JOHNSON COUNTY —Fire investigators&nbsp;have concluded the investigation of Thursday night’s fire that damaged the First Baptist Church of Mission. The fire has been ruled accidental and started in the attic of the educational wing of the church, according to the ATF-Kansas City, Kansas Fire Marshal's office and the Consolidated Fire District.

Firefighters were called to the church around 5:30 p.m. for smoke and flames coming from an annex building of the church. By the time firefighters arrived, flames had broken through the building's roof, which later collapsed. 

Firefighters managed to keep the fire from breaching the church's sanctuary. Officials say the building was empty when the fire broke out, and no one was injured.

The church’s website says it was founded more than 85 years ago, but does not give information on the age of the building destroyed.

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Firefighters in suburban Kansas City are investigating a fire that destroyed part of the First Baptist Church in Mission, Kansas, but spared the long-standing church’s sanctuary.

Firefighters were called to the church around 5:30 p.m. Thursday after smoke and flames were reported coming from an annex building of the church. By the time firefighters arrived, flames had broken through the building’s roof, which later collapsed.

Firefighters managed to keep the fire from breaching the church’s sanctuary. The building was empty when the fire broke out, and no one was injured, officials said. The State Fire Marshal is investigating to determine the cause of the fire.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614975151719.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Fire investigators&nbsp;have concluded the investigation of Thursday night’s fire that damaged the First Baptist Church of Mission. The fire has been ruled accidental and started in the attic of the educational wing of the church, according to the ATF-Kansas City, Kansas Fire Marshal's office and the Consolidated Fire District.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614975197185.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Firefighters were called to the church around 5:30 p.m. for smoke and flames coming from an annex building of the church. By the time firefighters arrived, flames had broken through the building's roof, which later collapsed. Firefighters managed to keep the fire from breaching the church's sanctuary. Officials say the building was empty when the fire broke out, and no one was injured.The church’s website says it was founded more than 85 years ago, but does not give information on the age of the building destroyed.-------MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Firefighters in suburban Kansas City are investigating a fire that destroyed part of the First Baptist Church in Mission, Kansas, but spared the long-standing church’s sanctuary.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614905877250.png" alt="Crews from Consolidated Fire District 2 on the scene Thursday evening photo courtesy KMBC TV" />
 <figcaption>Crews from Consolidated Fire District 2 on the scene Thursday evening photo courtesy KMBC TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Firefighters were called to the church around 5:30 p.m. Thursday after smoke and flames were reported coming from an annex building of the church. By the time firefighters arrived, flames had broken through the building’s roof, which later collapsed.Firefighters managed to keep the fire from breaching the church’s sanctuary. The building was empty when the fire broke out, and no one was injured, officials said. The State Fire Marshal is investigating to determine the cause of the fire.The church’s website says it was founded more than 85 years ago, but does not give information on the age of the building destroyed.

Update: Fire destroys Kansas church building; sanctuary saved

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 752 to a total of 295,861, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4812, a decrease of4 from Wednesday's report.

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

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 752 to a total of 295,861, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4812, a decrease of4 from Wednesday's report.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614967879234.png" alt="Friday March 5, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday March 5, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of vandalism and theft and asking the public to help identify those responsible.

Suspects cut multiple fuel lines and stole fuel from USD 251 vehicles at Northern Heights High School in Allen, Kansas, according to the Lyon County sheriff's department. The suspects also took a catalytic converter. 

On Friday morning, the sheriff's department released surveillance photos of the suspect and their vehicle. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at 620-341-3205 or Lyon County Crime Stoppers at 620-342-2273 or the P3 app.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614965866804.png" alt="Photo Lyon County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Lyon County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of vandalism and theft and asking the public to help identify those responsible.Suspects cut multiple fuel lines and stole fuel from USD 251 vehicles at Northern Heights High School in Allen, Kansas, according to the Lyon County sheriff's department. The suspects also took a catalytic converter. On Friday morning, the sheriff's department released surveillance photos of the suspect and their vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at 620-341-3205 or Lyon County Crime Stoppers at 620-342-2273 or the P3 app.

Sheriff: Fuel lines cut from Kansas school district vehicles

HARVEY COUNTY —The Harvey County Health Department, in conjunction with AGCO Corporation, has confirmed a cluster of COVID-19 cases at the AGCO facility in Hesston, according to a media release from County public information officer Kyle McCaskey.

The cluster includes 14 employees positive for COVID-19. These individuals are isolating at home.&nbsp;

In October the company reported a cluster that included 23 confirmed COVID-19 cases.

The 14 individuals this week were identified through continued precautionary COVID-19 testing implemented by AGCO. AGCO conducts on-site antigen testing of employees as needed for contact tracing and to reduce asymptomatic spread.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Our priority throughout the pandemic has been the health and safety of our employees, suppliers and customers. The employees that have tested positive have mild or no symptoms at this time, and we wish them good health as they recover and complete their isolation,” said Seth Beytien, AGCO Hesston site leader. “Our on-site COVID-19 testing is helping us ensure a safe work environment at AGCO. While a cluster is undesirable and preventative measures are taken, our onsite COVID-19 positivity rate remains lower than the county and state statistics.”

AGCO has had additional health precautions in place for several months, including increased availability to COVID-19 testing, routine daily disinfecting, mandatory masks regardless of ability to social distance, and continued COVID-19 education.

“While we have seen positive trends overall in local COVID-19 cases, we know the threat of COVID-19 remains persistent,” said Harvey County Health Department Director Lynnette Redington. “AGCO’s testing strategy is extremely beneficial to identifying COVID-19 cases, and in turn, reducing the spread in our communities.”

The cluster will be considered active until there are 28 consecutive days – two incubation periods – without positive cases. Employees will be included in the COVID-19 case counts of their respective county of residence.&nbsp;AGCO is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural solutions and delivers high-tech solutions for farmers feeding the world through its full line of equipment and related services, according to the company web site.

HARVEY COUNTY —The Harvey County Health Department, in conjunction with AGCO Corporation, has confirmed a cluster of COVID-19 cases at the AGCO facility in Hesston, according to a media release from County public information officer Kyle McCaskey.The cluster includes 14 employees positive for COVID-19. These individuals are isolating at home.&nbsp;In October the company reported a cluster that included 23 confirmed COVID-19 cases.The 14 individuals this week were identified through continued precautionary COVID-19 testing implemented by AGCO. AGCO conducts on-site antigen testing of employees as needed for contact tracing and to reduce asymptomatic spread.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Our priority throughout the pandemic has been the health and safety of our employees, suppliers and customers. The employees that have tested positive have mild or no symptoms at this time, and we wish them good health as they recover and complete their isolation,” said Seth Beytien, AGCO Hesston site leader. “Our on-site COVID-19 testing is helping us ensure a safe work environment at AGCO. While a cluster is undesirable and preventative measures are taken, our onsite COVID-19 positivity rate remains lower than the county and state statistics.”AGCO has had additional health precautions in place for several months, including increased availability to COVID-19 testing, routine daily disinfecting, mandatory masks regardless of ability to social distance, and continued COVID-19 education.“While we have seen positive trends overall in local COVID-19 cases, we know the threat of COVID-19 remains persistent,” said Harvey County Health Department Director Lynnette Redington. “AGCO’s testing strategy is extremely beneficial to identifying COVID-19 cases, and in turn, reducing the spread in our communities.”The cluster will be considered active until there are 28 consecutive days – two incubation periods – without positive cases. Employees will be included in the COVID-19 case counts of their respective county of residence.&nbsp;AGCO is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural solutions and delivers high-tech solutions for farmers feeding the world through its full line of equipment and related services, according to the company web site.

For 2nd time COVID-19 cluster identified at Agco 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Former Republican Gov. Jeff Colyer signaled Friday that he’ll make a comeback bid in 2022 by taking a step required to raise money for the Kansas governor’s race and bringing a granddaughter of President Dwight Eisenhower to his team.

Colyer stopped short of formally announcing his candidacy but described philanthropist Mary Eisenhower as joining “our campaign” to be its treasurer. State law says a candidate must appoint a treasurer to accept contributions, the announcement came on “Jeff Colyer Governor” letterhead and it quoted Colyer as saying the state needs “an authentic, effective conservative.”

