KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Fans lined up Wednesday to get a prime spot in downtown Kansas City as the city celebrates the Kansas City Chiefs' second&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;championship in four NFL seasons.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid and Super Bowl MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes were riding in double-decker buses, joined by teammates, family and Chiefs officials, in front of fans standing up to 10 people deep as the parade rolled down a main downtown street on the way to a rally at Union Station.

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt stood in one of the buses holding the Lombardi Trophy, denoting the Chiefs 38-35 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl on Sunday. He later handed it off to players, who passed it around.

Most schools, many businesses and some government offices in the Kansas City metro area <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/e93ae229-1f73-4427-8e55-f5c93e6ac7d2">and beyond</a> were closed to allow fans to enjoy the festivities.

Fans were generally happy and in good spirits while waiting in long lines for food trucks, merchandise trucks and, of course, portable toilets. Some people slept overnight to get prime spots across from Union Station.

But Shellie Diehl, 46, of Kansas City, was seated along a street about a block from Union Station as the crowd became more congested in front of the rally site. She was joined by her 8-year-old daughter, Skyler; 16-year-old daughter, Taylor; and a friend.

Diehl said she came to the Chiefs parade in 2020 and decided to have mother-daughter time while celebrating Skyler's first parade.

“The last one was so much fun, we decided we had to come to this one,” Diehl said. “We're big Chiefs fans, and we wanted to celebrate a great day with the community.”

After decades of championship drought, the city is gaining experience with victory parades. Four seasons ago, the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers for the team’s first Super Bowl championship in 50 years. That followed the Kansas City Royals winning the World Series in 2015, the city’s first baseball championship in 30 years.

Some fans admitted that Kansas City might be getting a little spoiled.

“Kind of getting used to it, but that's OK,” said Liz Barber, 50, of Shawnee, Kansas. “It is good.”

David Cordray, 38, from Kansas City, said “We had a 50-year-drought, so it's about time we had our own dynasty.”

A group of about 25 Chiefs fans from Kansas City who arrived about 6 a.m. cooked up a breakfast feast, complete with corn on the cob, bacon and potatoes and all the trimmings — and they had steaks ready for later in the day.

Dominic Zamora, 18, of Kansas City, said the friends arrived about 6 a.m. to set up their tailgate, continuing a tradition whenever he and his friends attend Chiefs games. He said he expects to return for more parades in the coming years.

“With Mahomes, there's more to come,” Zamora said. “It's going to be fun, and I'm excited to show up."

Manuel Palacio, 48, of Kansas City, was dressed in a cow's suit in a tribute to Kansas City's “Cowtown” nickname. He said he was a longtime Buffalo Bills fan who converted to the Chiefs in about 1993 after losing a bet with a Chiefs fan.

“I had to convert,” Palacio said. “It's like being an Oakland Raiders fan; at some point you have to cheer for the team who keeps winning,” he said, laughing.

Palacio said he and his extended family spend the season watching the Chiefs games at home and decided “when — not if — we win the Super Bowl, we're going to go down there and have some fun, celebrate together.”

Officials began planning the parade weeks before the Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2023-kansas-city-chiefs-philadelphia-eagles-43a1fb387f63438c1eea23b6a4244d95">defeated the Eagles</a>&nbsp;on a field goal with 8 seconds remaining in the game.

Kansas City police said about 675 law enforcement officers from more than 20 agencies, along with fire departments and transportation leaders, were fanned out along the route for the anticipated crowd.

The City Council Transportation and Infrastructure Committee agreed to earmark $750,000 for parade-related expenses, and Mayor Quinton Lucas estimated overtime costs for police and firefighters would total more than $1.5 million.

The the Kansas City Sports Commission is expected to contribute another $1 million in private donations, and the Jackson County Legislature voted to add $75,000.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Fans lined up Wednesday morning to get a prime spot in downtown Kansas City as the city celebrates the Kansas City Chiefs' second&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;championship in two years.

