other people who spoke to the committee in desperate terms about their 
desire to stop spread of wind farms in Kansas, a state with more than 
3,000 turbines scattered among 40 developments in 30 counties. 
Twenty-five people had signed up to personally share testimony with 
senators, while more than 40 submitted written comments in favor of 
Senate Bill 279.

Opponents of the bill take
 the microphone Tuesday in an attempt to sway the Republican-led 
committee chaired by Sen. Mike Thompson, a Johnson County Republican who
 called wind turbines a public nuisance in need of retraint afforded by 
state statute.

Alan Anderson, a Kansas 
attorney who specializes in energy development projects, said during a 
news conference at the Capitol that $14 billion had been invested so far
 in wind farms scattered in Kansas. These projects created 22,000 
construction, operational and indirect jobs during the past 20 years.

Companies with turbines on
 private land pay $48 million annually in lease payments to those 
individuals, he said. Over the 20-year life of the Kansas wind farms in 
operation now, he said, an estimated $962 million in lease payments 
would be made to landowners.

In addition, he said, 
companies investing in Kansas wind farms had committed to providing 
communities with $657 million over 20 years in property taxes and for 
priorities ranging from law enforcement to education.

“The message that a bill 
like Senate Bill 279 sends out to these different companies is … maybe 
we’re not a stable environment, maybe we are not a place you should 
consider locating,” Anderson said. “Make no mistake at all. Senate Bill 
279 would end all wind energy development in Kansas. That’s frankly the 
intent of the bill. This isn’t a bill to actually talk about rational 
siting. It’s to end wind energy development.”

Kimberly Svaty, who 
represents Advanced Power Alliance, said testimony from wind developers 
scheduled to speak Tuesday would demonstrate reluctance to invest in new
 wind farms in Kansas under terms of the Senate bill. It’s too easy for 
wind investment companies to pivot to locations in other heartland 
states, she said.

“They’re all saying that 
they will not invest another penny in the state of Kansas,” she said. 
“It’s not a threat, but it underscores the competition the state is in 
for jobs and investment.”

Dennis Hedke, a former 
member of the Kansas House who operates Hedke Geoscience Consulting in 
Wichita, said the Senate bill was necessary because so many Kansans 
experienced unrest, physical discomfort, mental anguish and economic 
hardship as a result of prolific development of industrial wind energy 
in this state. He said there was no justification for construction of 
turbines so close to private dwellings that residents struggled to sleep
 or dealt with irritation of vibration caused by blades with an outward 
speed over 150 mph.

“Study after study by 
highly credentialed professionals have unequivocally confirmed the 
negative impacts experienced by residents in many states and countries,”
 Hedke said. “Yet, a large number of county commissions have ignored 
their pleas for relief. Some commissioners have, in absolute fact, 
colluded with developers and are culpable for the tactics that have been
 deployed against private citizens.”

He said wind projects did 
“absoluely nothing to bring material benefit to the earth’s climate” 
despite claims to the contrary. It’s high time the wind industry accept 
it cannot replace fossil and nuclear fuels to sustain electricity grid 
requirements, he said.

Gayla Randel, a retired 
educator living near the community of Frankfort in Marshall County, said
 NextEra Energies introduced the Irish Creek Wind Project in 2019 with 
plans to start construction in April. The unregulated environment could 
lead to more than 100 turbines, each 500 feet tall, with the consent of 
32 property owners in the wind farm footprint. Of 85 nonparticipating or
 uncompensated landowners nearby, she said, half had at least one 
turbine within 3,900 feet of their homes. None of those residents are 
more than two miles from a turbine, she said.

“One nonparticipating 
landowner will have nine turbines within a mile of their home,” Randel 
said. “Three nonparticipating landowners will have eight turbines within
 a mile of their homes.”

She said Marshall County 
was recognized as a Flint Hills counties, but the county wasn’t included
 in the wind farm moritorium initiated by Democratic Gov. Kathleen 
Sebelius in 2005 nor the expanded exclusion zone adopted by Republican 
Gov. Sam Brownback in 2011.

