WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House warned that the U.S. may consider a military response to the rocket attack on Wednesday that hit an air base in western Iraq where American and coalition troops are housed, raising concerns this could trigger a new round of escalating violence.

A U.S. contractor died after at least 10 rockets slammed into the base. And while no group claimed responsibility, it was the first strike since the U.S. bombed Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week.

Heightened tensions with Iranian-backed militia groups in Iraq could lead to more attacks, complicating the Biden administration’s desire to open talks with Iran over the 2015 nuclear deal, as well as the ongoing U.S. strategy to focus more attention on Asia.

Asked about the attack, President Joe Biden told reporters, “we are following that through right now.” He added, “Thank God, no one was killed by the rocket, but one individual, a contractor, died of a heart attack. But we’re identifying who’s responsible and we’ll make judgments” about a response.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki suggested that the “calculated” U.S. airstrikes last week could be a model for a military response. Those strikes were in response to an attack on American forces in northern Iraq earlier in February.

“If we assess further response is warranted, we will take action again in a manner and time of our choosing,” Psaki said.

Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. contractor “suffered a cardiac episode while sheltering” from the attack and died shortly afterward. He said there were no service members injured and all are accounted for. British and Danish troops also are among those stationed at the base.

The U.S. airstrikes last week, which killed one member of the Iran-aligned militia, had stoked fears of another cycle of tit-for-tat attacks as happened more than a year ago. Those attacks included the U.S. drone strike in January 2020 that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani in Baghdad and set off months of increased troops levels in the region.

The latest attack also comes two days before Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Iraq despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travel-islamic-state-group-coronavirus-pandemic-pope-francis-iraq-c12a15c5cce65c6edd4856567fcc7e7f">concerns about security and the coronavirus pandemic</a>. The much-anticipated trip will include stops in Baghdad, southern Iraq and the northern city of Irbil.

The rockets struck Ain al-Asad airbase in Anbar province early in the morning, U.S.-led coalition spokesperson Col. Wayne Marotto said. Kirby said the rockets were fired from east of the base, and that counter-rocket defensive systems were used to defend forces at the base. He added that while 10 rockets hit the base, he didn’t have information on what, if any, impact the defensive systems had in stopping any strikes. He said damage assessments were ongoing.

Asked if the attack may have come from Iranian-backed Shia militia groups, Kirby said the U.S. can’t attribute responsibility for the attack yet. He acknowledged, however, during a Pentagon briefing, that “we have seen rocket attacks come from Shia-backed militia groups in the past. So in that way, certainly it certainly coincides with our past experience here.”

It’s the same base that Iran struck with a barrage of missiles in January of last year in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani. Dozens of U.S. service members suffered concussions in that strike.

The Iraqi military released a statement saying that Wednesday’s attack did not cause significant losses and that security forces had found the launch pad used for the rockets — a truck. Video of the site shows a burning truck in a desert area.

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 said coalition forces at the base 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 at the base at the time of the attack are unharmed.

Last week’s U.S. strike along the border was 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.”

Marotto, the coalition spokesperson, said the Iraqi security forces were leading an investigation into the attack.

Frequent rocket attacks in Baghdad targeting the heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses the U.S. Embassy, during Donald Trump’s presidency frustrated the administration, leading to threats of embassy closure and escalatory strikes. Those attacks have increased again in recent weeks, since President Joe Biden took office, following a lull during the transition period.

