RILEY COUNTY—A suspect in a series of alleged rapes that occurred in Ogden, Kansas from 2004-2012 has been extradited back to Kansas to face charges.

Michael James Tschantz, 46, Naples, Texas is being held on a $600,000 bond in the Riley County Jail on requested charges of 5 counts of rape of a victim under the age of 14, according to the Riley County booking report.

On November 11, 2020, officers filed a report for several past rape and aggravated criminal sodomy offenses in Ogden, listing a now 21-year-old woman as the victim and a now 46-year-old male known to her as the suspect, according to Riley County Police Department spokesperson Aaron Wintermote.

On February 19, police in Texas arrested Tschantz on a Riley County District Court warrant for five counts of rape of a child under 14 years of age.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614007991931.png" alt="Tschantz-photo Morris Co. Texas Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Tschantz-photo Morris Co. Texas Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—A suspect in a series of alleged rapes that occurred in Ogden, Kansas from 2004-2012 has been extradited back to Kansas to face charges.Michael James Tschantz, 46, Naples, Texas is being held on a $600,000 bond in the Riley County Jail on requested charges of 5 counts of rape of a victim under the age of 14, according to the Riley County booking report.On November 11, 2020, officers filed a report for several past rape and aggravated criminal sodomy offenses in Ogden, listing a now 21-year-old woman as the victim and a now 46-year-old male known to her as the suspect, according to Riley County Police Department spokesperson Aaron Wintermote.On February 19, police in Texas arrested Tschantz on a Riley County District Court warrant for five counts of rape of a child under 14 years of age.

Child rape suspect arrested in Texas moved to Kansas jail

GEARY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities conducting an investigation of a man found deceased in a cell at the Geary County Detention Center, according the the sheriff's department.

Just after 6a.m. Wednesday, Junction City Fire/EMS along with Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Detention Center for an unresponsive man in the jail. The subject, Identified as Allen Presley Harroald, 41, Wichita, was pronounced dead at the scene. Criminal activity is not suspected at this time.

Kansas Bureau of Investigations responded to the Detention Center at the request of the Geary County Sheriff’s Office, to investigate this incident per policy

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614810063622.png" alt="Harroald photo Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Harroald photo Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities conducting an investigation of a man found deceased in a cell at the Geary County Detention Center, according the the sheriff's department.Just after 6a.m. Wednesday, Junction City Fire/EMS along with Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Detention Center for an unresponsive man in the jail. The subject, Identified as Allen Presley Harroald, 41, Wichita, was pronounced dead at the scene. Criminal activity is not suspected at this time.Kansas Bureau of Investigations responded to the Detention Center at the request of the Geary County Sheriff’s Office, to investigate this incident per policy

KBI investigating death of inmate at county jail

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as 22-year-old Jacob Kalese of Wichita.

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 Kalese with several gunshot wounds.&nbsp; EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators learned there was a small gathering of people at that location. An individual arrived at the home and fired multiple gunshots at the victim, according to Stephens.&nbsp; At this time, police believe the suspect is known to the victim or others who were at the gathering. Kalese did not live at the residence but was there with his girlfriend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614789091458.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation early Wednesday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation early Wednesday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as 22-year-old Jacob Kalese of Wichita.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 Kalese with several gunshot wounds.&nbsp; EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.Investigators learned there was a small gathering of people at that location. An individual arrived at the home and fired multiple gunshots at the victim, according to Stephens.&nbsp; At this time, police believe the suspect is known to the victim or others who were at the gathering. Kalese did not live at the residence but was there with his girlfriend.

Police ID victim, seek suspect in fatal shooting at Kan. home

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly held a press conference Wednesday to give an update regarding COVID-19, the Kansas Department of Labor and utility issues in Kansas.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 807 to a total of 295,109, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4816 an increase of 73.

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly held a press conference Wednesday to give an update regarding COVID-19, the Kansas Department of Labor and utility issues in Kansas.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F918501902294047%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 807 to a total of 295,109, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4816 an increase of 73.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614794901750.png" alt="Wednesday March 3, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday March 3, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 Gov. gives updates on COVID-19, Kansas Dept. of Labor

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a violent, domestic attack arrested 41-year-old James E. Brown of Wichita early Wednesday, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Police arrested him on charges stemming from an aggravated battery – domestic violence and animal cruelty investigation and a second aggravated battery – domestic violence strangulation investigation, according to officer Charley Davidson. Brown also has an outstanding warrant.

Just after 2 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a home in the 1500 block of North New York in Wichita, according to Davidson.

 Upon arrival, they contacted a 41-year-old woman who had a severe laceration to her hand and back.&nbsp; She was taken to an area hospital for treatment of severe injuries and remains hospitalized.

The investigation revealed the victim and her boyfriend identified as Brown, were at the home and got into a verbal disturbance.&nbsp; Brown grabbed a five to six-foot sword during the disturbance, struck her multiple times, and stabbed her dog multiple times.&nbsp; Investigators also learned the victim had been strangled.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614859032817.png" alt="Brown photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Brown photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a violent, domestic attack arrested 41-year-old James E. Brown of Wichita early Wednesday, according to officer Charley Davidson.Police arrested him on charges stemming from an aggravated battery – domestic violence and animal cruelty investigation and a second aggravated battery – domestic violence strangulation investigation, according to officer Charley Davidson. Brown also has an outstanding warrant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614728617214.png" alt="Brown photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Brown photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 2 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a home in the 1500 block of North New York in Wichita, according to Davidson. Upon arrival, they contacted a 41-year-old woman who had a severe laceration to her hand and back.&nbsp; She was taken to an area hospital for treatment of severe injuries and remains hospitalized.The investigation revealed the victim and her boyfriend identified as Brown, were at the home and got into a verbal disturbance.&nbsp; Brown grabbed a five to six-foot sword during the disturbance, struck her multiple times, and stabbed her dog multiple times.&nbsp; Investigators also learned the victim had been strangled.

Police arrest Kansas man for sword attack on girlfriend, dog

BY NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/02/champions-of-kansas-bill-say-rural-development-tool-key-to-addressing-housing-needs-but-skeptics-remain/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas senators 
gave initial approval Tuesday to a bill that would expand a rural 
development program aimed at addressing housing needs and revitalizing 
downtowns.

The bill would allow 
renovations on the second floor or higher of buildings located in 
central business areas of Rural Housing Incentive Districts. RHIDs can 
be designated in any city or county with a population of less than 
60,000.

The buildings must exceed 
25 years of age, and the renovations must be done for residential 
purposes. The cost of these RHID projects would be covered by the 
incremental increase in property tax value.

Skeptics argued the 
program did not have enough foresight and may not be needed. However, 
Sen. Jeff Longbine, R-Emporia, said this was an important rural 
development tool. He cited work in his district done using the program 
in support of the measure.

“This is a tool that has 
been used in our community very, very successfully in the rural housing 
development. Our first project was complete houses,” Longbine said. 
“This is a component that our main street organizations across the state
 are very, very interested in.”

The Senate has yet to take a final vote on the bill, one of about 20 pieces of legislation considered Tuesday on the floor.

The bill introduced in the
 Senate Commerce Committee was supported by representatives from the 
Kansas Department of Commerce, the League of Kansas Municipalities and 
the Kansas Association of Realtors. Proponents argued in committee 
testimony that RHIDs could revitalize downtowns while addressing housing
 needs.