But the path to the GOP nomination and the right to challenge Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly is far from open. Many Republicans expect three-term state Attorney General Derek Schmidt also to run, and Colyer’s last race was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3fb2cb1264394eb2b0325c872f8c59cf">his narrow loss</a>&nbsp;as governor in the August 2018 primary to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c2a150d5705044aeb44174c1ef359ae5">conservative firebrand</a>&nbsp;and then-Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/32816d964acc49e188c9de18b9acb3b9">lost the general election</a>&nbsp;to Kelly.

“Kansas made a mistake in 2018, and it’s time to fix that mistake,” Mary Eisenhower said in a statement.

Colyer was governor for a little less than a year after serving seven years as GOP Gov. Sam Brownback’s lieutenant governor.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9291de4d840f4bb88dde5fa699d87abc">He rose</a>&nbsp;to the higher office in January 2018, when Brownback resigned to become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/4626e11a24c1415195cc4774b23961de">U.S. ambassador</a>&nbsp;for international religious freedom under President Donald Trump.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9dc2ed42fbc74738a6c12d1a06c9060a">tweeted his endorsement</a>&nbsp;of Kobach the day before the 2018 primary. Kobach is known nationally advocating tough immigration laws and alienated moderate GOP and independent voters. Some Republicans argued later that Colyer would have fared better against Kelly.

She ran&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f5741d8d0d8c40979857c9d2d6afae9f">largely against Brownback’s legacy.</a>&nbsp;His nationally notorious 2012-13 experiment in slashing income taxes was followed by persistent budget shortfalls until state lawmakers repealed most of the tax cuts in 2017.

Colyer, a reconstructive plastic surgeon and former state legislator from Overland Park, was the architect of much of Brownback’s health policy. They opposed expanding the state’s Medicaid health coverage for the needy, which Kelly has advocated without success in the Legislature.

Mary Eisenhower is a former CEO of People to People International, a Kansas City-based organization founded by her grandfather to provide international travel for students with the goal of promoting understanding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582891085198.png" alt="Jeff Colyer was governor for a little less than a year after serving seven years as GOP Gov. Sam Brownback’s lieutenant governor." />
 <figcaption>Jeff Colyer was governor for a little less than a year after serving seven years as GOP Gov. Sam Brownback’s lieutenant governor.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Former Republican Gov. Jeff Colyer signaled Friday that he’ll make a comeback bid in 2022 by taking a step required to raise money for the Kansas governor’s race and bringing a granddaughter of President Dwight Eisenhower to his team.Colyer stopped short of formally announcing his candidacy but described philanthropist Mary Eisenhower as joining “our campaign” to be its treasurer. State law says a candidate must appoint a treasurer to accept contributions, the announcement came on “Jeff Colyer Governor” letterhead and it quoted Colyer as saying the state needs “an authentic, effective conservative.”But the path to the GOP nomination and the right to challenge Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly is far from open. Many Republicans expect three-term state Attorney General Derek Schmidt also to run, and Colyer’s last race was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3fb2cb1264394eb2b0325c872f8c59cf">his narrow loss</a>&nbsp;as governor in the August 2018 primary to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c2a150d5705044aeb44174c1ef359ae5">conservative firebrand</a>&nbsp;and then-Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/32816d964acc49e188c9de18b9acb3b9">lost the general election</a>&nbsp;to Kelly.“Kansas made a mistake in 2018, and it’s time to fix that mistake,” Mary Eisenhower said in a statement.Colyer was governor for a little less than a year after serving seven years as GOP Gov. Sam Brownback’s lieutenant governor.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9291de4d840f4bb88dde5fa699d87abc">He rose</a>&nbsp;to the higher office in January 2018, when Brownback resigned to become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/4626e11a24c1415195cc4774b23961de">U.S. ambassador</a>&nbsp;for international religious freedom under President Donald Trump.Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9dc2ed42fbc74738a6c12d1a06c9060a">tweeted his endorsement</a>&nbsp;of Kobach the day before the 2018 primary. Kobach is known nationally advocating tough immigration laws and alienated moderate GOP and independent voters. Some Republicans argued later that Colyer would have fared better against Kelly.She ran&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f5741d8d0d8c40979857c9d2d6afae9f">largely against Brownback’s legacy.</a>&nbsp;His nationally notorious 2012-13 experiment in slashing income taxes was followed by persistent budget shortfalls until state lawmakers repealed most of the tax cuts in 2017.Colyer, a reconstructive plastic surgeon and former state legislator from Overland Park, was the architect of much of Brownback’s health policy. They opposed expanding the state’s Medicaid health coverage for the needy, which Kelly has advocated without success in the Legislature.Mary Eisenhower is a former CEO of People to People International, a Kansas City-based organization founded by her grandfather to provide international travel for students with the goal of promoting understanding.

Ex-Kansas Gov. Colyer signals he'll make 2022 governor bid

By ROD ZOOK <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>

HUTCHINSON — Quivira Wildlife Refuge says the usual spring migration of whooping cranes could begin by the end of March.&nbsp;

“We’ve
 had a lot of birds come in the last couple of weeks, back from the 
south,” Mike Oldham, Wildlife Refuge Manager for Quivira, said. “They 
got caught during this colder weather, so they hung around . . . but no 
whoopers yet.”

Oldham says that, while none of the rare birds have
 made their way to Quivira yet, it has still been a very busy stop over 
for birds this winter.

“I think we’ve held between five and seven 
thousand sandhill cranes on Quivira all winter long, which is kind of 
unheard of,'' Oldham said. “The good thing is we’re starting to see 
species coming back from the south and I would really fully suspect that
 we’re going to have whoopers coming back maybe later on this month.”

The
 population of the endangered birds continues to grow. When Oldham came 
to Quivira, the whooping crane population was around 350 birds. While no
 count was conducted due to COVID, the 2019 count showed the bird 
population had grown to 505.

Most, if not all, of the cranes' 
nesting takes place in Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada during the 
summer before they make their fall migration through Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614960432889.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOK <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>HUTCHINSON — Quivira Wildlife Refuge says the usual spring migration of whooping cranes could begin by the end of March.&nbsp;“We’ve
 had a lot of birds come in the last couple of weeks, back from the 
south,” Mike Oldham, Wildlife Refuge Manager for Quivira, said. “They 
got caught during this colder weather, so they hung around . . . but no 
whoopers yet.”Oldham says that, while none of the rare birds have
 made their way to Quivira yet, it has still been a very busy stop over 
for birds this winter.“I think we’ve held between five and seven 
thousand sandhill cranes on Quivira all winter long, which is kind of 
unheard of,'' Oldham said. “The good thing is we’re starting to see 
species coming back from the south and I would really fully suspect that
 we’re going to have whoopers coming back maybe later on this month.”The
 population of the endangered birds continues to grow. When Oldham came 
to Quivira, the whooping crane population was around 350 birds. While no
 count was conducted due to COVID, the 2019 count showed the bird 
population had grown to 505.Most, if not all, of the cranes' 
nesting takes place in Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada during the 
summer before they make their fall migration through Kansas.

Lots of birds at Quivira, but no whoopers yet

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/04/mulberry-files-lawsuit-accusing-bp-energy-of-price-gouging-during-extreme-cold/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A small Kansas 
town is fighting natural gas prices charged by BP Energy during last 
month’s extreme cold, accusing the multinational oil and gas giant of 
“unconscionable profiteering” under state statute.

A lawsuit filed Tuesday by
 the city of Mulberry says BP inflated prices for natural gas from $2.98
 per mmbtu on Feb. 9 to $329.615 from Feb. 13-16. The city is asking for
 bills to be recalculated at a reasonable rate.

Jim Zakoura, an attorney 
representing the city in the lawsuit, said BP took advantage of Mulberry
 and other Kansas towns that operate their own utilities at a moment 
when residents needed natural gas to heat their homes and stay alive.

“This is pure and simple 
price gouging and profiteering in the sale of a critical life product, 
in a life and death situation,” Zakoura said. “It is not only unlawful 
conduct under Kansas law but also shows a complete disregard for the 
people of Kansas.”

A spokeswoman for BP said 
the company was aware of the lawsuit filed in Crawford County District 
Court and declined to answer questions.

Mulberry is a southeast 
Kansas town along the Missouri border with a population of about 500 
people. Like dozens of other small Kansas towns, the city distributes 
natural gas for heating to residents, businesses, schools, nursing homes
 and medical care facilities. Monthly gas bills for February would be 10
 times higher than usual because of the higher prices.

The city pays a monthly 
service fee to Utility Gas Management to procure contracts to acquire 
natural gas, but the prices are dictated by producers like BP, which has
 headquarters in Houston.