U.S. troops in Iraq significantly decreased their presence in the country last year and withdrew from several Iraqi bases to consolidate chiefly in Ain al-Asad, Baghdad and Irbil.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614355996334.png" alt="Photo courtesy Coalition for Operation Inherent Resolve" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Coalition for Operation Inherent Resolve</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House warned that the U.S. may consider a military response to the rocket attack on Wednesday that hit an air base in western Iraq where American and coalition troops are housed, raising concerns this could trigger a new round of escalating violence.A U.S. contractor died after at least 10 rockets slammed into the base. And while no group claimed responsibility, it was the first strike since the U.S. bombed Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week.Heightened tensions with Iranian-backed militia groups in Iraq could lead to more attacks, complicating the Biden administration’s desire to open talks with Iran over the 2015 nuclear deal, as well as the ongoing U.S. strategy to focus more attention on Asia.Asked about the attack, President Joe Biden told reporters, “we are following that through right now.” He added, “Thank God, no one was killed by the rocket, but one individual, a contractor, died of a heart attack. But we’re identifying who’s responsible and we’ll make judgments” about a response.White House press secretary Jen Psaki suggested that the “calculated” U.S. airstrikes last week could be a model for a military response. Those strikes were in response to an attack on American forces in northern Iraq earlier in February.“If we assess further response is warranted, we will take action again in a manner and time of our choosing,” Psaki said.Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. contractor “suffered a cardiac episode while sheltering” from the attack and died shortly afterward. He said there were no service members injured and all are accounted for. British and Danish troops also are among those stationed at the base.The U.S. airstrikes last week, which killed one member of the Iran-aligned militia, had stoked fears of another cycle of tit-for-tat attacks as happened more than a year ago. Those attacks included the U.S. drone strike in January 2020 that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani in Baghdad and set off months of increased troops levels in the region.The latest attack also comes two days before Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Iraq despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travel-islamic-state-group-coronavirus-pandemic-pope-francis-iraq-c12a15c5cce65c6edd4856567fcc7e7f">concerns about security and the coronavirus pandemic</a>. The much-anticipated trip will include stops in Baghdad, southern Iraq and the northern city of Irbil.The rockets struck Ain al-Asad airbase in Anbar province early in the morning, U.S.-led coalition spokesperson Col. Wayne Marotto said. Kirby said the rockets were fired from east of the base, and that counter-rocket defensive systems were used to defend forces at the base. He added that while 10 rockets hit the base, he didn’t have information on what, if any, impact the defensive systems had in stopping any strikes. He said damage assessments were ongoing.Asked if the attack may have come from Iranian-backed Shia militia groups, Kirby said the U.S. can’t attribute responsibility for the attack yet. He acknowledged, however, during a Pentagon briefing, that “we have seen rocket attacks come from Shia-backed militia groups in the past. So in that way, certainly it certainly coincides with our past experience here.”It’s the same base that Iran struck with a barrage of missiles in January of last year in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani. Dozens of U.S. service members suffered concussions in that strike.The Iraqi military released a statement saying that Wednesday’s attack did not cause significant losses and that security forces had found the launch pad used for the rockets — a truck. Video of the site shows a burning truck in a desert area.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 said coalition forces at the base 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 at the base at the time of the attack are unharmed.Last week’s U.S. strike along the border was 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.”Marotto, the coalition spokesperson, said the Iraqi security forces were leading an investigation into the attack.Frequent rocket attacks in Baghdad targeting the heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses the U.S. Embassy, during Donald Trump’s presidency frustrated the administration, leading to threats of embassy closure and escalatory strikes. Those attacks have increased again in recent weeks, since President Joe Biden took office, following a lull during the transition period.U.S. troops in Iraq significantly decreased their presence in the country last year and withdrew from several Iraqi bases to consolidate chiefly in Ain al-Asad, Baghdad and Irbil.___

US warns of military response to rocket attack on Iraq base

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating an armed robbery in Coffeyville communicated suspect vehicle and occupant information to deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.

Deputies were able to locate the suspect vehicle on U.S. Highway 169 North of Cherryvale and conducted a traffic stop.&nbsp; Deputies found two suspect in the vehicle.

Deputies took Sah’mondre Vanburen, age 23, of Parsons, Kansas and a juvenile into custody and transported them to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s office where they were booked on the requested charge of Aggravated Robbery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614802110164.png" alt="Vanburen -photo Montgomery County" />
 <figcaption>Vanburen -photo Montgomery County</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating an armed robbery in Coffeyville communicated suspect vehicle and occupant information to deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.Deputies were able to locate the suspect vehicle on U.S. Highway 169 North of Cherryvale and conducted a traffic stop.&nbsp; Deputies found two suspect in the vehicle.Deputies took Sah’mondre Vanburen, age 23, of Parsons, Kansas and a juvenile into custody and transported them to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s office where they were booked on the requested charge of Aggravated Robbery.

Deputies catch Kansas armed robbery suspect during traffic stop

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas House members advanced a bill Wednesday that would lower the legal age to carry concealed firearms in Kansas from 21 to 18 for those who complete a background check and undergo safety training.

Eighteen, 19-, and 20-year-old Kansans can already carry firearms in the open in Kansas. Proponents of lowering the age for concealed carry said that those under 21 can serve in the military and are eligible to vote. Opponents countered that those under 21 are less mature and more prone to risk-taking

If passed, the bill would significantly increase the number of university and college students in Kansas eligible to carry concealed firearms on campus. But the legislation won’t change current laws that allow high schools to prohibit guns on school grounds, according to the Kansas Association of School Boards and the Kansas National Education Association, which opposes the bill.