<a href="https://www.visitkc.com/chiefs/champions-parade-live">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;the parade that begins at noon courtesy Visit KC and KSHB-TV

Chiefs coach Andy Reid and Super Bowl MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes will join teammates, family and Chiefs officials as they ride in open-air vehicles down a main downtown streets to a rally at Union Station.

Most schools, many businesses and some government offices in the Kansas City metro area were closed to allow fans to enjoy the festivities.

Fans endured a chilly wind as the sun came up to wait in long lines for food trucks and merchandise trucks, and even at a tent where a barber was giving free haircuts. Tents of those who slept overnight to get a prime spot dotted the area around Union Station, and some people were fast asleep hours before the parade began.

A group of about 25 Chiefs fans from Kansas City cooked up a breakfast feast, complete with corn on the cob, bacon and potatoes and all the trimmings — and they had steaks ready for later in the day.

Manuel Palacio, 48, of Kansas City, was dressed in a cow's suit in a tribute to Kansas City's “Cowtown” nickname.

He said he was a longtime Buffalo Bills fan who converted to the Chiefs in about 1993 after losing a bet with a Chiefs fan.

Officials began planning the parade even before the Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2023-kansas-city-chiefs-philadelphia-eagles-43a1fb387f63438c1eea23b6a4244d95">defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35</a>&nbsp;Sunday on a field goal with 8 seconds remaining in the game.

Officials said that more than 19 local and area law enforcement agencies, along with fire departments and transportation leaders are ready for the anticipated crowd.

After decades of championship drought, the city is gaining experience with victory parades. Two years ago, the Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/san-francisco-49ers-sports-general-super-bowl-football-ap-top-news-8f6178fbfa3844677b5fc374bc53b80f">defeated the San Francisco 49ers</a>&nbsp;for the team's first Super Bowl championship in 50 years. That followed the Kansas City Royals winning the World Series in 2015, the city's first baseball championship in 30 years.

KANSAS CITY(AP) — Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to line the streets of downtown Kansas City on Wednesday as the city celebrates the Kansas City Chiefs' second&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;championship in two years.

<a href="https://www.visitkc.com/chiefs/champions-parade-live">Click here to watch</a> the parade that begins at noon.

The rally at Union Station&nbsp;and the National&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theworldwar.org/">WWI Museum and Memorial north lawn&nbsp;</a>will begin at approximately 1:45p.m and last approximately 1 hour.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid and Super Bowl MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be joined by teammates, family and Chiefs officials as they ride in open-air vehicles down one of the city’s main downtown streets.