Between Feb. 1 and Feb. 9,
 when weather forecasts began predicting record chills from Canada to 
Texas, the price BP charged for natural gas increased from $2.54 to 
$2.98. Over the next four days, BP’s prices for Mulberry, according to 
the lawsuit, increased to $4.05, $9.64, $44.80 and $329.615.

As temperatures warmed, 
prices rapidly fell from their peak rate to $8.75, and then continued to
 decline. By the end of February, the cost was back down to $2.485.

Gov. Laura Kelly declared a
 state of emergency on Feb. 14, triggering provisions of the Kansas 
Consumer Protection Act that restrict prices from rising more than 25% 
above the usual rate.

Court documents contend 
the residents of Mulberry “have been subjected to profiteering during an
 extreme weather disaster, in the form of exorbitant natural gas 
pricing.” The lawsuit asks for the city to be repaid $40,459.48, and 
that rates be set no higher than $3.725, a 25% increase from the $2.98 
price on Feb. 9.

Rep. Ken Collins, 
R-Mulberry, said he wasn’t familiar with the lawsuit but that it was 
important to find out why natural gas prices spiked.

“If there was actual price
 gouging involved, the proper authorities need to know about it,” 
Collins said. “It really has been a big burden on Mulberry and other 
cities with municipal utilities. And I generally think it’s good for 
cities have municipal utilities, but when things like this happen, it 
kind of makes me wonder.”

The&nbsp;Federal Energy 
Regulatory Commission announced Feb. 22 it would investigate wrongdoing 
in the sale of natural gas during the extreme cold. Kelly has urged 
regulators to look into allegations of price gouging.

“Because yeah — how can 
you let these companies charge that kind of money in a disaster 
situation?” the governor said during a news briefing Wednesday at the 
Statehouse. “That’s what we’re asking for them to find out. What 
happened here? What needs to be done to ensure that it never happens 
again?”

Lawmakers on Wednesday 
fast-tracked new legislation that provides $100 million in low-interest 
loans to Kansas municipalities that are struggling with natural gas 
bills. The program, which the governor signed into law, was viewed as 
necessary because some towns risked losing access to natural gas within 
days if they don’t pay bills they can’t afford.

The loans would mean 
residents all over the state would be paying for February price hikes 
for the next 10 years, as opposed to having thousands of dollars added 
to their current bill.

Sen. Alicia Straub, 
R-Ellinwood, opposed the legislation because the problem, she said, 
because consumers shouldn’t be held responsible for problems with market
 rates.

“I feel like I am being 
put to the task of negotiating the rate for the consumers,” Straub said.
 “First of all, I’m not paid to do that. Second of all, I wasn’t elected
 to do that. My job is to protect the end consumer, the constituent, and
 I think there’s a better way to do that.”

Sen. Tom Holland, 
D-Baldwin City, warned that without some sort of intervention in the 
markets, “we can be perpetually held hostage.”

“I may have been born 
during the night, but I wasn’t born last night,” said Sen. Tom Holland, 
D-Baldwin City. “I am continually perplexed when I see examples of both 
federal and now, once you get to the state level, where we have moral 
hazards and we’re rushing to bail out the energy companies.”

Sherman Smith has written award-winning news stories about the instability of the Kansas foster care system, misconduct by government officials, sexual abuse, technology, education, and the Legislature.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614898551271.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly says during a briefing Wednesday at the Statehouse that federal regulators need to figure out why companies charged such high prices for natural gas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly says during a briefing Wednesday at the Statehouse that federal regulators need to figure out why companies charged such high prices for natural gas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/04/mulberry-files-lawsuit-accusing-bp-energy-of-price-gouging-during-extreme-cold/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A small Kansas 
town is fighting natural gas prices charged by BP Energy during last 
month’s extreme cold, accusing the multinational oil and gas giant of 
“unconscionable profiteering” under state statute.A lawsuit filed Tuesday by
 the city of Mulberry says BP inflated prices for natural gas from $2.98
 per mmbtu on Feb. 9 to $329.615 from Feb. 13-16. The city is asking for
 bills to be recalculated at a reasonable rate.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614898625018.jpeg" alt="Jim Zakoura, an attorney involved in the city of Mulberry’s legal fight over high natural gas prices, says BP Energy illegally profited during from a disaster. (Submitted)" />
 <figcaption>Jim Zakoura, an attorney involved in the city of Mulberry’s legal fight over high natural gas prices, says BP Energy illegally profited during from a disaster. (Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>Jim Zakoura, an attorney 
representing the city in the lawsuit, said BP took advantage of Mulberry
 and other Kansas towns that operate their own utilities at a moment 
when residents needed natural gas to heat their homes and stay alive.“This is pure and simple 
price gouging and profiteering in the sale of a critical life product, 
in a life and death situation,” Zakoura said. “It is not only unlawful 
conduct under Kansas law but also shows a complete disregard for the 
people of Kansas.”A spokeswoman for BP said 
the company was aware of the lawsuit filed in Crawford County District 
Court and declined to answer questions.Mulberry is a southeast 
Kansas town along the Missouri border with a population of about 500 
people. Like dozens of other small Kansas towns, the city distributes 
natural gas for heating to residents, businesses, schools, nursing homes
 and medical care facilities. Monthly gas bills for February would be 10
 times higher than usual because of the higher prices.The city pays a monthly 
service fee to Utility Gas Management to procure contracts to acquire 
natural gas, but the prices are dictated by producers like BP, which has
 headquarters in Houston.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614898655424.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Between Feb. 1 and Feb. 9,
 when weather forecasts began predicting record chills from Canada to 
Texas, the price BP charged for natural gas increased from $2.54 to 
$2.98. Over the next four days, BP’s prices for Mulberry, according to 
the lawsuit, increased to $4.05, $9.64, $44.80 and $329.615.As temperatures warmed, 
prices rapidly fell from their peak rate to $8.75, and then continued to
 decline. By the end of February, the cost was back down to $2.485.Gov. Laura Kelly declared a
 state of emergency on Feb. 14, triggering provisions of the Kansas 
Consumer Protection Act that restrict prices from rising more than 25% 
above the usual rate.Court documents contend 
the residents of Mulberry “have been subjected to profiteering during an
 extreme weather disaster, in the form of exorbitant natural gas 
pricing.” The lawsuit asks for the city to be repaid $40,459.48, and 
that rates be set no higher than $3.725, a 25% increase from the $2.98 
price on Feb. 9.Rep. Ken Collins, 
R-Mulberry, said he wasn’t familiar with the lawsuit but that it was 
important to find out why natural gas prices spiked.“If there was actual price
 gouging involved, the proper authorities need to know about it,” 
Collins said. “It really has been a big burden on Mulberry and other 
cities with municipal utilities. And I generally think it’s good for 
cities have municipal utilities, but when things like this happen, it 
kind of makes me wonder.”The&nbsp;Federal Energy 
Regulatory Commission announced Feb. 22 it would investigate wrongdoing 
in the sale of natural gas during the extreme cold. Kelly has urged 
regulators to look into allegations of price gouging.“Because yeah — how can 
you let these companies charge that kind of money in a disaster 
situation?” the governor said during a news briefing Wednesday at the 
Statehouse. “That’s what we’re asking for them to find out. What 
happened here? What needs to be done to ensure that it never happens 
again?”Lawmakers on Wednesday 
fast-tracked new legislation that provides $100 million in low-interest 
loans to Kansas municipalities that are struggling with natural gas 
bills. The program, which the governor signed into law, was viewed as 
necessary because some towns risked losing access to natural gas within 
days if they don’t pay bills they can’t afford.The loans would mean 
residents all over the state would be paying for February price hikes 
for the next 10 years, as opposed to having thousands of dollars added 
to their current bill.Sen. Alicia Straub, 
R-Ellinwood, opposed the legislation because the problem, she said, 
because consumers shouldn’t be held responsible for problems with market
 rates.“I feel like I am being 
put to the task of negotiating the rate for the consumers,” Straub said.
 “First of all, I’m not paid to do that. Second of all, I wasn’t elected
 to do that. My job is to protect the end consumer, the constituent, and
 I think there’s a better way to do that.”Sen. Tom Holland, 
D-Baldwin City, warned that without some sort of intervention in the 
markets, “we can be perpetually held hostage.”“I may have been born 
during the night, but I wasn’t born last night,” said Sen. Tom Holland, 
D-Baldwin City. “I am continually perplexed when I see examples of both 
federal and now, once you get to the state level, where we have moral 
hazards and we’re rushing to bail out the energy companies.”Sherman Smith has written award-winning news stories about the instability of the Kansas foster care system, misconduct by government officials, sexual abuse, technology, education, and the Legislature.