“Why is this development 
being allowed to happen? Because Kansas has no guidance for our county 
commissioners who repeatedly said we cannot stop it unless we want to be
 sued. They were ill-prepared to make such a life changing decision. 
Wind developers can do this because no one has said they cannot,” Randel
 said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616507535992.png" alt="Anderson County resident Mike Burns, center, registered support Monday for a Senate bill that would impose sweeping regulations on wind farm developments and protect property rights of people living in rural areas with terrain and breezes to support turbines. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Anderson County resident Mike Burns, center, registered support Monday for a Senate bill that would impose sweeping regulations on wind farm developments and protect property rights of people living in rural areas with terrain and breezes to support turbines. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/22/anderson-county-rural-property-owner-compares-wind-farms-to-menacing-strip-clubs-landfills/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Anderson County 
resident Mike Burns ripped pages of his prepared speech in half Monday 
to speak from the heart about why Kansas had to pass a law regulating 
placement of wind farms to protect property rights and bring peace of 
mind to folks in rural areas attractive to developers.Burns joined dozens of people at the Capitol eager to testify on behalf of <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/sb279_00_0000.pdf">Senate Bill 279</a>,
 which would establish state-crafted regulation of wind generation 
facilities from the turbine to power line. It would replace county 
commission preferences for or against wind farms with state law defining
 turbine setbacks from businesses, parks, homes, property lines and much
 more. The maximum density would be one turbine per square mile, well 
below the current standard. There would be caps on sound and light 
emitted by turbines that sometimes reach 500 feet into the sky.Landowners and community 
organizations would gain leverage to block projects if the bill became 
law, and wind farm advocates contend passage of the measure would put an
 end to the industry’s growth in Kansas.Burns said he moved to 
eastern Kansas to open a pharmacy because of the area’s rural appeal. He
 wanted some acreage near Garnett to enjoy the outdoors and build a home
 to raise a family. He was confident there was little anyone could do to
 undermine his dreams.“I thought there would be 
no chance of anything taking that all away,” he told the Senate 
Utilities Committee. “My family and our assets were protected. My rights
 were protected. So I thought.”<h2>Property rights</h2><a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/committees/ctte_s_utils_1/misc_documents/download_testimony/ctte_s_utils_1_20210322_48_testimony.html">In 2015, Burns said,</a>
 a representative of Calpine Energy called to inquire about leasing 
ground on his property for a wind farm. He turned away the offer after 
concluding wind farms, which he referred to as “power plants,” were 
recipients of massive tax subsidies, created few permanent jobs, 
fostered community divisiveness, negatively influenced health, created 
issues with daytime flicker shadows and nighttime blinking lights, 
depended on “predatory” leases with landowners, disrupted sleep with 
sound pollution and were subjected to relatively little regulation.Burns said the Anderson 
County Commission listened to skeptics and adopted some barriers to 
deter developers of wind farms. The problem, he said, was that dozens of
 Kansas counties didn’t have zoning to restrain fat-cat developers and 
their persuasive attorneys and lobbyists. The Kansas Legislature should 
stop treating rural people like second-class citizens and stand up for 
uniform management of wind projects and the protection of rural property
 rights, he said.“Why are there no wind 
power plants in Johnson County? Wyandotte? Sedgwick? Shawnee?” Burns 
said. “If they have no impact, then why? How would any of you feel if 
there were a massage parlor or night club coming into your neighborhood?
 Fast food, gas station or even a landfill or factory?”He was joined by seven 
other people who spoke to the committee in desperate terms about their 
desire to stop spread of wind farms in Kansas, a state with more than 
3,000 turbines scattered among 40 developments in 30 counties. 
Twenty-five people had signed up to personally share testimony with 
senators, while more than 40 submitted written comments in favor of 