Holland emphasized these 
claims in support of the bill. He said expanding housing in western 
Kansas communities was a must or risk furthering outward migration from 
these areas.

“When we talk about our 
slowly dying main streets, the ability of this bill to basically 
incentivize somebody to set up some residences on top of these old, 
fading away properties we have in main street, I think that’s 
significant,” Holland said. “Because once again, we are trying to 
revitalize these dying parts of our state.”

Holland said having programs like these is essential in attracting companies and developers to these counties and cities.

Sen. Larry Alley, 
R-Winfield, expressed concern that for 25 years the city or county could
 abate these property taxes and would not see any revenue from the new 
development. This would lead to issues paying other civic works 
expenses.

“The cities and the 
counties that these RHIDs are included, are they looking 10, 12, 14 
years in the future when the roads may have to be replaced?” Alley said.
 “They will not get a dime of taxes from the local people that move into
 these new apartments and these new housings. They won’t get a dime of 
taxes to replace those roads, to fix the water lines for the area.”

Sen. Alicia Straub, 
R-Ellinwood, said she does not hear constituents in her district 
clamoring for downtown housing. She expressed concern this could 
increase costs down the road for local taxpayers and farmers and would 
not be beneficial to rural areas.

Sen. Robert Olson, 
R-Olathe, assured Straub the only costs would be the incremental 
property tax increase on that building, not the entire community.

The Senate also took final
 action to pass more than a dozen bills Tuesday, including a bill 
officially recognizing funeral processions in state statute and a 
measure designating public utility vehicles as authorized emergency 
vehicles.

A debated bill creating 
new crimes for damage of public or private infrastructure also passed 
29-9. Opponents justified the increase by citing the need to deter 
radical protests, but proponents worried the definition of a radical 
protest may be taken loosely.

“Of course, we need to 
protect our critical infrastructure, but we also have an obligation to 
uphold our Constitution. This bill threatens First Amendment rights,” 
said Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa. “I have concerns 
about Kansans’ freedom of assembly of rights and the future litigation 
that will almost certainly arise from Kansas exercising their right to 
peacefully protest and assemble.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614788262590.png" alt="Senate Vice President Jeff Longbine, R-Emporia, praised an expansion of the Rural Housing Incentive District program for potential benefits to Kansas main streets. (Nick Krug for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Senate Vice President Jeff Longbine, R-Emporia, praised an expansion of the Rural Housing Incentive District program for potential benefits to Kansas main streets. (Nick Krug for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/02/champions-of-kansas-bill-say-rural-development-tool-key-to-addressing-housing-needs-but-skeptics-remain/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas senators 
gave initial approval Tuesday to a bill that would expand a rural 
development program aimed at addressing housing needs and revitalizing 
downtowns.The bill would allow 
renovations on the second floor or higher of buildings located in 
central business areas of Rural Housing Incentive Districts. RHIDs can 
be designated in any city or county with a population of less than 
60,000.The buildings must exceed 
25 years of age, and the renovations must be done for residential 
purposes. The cost of these RHID projects would be covered by the 
incremental increase in property tax value.Skeptics argued the 
program did not have enough foresight and may not be needed. However, 
Sen. Jeff Longbine, R-Emporia, said this was an important rural 
development tool. He cited work in his district done using the program 
in support of the measure.“This is a tool that has 
been used in our community very, very successfully in the rural housing 
development. Our first project was complete houses,” Longbine said. 
“This is a component that our main street organizations across the state
 are very, very interested in.”The Senate has yet to take a final vote on the bill, one of about 20 pieces of legislation considered Tuesday on the floor.The bill introduced in the
 Senate Commerce Committee was supported by representatives from the 
Kansas Department of Commerce, the League of Kansas Municipalities and 
the Kansas Association of Realtors. Proponents argued in committee 
testimony that RHIDs could revitalize downtowns while addressing housing
 needs.Holland emphasized these 
claims in support of the bill. He said expanding housing in western 
Kansas communities was a must or risk furthering outward migration from 
these areas.“When we talk about our 
slowly dying main streets, the ability of this bill to basically 
incentivize somebody to set up some residences on top of these old, 
fading away properties we have in main street, I think that’s 
significant,” Holland said. “Because once again, we are trying to 
revitalize these dying parts of our state.”Holland said having programs like these is essential in attracting companies and developers to these counties and cities.Sen. Larry Alley, 
R-Winfield, expressed concern that for 25 years the city or county could
 abate these property taxes and would not see any revenue from the new 
development. This would lead to issues paying other civic works 
expenses.“The cities and the 
counties that these RHIDs are included, are they looking 10, 12, 14 
years in the future when the roads may have to be replaced?” Alley said.
 “They will not get a dime of taxes from the local people that move into
 these new apartments and these new housings. They won’t get a dime of 
taxes to replace those roads, to fix the water lines for the area.”Sen. Alicia Straub, 
R-Ellinwood, said she does not hear constituents in her district 
clamoring for downtown housing. She expressed concern this could 
increase costs down the road for local taxpayers and farmers and would 
not be beneficial to rural areas.Sen. Robert Olson, 
R-Olathe, assured Straub the only costs would be the incremental 
property tax increase on that building, not the entire community.The Senate also took final
 action to pass more than a dozen bills Tuesday, including a bill 
officially recognizing funeral processions in state statute and a 
measure designating public utility vehicles as authorized emergency 
vehicles.A debated bill creating 
new crimes for damage of public or private infrastructure also passed 
29-9. Opponents justified the increase by citing the need to deter 
radical protests, but proponents worried the definition of a radical 
protest may be taken loosely.“Of course, we need to 
protect our critical infrastructure, but we also have an obligation to 
uphold our Constitution. This bill threatens First Amendment rights,” 
said Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa. “I have concerns 
about Kansans’ freedom of assembly of rights and the future litigation 
that will almost certainly arise from Kansas exercising their right to 
peacefully protest and assemble.”

Key rural housing bill advances in Kansas Legislature

SALINE COUNTY —One person was injured in an a Tuesday fire in Salina.

Just after 9a.m. Tuesday, fire crews were dispatched to the Country Hills Apartments at East Crawford Street and Fairdale Road in Salina for the report of a fire at the complex, according to Salina Fire Marshal Troy Long.

The blaze started in the ground floor apartment at the north end of the complex and spread to the apartment above. The ground level apartment was destroyed and the deck and part of the second-floor apartment were damaged.

Seven people were able to escape the fire, however one of them, a woman, suffered burns and an injury sustained on the way out of the building, according to Long. EMS transported her to a Wichita hospital burn unit. Her name was not released. Cause of the fire remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614705146006.jpeg" alt="Fire destroyed a first-floor apartment and damaged a second floor apartment at the Country Hills Apartments in east Salina." />
 <figcaption>Fire destroyed a first-floor apartment and damaged a second floor apartment at the Country Hills Apartments in east Salina.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —One person was injured in an a Tuesday fire in Salina.Just after 9a.m. Tuesday, fire crews were dispatched to the Country Hills Apartments at East Crawford Street and Fairdale Road in Salina for the report of a fire at the complex, according to Salina Fire Marshal Troy Long.The blaze started in the ground floor apartment at the north end of the complex and spread to the apartment above. The ground level apartment was destroyed and the deck and part of the second-floor apartment were damaged.Seven people were able to escape the fire, however one of them, a woman, suffered burns and an injury sustained on the way out of the building, according to Long. EMS transported her to a Wichita hospital burn unit. Her name was not released. Cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Woman critically injured in Kansas apartment building fire

TOPEKA —An El Dorado Correctional Facility resident 30-year-old Juan Soto-Rodriguez died Sunday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.