Kan. town files suit accusing BP of price gouging during extreme cold

WICHITA, KAN. –&nbsp;Gage H. Clausen, 21, of Cheney, Kansas, has pleaded guilty to federal charges of violation of 18 U.S.C. § 875(c), Interstate Communication of a Threat.&nbsp; Clausen previously communicated a threat via the internet on the life of a juvenile, according to the United State's Attorney's office.

“Gage Clausen threatened serious bodily harm against another person via the Internet,” said&nbsp;Acting&nbsp;U.S. Attorney&nbsp;Duston Slinkard. “His&nbsp;plea of guilty Thursday should send a message that,&nbsp;you cannot&nbsp;hide&nbsp;behind a computer keyboard and make threats against another person with impunity.&nbsp;These&nbsp;threats&nbsp;are&nbsp;taken seriously,&nbsp;they&nbsp;are&nbsp;investigated and&nbsp;people are&nbsp;held accountable.”

Google has several App Engines, none of which are located in the State of Kansas.&nbsp; These engines are located in Iowa, South Carolina, Virginia, Oregon, California, Utah, and Nevada.&nbsp; In order for Clausen’s communication to be received by the victim the communication would have traveled through one of these engines, thus Clausen’s communication traveled in interstate commerce before reaching the victim.

&nbsp;Sentencing is scheduled for May 25, 2021 at 2:30, before U.S. District Judge John W. Broomes.&nbsp;

WICHITA, KAN. – The FBI investigated a social media threat involving a Kansas man.

As a result of the investigation, Gage H. Clausen, 20, Cheney, Kan., is charged with one count of making a threat via interstate communications, according to the United State's Attorney.&nbsp; The crime is alleged to have occurred June 27, in Cheney, Kansas.

Clausen is alleged to have used social media to send a threat to a 15-year-old student at Derby School. The threat was couched in racist language and referred to the victim as a “filthy farm animal.”

&nbsp;If convicted, Clausen could face up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

WICHITA, KAN. –&nbsp;Gage H. Clausen, 21, of Cheney, Kansas, has pleaded guilty to federal charges of violation of 18 U.S.C. § 875(c), Interstate Communication of a Threat.&nbsp; Clausen previously communicated a threat via the internet on the life of a juvenile, according to the United State's Attorney's office.“Gage Clausen threatened serious bodily harm against another person via the Internet,” said&nbsp;Acting&nbsp;U.S. Attorney&nbsp;Duston Slinkard. “His&nbsp;plea of guilty Thursday should send a message that,&nbsp;you cannot&nbsp;hide&nbsp;behind a computer keyboard and make threats against another person with impunity.&nbsp;These&nbsp;threats&nbsp;are&nbsp;taken seriously,&nbsp;they&nbsp;are&nbsp;investigated and&nbsp;people are&nbsp;held accountable.”Google has several App Engines, none of which are located in the State of Kansas.&nbsp; These engines are located in Iowa, South Carolina, Virginia, Oregon, California, Utah, and Nevada.&nbsp; In order for Clausen’s communication to be received by the victim the communication would have traveled through one of these engines, thus Clausen’s communication traveled in interstate commerce before reaching the victim.&nbsp;Sentencing is scheduled for May 25, 2021 at 2:30, before U.S. District Judge John W. Broomes.&nbsp;------------WICHITA, KAN. – The FBI investigated a social media threat involving a Kansas man.As a result of the investigation, Gage H. Clausen, 20, Cheney, Kan., is charged with one count of making a threat via interstate communications, according to the United State's Attorney.&nbsp; The crime is alleged to have occurred June 27, in Cheney, Kansas.Clausen is alleged to have used social media to send a threat to a 15-year-old student at Derby School. The threat was couched in racist language and referred to the victim as a “filthy farm animal.”&nbsp;If convicted, Clausen could face up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Kansas man admits using social media to threaten teen

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple charges after an arrest.

Just before 3p.m. March 3, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2005 white Buick Century at SW 37th Street and South Kansas Avenue in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 During the investigation, deputies located narcotics and drug paraphernalia. They arrested&nbsp;Brandon J. Norris, 23, of Topeka for a felony warrant and a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

They also arrested Crystal J. Mack, 29, of Topeka was on requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Norris and Mack were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, according to Christian.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613410475366.png" alt="Norris photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Norris photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple charges after an arrest.Just before 3p.m. March 3, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2005 white Buick Century at SW 37th Street and South Kansas Avenue in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. During the investigation, deputies located narcotics and drug paraphernalia. They arrested&nbsp;Brandon J. Norris, 23, of Topeka for a felony warrant and a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. They also arrested Crystal J. Mack, 29, of Topeka was on requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.Norris and Mack were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, according to Christian.

Kan. deputies arrest 2 after drugs found during traffic stop

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Thursday released the following statement after receiving news from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency that the remains of Father Emil Kapaun were identified:

“This evening I was notified that the remains of Marion County-native Father Emil Kapaun, a priest of the Diocese of Wichita, have been identified. Father Kapaun served as an Army Chaplain during WWII and the Korean War, and was taken as a Prisoner of War in 1951. He continued to minister to Americans as a POW before passing away on May 23, 1951.

“In 2011, I introduced legislation to bestow Father Kapaun with the Presidential Medal of Honor, which was awarded in 2013. In 1993, Pope John Paul II declared Father Kapaun a Servant of God, the first step toward sainthood. I am glad that his family has finally been granted closure after Father Kapaun’s selfless service to our nation.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614944899732.png" alt="Father Kapaun photo courtesy office of Senator Moran" />
 <figcaption>Father Kapaun photo courtesy office of Senator Moran</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Thursday released the following statement after receiving news from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency that the remains of Father Emil Kapaun were identified:“This evening I was notified that the remains of Marion County-native Father Emil Kapaun, a priest of the Diocese of Wichita, have been identified. Father Kapaun served as an Army Chaplain during WWII and the Korean War, and was taken as a Prisoner of War in 1951. He continued to minister to Americans as a POW before passing away on May 23, 1951.“In 2011, I introduced legislation to bestow Father Kapaun with the Presidential Medal of Honor, which was awarded in 2013. In 1993, Pope John Paul II declared Father Kapaun a Servant of God, the first step toward sainthood. I am glad that his family has finally been granted closure after Father Kapaun’s selfless service to our nation.”

Moran: Remains of Father Emil Kapaun who died in Korean War identified 

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the killing more than five years ago of a woman whose body was found stuffed in a trash bag.

Kevin Hurley, 62, was sentenced Monday for the 2015 beating death of 42-year-old Brandy Helbock-Castaneda. A judge found Hurley guilty in December of second-degree murder in the case.

Helbock-Castaneda’s sister reported her missing on Dec. 5, 2015. Her body was found in the trash bag on Jan. 8, 2016. Hurley was arrested in March 2018 after DNA taken from the victim's ankle matched his, according to court documents.

After Hurley denied knowing Castaneda, further testing showed DNA from a rope around the victim’s hips matched Hurley’s or someone in his paternal lineage. Hurley had been paroled in 2013 after serving nearly 30 years for first-degree robbery and murder convictions in Jackson County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608239168107.png" alt="Hurley photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Hurley photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the killing more than five years ago of a woman whose body was found stuffed in a trash bag.Kevin Hurley, 62, was sentenced Monday for the 2015 beating death of 42-year-old Brandy Helbock-Castaneda. A judge found Hurley guilty in December of second-degree murder in the case.Helbock-Castaneda’s sister reported her missing on Dec. 5, 2015. Her body was found in the trash bag on Jan. 8, 2016. Hurley was arrested in March 2018 after DNA taken from the victim's ankle matched his, according to court documents.After Hurley denied knowing Castaneda, further testing showed DNA from a rope around the victim’s hips matched Hurley’s or someone in his paternal lineage. Hurley had been paroled in 2013 after serving nearly 30 years for first-degree robbery and murder convictions in Jackson County.

Man sentenced for death of woman whose body was stuffed in trash bag

PITTSBURG, Kan. (AP) — A “suspicious device” that was found near the Pittsburg State University campus contained a “small amount of incendiary components,” police said.

The device was found Wednesday in a block adjacent to the campus. The Kansas State Highway Patrol’s Hazardous Device Unit was called and left with the device Wednesday evening after it was safely dismantled.