Senate Bill 279.Opponents of the bill take
 the microphone Tuesday in an attempt to sway the Republican-led 
committee chaired by Sen. Mike Thompson, a Johnson County Republican who
 called wind turbines a public nuisance in need of retraint afforded by 
state statute.<h2>Economic impact</h2>Alan Anderson, a Kansas 
attorney who specializes in energy development projects, said during a 
news conference at the Capitol that $14 billion had been invested so far
 in wind farms scattered in Kansas. These projects created 22,000 
construction, operational and indirect jobs during the past 20 years.Companies with turbines on
 private land pay $48 million annually in lease payments to those 
individuals, he said. Over the 20-year life of the Kansas wind farms in 
operation now, he said, an estimated $962 million in lease payments 
would be made to landowners.In addition, he said, 
companies investing in Kansas wind farms had committed to providing 
communities with $657 million over 20 years in property taxes and for 
priorities ranging from law enforcement to education.“The message that a bill 
like Senate Bill 279 sends out to these different companies is … maybe 
we’re not a stable environment, maybe we are not a place you should 
consider locating,” Anderson said. “Make no mistake at all. Senate Bill 
279 would end all wind energy development in Kansas. That’s frankly the 
intent of the bill. This isn’t a bill to actually talk about rational 
siting. It’s to end wind energy development.”Kimberly Svaty, who 
represents Advanced Power Alliance, said testimony from wind developers 
scheduled to speak Tuesday would demonstrate reluctance to invest in new
 wind farms in Kansas under terms of the Senate bill. It’s too easy for 
wind investment companies to pivot to locations in other heartland 
states, she said.“They’re all saying that 
they will not invest another penny in the state of Kansas,” she said. 
“It’s not a threat, but it underscores the competition the state is in 
for jobs and investment.”<h2>Tactical collusion</h2>Dennis Hedke, a former 
member of the Kansas House who operates Hedke Geoscience Consulting in 
Wichita, said the Senate bill was necessary because so many Kansans 
experienced unrest, physical discomfort, mental anguish and economic 
hardship as a result of prolific development of industrial wind energy 
in this state. He said there was no justification for construction of 
turbines so close to private dwellings that residents struggled to sleep
 or dealt with irritation of vibration caused by blades with an outward 
speed over 150 mph.“Study after study by 
highly credentialed professionals have unequivocally confirmed the 
negative impacts experienced by residents in many states and countries,”
 Hedke said. “Yet, a large number of county commissions have ignored 
their pleas for relief. Some commissioners have, in absolute fact, 
colluded with developers and are culpable for the tactics that have been
 deployed against private citizens.”He said wind projects did 
“absoluely nothing to bring material benefit to the earth’s climate” 
despite claims to the contrary. It’s high time the wind industry accept 
it cannot replace fossil and nuclear fuels to sustain electricity grid 
requirements, he said.Gayla Randel, a retired 
educator living near the community of Frankfort in Marshall County, said
 NextEra Energies introduced the Irish Creek Wind Project in 2019 with 
plans to start construction in April. The unregulated environment could 
lead to more than 100 turbines, each 500 feet tall, with the consent of 
32 property owners in the wind farm footprint. Of 85 nonparticipating or
 uncompensated landowners nearby, she said, half had at least one 
turbine within 3,900 feet of their homes. None of those residents are 
more than two miles from a turbine, she said.“One nonparticipating 
landowner will have nine turbines within a mile of their home,” Randel 
said. “Three nonparticipating landowners will have eight turbines within
 a mile of their homes.”She said Marshall County 
was recognized as a Flint Hills counties, but the county wasn’t included
 in the wind farm moritorium initiated by Democratic Gov. Kathleen 
Sebelius in 2005 nor the expanded exclusion zone adopted by Republican 
Gov. Sam Brownback in 2011.“Why is this development 
being allowed to happen? Because Kansas has no guidance for our county 
commissioners who repeatedly said we cannot stop it unless we want to be
 sued. They were ill-prepared to make such a life changing decision. 
Wind developers can do this because no one has said they cannot,” Randel
 said.