 The cause of death is pending an autopsy. Preliminary assessment indicates the death was not related to COVID-19.

Soto-Rogriguez was serving a 95-month sentence for&nbsp;intent to distribute heroin or meth, according to the state department of corrections web site. 

He had been imprisoned with KDOC since February 2018 and had ten reports of disciplinary issues over the past two years while at the Norton Correctional facility, according to the KDOC. He had been moved from Norton to El Dorado on February 25.

Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

The 1,955 bed El Dorado Correctional Facility opened in 1991 and was expanded in 1995 and 2001. The facility is designed for maximum- and medium-custody residents and serves as the Reception and Diagnostic Unit (RDU) for all adult males sentenced to KDOC.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614698922156.png" alt="SOTO-RODRIGUEZ-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>SOTO-RODRIGUEZ-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —An El Dorado Correctional Facility resident 30-year-old Juan Soto-Rodriguez died Sunday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections. The cause of death is pending an autopsy. Preliminary assessment indicates the death was not related to COVID-19.Soto-Rogriguez was serving a 95-month sentence for&nbsp;intent to distribute heroin or meth, according to the state department of corrections web site. He had been imprisoned with KDOC since February 2018 and had ten reports of disciplinary issues over the past two years while at the Norton Correctional facility, according to the KDOC. He had been moved from Norton to El Dorado on February 25.Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.The 1,955 bed El Dorado Correctional Facility opened in 1991 and was expanded in 1995 and 2001. The facility is designed for maximum- and medium-custody residents and serves as the Reception and Diagnostic Unit (RDU) for all adult males sentenced to KDOC.&nbsp;

Kan. inmate dies just days after move to different prison

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 807 to a total of 295,109, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4816 an increase of 73

<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 807 to a total of 295,109, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4816 an increase of 73<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/2021/3/1614794901750.png" alt="Wednesday March 3, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday March 3, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police are investigating after human skeletal remains were found in a wooded area in the heart of Kansas City.

The remains were found by a woman Tuesday afternoon near West 34th Street and Roanoke Road. Homicide police and the medical examiner’s office quickly determined the bones were human.

A death investigation has been launched, police said, and the medical examiner will try to determine how the person died.

Police did not give any indication as to the identity or gender of the remains, but said there was no immediate sign of foul play at the scene.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police are investigating after human skeletal remains were found in a wooded area in the heart of Kansas City.The remains were found by a woman Tuesday afternoon near West 34th Street and Roanoke Road. Homicide police and the medical examiner’s office quickly determined the bones were human.A death investigation has been launched, police said, and the medical examiner will try to determine how the person died.Police did not give any indication as to the identity or gender of the remains, but said there was no immediate sign of foul play at the scene.

Kansas City police investigating after human remains found

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says a U.S. contractor died when at least 10 rockets slammed into an air base housing U.S. and other coalition troops in western Iraq. 

Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said Wednesday that the contractor “suffered a cardiac episode while sheltering” and died shortly afterward. 

It was the first such attack since the U.S. struck Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week, killing one militiaman. That strike stoked fears of another cycle of tit-for-tat attacks. No one claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s attack, which comes two days before Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the country.

BAGHDAD (AP) — At least 10 rockets targeted a military base in western Iraq that hosts U.S.-led coalition troops on Wednesday, the coalition and the Iraqi military said. It was not immediately known if there were any casualties.

The rockets struck Ain al-Asad airbase in Anbar province at 7:20 a.m., coalition spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto said. No one claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Iraqi military released a statement saying the attack did not cause significant losses and that security forces had found the launch pad used for the rockets. It was found in the al-Baghdadi area of Anbar, an Iraqi military official said on condition of anonymity to discuss the attack with the media.

It was the first attack since the U.S. struck Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week, killing killed one militiaman and stoking fears of a possible repeat of a series of tit-for-tat attacks that escalated last year, culminating in the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani outside the Baghdad airport.

Wednesday’s attack targeted the same base where Iran struck with a barrage of missiles in January last year in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani. Dozens of U.S. service members were injured, suffering concussions in that strike.

British Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Hickey condemned the attack, saying it undermined the ongoing fight against the Islamic State group. “Coalition forces are in Iraq to fight Daesh at the invitation of the Iraqi government,” he tweeted, using the Arabic acronym for IS. “These terrorist attacks undermine the fight against Daesh and destabilize Iraq.”

Denmark, which like the U.S. and Britain also has troops at the base, said coalition forces at Ain al-Asad were helping to bring stability and security to the country.

“Despicable attacks against Ain al-Asad base in #Iraq are completely unacceptable,” Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod tweeted. The Danish armed forces said two Danes, who were in the camp at the time of the attack, are unharmed.

Wednesday’s attack comes two days before Pope Francis’ is scheduled to visit Iraq in a much anticipated trip that will include Baghdad, southern Iraq and in the northern city of Irbil.

Last week’s U.S. strike along the border had been in response to a spate of rocket attacks that targeted the American presence, including one that killed a coalition contractor from the Philippines outside the Irbil airport.

After that attack, the Pentagon said the strike was a “proportionate military response” taken after consulting coalition partners.

Marotto said the Iraqi security forces were leading an investigation into the attack on Ain al-Asad.

U.S. troops in Iraq significantly decreased their presence in the country last year under the Trump administration. The forces withdrew from several Iraqi based across the country to consolidate chiefly in Ain al-Asad and Baghad.

Frequent rocket attacks targeting the heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses the U.S. Embassy, during President Donald Trump’s time in office frustrated the administration, leading to threats of embassy closure and escalatory strikes.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says a U.S. contractor died when at least 10 rockets slammed into an air base housing U.S. and other coalition troops in western Iraq. Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said Wednesday that the contractor “suffered a cardiac episode while sheltering” and died shortly afterward. It was the first such attack since the U.S. struck Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week, killing one militiaman. That strike stoked fears of another cycle of tit-for-tat attacks. No one claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s attack, which comes two days before Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the country.------BAGHDAD (AP) — At least 10 rockets targeted a military base in western Iraq that hosts U.S.-led coalition troops on Wednesday, the coalition and the Iraqi military said. It was not immediately known if there were any casualties.The rockets struck Ain al-Asad airbase in Anbar province at 7:20 a.m., coalition spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto said. No one claimed responsibility for the attack.The Iraqi military released a statement saying the attack did not cause significant losses and that security forces had found the launch pad used for the rockets. It was found in the al-Baghdadi area of Anbar, an Iraqi military official said on condition of anonymity to discuss the attack with the media.It was the first attack since the U.S. struck Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week, killing killed one militiaman and stoking fears of a possible repeat of a series of tit-for-tat attacks that escalated last year, culminating in the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani outside the Baghdad airport.Wednesday’s attack targeted the same base where Iran struck with a barrage of missiles in January last year in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani. Dozens of U.S. service members were injured, suffering concussions in that strike.British Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Hickey condemned the attack, saying it undermined the ongoing fight against the Islamic State group. “Coalition forces are in Iraq to fight Daesh at the invitation of the Iraqi government,” he tweeted, using the Arabic acronym for IS. “These terrorist attacks undermine the fight against Daesh and destabilize Iraq.”Denmark, which like the U.S. and Britain also has troops at the base, said coalition forces at Ain al-Asad were helping to bring stability and security to the country.“Despicable attacks against Ain al-Asad base in #Iraq are completely unacceptable,” Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod tweeted. The Danish armed forces said two Danes, who were in the camp at the time of the attack, are unharmed.Wednesday’s attack comes two days before Pope Francis’ is scheduled to visit Iraq in a much anticipated trip that will include Baghdad, southern Iraq and in the northern city of Irbil.Last week’s U.S. strike along the border had been in response to a spate of rocket attacks that targeted the American presence, including one that killed a coalition contractor from the Philippines outside the Irbil airport.After that attack, the Pentagon said the strike was a “proportionate military response” taken after consulting coalition partners.Marotto said the Iraqi security forces were leading an investigation into the attack on Ain al-Asad.U.S. troops in Iraq significantly decreased their presence in the country last year under the Trump administration. The forces withdrew from several Iraqi based across the country to consolidate chiefly in Ain al-Asad and Baghad.Frequent rocket attacks targeting the heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses the U.S. Embassy, during President Donald Trump’s time in office frustrated the administration, leading to threats of embassy closure and escalatory strikes.