Pieces of the device will be sent to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s Forensic Laboratories for further examination of trace evidence, police said in a news release. Police did not provide a description of the device.

No suspects have been developed and the investigation continues.

Pittsburg State officials on Thursday thanked law enforcement for their work said in a tweet they “wanted to follow up and say we’re all clear on this situation.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614900903033.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation Thursday photo courtesy KOAM TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation Thursday photo courtesy KOAM TV</figcaption>
 </figure>PITTSBURG, Kan. (AP) — A “suspicious device” that was found near the Pittsburg State University campus contained a “small amount of incendiary components,” police said.The device was found Wednesday in a block adjacent to the campus. The Kansas State Highway Patrol’s Hazardous Device Unit was called and left with the device Wednesday evening after it was safely dismantled.Pieces of the device will be sent to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s Forensic Laboratories for further examination of trace evidence, police said in a news release. Police did not provide a description of the device.No suspects have been developed and the investigation continues.Pittsburg State officials on Thursday thanked law enforcement for their work said in a tweet they “wanted to follow up and say we’re all clear on this situation.”

Suspicious device removed from Pittsburg State campus

SEDGWICK COUNTY- A Kansas man and woman arrested after three police officers were injured by a modified shotgun blast when they checked out a vacant home in Wichita made their first court appearance Wednesday.&nbsp;

James Hathorn, 46, is charged with burglary, theft, criminal possession of a weapon, aggravated weapons violation by a felon and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Tiffany Vulgamore is charged with burglary and theft.&nbsp;

Hathorn remains jailed on a bond of $100,000. Vulgamore is being held on a bond of $50,000, according to online jail records.

Just after 4p.m. February 27, police were dispatched to check the residence&nbsp; in the 1400 Block S. St. Francis in Wichita after a the homeowner had called 911 to report that they had discovered damage to the vacant home and they believed someone might be inside.

Upon arrival, officers obtained keys from the homeowner and attempted to check the residence to ensure no one was inside. After entering the front door of the residence, officers reported hearing an explosion and three officers sustained injuries to their legs, according to Police Chief Gordon Ramsay during a Monday news conference.

Initially, the officers thought it was an explosion or even a bomb, according to Ramsay.

The injured officers were removed from the residence and transported to an area hospital for treatment. One of the officers was treated and released Saturday. One of the other officers had minor injuries and the third was listed in serious but stable condition.&nbsp; Both were released from the hospital Monday.

The Wichita Police Department SWAT team and Bomb Squad were activated and secured the house. The investigation revealed that no one was inside the home, but someone had left a modified, loaded shotgun in the residence which discharged as the officers made entry.

Investigators learned the two suspects had been staying at the home but had left before police arrived Saturday. The loaded, sawed off shotgun had been left in a side pouch of a recliner near the entrance of the home, according to Ramsay.&nbsp;Police arrested Hathorn and Vulgamore on Sunday when they tried to enter the same home. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614629870051.png" alt="The modified shotgun -photo courtesy Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>The modified shotgun -photo courtesy Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY- A Kansas man and woman arrested after three police officers were injured by a modified shotgun blast when they checked out a vacant home in Wichita made their first court appearance Wednesday.&nbsp;James Hathorn, 46, is charged with burglary, theft, criminal possession of a weapon, aggravated weapons violation by a felon and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Tiffany Vulgamore is charged with burglary and theft.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614611582606.png" alt="Hathorn has previous convictions for theft, aggravated battery, criminal threat, violation of a protection order, remove or disable electronic monitoring equipment, interference with law enforcement and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dpt. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Hathorn has previous convictions for theft, aggravated battery, criminal threat, violation of a protection order, remove or disable electronic monitoring equipment, interference with law enforcement and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dpt. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>Hathorn remains jailed on a bond of $100,000. Vulgamore is being held on a bond of $50,000, according to online jail records.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614627418126.png" alt="Vulgamore photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Vulgamore photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 4p.m. February 27, police were dispatched to check the residence&nbsp; in the 1400 Block S. St. Francis in Wichita after a the homeowner had called 911 to report that they had discovered damage to the vacant home and they believed someone might be inside.Upon arrival, officers obtained keys from the homeowner and attempted to check the residence to ensure no one was inside. After entering the front door of the residence, officers reported hearing an explosion and three officers sustained injuries to their legs, according to Police Chief Gordon Ramsay during a Monday news conference.Initially, the officers thought it was an explosion or even a bomb, according to Ramsay.The injured officers were removed from the residence and transported to an area hospital for treatment. One of the officers was treated and released Saturday. One of the other officers had minor injuries and the third was listed in serious but stable condition.&nbsp; Both were released from the hospital Monday.The Wichita Police Department SWAT team and Bomb Squad were activated and secured the house. The investigation revealed that no one was inside the home, but someone had left a modified, loaded shotgun in the residence which discharged as the officers made entry.Investigators learned the two suspects had been staying at the home but had left before police arrived Saturday. The loaded, sawed off shotgun had been left in a side pouch of a recliner near the entrance of the home, according to Ramsay.&nbsp;Police arrested Hathorn and Vulgamore on Sunday when they tried to enter the same home. -----

2 charged in case of modified shotgun that injured Kan. officers

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly today announced her administration’s plan to vaccinate meatpacking plant workers in Kansas. Under the plan, all meatpacking workers who want to be vaccinated will receive the first dose within the next two weeks.

“Throughout this pandemic, meatpacking plant workers have stepped up to successfully maintain the food supply chain,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“We owe them our gratitude for keeping food on the shelves and on the plates of families across our state, our nation, and the world.”

“Since the pandemic began, many of us have anxiously awaited this day…a day where our meat processing employees would have access to a vaccine that would protect them, their coworkers, and their families,”&nbsp;Secretary Mike Beam, Kansas Department of Agriculture, said.

Much like Governor Kelly’s “Back to School” plan to vaccinate Kansas teachers and school staff, counties with meatpacking plants will receive additional vaccine doses specifically earmarked for meatpacking workers, in addition to the doses counties already receive from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

KDHE is coordinating this approach with local health departments and directly with the meatpacking plants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614899240296.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly held a zoom meeting on the plan Thursday.&nbsp; "Kansas meatpacking workers risked their lives to feed our state, our nation, and our world. I was proud to announce that by the end of next week, we will complete first doses for every meatpacking worker in Kansas."" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly held a zoom meeting on the plan Thursday.&nbsp; "Kansas meatpacking workers risked their lives to feed our state, our nation, and our world. I was proud to announce that by the end of next week, we will complete first doses for every meatpacking worker in Kansas."</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly today announced her administration’s plan to vaccinate meatpacking plant workers in Kansas. Under the plan, all meatpacking workers who want to be vaccinated will receive the first dose within the next two weeks.“Throughout this pandemic, meatpacking plant workers have stepped up to successfully maintain the food supply chain,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“We owe them our gratitude for keeping food on the shelves and on the plates of families across our state, our nation, and the world.”“Since the pandemic began, many of us have anxiously awaited this day…a day where our meat processing employees would have access to a vaccine that would protect them, their coworkers, and their families,”&nbsp;Secretary Mike Beam, Kansas Department of Agriculture, said.Much like Governor Kelly’s “Back to School” plan to vaccinate Kansas teachers and school staff, counties with meatpacking plants will receive additional vaccine doses specifically earmarked for meatpacking workers, in addition to the doses counties already receive from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).KDHE is coordinating this approach with local health departments and directly with the meatpacking plants.

Plan will vaccinate Kansas meatpacking plant workers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Arrowhead Stadium has a new name. The Kansas City Chiefs announced the stadium will be known as GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. 

The team reached a naming rights agreement with Government Employees Health Association, which is the Chiefs' exclusive partner for health, dental and vision plans. 

GEHA and Chiefs officials said they are committed to ensuring Arrowhead Stadium remains the identity of the venue. It is the first time in Chiefs history that the organization has sold naming rights for Arrowhead. The stadium opened in 1972 and is one of the NFL's most recognizable venues.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Arrowhead Stadium has a new name. The Kansas City Chiefs announced the stadium will be known as GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The team reached a naming rights agreement with Government Employees Health Association, which is the Chiefs' exclusive partner for health, dental and vision plans. GEHA and Chiefs officials said they are committed to ensuring Arrowhead Stadium remains the identity of the venue. It is the first time in Chiefs history that the organization has sold naming rights for Arrowhead. The stadium opened in 1972 and is one of the NFL's most recognizable venues.