Kan. property owner compares wind farms to strip clubs, landfills

WASHINGTON (AP) — Results from a U.S. trial of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine may have included “outdated information” and that could mean the company provided an incomplete view of efficacy data, American federal health officials said early Tuesday.

A spokesman from the drug company said Tuesday it was “looking into it.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-data-shows-astrazeneca-vaccine-safe-all-ages-a73e711c7309be4444c65d5f9ae90c43">AstraZeneca reported Monday</a>&nbsp;that its COVID-19 vaccine provided strong protection among adults of all ages in a long-anticipated U.S. study, a finding that some experts hoped would help rebuild public confidence in the shot around the world and move it a step closer to clearance in the U.S.

In the study of more than 30,000 people, the company reported that the vaccine was found to be 79% effective at preventing symptomatic cases of COVID-19 — including in older adults. There were no severe illnesses or hospitalizations among vaccinated volunteers, compared with five such cases in participants who received dummy shots — a small number, but consistent with findings from Britain and other countries that the vaccine protects against the worst of the disease.

AstraZeneca also said the study’s independent safety monitors found no serious side effects, including no increased risk of rare blood clots like those identified in Europe, a scare that led numerous countries to briefly suspend vaccinations last week.

But just hours after those encouraging results were reported, the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases issued an unusual statement.

The agency said the Data and Safety Monitoring Board “expressed concern that AstraZeneca may have included outdated information from that trial, which may have provided an incomplete view of the efficacy data.”

“We urge the company to work with the DSMB to review the efficacy data and ensure the most accurate, up-to-date efficacy data be made public as quickly as possible,” the statement added.

The company aims to file an application with the Food and Drug Administration in the coming weeks, and the government’s outside advisers will then publicly debate the evidence.

Authorization and guidelines for use of the vaccine in the United States will be determined by the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after thorough review of the data by independent advisory committees.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616409995625.png" alt="Photo courtesy AstraZeneca" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy AstraZeneca</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Results from a U.S. trial of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine may have included “outdated information” and that could mean the company provided an incomplete view of efficacy data, American federal health officials said early Tuesday.A spokesman from the drug company said Tuesday it was “looking into it.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-data-shows-astrazeneca-vaccine-safe-all-ages-a73e711c7309be4444c65d5f9ae90c43">AstraZeneca reported Monday</a>&nbsp;that its COVID-19 vaccine provided strong protection among adults of all ages in a long-anticipated U.S. study, a finding that some experts hoped would help rebuild public confidence in the shot around the world and move it a step closer to clearance in the U.S.In the study of more than 30,000 people, the company reported that the vaccine was found to be 79% effective at preventing symptomatic cases of COVID-19 — including in older adults. There were no severe illnesses or hospitalizations among vaccinated volunteers, compared with five such cases in participants who received dummy shots — a small number, but consistent with findings from Britain and other countries that the vaccine protects against the worst of the disease.AstraZeneca also said the study’s independent safety monitors found no serious side effects, including no increased risk of rare blood clots like those identified in Europe, a scare that led numerous countries to briefly suspend vaccinations last week.But just hours after those encouraging results were reported, the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases issued an unusual statement.The agency said the Data and Safety Monitoring Board “expressed concern that AstraZeneca may have included outdated information from that trial, which may have provided an incomplete view of the efficacy data.”“We urge the company to work with the DSMB to review the efficacy data and ensure the most accurate, up-to-date efficacy data be made public as quickly as possible,” the statement added.The company aims to file an application with the Food and Drug Administration in the coming weeks, and the government’s outside advisers will then publicly debate the evidence.Authorization and guidelines for use of the vaccine in the United States will be determined by the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after thorough review of the data by independent advisory committees.

US: Drug maker may have used outdated info in vaccine trial

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Police on Tuesday identified a 21-year-old man as the suspect in the killing of 10 people at a Boulder, Colorado, supermarket.

Suspect Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa was from Arvada, Colorado and had lived most of his life in the U.S., said Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty. He was undergoing treatment at a hospital and was expected to be booked into the county jail later Tuesday, Dougherty said.

Authorities also identified nine victims after previously identifying police officer 51-year-old Eric Tally who had been killed.

According to a media release from Boulder police, the other victims are Denny Strong, 20; Neven Stanisic, 23; Rikki Olds, 25; Tralana Bartkowiak, 49; Suzanne Fountain, 59; Teri Leiker, 51; Kevin Mahoney, 61; Lynn Murray, 62 and Jody Waters, 65.

The shooting Monday at the crowded supermarket sent terrorized shoppers and workers scrambling for safety and stunned a state and a nation that has grieved several mass killings.

Herold said police engaged in a shootout with the suspect inside the supermarket and that is when Officer Eric Talley was killed.