Update: 1 dead after rockets hit airbase in Iraq hosting US troops

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers moved Tuesday to extend protections for businesses from lawsuits over COVID-19, while a prominent critic of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said the state’s vaccine distribution has improved in recent weeks.

The Republican-controlled Legislature is considering several measures arising out of the pandemic or Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s response to it. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill that would give businesses an extra year of protection, until March 31, 2022, from lawsuits from customers or employees who contract COVID-19 if those businesses were “in substantial compliance” with public health orders.

The measure goes next to the Senate, which also was debating&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/sb235_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;to require all of the state’s local school districts to offer in-person classes to all of their students by March 26. Only a handful of the state’s 286 districts don’t plan to have a majority of their students back in classrooms by then, according to State Department of Education data.

The debates over those measures and others rewriting the state’s emergency management laws come amid ongoing COVID-19 inoculations. Some Republican legislators contend that distribution of vaccines is going too slowly, pointing to federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data ranking Kansas near the bottom of states for doses administered per 100,000 residents.

Kelly and state Department of Health and Environment officials contend that reporting issues have led the number of doses administered to be underreported and the department is working to fix that problem. Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, said the distribution had been a “colossal disaster” but lawmakers are getting fewer complaints now.

“You can only go up from the bottom,” he said. “I think things are at least trending in the right direction, but I would still contend that’s the only direction it could go.”

Legislators last year enacted a law to protect health care providers from being sued over medical decisions they made during the pandemic. They also protected adult care homes that followed state rules and public health directives and manufacturers that provided personal protective or medical equipment.

But the general protection from lawsuits for stores, restaurants, bars and other businesses is due to expire March 31. Supporters of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s bill said extending the protection another year will give lawmakers time to see how many cases arise.

Eric Stafford, a lobbyist for the influential Kansas Chamber of Commerce, said the group hasn’t heard of any cases, but, “If COVID never goes away, we would prefer that the liability protection never goes away.”

Some attorneys and lawmakers argued last year that the protections provided by the Legislature and could shield some bad behavior. Callie Denton, executive director of the Kansas Trial Lawyers Association, said the dearth of lawsuits shows the protections aren’t needed.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Environment continued to face scrutiny over the distribution of vaccines.&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations" target="_blank">A CDC report</a>&nbsp;Tuesday ranked Kansas 46 among states for its per capital administration of doses, at 21,609 per 100,000 residents.

The CDC said at least 444,176 Kansas residents have received at least one of two required vaccine doses, or 15.2% of the state’s 2.9 million residents.

Those numbers are higher than figures reported Monday by the state health department, but the CDC also reports Kansas as receiving more doses. Both put the percentage of doses administered at about 72.5%.

“The data files we are getting as of last week will help us dig in and find out where the discrepancies are happening between the various (reporting) systems,” said state health department spokeswoman Ashley Jones-Wisner in a text to The Associated Press.

Some Republican legislators question the department’s explanation of reporting problems, and Democratic state Rep. Louis Ruiz, of Kansas City, suggested there have been communication problems between the state and local officials

But Rep. Rui Xu, a Westwood Democrat, sees the problem as a short supply across the nation.

“Demand is far outstripping supply right now,” Xu said. “As far as I’m aware, we are getting the vaccine out as soon as we’re getting it, and that’s all the state can do.”

Some GOP lawmakers criticized Kelly for closing K-12 school buildings in March 2020 until the end of the spring semester, and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_sb273_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill approved Monday</a>&nbsp;by the Senate would allow only local schools boards to cancel in-person classes.

The bill advanced Tuesday in the Senate, requiring in-person classes by March 26, is Masterson’s proposal.

“How many of our children that do not do well with distant learning is it acceptable to leave in the wind?” he said.

According to State Department of Education data, only five local districts were not planning to have a majority of their students returning to in-person classes by that date. After Democrats suggested the bill was an attack on local control of schools, Republican Sen. Renee Erickson of Wichita asked whether Democrats saw it that way when Kelly closed all schools last year.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers moved Tuesday to extend protections for businesses from lawsuits over COVID-19, while a prominent critic of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said the state’s vaccine distribution has improved in recent weeks.The Republican-controlled Legislature is considering several measures arising out of the pandemic or Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s response to it. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill that would give businesses an extra year of protection, until March 31, 2022, from lawsuits from customers or employees who contract COVID-19 if those businesses were “in substantial compliance” with public health orders.The measure goes next to the Senate, which also was debating&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/sb235_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;to require all of the state’s local school districts to offer in-person classes to all of their students by March 26. Only a handful of the state’s 286 districts don’t plan to have a majority of their students back in classrooms by then, according to State Department of Education data.The debates over those measures and others rewriting the state’s emergency management laws come amid ongoing COVID-19 inoculations. Some Republican legislators contend that distribution of vaccines is going too slowly, pointing to federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data ranking Kansas near the bottom of states for doses administered per 100,000 residents.Kelly and state Department of Health and Environment officials contend that reporting issues have led the number of doses administered to be underreported and the department is working to fix that problem. Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, said the distribution had been a “colossal disaster” but lawmakers are getting fewer complaints now.“You can only go up from the bottom,” he said. “I think things are at least trending in the right direction, but I would still contend that’s the only direction it could go.”Legislators last year enacted a law to protect health care providers from being sued over medical decisions they made during the pandemic. They also protected adult care homes that followed state rules and public health directives and manufacturers that provided personal protective or medical equipment.But the general protection from lawsuits for stores, restaurants, bars and other businesses is due to expire March 31. Supporters of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s bill said extending the protection another year will give lawmakers time to see how many cases arise.Eric Stafford, a lobbyist for the influential Kansas Chamber of Commerce, said the group hasn’t heard of any cases, but, “If COVID never goes away, we would prefer that the liability protection never goes away.”Some attorneys and lawmakers argued last year that the protections provided by the Legislature and could shield some bad behavior. Callie Denton, executive director of the Kansas Trial Lawyers Association, said the dearth of lawsuits shows the protections aren’t needed.Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Environment continued to face scrutiny over the distribution of vaccines.&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations" target="_blank">A CDC report</a>&nbsp;Tuesday ranked Kansas 46 among states for its per capital administration of doses, at 21,609 per 100,000 residents.The CDC said at least 444,176 Kansas residents have received at least one of two required vaccine doses, or 15.2% of the state’s 2.9 million residents.Those numbers are higher than figures reported Monday by the state health department, but the CDC also reports Kansas as receiving more doses. Both put the percentage of doses administered at about 72.5%.“The data files we are getting as of last week will help us dig in and find out where the discrepancies are happening between the various (reporting) systems,” said state health department spokeswoman Ashley Jones-Wisner in a text to The Associated Press.Some Republican legislators question the department’s explanation of reporting problems, and Democratic state Rep. Louis Ruiz, of Kansas City, suggested there have been communication problems between the state and local officialsBut Rep. Rui Xu, a Westwood Democrat, sees the problem as a short supply across the nation.“Demand is far outstripping supply right now,” Xu said. “As far as I’m aware, we are getting the vaccine out as soon as we’re getting it, and that’s all the state can do.”Some GOP lawmakers criticized Kelly for closing K-12 school buildings in March 2020 until the end of the spring semester, and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_sb273_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill approved Monday</a>&nbsp;by the Senate would allow only local schools boards to cancel in-person classes.The bill advanced Tuesday in the Senate, requiring in-person classes by March 26, is Masterson’s proposal.“How many of our children that do not do well with distant learning is it acceptable to leave in the wind?” he said.According to State Department of Education data, only five local districts were not planning to have a majority of their students returning to in-person classes by that date. After Democrats suggested the bill was an attack on local control of schools, Republican Sen. Renee Erickson of Wichita asked whether Democrats saw it that way when Kelly closed all schools last year.___