Chiefs sell naming rights to field at Arrowhead Stadium

KANSAS CITY —The mayor of Missouri’s largest city has asked the federal government to make sure the state's urban residents get better access to coronavirus vaccines.

In a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas wrote wrote that the federal government has plans to set up 18 mass vaccination sites around the country, but none of them are in Missouri. He asked that Kansas City be added to the list.

On Thursday, Missouri Governor Mike Parson announced plans to get more vaccine to Kansas City.&nbsp; "While vaccine distribution is based on population throughout each region, we do recognize that some Missourians are less interested in receiving a vaccine than others," Parson wrote on twitter.

"Vaccine interest is often highest in urban populations, so starting next week, we will begin transitioning mass vaccination teams to accommodate more events in Region A (Kansas City region) and Region C (St. Louis region). We expect a full transition by April 1."

Both mass and targeted vaccination events hosted by the state will begin utilizing the Johnson and Johnson vaccine as supply allows, according to Parson. This will help increase the scale and efficiency of these events as vaccination teams will not need to return for boosters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614891206146.png" alt="Missouri Governor Mike Parson with members of the National Guard during a vaccination event on Thursday" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Governor Mike Parson with members of the National Guard during a vaccination event on Thursday</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The mayor of Missouri’s largest city has asked the federal government to make sure the state's urban residents get better access to coronavirus vaccines.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614807036253.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas wrote wrote that the federal government has plans to set up 18 mass vaccination sites around the country, but none of them are in Missouri. He asked that Kansas City be added to the list.On Thursday, Missouri Governor Mike Parson announced plans to get more vaccine to Kansas City.&nbsp; "While vaccine distribution is based on population throughout each region, we do recognize that some Missourians are less interested in receiving a vaccine than others," Parson wrote on twitter."Vaccine interest is often highest in urban populations, so starting next week, we will begin transitioning mass vaccination teams to accommodate more events in Region A (Kansas City region) and Region C (St. Louis region). We expect a full transition by April 1."Both mass and targeted vaccination events hosted by the state will begin utilizing the Johnson and Johnson vaccine as supply allows, according to Parson. This will help increase the scale and efficiency of these events as vaccination teams will not need to return for boosters.

Governor: More mass vaccination teams coming to Kansas City

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A bill that would require high school students to pass a civics test to graduate has won initial approval in the Kansas House.

(Click below to listen to the House debate about a civics test)

Lawmakers voted Wednesday to advance the bill despite opposition from the Kansas State Board of Education, which said the bill encroaches on its constitutional authority to set graduation requirements. The bill faces a final House vote before going to the Senate.

The legislation would require students to pass one or more tests consisting of 60 questions from the 128-question U.S. citizenship test. The bill does not set a passing grade, and students would be able to take the test multiple times. Valley Center Republican Rep. Steve Huebert, the bill’s chief proponent, said teachers could decide what constitutes passing.

The test would also require high schools to submit an annual report to the state board showing how students are doing on the tests.

Supporters say the test would give students basic knowledge to become engaged citizens. Nineteen states require high school graduates to take a civics test, according to the Kansas Department of Legislative Research.

The bill faces pushback from education groups, including the Kansas National Education Association, which says that students are already getting an education in civics in government and history classes.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A bill that would require high school students to pass a civics test to graduate has won initial approval in the Kansas House.(Click below to listen to the House debate about a civics test)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4QAIh32JLJ0?start=17474" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Lawmakers voted Wednesday to advance the bill despite opposition from the Kansas State Board of Education, which said the bill encroaches on its constitutional authority to set graduation requirements. The bill faces a final House vote before going to the Senate.The legislation would require students to pass one or more tests consisting of 60 questions from the 128-question U.S. citizenship test. The bill does not set a passing grade, and students would be able to take the test multiple times. Valley Center Republican Rep. Steve Huebert, the bill’s chief proponent, said teachers could decide what constitutes passing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614884863187.png" alt="Valley Center Republican Rep. Steve Huebert, the bill’s chief proponent, said teachers could decide what constitutes passing." />
 <figcaption>Valley Center Republican Rep. Steve Huebert, the bill’s chief proponent, said teachers could decide what constitutes passing.</figcaption>
 </figure>The test would also require high schools to submit an annual report to the state board showing how students are doing on the tests.Supporters say the test would give students basic knowledge to become engaged citizens. Nineteen states require high school graduates to take a civics test, according to the Kansas Department of Legislative Research.The bill faces pushback from education groups, including the Kansas National Education Association, which says that students are already getting an education in civics in government and history classes.

🎥  Kan. House gives initial approval to civics test for graduation

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting in the backyard of a home during a small gathering in Wichita have arrested&nbsp;41-year-old Michael Swinney, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Just before 1a.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police responded to a home in the 2400 Block of North Sunny Lane in Wichita, according to&nbsp;Captain Jason Stephens.&nbsp; In the backyard of that location, police located 22-year-old Jacob Kalese with several gunshot wounds.&nbsp; EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The investigation revealed Kalese, his girlfriend and Swinney were at a small gathering at the home with several other individuals.&nbsp; A disturbance occurred between Swinney and Kalese, multiple shots were fired and&nbsp; Swinney fled the scene.

Through the investigation, investigators learned of Swinney’s involvement and he was arrested Wednesday afternoon at a home in the 100 block of South Young in Wichita without incident, according to Davidson.

Swinney is being held on requested charges of first-degree murder, an arrest and detain order through the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), and outstanding warrants, according to Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614870081716.png" alt="Swinney has numerous convictions that include aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, criminal discharge of a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm, violation of the offender registration act and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections- photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Swinney has numerous convictions that include aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, criminal discharge of a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm, violation of the offender registration act and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections- photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting in the backyard of a home during a small gathering in Wichita have arrested&nbsp;41-year-old Michael Swinney, according to officer Charley Davidson.Just before 1a.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police responded to a home in the 2400 Block of North Sunny Lane in Wichita, according to&nbsp;Captain Jason Stephens.&nbsp; In the backyard of that location, police located 22-year-old Jacob Kalese with several gunshot wounds.&nbsp; EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614789091458.png" alt="Police on the scene of the Wednesday morning shooting investigation photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the Wednesday morning shooting investigation photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed Kalese, his girlfriend and Swinney were at a small gathering at the home with several other individuals.&nbsp; A disturbance occurred between Swinney and Kalese, multiple shots were fired and&nbsp; Swinney fled the scene.Through the investigation, investigators learned of Swinney’s involvement and he was arrested Wednesday afternoon at a home in the 100 block of South Young in Wichita without incident, according to Davidson.Swinney is being held on requested charges of first-degree murder, an arrest and detain order through the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), and outstanding warrants, according to Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police: Kan. felon accused of murder during backyard gathering 

&nbsp;SALINE COUNTY —Several restored vehicles were among the loss in a rural Saline County structure fire late Wednesday afternoon.

Just after 5:30p.m. Wednesday, firefighters from Rural Fire Districts 6 and 2&nbsp; were dispatched to report of a fire in the 4200 block of West Parsons Road north of the unincorporated Saline County community of Salemsborg according to, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.

 When they arrived, they found a building on the property ablaze.

A 1932 Ford valued at $33,000, a restored 1946 Studebaker valued at $33,000, a restored 1953 Chevrolet pickup valued at $33,000, a 1939 Studebaker valued at $2,000 along with $25,000 worth of tools were located inside the building, according to Soldan. The building itself was valued at $60,000. The total loss as a result of the fire is $186,000.

The property owner, Ron Householter, 58, was not home at the time of the fire, which was believed to be caused by an electrical issue. There were no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614874678901.jpeg" alt="Crews at the scene of the fire on Wednesday -photos Saline Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Crews at the scene of the fire on Wednesday -photos Saline Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;SALINE COUNTY —Several restored vehicles were among the loss in a rural Saline County structure fire late Wednesday afternoon.Just after 5:30p.m. Wednesday, firefighters from Rural Fire Districts 6 and 2&nbsp; were dispatched to report of a fire in the 4200 block of West Parsons Road north of the unincorporated Saline County community of Salemsborg according to, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan. When they arrived, they found a building on the property ablaze.A 1932 Ford valued at $33,000, a restored 1946 Studebaker valued at $33,000, a restored 1953 Chevrolet pickup valued at $33,000, a 1939 Studebaker valued at $2,000 along with $25,000 worth of tools were located inside the building, according to Soldan. The building itself was valued at $60,000. The total loss as a result of the fire is $186,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614874752297.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The property owner, Ron Householter, 58, was not home at the time of the fire, which was believed to be caused by an electrical issue. There were no injuries reported.