Investigators don’t know yet why the suspect opened fire inside the grocery store, Dougherty said. He said the investigation is in the early stages but that detectives believe the suspect was the only shooter, Dougherty said.

A law enforcement official briefed on the shooting told The Associated Press that the gunman used an AR-15 rifle, a lightweight semi-automatic rifle. Officials were working fast to trace the gun. The official was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Police have identified a 21-year-old man as the suspect in the killing of 10 people at a Boulder, Colorado, supermarket. 

Authorities on Tuesday also identified nine victims after previously identifying a police officer who had been killed. Authorities say the victims were men and women between the ages of 20 and 65. 

The shooting Monday at the crowded supermarket sent terrorized shoppers and workers scrambling for safety and stunned a state and a nation that has grieved several mass killings. Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold said police engaged in a shootout with the suspect inside the supermarket and that is when Officer Eric Talley was killed.

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — A shooting at a crowded Colorado supermarket that killed 10 people, including the first police officer to arrive, sent terrorized shoppers and workers scrambling for safety and stunned a state that has grieved several mass killings. A lone suspect was in custody, authorities said.

Hundreds of police officers from throughout the Denver metropolitan area responded to the Monday afternoon attack, converging on a King Soopers supermarket in a busy shopping plaza in southern Boulder. SWAT officers carrying ballistic shields slowly approached the store as others quickly escorted frightened people away from the building, some of its windows shattered. Customers and employees fled through a back loading dock to safety. Others took refuge in nearby shops.

One suspect was in custody, a tearful Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold said late Monday. Authorities didn’t identify the suspect, though Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said the suspect was the only person injured and was receiving medical care.

Officers had escorted a shirtless man in handcuffs, blood running down his leg, from the store during the siege. Authorities would not say if he was the suspect. Foothills Hospital in Boulder was treating one person from the shooting scene but refused further comment, said Rich Sheehan, spokesman for Boulder Community Health, which operates the hospital.

“This is a tragedy and a nightmare for Boulder County,” Dougherty said. “These were people going about their day, doing their shopping. I promise the victims and the people of the state of Colorado that we will secure justice.”

Herold identified the slain officer as Eric Talley, 51, who had been with Boulder police since 2010. He was the first to arrive after responding to a call about shots fired and someone carrying a rifle, she said.

“He was by all accounts one of the outstanding officers of the Boulder Police Department, and his life was cut too short,” Dougherty said.

Dozens of police and emergency vehicles, their lights flashing, escorted an ambulance carrying the officer from the shooting scene after nightfall. Some residents stood along the route, their arms raised in salute.