Kansas lawmakers look to protect businesses, debate vaccines

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Officials at the Sedgwick County Jail started an investigation last week into contraband brought into the jail, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.

That contraband included K2 or synthetic marijuana, cell phones, phone chargers, lighters and marijuana.

During the investigation, detectives discovered a detention deputy had been involved in neglect of an inmate, according to Easter.&nbsp; Officials determined there was enough probable cause to arrest and book Detention <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20069772">deputy David Cameron</a> on requested charges of mistreatment of a confined prisoner and for trafficking contraband.

Investigators recovered four cell phones, K2, tobacco, marijuana and a lighter, according to Easter.

In one jail pod where the contraband was introduced, investigators conducted interviews and there are more interviews to do before charges will be presented to the district attorney's office.&nbsp;

Cameron, began employment with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office in June of 2019 and has been placed on unpaid suspension, according to Easter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614713777734.png" alt="Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter announced the arrest during a Tuesday news conference" />
 <figcaption>Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter announced the arrest during a Tuesday news conference</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Officials at the Sedgwick County Jail started an investigation last week into contraband brought into the jail, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.That contraband included K2 or synthetic marijuana, cell phones, phone chargers, lighters and marijuana.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614714249707.png" alt="Cameron was booked into jail Monday evening and remains in custody-photo Sedgwick County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Cameron was booked into jail Monday evening and remains in custody-photo Sedgwick County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>During the investigation, detectives discovered a detention deputy had been involved in neglect of an inmate, according to Easter.&nbsp; Officials determined there was enough probable cause to arrest and book Detention <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20069772">deputy David Cameron</a> on requested charges of mistreatment of a confined prisoner and for trafficking contraband.Investigators recovered four cell phones, K2, tobacco, marijuana and a lighter, according to Easter.In one jail pod where the contraband was introduced, investigators conducted interviews and there are more interviews to do before charges will be presented to the district attorney's office.&nbsp;Cameron, began employment with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office in June of 2019 and has been placed on unpaid suspension, according to Easter.

Sheriff: Kan. jail deputy who brought drugs to inmates remains in jail  

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple charges after a traffic stop.

Just before 3 a.m. Tuesday, a sheriff’s deputy stopped at 2005 Lexus for a traffic infraction near 150th and Q.4 Road, according to sheriff Tim Morse.

The deputies seized methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia from the vehicle. 

The driver, Jeffrey Scott Dunaway, 48, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended, no insurance and for two outstanding Jackson County District Court warrants. 

Dunaway was booked and remains in the Jackson County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614772203807.png" alt="Dunaway-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Dunaway-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple charges after a traffic stop.Just before 3 a.m. Tuesday, a sheriff’s deputy stopped at 2005 Lexus for a traffic infraction near 150th and Q.4 Road, according to sheriff Tim Morse.The deputies seized methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia from the vehicle. The driver, Jeffrey Scott Dunaway, 48, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended, no insurance and for two outstanding Jackson County District Court warrants. Dunaway was booked and remains in the Jackson County Jail.

Deputies catch wanted Kansas man after traffic stop

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Tuesday the U.S. expects to take delivery of enough coronavirus vaccine for all adults by the end of May — two months earlier than anticipated — and he pushed states to get at least one shot into the arms of teachers by the end of March to hasten school reopenings.

Biden also announced that drugmaker Merck will help produce rival Johnson &amp; Johnson’s newly approved one-shot vaccine, likening the partnership between the two drug companies to the spirit of national cooperation during World War II.

“We’re now on track to have enough vaccine supply for every adult in America by the end of May,” Biden said.

Despite the stepped-up pace of vaccine production, the work of inoculating Americans could extend well into the summer, officials said, depending both on the government’s capacity to deliver doses and Americans’ willingness to roll up their sleeves.

Biden’s announcements quickly raised expectations for when the nation could safely emerge from the pandemic with the promise of speedier vaccinations, but even as he expressed optimism, Biden quickly tempered the outlook for a return to life as it was before the virus hit.

“I’ve been cautioned not to give an answer to that because we don’t know for sure,” Biden said, before saying his hope for a return to normal was sometime before “this time next year.”

As Biden spoke, states across the country were moving to relax virus-related restrictions. This despite the objections of the White House and the nation’s top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, who have warned against any relaxation of virus protocols until more Americans are vaccinated.

In Texas, GOP Gov. Greg Abbott moved to lift his state’s mask-wearing mandate and a host of other limitations. Michigan’s Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer eased capacity limits on restaurants and both public and residential gatherings.

Fauci has previously said the nation must achieve a vaccination rate of about 80% to reach “herd immunity.” Only about 8% of the population has been fully vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, though the pace of vaccination has been increasing. The U.S. set a new daily record for injections last Thursday and Friday.

In hopes of increasing vaccinations even further. the Biden administration told governors to make preparations to administer even more doses in the coming weeks. More shots are also headed toward the federally backed program to administer doses in retail pharmacies, which federal officials believe can double or triple their pace of vaccination.

More than 800,000 doses of the J&amp;J vaccine will also be distributed this week to pharmacies, on top of the 2.4 million they are now getting from Pfizer and Moderna.

Those pharmacies will be key in getting the vaccines into the arms of teachers — particularly in the roughly 20 states where they have not been prioritized for shots. The aim is to help reopen schools to better educate students who have been at risk of falling behind during the pandemic and reduce the burden on parents who have had to choose between childcare and a job.

“Let’s treat in-person learning as the essential service that it is,” Biden said. Teachers will be able to sign up directly through participating retail pharmacies, the administration said.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki also announced Tuesday that the federal government was increasing supply of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines to states next week to 15.2 million doses per week, up from 14.5 million previously. States will also receive 2.8 million doses of the J&amp;J shot this week.