Most schools, many businesses and some government offices in the Kansas City metro area will be closed so people can celebrate. The event starts at noon and will end with a victory rally at the city’s Union Station.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676490712326.png" alt="Photos courtesy KSHB TV" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy KSHB TV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Fans lined up Wednesday to get a prime spot in downtown Kansas City as the city celebrates the Kansas City Chiefs' second&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;championship in four NFL seasons.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676491690062.png" alt="Chiefs coach Andy Reid acknowledges the crowd during the Union Station portion of the celebration-image courtesy KSHB TV" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs coach Andy Reid acknowledges the crowd during the Union Station portion of the celebration-image courtesy KSHB TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Chiefs coach Andy Reid and Super Bowl MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes were riding in double-decker buses, joined by teammates, family and Chiefs officials, in front of fans standing up to 10 people deep as the parade rolled down a main downtown street on the way to a rally at Union Station.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676492639699.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Chiefs owner Clark Hunt stood in one of the buses holding the Lombardi Trophy, denoting the Chiefs 38-35 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl on Sunday. He later handed it off to players, who passed it around.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676491667840.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Most schools, many businesses and some government offices in the Kansas City metro area <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/e93ae229-1f73-4427-8e55-f5c93e6ac7d2">and beyond</a> were closed to allow fans to enjoy the festivities.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It is an honor to be in the Victory Parade today in <a href="https://twitter.com/KansasCity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KansasCity</a> to continue to celebrate our <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Chiefs</a>. It’s always a good day to be part of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChiefsKingdom?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChiefsKingdom</a>! <a href="https://t.co/G9X6XnbUpg">pic.twitter.com/G9X6XnbUpg</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1625936503871250434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Fans were generally happy and in good spirits while waiting in long lines for food trucks, merchandise trucks and, of course, portable toilets. Some people slept overnight to get prime spots across from Union Station.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676492703682.png" alt="photo courtesy KSHB TV" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy KSHB TV</figcaption>
 </figure>But Shellie Diehl, 46, of Kansas City, was seated along a street about a block from Union Station as the crowd became more congested in front of the rally site. She was joined by her 8-year-old daughter, Skyler; 16-year-old daughter, Taylor; and a friend.Diehl said she came to the Chiefs parade in 2020 and decided to have mother-daughter time while celebrating Skyler's first parade.“The last one was so much fun, we decided we had to come to this one,” Diehl said. “We're big Chiefs fans, and we wanted to celebrate a great day with the community.”After decades of championship drought, the city is gaining experience with victory parades. Four seasons ago, the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers for the team’s first Super Bowl championship in 50 years. That followed the Kansas City Royals winning the World Series in 2015, the city’s first baseball championship in 30 years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676487685664.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Some fans admitted that Kansas City might be getting a little spoiled.“Kind of getting used to it, but that's OK,” said Liz Barber, 50, of Shawnee, Kansas. “It is good.”David Cordray, 38, from Kansas City, said “We had a 50-year-drought, so it's about time we had our own dynasty.”A group of about 25 Chiefs fans from Kansas City who arrived about 6 a.m. cooked up a breakfast feast, complete with corn on the cob, bacon and potatoes and all the trimmings — and they had steaks ready for later in the day.Dominic Zamora, 18, of Kansas City, said the friends arrived about 6 a.m. to set up their tailgate, continuing a tradition whenever he and his friends attend Chiefs games. He said he expects to return for more parades in the coming years.“With Mahomes, there's more to come,” Zamora said. “It's going to be fun, and I'm excited to show up."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676477589551.png" alt="photo 10 a.m. from the KC Police helicopter&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>photo 10 a.m. from the KC Police helicopter&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Manuel Palacio, 48, of Kansas City, was dressed in a cow's suit in a tribute to Kansas City's “Cowtown” nickname. He said he was a longtime Buffalo Bills fan who converted to the Chiefs in about 1993 after losing a bet with a Chiefs fan.“I had to convert,” Palacio said. “It's like being an Oakland Raiders fan; at some point you have to cheer for the team who keeps winning,” he said, laughing.Palacio said he and his extended family spend the season watching the Chiefs games at home and decided “when — not if — we win the Super Bowl, we're going to go down there and have some fun, celebrate together.”Officials began planning the parade weeks before the Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2023-kansas-city-chiefs-philadelphia-eagles-43a1fb387f63438c1eea23b6a4244d95">defeated the Eagles</a>&nbsp;on a field goal with 8 seconds remaining in the game.Kansas City police said about 675 law enforcement officers from more than 20 agencies, along with fire departments and transportation leaders, were fanned out along the route for the anticipated crowd.The City Council Transportation and Infrastructure Committee agreed to earmark $750,000 for parade-related expenses, and Mayor Quinton Lucas estimated overtime costs for police and firefighters would total more than $1.5 million.The the Kansas City Sports Commission is expected to contribute another $1 million in private donations, and the Jackson County Legislature voted to add $75,000.