Identities of the other nine victims were not disclosed as police were still notifying their family members.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616505527834.png" alt="&nbsp;The slain officer was identified as Eric Talley, 51, who had been with Boulder police since 2010. -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;The slain officer was identified as Eric Talley, 51, who had been with Boulder police since 2010. -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Police on Tuesday identified a 21-year-old man as the suspect in the killing of 10 people at a Boulder, Colorado, supermarket.Suspect Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa was from Arvada, Colorado and had lived most of his life in the U.S., said Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty. He was undergoing treatment at a hospital and was expected to be booked into the county jail later Tuesday, Dougherty said.Authorities also identified nine victims after previously identifying police officer 51-year-old Eric Tally who had been killed.According to a media release from Boulder police, the other victims are Denny Strong, 20; Neven Stanisic, 23; Rikki Olds, 25; Tralana Bartkowiak, 49; Suzanne Fountain, 59; Teri Leiker, 51; Kevin Mahoney, 61; Lynn Murray, 62 and Jody Waters, 65.The shooting Monday at the crowded supermarket sent terrorized shoppers and workers scrambling for safety and stunned a state and a nation that has grieved several mass killings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616515468159.png" alt="Shooting suspect Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa-photo Boulder Police" />
 <figcaption>Shooting suspect Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa-photo Boulder Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Herold said police engaged in a shootout with the suspect inside the supermarket and that is when Officer Eric Talley was killed.Investigators don’t know yet why the suspect opened fire inside the grocery store, Dougherty said. He said the investigation is in the early stages but that detectives believe the suspect was the only shooter, Dougherty said.A law enforcement official briefed on the shooting told The Associated Press that the gunman used an AR-15 rifle, a lightweight semi-automatic rifle. Officials were working fast to trace the gun. The official was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.-----------BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Police have identified a 21-year-old man as the suspect in the killing of 10 people at a Boulder, Colorado, supermarket. Authorities on Tuesday also identified nine victims after previously identifying a police officer who had been killed. Authorities say the victims were men and women between the ages of 20 and 65. The shooting Monday at the crowded supermarket sent terrorized shoppers and workers scrambling for safety and stunned a state and a nation that has grieved several mass killings. Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold said police engaged in a shootout with the suspect inside the supermarket and that is when Officer Eric Talley was killed.--------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616462650652.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the mass shooting -photo courtesy Boulder Police" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the mass shooting -photo courtesy Boulder Police</figcaption>
 </figure>BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — A shooting at a crowded Colorado supermarket that killed 10 people, including the first police officer to arrive, sent terrorized shoppers and workers scrambling for safety and stunned a state that has grieved several mass killings. A lone suspect was in custody, authorities said.Hundreds of police officers from throughout the Denver metropolitan area responded to the Monday afternoon attack, converging on a King Soopers supermarket in a busy shopping plaza in southern Boulder. SWAT officers carrying ballistic shields slowly approached the store as others quickly escorted frightened people away from the building, some of its windows shattered. Customers and employees fled through a back loading dock to safety. Others took refuge in nearby shops.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Rest In peace Officer Eric Talley. Your service will never be forgotten <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoulderShooting?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoulderShooting</a> <a href="https://t.co/FVximvhS2E">pic.twitter.com/FVximvhS2E</a>&mdash; Boulder Police Dept. (@boulderpolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/boulderpolice/status/1374200720350580741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>One suspect was in custody, a tearful Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold said late Monday. Authorities didn’t identify the suspect, though Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said the suspect was the only person injured and was receiving medical care.Officers had escorted a shirtless man in handcuffs, blood running down his leg, from the store during the siege. Authorities would not say if he was the suspect. Foothills Hospital in Boulder was treating one person from the shooting scene but refused further comment, said Rich Sheehan, spokesman for Boulder Community Health, which operates the hospital.“This is a tragedy and a nightmare for Boulder County,” Dougherty said. “These were people going about their day, doing their shopping. I promise the victims and the people of the state of Colorado that we will secure justice.”Herold identified the slain officer as Eric Talley, 51, who had been with Boulder police since 2010. He was the first to arrive after responding to a call about shots fired and someone carrying a rifle, she said.