On a call with governors Tuesday, White House coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients said states should prepare to administer 16 million to 17 million total weekly doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines by the end of March, climbing to 17 million to 18 million weekly by early April. The supply of J&amp;J doses to states, expected to dip after the initial shipment this week, will climb to 4 million to 6 million weekly doses by the end of March and 5 million to 6 million doses weekly through the end of April.

Officials have said J&amp;J faced unexpected production issues with its vaccine and produced only 3.9 million doses before being cleared for emergency use authorization on Saturday. The company has promised to deliver 100 million doses by the end of June.

Before the approval of the J&amp;J shot, Biden had suggested that it would take until the end of July to have enough vaccine for every adult in the U.S.

Facing questions about the company’s slipping delivery schedule, J&amp;J Vice President Richard Nettles told lawmakers on Capitol Hill last week that the company had faced “significant challenges” because of its “highly complex” manufacturing process.

Psaki said that an “across-the-administration effort” was required to get the two historic rivals to work together on the vaccines, even though conversations between J&amp;J and Merck have been going on for months.

“There’s a difference between conversations and it moving forward,” she said.

The White House said Merck would devote two plants to the production process. One would make the vaccine and the other would handle inserting the vaccine into vials and ensuring strict quality controls. Psaki said the Biden administration was using its powers under the Defense Production Act to help Merck retool to work on the production.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614740853199.png" alt="“We’re now on track to have enough vaccine supply for every adult in America by the end of May,”&nbsp; President Biden said.- image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>“We’re now on track to have enough vaccine supply for every adult in America by the end of May,”&nbsp; President Biden said.- image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Tuesday the U.S. expects to take delivery of enough coronavirus vaccine for all adults by the end of May — two months earlier than anticipated — and he pushed states to get at least one shot into the arms of teachers by the end of March to hasten school reopenings.Biden also announced that drugmaker Merck will help produce rival Johnson &amp; Johnson’s newly approved one-shot vaccine, likening the partnership between the two drug companies to the spirit of national cooperation during World War II.“We’re now on track to have enough vaccine supply for every adult in America by the end of May,” Biden said.Despite the stepped-up pace of vaccine production, the work of inoculating Americans could extend well into the summer, officials said, depending both on the government’s capacity to deliver doses and Americans’ willingness to roll up their sleeves.Biden’s announcements quickly raised expectations for when the nation could safely emerge from the pandemic with the promise of speedier vaccinations, but even as he expressed optimism, Biden quickly tempered the outlook for a return to life as it was before the virus hit.“I’ve been cautioned not to give an answer to that because we don’t know for sure,” Biden said, before saying his hope for a return to normal was sometime before “this time next year.”As Biden spoke, states across the country were moving to relax virus-related restrictions. This despite the objections of the White House and the nation’s top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, who have warned against any relaxation of virus protocols until more Americans are vaccinated.In Texas, GOP Gov. Greg Abbott moved to lift his state’s mask-wearing mandate and a host of other limitations. Michigan’s Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer eased capacity limits on restaurants and both public and residential gatherings.Fauci has previously said the nation must achieve a vaccination rate of about 80% to reach “herd immunity.” Only about 8% of the population has been fully vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, though the pace of vaccination has been increasing. The U.S. set a new daily record for injections last Thursday and Friday.In hopes of increasing vaccinations even further. the Biden administration told governors to make preparations to administer even more doses in the coming weeks. More shots are also headed toward the federally backed program to administer doses in retail pharmacies, which federal officials believe can double or triple their pace of vaccination.More than 800,000 doses of the J&amp;J vaccine will also be distributed this week to pharmacies, on top of the 2.4 million they are now getting from Pfizer and Moderna.Those pharmacies will be key in getting the vaccines into the arms of teachers — particularly in the roughly 20 states where they have not been prioritized for shots. The aim is to help reopen schools to better educate students who have been at risk of falling behind during the pandemic and reduce the burden on parents who have had to choose between childcare and a job.“Let’s treat in-person learning as the essential service that it is,” Biden said. Teachers will be able to sign up directly through participating retail pharmacies, the administration said.White House press secretary Jen Psaki also announced Tuesday that the federal government was increasing supply of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines to states next week to 15.2 million doses per week, up from 14.5 million previously. States will also receive 2.8 million doses of the J&amp;J shot this week.On a call with governors Tuesday, White House coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients said states should prepare to administer 16 million to 17 million total weekly doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines by the end of March, climbing to 17 million to 18 million weekly by early April. The supply of J&amp;J doses to states, expected to dip after the initial shipment this week, will climb to 4 million to 6 million weekly doses by the end of March and 5 million to 6 million doses weekly through the end of April.Officials have said J&amp;J faced unexpected production issues with its vaccine and produced only 3.9 million doses before being cleared for emergency use authorization on Saturday. The company has promised to deliver 100 million doses by the end of June.Before the approval of the J&amp;J shot, Biden had suggested that it would take until the end of July to have enough vaccine for every adult in the U.S.Facing questions about the company’s slipping delivery schedule, J&amp;J Vice President Richard Nettles told lawmakers on Capitol Hill last week that the company had faced “significant challenges” because of its “highly complex” manufacturing process.Psaki said that an “across-the-administration effort” was required to get the two historic rivals to work together on the vaccines, even though conversations between J&amp;J and Merck have been going on for months.“There’s a difference between conversations and it moving forward,” she said.The White House said Merck would devote two plants to the production process. One would make the vaccine and the other would handle inserting the vaccine into vials and ensuring strict quality controls. Psaki said the Biden administration was using its powers under the Defense Production Act to help Merck retool to work on the production.

Biden vows enough vaccine for all US adults by end of May

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a burglary have a suspect in custody.

Just before 2:30 a.m. February 27, police&nbsp;received a call for service reference an alarm at a church in the 3100 Block of SE 6th in Topeka, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

As officers arrived and were checking the church's status, they noticed a suspect fleeing into a nearby tree line. The officers quickly surrounded the area and requested assistance from the Shawnee County Sheriffs Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drone) program. 

With the UAV capability, officers located the suspect and took him into custody without incident. The suspect identified as Pierce Ragsdale, 27, of Topeka had items from the church in his possession.

&nbsp;Ragsdale remains jailed in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Felony Obstruction, Burglary, Theft and&nbsp;Criminal Damage, according to Monasmith.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614520919826.png" alt="Ragsdale photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Ragsdale photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a burglary have a suspect in custody.Just before 2:30 a.m. February 27, police&nbsp;received a call for service reference an alarm at a church in the 3100 Block of SE 6th in Topeka, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.As officers arrived and were checking the church's status, they noticed a suspect fleeing into a nearby tree line. The officers quickly surrounded the area and requested assistance from the Shawnee County Sheriffs Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drone) program. With the UAV capability, officers located the suspect and took him into custody without incident. The suspect identified as Pierce Ragsdale, 27, of Topeka had items from the church in his possession.&nbsp;Ragsdale remains jailed in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Felony Obstruction, Burglary, Theft and&nbsp;Criminal Damage, according to Monasmith.

Police use drone to track down Kansas church burglary suspect

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City police officer who shot and killed a Black man last year will not be charged in the death, the Jackson County prosecutor announced.

Donnie Sanders, 47,&nbsp;was shot&nbsp;in an alley on March 12, 2020. The officer, whose name has not been released, told investigators that he thought Sanders was pointing a gun at him. Sanders had a cellphone in his pocket but was not armed, investigators said.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said in a news release Monday that two witnesses corroborated the officer's account; One said Sanders appeared to have a gun and another said Sanders had his arm extended and was moving toward the officer when he was shot.