Sheriff: Classic vehicles destroyed in rural Kansas fire

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A man who injured a police officer after intentionally ramming through a security gate at a Koch family home in Wichita has been sentenced to three years of probation.

Aron James White, 42, was sentenced last week for injuring the officer. The Koch family&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c2846888934241e090451162a927ae2c">did not pursue charges</a>&nbsp;after the January 2019 incident, which caused $20,000 damage to the gate and $10,000 in ruined landscape.

Court records say White rammed the gate after a security guard refuse to let him enter. He then hit a patrol car used by officer Atlee Vogt, who suffered bruising and minor burns when the airbag deployed.

White was arrested when he hit a tree on the property.

Investigators said at the time that White may have been under the influence of drugs. He had no known connection to the Koch property and didn’t live in the area.

Records show Chase Koch, the son of billionaire businessman Charles Koch, lived at the property at the time of the incident.

White pleaded guilty in January to one count of reckless aggravated battery. He would face a 32-month sentence in jail if he violates probation. He also must pay Vogt’s outstanding medical expenses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614875335597.png" alt="White photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>White photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A man who injured a police officer after intentionally ramming through a security gate at a Koch family home in Wichita has been sentenced to three years of probation.Aron James White, 42, was sentenced last week for injuring the officer. The Koch family&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c2846888934241e090451162a927ae2c">did not pursue charges</a>&nbsp;after the January 2019 incident, which caused $20,000 damage to the gate and $10,000 in ruined landscape.Court records say White rammed the gate after a security guard refuse to let him enter. He then hit a patrol car used by officer Atlee Vogt, who suffered bruising and minor burns when the airbag deployed.White was arrested when he hit a tree on the property.Investigators said at the time that White may have been under the influence of drugs. He had no known connection to the Koch property and didn’t live in the area.Records show Chase Koch, the son of billionaire businessman Charles Koch, lived at the property at the time of the incident.White pleaded guilty in January to one count of reckless aggravated battery. He would face a 32-month sentence in jail if he violates probation. He also must pay Vogt’s outstanding medical expenses.

Kan. man who injured officer, rammed gate at Koch home sentenced

WASHINGTON — Law enforcement was on high alert Thursday around the U.S. Capitol after intelligence uncovered a “possible plot” by a militia group to storm the iconic building yet again, two months after a mob of Donald Trump supporters smashed through windows and doors to try to stop Congress from certifying now-President Joe Biden's victory.

The threat appears to be connected to a far-right conspiracy theory, mainly promoted by supporters of QAnon, that former President Trump will rise again to power on March 4 and that thousands will come to Washington, D.C., to try to remove Democrats from office. March 4 was the original presidential inauguration day until 1933, when it was moved to Jan. 20.

Online chatter identified by authorities included discussions among members of the Three Percenters, an anti-government militia group, concerning possible plots against the Capitol on Thursday, according to two law enforcement officials who were not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Members of the Three Percenters were among the extremists who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6.

In a media release, the United States Capitol Police Department said they are&nbsp; aware of and prepared for any potential threats towards members of Congress or towards the Capitol complex. We have obtained intelligence that shows a possible plot to breach the Capitol by an identified militia group on Thursday, March 4. We have already made significant security upgrades to include establishing a physical structure and increasing manpower to ensure the protection of Congress, the public and our police officers.

"Our Department is working with our local, state, and federal partners to stop any threats to the Capitol. We are taking the intelligence seriously. Due to the sensitive nature of this information, we cannot provide additional details at this time."

The threat came as the Capitol police and other law enforcement agencies were taking heat from Congress in contentious hearings this week on their poor handling of the Jan. 6 riot. Police were ill-prepared for the mass of Trump supporters in tactical gear, some armed, and it took hours for National Guard reinforcements to come.

By then, rioters had broken and smashed their way into the building and roamed the halls for hours, stalling Congress' certification effort temporarily and sending lawmakers into hiding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614337301435.png" alt="Fence around the U.S. Capitol-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Fence around the U.S. Capitol-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — Law enforcement was on high alert Thursday around the U.S. Capitol after intelligence uncovered a “possible plot” by a militia group to storm the iconic building yet again, two months after a mob of Donald Trump supporters smashed through windows and doors to try to stop Congress from certifying now-President Joe Biden's victory.The threat appears to be connected to a far-right conspiracy theory, mainly promoted by supporters of QAnon, that former President Trump will rise again to power on March 4 and that thousands will come to Washington, D.C., to try to remove Democrats from office. March 4 was the original presidential inauguration day until 1933, when it was moved to Jan. 20.Online chatter identified by authorities included discussions among members of the Three Percenters, an anti-government militia group, concerning possible plots against the Capitol on Thursday, according to two law enforcement officials who were not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Members of the Three Percenters were among the extremists who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6.In a media release, the United States Capitol Police Department said they are&nbsp; aware of and prepared for any potential threats towards members of Congress or towards the Capitol complex. We have obtained intelligence that shows a possible plot to breach the Capitol by an identified militia group on Thursday, March 4. We have already made significant security upgrades to include establishing a physical structure and increasing manpower to ensure the protection of Congress, the public and our police officers."Our Department is working with our local, state, and federal partners to stop any threats to the Capitol. We are taking the intelligence seriously. Due to the sensitive nature of this information, we cannot provide additional details at this time."The threat came as the Capitol police and other law enforcement agencies were taking heat from Congress in contentious hearings this week on their poor handling of the Jan. 6 riot. Police were ill-prepared for the mass of Trump supporters in tactical gear, some armed, and it took hours for National Guard reinforcements to come.By then, rioters had broken and smashed their way into the building and roamed the halls for hours, stalling Congress' certification effort temporarily and sending lawmakers into hiding.

Police uncover 'possible plot by militia' to storm the capitol

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats passed sweeping voting and ethics legislation over unanimous Republican opposition, advancing to the Senate what would be the largest overhaul of the U.S. election law in at least a generation.

House Resolution 1, which touches on virtually every aspect of the electoral process, was approved Wednesday night on a near party-line 220-210 vote. It would restrict&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/54daa625511445969fee66696f7979c2">partisan gerrymandering</a>&nbsp;of congressional districts, strike down hurdles to voting and bring transparency to a murky campaign finance system that allows wealthy donors to anonymously bankroll political causes.

The bill is a powerful counterweight to voting rights restrictions advancing in Republican-controlled statehouses across the country in the wake of Donald Trump’s repeated false claims of a stolen 2020 election. Yet it faces an uncertain fate in the Democratic-controlled Senate, where it has little chance of passing without changes to procedural rules that currently allow Republicans to block it.

The stakes in the outcome are monumental, cutting to the foundational idea that one person equals one vote, and carrying with it the potential to shape election outcomes for years to come. It also offers a test of how hard President Joe Biden and his party are willing to fight for their priorities, as well as those of their voters.

This bill “will put a stop at the voter suppression that we’re seeing debated right now,” said Rep. Nikema Williams, a new congresswoman who represents the Georgia district that deceased voting rights champion John Lewis held for years. “This bill is the ‘Good Trouble’ he fought for his entire life.”

To Republicans, however, it would give license to unwanted federal interference in states’ authority to conduct their own elections — ultimately benefiting Democrats through higher turnout, most notably among minorities.

“Democrats want to use their razor-thin majority not to pass bills to earn voters’ trust, but to ensure they don’t lose more seats in the next election,” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said from the House floor Tuesday.

The measure has been a priority for Democrats since they won their House majority in 2018. But it has taken on added urgency in the wake of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-ap-fact-check-joe-biden-donald-trump-technology-49a24edd6d10888dbad61689c24b05a5">Trump’s false claims</a>, which incited the deadly storming of the U.S. Capitol in January.

Courts and even Trump’s last attorney general, William Barr, found his claims about the election to be without merit. But, spurred on by those lies, state lawmakers across the U.S. have filed more than 200 bills in 43 states that would limit ballot access, according to a tally kept by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University.