“He was by all accounts one of the outstanding officers of the Boulder Police Department, and his life was cut too short,” Dougherty said.Dozens of police and emergency vehicles, their lights flashing, escorted an ambulance carrying the officer from the shooting scene after nightfall. Some residents stood along the route, their arms raised in salute.Identities of the other nine victims were not disclosed as police were still notifying their family members.Dougherty said it was too early to speculate on a motive and that the investigation involving local, state and federal agencies would take days.The attack in Boulder, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) northwest of Denver and home to the University of Colorado, stunned a state that has seen several mass shootings, including the 1999&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aee576bf6a5b48ab9257042832b4bf14">Columbine High School</a>&nbsp;massacre and the 2012 Aurora&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/731169d15e0242d995b939ead622c438">movie theater shooting</a>.Monday’s midafternoon attack was the seventh mass killing this year in the U.S., following the March 16 shooting that left eight people dead at three Atlanta-area massage businesses, according to a database compiled by The Associated Press, USA Today and Northeastern University.It follows a lull in mass killings during the pandemic in 2020, which had the smallest number of such attacks in more than a decade, according to the database, which tracks mass killings defined as four or more dead, not including the shooter.Dean Schiller said he had just left the supermarket when he heard gunshots. He saw three people lying face down — one in a doorway and two in the parking lot. Schiller said he couldn’t tell if they were breathing.Sarah Moonshadow and her son, Nicolas Edwards, had just bought strawberries when they heard gunfire. Moonshadow told The Denver Post they ducked and “just ran.” Outside, Edwards said, arriving police pulled up next to a body in the parking lot.“I knew we couldn’t do anything for the guy,” he said. “We had to go.”Video posted on YouTube showed one person on the floor inside the store and two more outside on the ground. What sounds like two gunshots are heard at the beginning of the video.Investigators had just started sorting through the crime scene and conducting witness interviews, Dougherty said. Matthew Kirsch, the acting U.S. attorney for Colorado, pledged that “the full weight of federal law enforcement” will support the investigation. He said investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were at the crime scene, along with FBI agents.White House press secretary Jen Psaki tweeted that President Joe Biden had been briefed on the shooting. Gov. Jared Polis, meanwhile, said in a statement that “Today we saw the face of evil. I am grieving with my community and all Coloradans.” The King Soopers chain said in a statement that it was offering prayers and support “to our associates, customers, and the first responders who so bravely responded to this tragic situation.”___BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — A shooting at a Colorado supermarket killed 10 people Monday, including a police officer, and a suspect was in custody, authorities said.Boulder <a href="https://bouldercolorado.gov/city-manager/maris-herold">police Chief Maris Herold </a>announced the death toll at a news conference Monday night, fighting back tears.The suspect was getting medical treatment and there was no further threat to the public, authorities said. Officers had escorted a shirtless man with blood running down his leg out of the store in handcuffs but authorities would not say if he was the suspect.The officer who was killed was Eric Talley, 51, who had been with Boulder police since 2010, Herold said.Victims' families were still being notified so their names weren't released, Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said.“This is a tragedy and a nightmare for Boulder County, and in response, we have cooperation and assistance from local, state and federal authorities,” Dougherty said.Yamaguchi said police were still investigating and didn't have details on a motive for the shooting at the King Soopers store in Boulder, which is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) northwest of Denver and home to the University of Colorado.Dean Schiller told The Associated Press that he had just left the supermarket when he heard gunshots and saw three people lying face down, two in the parking lot and one near the doorway. He said he “couldn’t tell if they were breathing."Video posted on YouTube showed one person on the floor inside the store and two more outside on the ground. What sounds like two gunshots are also heard at the beginning of the video.Law enforcement vehicles and officers massed outside the store, including SWAT teams, and at least three helicopters landed on the roof. Some windows at the front of the store were broken.At one point, authorities said over a loudspeaker that the building was surrounded and that “you need to surrender."Sarah Moonshadow told the Denver Post that two shots rang out just after she and her son, Nicolas Edwards, finished buying strawberries. She said she told her son to get down and then “we just ran.”Once they got outside, she said they saw a body in the parking lot. Edwards said police were speeding into the lot and pulled up next to the body.“I knew we couldn’t do anything for the guy,” he said. “We had to go.”James Bentz told the Post that he was in the meat section when he heard what he thought was a misfire, then a series of pops.“I was then at the front of a stampede,” he said.Bentz said he jumped off a loading dock out back to escape and that younger people were helping older people off of it.One person was taken from the shooting scene to Foothills Hospital in Boulder, said Rich Sheehan, spokesman for Boulder Community Health, which operates the hospital.Colorado Gov. Jared Polis tweeted a statement that his “heart is breaking as we watch this unspeakable event unfold in our Boulder community."Police had told people to shelter in place amid a report of an “armed, dangerous individual” about 3 miles (5 kilometers) away from the grocery store but said at the news conference later that it wasn't related to the shooting.The FBI said it’s helping in the investigation at the request of police.White House press secretary Jen Psaki tweeted that President Joe Biden had been briefed on the shooting.In a statement, the King Soopers chain offered “thoughts, prayers and support to our associates, customers, and the first responders who so bravely responded to this tragic situation. We will continue to cooperate with local law enforcement and our store will remain closed during the police investigation.”Kevin Daly, owner of Under the Sun Eatery and Pizzeria Restaurant a block or so from the supermarket, said he was in his shop when he saw police cars arriving and shoppers running from the grocery store. He said he took in several people to keep them warm, and others boarded a bus provided by Boulder police and were taken away.———BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Police say multiple people were killed in a shooting at a Colorado supermarket, including a police officer. Boulder police Cmdr. Kerry Yamaguchi said at a news conference Monday that a person of interest is in custody and is being treated. He didn’t give more details on how many people were killed or other details about the shooting. He said they’re still investigating and didn’t have details on motive.