Peters Baker said evidence in the case doesn't support charges.

Civil rights leaders in Kansas City said the decision tells the city's officers that they can fatally shoot Black people without fear of reprisal.

“The system that exists is not capable of bringing justice to Black people,” said Ryan Sorrell, a leader of Black Rainbow. “I think it's a corrupt and racist institution from its inception and at its root. It's just blatant naked violence without any accountability.”

Sanders' death was one of several fatal shootings of Black people cited during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-kansas-city-health-kansas-racial-injustice-02d510348e588646ec876a492b281809">protests against police</a>&nbsp;in 2020. The demonstrations followed years of efforts by civil rights organizations pushing for reforms to improve police accountability and for Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith to resign or be fired .

Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League of Kansas City blamed a system that gives officers qualified immunity that allows them to kill Black men and women “with impunity.” She said the decision was no surprise.

“It's indicative of a problem with a criminal justice system that provides more protection for law enforcement than it does for civilians," Grant said. "The effect of that is where we see a disproportionate impact on Black lives.”

The police department said it mourns any loss of life, particularly when an officer is involved.

“The Kansas City Missouri Police Department provided the prosecutor with all the facts known in the case, and we respect the judicial process and the outcome,” the department said in a statement.

Court documents said the officer was following Sanders because he believed he was speeding and improperly used his turn signal. The officer did not use his sirens or police lights until just before Sanders stopped his vehicle in an alley and got out.

A video released with Baker's statement shows the officer running past Sanders' vehicle but not the shooting. The officer yells at Sanders to “stop” and “drop it.” Sanders responds but his words are indistinct in the video. Then the officer yells “drop” at least four times before shots are fired.

Baker said she asked the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-shootings-police-michael-brown-0a64f868727562988c8ac4e7cf24f616">Missouri State Highway Patrol</a>&nbsp;to investigate the shooting and had two other district attorney's offices review the investigation. She said investigators tried to enhance the video and canvassed for more witnesses up until last week.

“These events exact a great toll on our community, a community searching for hope to heal and prevent the staggering high levels of violence in this city,” Baker said. “We continue to search for new partners to address and suppress this violence and begin to heal the resulting trauma and harm for our community.”

Grant and Sorrell said civil rights organizations would not stop fighting for police reform and accountability.

“It is discouraging that more of our civic community has been basically silent but we will not be deterred,” Grant said. “We will continue to press for changes until we see reforms that are necessary.”

Black Rainbow advocates for the reallocation of funds from police and prisons to Black and poor communities.

“We want public officials to ... truly create safe communities where we wouldn’t have to see any more of our brothers and sisters killed by lawless police officers,” Sorrell said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614718447815.png" alt="Police dashcam video shows's Sanders' SUV turning before the fatal shooting-image Jackson County prosecutor's office" />
 <figcaption>Police dashcam video shows's Sanders' SUV turning before the fatal shooting-image Jackson County prosecutor's office</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City police officer who shot and killed a Black man last year will not be charged in the death, the Jackson County prosecutor announced.Donnie Sanders, 47,&nbsp;was shot&nbsp;in an alley on March 12, 2020. The officer, whose name has not been released, told investigators that he thought Sanders was pointing a gun at him. Sanders had a cellphone in his pocket but was not armed, investigators said.Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said in a news release Monday that two witnesses corroborated the officer's account; One said Sanders appeared to have a gun and another said Sanders had his arm extended and was moving toward the officer when he was shot.Peters Baker said evidence in the case doesn't support charges.Civil rights leaders in Kansas City said the decision tells the city's officers that they can fatally shoot Black people without fear of reprisal.“The system that exists is not capable of bringing justice to Black people,” said Ryan Sorrell, a leader of Black Rainbow. “I think it's a corrupt and racist institution from its inception and at its root. It's just blatant naked violence without any accountability.”Sanders' death was one of several fatal shootings of Black people cited during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-kansas-city-health-kansas-racial-injustice-02d510348e588646ec876a492b281809">protests against police</a>&nbsp;in 2020. The demonstrations followed years of efforts by civil rights organizations pushing for reforms to improve police accountability and for Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith to resign or be fired .Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League of Kansas City blamed a system that gives officers qualified immunity that allows them to kill Black men and women “with impunity.” She said the decision was no surprise.“It's indicative of a problem with a criminal justice system that provides more protection for law enforcement than it does for civilians," Grant said. "The effect of that is where we see a disproportionate impact on Black lives.”The police department said it mourns any loss of life, particularly when an officer is involved.“The Kansas City Missouri Police Department provided the prosecutor with all the facts known in the case, and we respect the judicial process and the outcome,” the department said in a statement.Court documents said the officer was following Sanders because he believed he was speeding and improperly used his turn signal. The officer did not use his sirens or police lights until just before Sanders stopped his vehicle in an alley and got out.A video released with Baker's statement shows the officer running past Sanders' vehicle but not the shooting. The officer yells at Sanders to “stop” and “drop it.” Sanders responds but his words are indistinct in the video. Then the officer yells “drop” at least four times before shots are fired.Baker said she asked the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-shootings-police-michael-brown-0a64f868727562988c8ac4e7cf24f616">Missouri State Highway Patrol</a>&nbsp;to investigate the shooting and had two other district attorney's offices review the investigation. She said investigators tried to enhance the video and canvassed for more witnesses up until last week.“These events exact a great toll on our community, a community searching for hope to heal and prevent the staggering high levels of violence in this city,” Baker said. “We continue to search for new partners to address and suppress this violence and begin to heal the resulting trauma and harm for our community.”Grant and Sorrell said civil rights organizations would not stop fighting for police reform and accountability.“It is discouraging that more of our civic community has been basically silent but we will not be deterred,” Grant said. “We will continue to press for changes until we see reforms that are necessary.”Black Rainbow advocates for the reallocation of funds from police and prisons to Black and poor communities.“We want public officials to ... truly create safe communities where we wouldn’t have to see any more of our brothers and sisters killed by lawless police officers,” Sorrell said.

No charges in police shooting of Black man in Kansas City

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service reminds first-time filers 
and those who usually don't have a federal filing requirement to 
consider filing a 2020 tax return. They may be eligible to claim the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a>,
 a new refundable credit, authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
 Economic Security (CARES) Act and the COVID-related Tax Relief Act.

Most individuals eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit have already
 received the full amount in two rounds of payments, known as Economic 
Impact Payments. All legally permitted first and second Economic Impact 
Payments have been issued.

Individuals who were eligible but did not receive the first or second
 Economic Impact Payment or received less than the full amounts may be 
eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit and must file a 2020 
federal tax return, even if they do not usually file a tax return. The 
IRS offers free options to prepare and file a return.

Taxpayers who received the full amounts of both Economic Impact 
Payments won't claim the Recovery Rebate Credit or include any 
information about the payments on their 2020 tax return because the IRS 
already issued their Recovery Rebate Credit in advance as Economic 
Impact Payments.

Didn't get an Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amount?

People who didn't get an Economic Impact Payment or got less than the
 full amounts may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit and 
must file a 2020 tax return, even if they don't usually file.

The first Economic Impact Payment was based on an individual's 2019 
tax year information or 2018 if the 2019 tax return information was not 
available. The second Economic Impact Payment was based on an 
individual's 2019 tax year information. The Recovery Rebate Credit is 
similar except that the eligibility and the amount are based on 2020 
information on the tax return. The Recovery Rebate Credit is reduced by 
any Economic Impact Payments issued.