In Iowa, the legislature voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-iowa-city-iowa-state-elections-coronavirus-pandemic-70884a8ce4834a87fcede7b81979d016">cut absentee and in-person early voting,</a>&nbsp;while preventing local elections officials from setting up additional locations to make early voting easier. In Georgia, the House on Monday voted for legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-elections-bills-legislation-elections-georgia-842d9ad16a78901322f4b952f6c0d8dd">requiring identification to vote by mail</a>&nbsp;that would also allow counties to cancel early in-person voting on Sundays, when many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-us-news-race-and-ethnicity-stacey-abrams-georgia-93f7d957172f59968571e7d45874a814">Black voters</a>&nbsp;cast ballots after church.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court appeared ready to uphold voting restrictions in Arizona, which could make it harder to challenge state election laws in the future.

When asked why proponents sought to uphold the Arizona laws, which limit who can turn in absentee ballots and enable ballots to be thrown out if they are cast in the wrong precinct, a lawyer for the state’s Republican Party was stunningly clear.

“Because it puts us at a competitive disadvantage relative to Democrats,” said attorney Michael Carvin. “Politics is a zero-sum game.”

Battle lines are quickly being drawn by outside groups who plan to spend millions of dollars on advertising and outreach campaigns.

Republicans “are not even being coy about it. They are saying the ‘quiet parts’ out loud,” said Tiffany Muller, the president of End Citizens United, a left-leaning group that aims to curtail the influence of corporate money in politics. Her organization has launched a $10 million effort supporting the bill. “For them, this isn’t about protecting our democracy or protecting our elections. This is about pure partisan political gain.”

Conservatives, meanwhile, are mobilizing a $5 million pressure campaign, urging moderate Senate Democrats to oppose rule changes needed to pass the measure.

“H.R. 1 is not about making elections better,” said Ken Cuccinelli, a former Trump administration Homeland Security official who is leading the effort. “It’s about the opposite. It’s intended to dirty up elections.”

H.R. 1 would require states to automatically register eligible voters, as well as offer same-day registration. It would limit states’ ability to purge registered voters from their rolls and restore former felons’ voting rights. Among dozens of other provisions, it would also require states to offer 15 days of early voting and allow no-excuse absentee balloting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614864960981.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi discussed the 'For the People' act on the House Floor Wednesday ahead of the vote." />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi discussed the 'For the People' act on the House Floor Wednesday ahead of the vote.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats passed sweeping voting and ethics legislation over unanimous Republican opposition, advancing to the Senate what would be the largest overhaul of the U.S. election law in at least a generation.House Resolution 1, which touches on virtually every aspect of the electoral process, was approved Wednesday night on a near party-line 220-210 vote. It would restrict&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/54daa625511445969fee66696f7979c2">partisan gerrymandering</a>&nbsp;of congressional districts, strike down hurdles to voting and bring transparency to a murky campaign finance system that allows wealthy donors to anonymously bankroll political causes.The bill is a powerful counterweight to voting rights restrictions advancing in Republican-controlled statehouses across the country in the wake of Donald Trump’s repeated false claims of a stolen 2020 election. Yet it faces an uncertain fate in the Democratic-controlled Senate, where it has little chance of passing without changes to procedural rules that currently allow Republicans to block it.The stakes in the outcome are monumental, cutting to the foundational idea that one person equals one vote, and carrying with it the potential to shape election outcomes for years to come. It also offers a test of how hard President Joe Biden and his party are willing to fight for their priorities, as well as those of their voters.This bill “will put a stop at the voter suppression that we’re seeing debated right now,” said Rep. Nikema Williams, a new congresswoman who represents the Georgia district that deceased voting rights champion John Lewis held for years. “This bill is the ‘Good Trouble’ he fought for his entire life.”To Republicans, however, it would give license to unwanted federal interference in states’ authority to conduct their own elections — ultimately benefiting Democrats through higher turnout, most notably among minorities.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">H.R.1 is House Democracts&#39; top priority. It will federalize elections, put taxpayer dollars toward campaigns and make the FEC a partisan entity. States should be empowered to make elections fair, safe and secure. DC politicians do not need more power. <a href="https://t.co/5tojnd4u4p">pic.twitter.com/5tojnd4u4p</a>&mdash; Tracey Mann (@RepMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMann/status/1366765237584674816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Democrats want to use their razor-thin majority not to pass bills to earn voters’ trust, but to ensure they don’t lose more seats in the next election,” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said from the House floor Tuesday.The measure has been a priority for Democrats since they won their House majority in 2018. But it has taken on added urgency in the wake of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-ap-fact-check-joe-biden-donald-trump-technology-49a24edd6d10888dbad61689c24b05a5">Trump’s false claims</a>, which incited the deadly storming of the U.S. Capitol in January.Courts and even Trump’s last attorney general, William Barr, found his claims about the election to be without merit. But, spurred on by those lies, state lawmakers across the U.S. have filed more than 200 bills in 43 states that would limit ballot access, according to a tally kept by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University.In Iowa, the legislature voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-iowa-city-iowa-state-elections-coronavirus-pandemic-70884a8ce4834a87fcede7b81979d016">cut absentee and in-person early voting,</a>&nbsp;while preventing local elections officials from setting up additional locations to make early voting easier. In Georgia, the House on Monday voted for legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-elections-bills-legislation-elections-georgia-842d9ad16a78901322f4b952f6c0d8dd">requiring identification to vote by mail</a>&nbsp;that would also allow counties to cancel early in-person voting on Sundays, when many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-us-news-race-and-ethnicity-stacey-abrams-georgia-93f7d957172f59968571e7d45874a814">Black voters</a>&nbsp;cast ballots after church.On Tuesday, the Supreme Court appeared ready to uphold voting restrictions in Arizona, which could make it harder to challenge state election laws in the future.When asked why proponents sought to uphold the Arizona laws, which limit who can turn in absentee ballots and enable ballots to be thrown out if they are cast in the wrong precinct, a lawyer for the state’s Republican Party was stunningly clear.“Because it puts us at a competitive disadvantage relative to Democrats,” said attorney Michael Carvin. “Politics is a zero-sum game.”Battle lines are quickly being drawn by outside groups who plan to spend millions of dollars on advertising and outreach campaigns.Republicans “are not even being coy about it. They are saying the ‘quiet parts’ out loud,” said Tiffany Muller, the president of End Citizens United, a left-leaning group that aims to curtail the influence of corporate money in politics. Her organization has launched a $10 million effort supporting the bill. “For them, this isn’t about protecting our democracy or protecting our elections. This is about pure partisan political gain.”Conservatives, meanwhile, are mobilizing a $5 million pressure campaign, urging moderate Senate Democrats to oppose rule changes needed to pass the measure.“H.R. 1 is not about making elections better,” said Ken Cuccinelli, a former Trump administration Homeland Security official who is leading the effort. “It’s about the opposite. It’s intended to dirty up elections.”So what’s actually in the bill?H.R. 1 would require states to automatically register eligible voters, as well as offer same-day registration. It would limit states’ ability to purge registered voters from their rolls and restore former felons’ voting rights. Among dozens of other provisions, it would also require states to offer 15 days of early voting and allow no-excuse absentee balloting.On the cusp of a once-in-a-decade redrawing of congressional district boundaries, typically a fiercely partisan affair, the bill would mandate that nonpartisan commissions handle the process instead of state legislatures.Many Republican opponents in Congress have focused on narrower aspects, like the creation of a public financing system for congressional campaigns that would be funded through fines and settlement proceeds raised from corporate bad actors.They’ve also attacked an effort to revamp the federal government’s toothless elections cop. That agency, the Federal Election Commission, has been gripped by partisan deadlock for years, allowing campaign finance law violators to go mostly unchecked.Another section that’s been a focus of Republican ire would force the disclosure of donors to “dark money” political groups, which are a magnet for wealthy interests looking to influence the political process while remaining anonymous.Still, the biggest obstacles lie ahead in the Senate, which is split 50-50 between Republicans and Democrats.On some legislation, it takes only 51 votes to pass, with Vice President Kamala Harris as the tiebreaker. On a deeply divisive bill like this one, they would need 60 votes under the Senate’s rules to overcome a Republican filibuster — a tally they are unlikely to reach.Some Democrats have discussed options like lowering the threshold to break a filibuster, or creating a workaround that would allow priority legislation, including a separate John Lewis Voting Rights bill, to be exempt. Biden has been cool to filibuster reforms and Democratic congressional aides say the conversations are fluid but underway.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has not committed to a time frame but vowed “to figure out the best way to get big, bold action on a whole lot of fronts.”He said: “We’re not going to be the legislative graveyard. ... People are going to be forced to vote on them, yes or no, on a whole lot of very important and serious issues.”