Rep. Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican, led the move on the House floor and said his interest stems in part from someone attempting to abduct his college-age daughter at a Wichita gas station last year. As a 20-year-old, she wasn’t eligible to carry a concealed gun.

“It’s that simple: Either they are adults at 18, or they are not, and we need to plan accordingly,” Owens told The Associated Press. “They can serve in our military, they can vote, they can do various other things as adults. They should have the right to protect themselves.”

The House rejected amendments from Democrats that included banning concealed weapons in the statehouse and allowing universities to decide whether to allow concealed carry on campuses.

Rep. Barbara Ballard, a Lawrence Democrat and administrator at the University of Kansas, said many of her constituents are concerned about the proposal.

“I would like for us not to have concealed carry on our campus so that faculty would feel comfortable not worrying about what might happen if they give someone a bad grade or you get in a disagreement with a student, or they don’t want to be hired by us because they see because we put on our website — and we have to — that we are a concealed carry campus,” Ballard said.

Rep. Susan Estes, a Wichita Republican, said she was harassed by a stalker when she was a college student, leading her to quit her job and her parents to move homes.

“There’s a sad truth that women are targets, especially as we’re going from our cars into our buildings,” Estes said.

Eleven states allow those who are 18 to carry a concealed firearm, according to the United States Concealed Carry Association, one of the largest firearm-owner groups in the country.

The House Federal and State Affairs Committee held a hearing on the bill, but the chairman opted not to hold a vote. State Rep. Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican, then offered it as an amendment to another bill on the floor.

The bill also would expand the state’s recognition of concealed carry permits for out-of-state visitors who carry their own state’s permits.

The bill needs a final vote before it goes to the Senate for consideration.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas House members advanced a bill Wednesday that would lower the legal age to carry concealed firearms in Kansas from 21 to 18 for those who complete a background check and undergo safety training.Eighteen, 19-, and 20-year-old Kansans can already carry firearms in the open in Kansas. Proponents of lowering the age for concealed carry said that those under 21 can serve in the military and are eligible to vote. Opponents countered that those under 21 are less mature and more prone to risk-takingIf passed, the bill would significantly increase the number of university and college students in Kansas eligible to carry concealed firearms on campus. But the legislation won’t change current laws that allow high schools to prohibit guns on school grounds, according to the Kansas Association of School Boards and the Kansas National Education Association, which opposes the bill.Rep. Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican, led the move on the House floor and said his interest stems in part from someone attempting to abduct his college-age daughter at a Wichita gas station last year. As a 20-year-old, she wasn’t eligible to carry a concealed gun.“It’s that simple: Either they are adults at 18, or they are not, and we need to plan accordingly,” Owens told The Associated Press. “They can serve in our military, they can vote, they can do various other things as adults. They should have the right to protect themselves.”The House rejected amendments from Democrats that included banning concealed weapons in the statehouse and allowing universities to decide whether to allow concealed carry on campuses.Rep. Barbara Ballard, a Lawrence Democrat and administrator at the University of Kansas, said many of her constituents are concerned about the proposal.“I would like for us not to have concealed carry on our campus so that faculty would feel comfortable not worrying about what might happen if they give someone a bad grade or you get in a disagreement with a student, or they don’t want to be hired by us because they see because we put on our website — and we have to — that we are a concealed carry campus,” Ballard said.Rep. Susan Estes, a Wichita Republican, said she was harassed by a stalker when she was a college student, leading her to quit her job and her parents to move homes.“There’s a sad truth that women are targets, especially as we’re going from our cars into our buildings,” Estes said.Eleven states allow those who are 18 to carry a concealed firearm, according to the United States Concealed Carry Association, one of the largest firearm-owner groups in the country.The House Federal and State Affairs Committee held a hearing on the bill, but the chairman opted not to hold a vote. State Rep. Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican, then offered it as an amendment to another bill on the floor.The bill also would expand the state’s recognition of concealed carry permits for out-of-state visitors who carry their own state’s permits.The bill needs a final vote before it goes to the Senate for consideration.___

Kansas bill to lower concealed carry age advances in House

KANSAS CITY– Eight defendants have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a $4.1 million conspiracy to distribute more than 520 kilograms of methamphetamine, according to the United States Attorney.