People who were not eligible for either or both of the Economic 
Impact Payments may still be eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit 
since it's based on their 2020 tax return information. Those with lower 
income in 2020 or who were claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax 
return in 2018 or 2019, but who cannot be claimed as a dependent on 
someone else's return in 2020, may now be eligible for the Recovery 
Rebate Credit.

People eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit based on their 
2020 tax information must file a 2020 federal tax return. For more 
information about the Recovery Rebate Credit, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit-frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</a> at IRS.gov.

To avoid refund delays, file a complete and accurate tax return. The 
best way to file a complete and accurate 2020 tax return is to file 
electronically. The tax software will ask questions about income, 
credits and deductions and help taxpayers figure their Recovery Rebate 
Credit. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040">Form 1040 and Form 1040-SR instructions</a> includes a worksheet that can also help.

Individuals will need to know the amount of their Economic Impact 
Payments to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. Those who don't have their
 Economic Impact Payment notices can view the amounts of their first and
 second Economic Impact Payments through their individual <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account">online account</a>. For married filing joint individuals, each spouse will need to log into his or her own account.

The Recovery Rebate Credit will be included in any tax refund. It 
will not be issued separately. For those due a refund (which would 
include the Recovery Rebate Credit), combining electronic filing with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/directdeposit">direct deposit</a> is the safest and fastest way to get their refund.

Taxpayers with incomes of $72,000 or less, an use brand-name software
 to prepare and file their federal tax returns electronically for free 
with IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>.
 IRS Free File is a great option for people who are only filing a tax 
return to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. Free File Fillable Forms is 
the only IRS Free File option available for most taxpayers whose&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/definition-of-adjusted-gross-income">adjusted gross income</a> is greater than $72,000.

Taxpayers who have no taxable income but are filing a return to 
receive the Recovery Rebate Credit should look for several of the Free 
File products that have no minimum income for eligibility. Simply go to 
IRS.gov/Free File, select "Choose an IRS Free File Offer" and then 
select "Browse All Offers" to find a Free File product with no minimum 
income as part of its offer.

Free online tax help for military service members, families and some veterans

<a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/tax-resource-center/miltax-military-tax-services">MilTax</a>,
 Military OneSource's tax service, provides online software for eligible
 individuals to electronically file a federal return and up to three 
state returns for free.

Free tax preparation in local communities

First-time filers and those who usually don't have a filing requirement may also qualify for free assistance from IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)</a> programs in their community. These programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.

The VITA program has operated for over 50 years, offering free tax help to:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service reminds first-time filers 
and those who usually don't have a federal filing requirement to 
consider filing a 2020 tax return. They may be eligible to claim the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a>,
 a new refundable credit, authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
 Economic Security (CARES) Act and the COVID-related Tax Relief Act.Most individuals eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit have already
 received the full amount in two rounds of payments, known as Economic 
Impact Payments. All legally permitted first and second Economic Impact 
Payments have been issued.Individuals who were eligible but did not receive the first or second
 Economic Impact Payment or received less than the full amounts may be 
eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit and must file a 2020 
federal tax return, even if they do not usually file a tax return. The 
IRS offers free options to prepare and file a return.Taxpayers who received the full amounts of both Economic Impact 
Payments won't claim the Recovery Rebate Credit or include any 
information about the payments on their 2020 tax return because the IRS 
already issued their Recovery Rebate Credit in advance as Economic 
Impact Payments.<h2>Didn't get an Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amount?</h2>People who didn't get an Economic Impact Payment or got less than the
 full amounts may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit and 
must file a 2020 tax return, even if they don't usually file.The first Economic Impact Payment was based on an individual's 2019 
tax year information or 2018 if the 2019 tax return information was not 
available. The second Economic Impact Payment was based on an 
individual's 2019 tax year information. The Recovery Rebate Credit is 
similar except that the eligibility and the amount are based on 2020 
information on the tax return. The Recovery Rebate Credit is reduced by 
any Economic Impact Payments issued.People who were not eligible for either or both of the Economic 
Impact Payments may still be eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit 
since it's based on their 2020 tax return information. Those with lower 
income in 2020 or who were claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax 
return in 2018 or 2019, but who cannot be claimed as a dependent on 
someone else's return in 2020, may now be eligible for the Recovery 
Rebate Credit.People eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit based on their 
2020 tax information must file a 2020 federal tax return. For more 
information about the Recovery Rebate Credit, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit-frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</a> at IRS.gov.<h2>Filing a 2020 tax return</h2>To avoid refund delays, file a complete and accurate tax return. The 
best way to file a complete and accurate 2020 tax return is to file 
electronically. The tax software will ask questions about income, 
credits and deductions and help taxpayers figure their Recovery Rebate 
Credit. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040">Form 1040 and Form 1040-SR instructions</a> includes a worksheet that can also help.Individuals will need to know the amount of their Economic Impact 
Payments to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. Those who don't have their
 Economic Impact Payment notices can view the amounts of their first and
 second Economic Impact Payments through their individual <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account">online account</a>. For married filing joint individuals, each spouse will need to log into his or her own account.The Recovery Rebate Credit will be included in any tax refund. It 
will not be issued separately. For those due a refund (which would 
include the Recovery Rebate Credit), combining electronic filing with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/directdeposit">direct deposit</a> is the safest and fastest way to get their refund.<h2>IRS Free File</h2>Taxpayers with incomes of $72,000 or less, an use brand-name software
 to prepare and file their federal tax returns electronically for free 
with IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>.
 IRS Free File is a great option for people who are only filing a tax 
return to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. Free File Fillable Forms is 
the only IRS Free File option available for most taxpayers whose&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/definition-of-adjusted-gross-income">adjusted gross income</a> is greater than $72,000.Taxpayers who have no taxable income but are filing a return to 
receive the Recovery Rebate Credit should look for several of the Free 
File products that have no minimum income for eligibility. Simply go to 
IRS.gov/Free File, select "Choose an IRS Free File Offer" and then 
select "Browse All Offers" to find a Free File product with no minimum 
income as part of its offer.<h2>Free online tax help for military service members, families and some veterans</h2><a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/tax-resource-center/miltax-military-tax-services">MilTax</a>,
 Military OneSource's tax service, provides online software for eligible
 individuals to electronically file a federal return and up to three 
state returns for free.<h2>Free tax preparation in local communities</h2>First-time filers and those who usually don't have a filing requirement may also qualify for free assistance from IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)</a> programs in their community. These programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.<h2>The VITA program has operated for over 50 years, offering free tax help to:</h2><ul>
 <li>People who generally make $57,000 or less</li><li>Persons with disabilities; and</li><li>Limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their tax return.</li>
 </ul>In addition to VITA, the TCE program offers free tax help, 
particularly for those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing 
in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to 
seniors.This year, some VITA/TCE sites are not operating at full capacity and others are not opening. Check the VITA/TCE <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">locator tool</a> to search for nearby available sites.<h2>Help at IRS.gov</h2>IRS.gov has online resources to answer tax questions immediately. The
 Interactive Tax Assistant is a tool that provides answers to several 
tax-law questions specific to a taxpayer's individual circumstances.Visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing">IRS.gov/filing</a>
 for details about IRS Free File, Free File Fillable Forms, free VITA or
 TCE tax preparation sites in the local community or finding a trusted 
tax professional.