Tina Marie Bailey, 36, and Martin Lee Williams, 58, both of Kansas City, Mo.; Mark Williams Hildebrand II, 31, and Harry Richard Watson Jr., also known as “Ricky,” 35, of St. Joseph, Mo.; Derek Sean Freese, 53, Carl Dewey Williams, 47, and Angeliqua Teresa Collins, 35, all of Moberly, Mo.; and &nbsp;Joshua Lee Laws, 44, of Unionville, Mo., were charged in a five-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Feb. 23, 2021. The indictment has been unsealed and made public following the arrests and initial court appearances of several defendants this week.

Collins, Laws, and Watson were arrested today. Martin Williams was arrested on Monday, March 1. The remaining defendants were already detained in state custody in separate and unrelated cases.

The federal indictment alleges that all eight defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 1, 2017, to Feb. 22, 2021. The indictment also alleges that all eight defendants participated in a related money-laundering conspiracy.

In addition to the conspiracy counts, Bailey, Freese, Laws, Carl Williams, and Martin Williams are charged together with one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence and drug-trafficking crimes. Freese, Carl Williams, and Martin Williams are also charged together in one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Bailey and Laws are also charged together in one count of being a drug user in possession of firearms and ammunition.

The firearms cited in the indictment include a Smith &amp; Wesson 9mm semi-automatic handgun with a magazine containing 16 live rounds with one round in the chamber; a Tisas 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun, a Smith &amp; Wesson .380-caliber semi-automatic handgun, a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Ruger .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun, a High-Point 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Smith &amp; Wesson .40-caliber, semi-automatic handgun, a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Smith &amp; Wesson .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun, a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun, and various other firearms identified by witnesses, including those traded for methamphetamine.

The indictment also contains a forfeiture count, which would require the defendants to forfeit to the government $4,160,000, which allegedly was received in exchange for the unlawful distribution of more than 520 kilograms of methamphetamine, based on an average street price of $8,000 per kilogram. The defendants must also forfeit the firearms that were seized by law enforcement officers during the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614772053451.png" alt="Watson photo Buchanan County" />
 <figcaption>Watson photo Buchanan County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY– Eight defendants have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a $4.1 million conspiracy to distribute more than 520 kilograms of methamphetamine, according to the United States Attorney.Tina Marie Bailey, 36, and Martin Lee Williams, 58, both of Kansas City, Mo.; Mark Williams Hildebrand II, 31, and Harry Richard Watson Jr., also known as “Ricky,” 35, of St. Joseph, Mo.; Derek Sean Freese, 53, Carl Dewey Williams, 47, and Angeliqua Teresa Collins, 35, all of Moberly, Mo.; and &nbsp;Joshua Lee Laws, 44, of Unionville, Mo., were charged in a five-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Feb. 23, 2021. The indictment has been unsealed and made public following the arrests and initial court appearances of several defendants this week.Collins, Laws, and Watson were arrested today. Martin Williams was arrested on Monday, March 1. The remaining defendants were already detained in state custody in separate and unrelated cases.The federal indictment alleges that all eight defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 1, 2017, to Feb. 22, 2021. The indictment also alleges that all eight defendants participated in a related money-laundering conspiracy.In addition to the conspiracy counts, Bailey, Freese, Laws, Carl Williams, and Martin Williams are charged together with one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence and drug-trafficking crimes. Freese, Carl Williams, and Martin Williams are also charged together in one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Bailey and Laws are also charged together in one count of being a drug user in possession of firearms and ammunition.The firearms cited in the indictment include a Smith &amp; Wesson 9mm semi-automatic handgun with a magazine containing 16 live rounds with one round in the chamber; a Tisas 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun, a Smith &amp; Wesson .380-caliber semi-automatic handgun, a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Ruger .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun, a High-Point 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Smith &amp; Wesson .40-caliber, semi-automatic handgun, a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Smith &amp; Wesson .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun, a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun, and various other firearms identified by witnesses, including those traded for methamphetamine.The indictment also contains a forfeiture count, which would require the defendants to forfeit to the government $4,160,000, which allegedly was received in exchange for the unlawful distribution of more than 520 kilograms of methamphetamine, based on an average street price of $8,000 per kilogram. The defendants must also forfeit the firearms that were seized by law enforcement officers during the investigation.

8  Indicted for $4.1 million Kansas City meth conspiracy

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.

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.

<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.