---------KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Fans lined up Wednesday morning to get a prime spot in downtown Kansas City as the city celebrates the Kansas City Chiefs' second&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;championship in two years.<a href="https://www.visitkc.com/chiefs/champions-parade-live">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;the parade that begins at noon courtesy Visit KC and KSHB-TVChiefs coach Andy Reid and Super Bowl MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes will join teammates, family and Chiefs officials as they ride in open-air vehicles down a main downtown streets to a rally at Union Station.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Celebration ready ❤️💛 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChiefsKingdom?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChiefsKingdom</a> <a href="https://t.co/HL1ErOwoPW">pic.twitter.com/HL1ErOwoPW</a>&mdash; Union Station KC (@UnionStationKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/UnionStationKC/status/1625850767293947904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Most schools, many businesses and some government offices in the Kansas City metro area were closed to allow fans to enjoy the festivities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676467622628.png" alt="Fans along the parade route 7:30a.m. Wednesday-image courtesy KSHB" />
 <figcaption>Fans along the parade route 7:30a.m. Wednesday-image courtesy KSHB</figcaption>
 </figure>Fans endured a chilly wind as the sun came up to wait in long lines for food trucks and merchandise trucks, and even at a tent where a barber was giving free haircuts. Tents of those who slept overnight to get a prime spot dotted the area around Union Station, and some people were fast asleep hours before the parade began.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Good morning, Chiefs Kingdom! Who’s ready to celebrate our SUPER BOWL CHAMPION Kansas City Chiefs! Parking is currently still available in Union Station’s West Yards Garage with access from Pershing and Broadway. <a href="https://t.co/3gDvXjQQty">pic.twitter.com/3gDvXjQQty</a>&mdash; Union Station KC (@UnionStationKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/UnionStationKC/status/1625830189266796545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A group of about 25 Chiefs fans from Kansas City cooked up a breakfast feast, complete with corn on the cob, bacon and potatoes and all the trimmings — and they had steaks ready for later in the day.Dominic Zamora, 18, of Kansas City, said the friends arrived about 6 a.m. to set up their tailgate, continuing a tradition whenever he and his friends attend Chiefs games. He said he expects to return for more parades in the coming years.“With Mahomes, there's more to come,” Zamora said. “It's going to be fun, and I'm excited to show up."Manuel Palacio, 48, of Kansas City, was dressed in a cow's suit in a tribute to Kansas City's “Cowtown” nickname.He said he was a longtime Buffalo Bills fan who converted to the Chiefs in about 1993 after losing a bet with a Chiefs fan.“I had to convert,” Palacio said. “It's like being an Oakland Raiders fan; at some point you have to cheer for the team who keeps winning,” he said, laughing.Palacio said he and his extended family spend the season watching the Chiefs games at home and decided “when — not if — we win the Super Bowl, we're going to go down there and have some fun, celebrate together.”Officials began planning the parade even before the Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2023-kansas-city-chiefs-philadelphia-eagles-43a1fb387f63438c1eea23b6a4244d95">defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35</a>&nbsp;Sunday on a field goal with 8 seconds remaining in the game.Officials said that more than 19 local and area law enforcement agencies, along with fire departments and transportation leaders are ready for the anticipated crowd.The City Council Transportation and Infrastructure Committee agreed to earmark $750,000 for parade-related expenses, and Mayor Quinton Lucas estimated overtime costs for police and firefighters would total more than $1.5 million.The the Kansas City Sports Commission is expected to contribute another $1 million in private donations, and the Jackson County Legislature voted to add $75,000.After decades of championship drought, the city is gaining experience with victory parades. Two years ago, the Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/san-francisco-49ers-sports-general-super-bowl-football-ap-top-news-8f6178fbfa3844677b5fc374bc53b80f">defeated the San Francisco 49ers</a>&nbsp;for the team's first Super Bowl championship in 50 years. That followed the Kansas City Royals winning the World Series in 2015, the city's first baseball championship in 30 years.---------KANSAS CITY(AP) — Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to line the streets of downtown Kansas City on Wednesday as the city celebrates the Kansas City Chiefs' second&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;championship in two years.<a href="https://www.visitkc.com/chiefs/champions-parade-live">Click here to watch</a> the parade that begins at noon. The rally at Union Station&nbsp;and the National&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theworldwar.org/">WWI Museum and Memorial north lawn&nbsp;</a>will begin at approximately 1:45p.m and last approximately 1 hour.Chiefs coach Andy Reid and Super Bowl MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be joined by teammates, family and Chiefs officials as they ride in open-air vehicles down one of the city’s main downtown streets.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Good morning, Chiefs Kingdom! Who’s ready to celebrate our SUPER BOWL CHAMPION Kansas City Chiefs! Parking is currently still available in Union Station’s West Yards Garage with access from Pershing and Broadway. <a href="https://t.co/3gDvXjQQty">pic.twitter.com/3gDvXjQQty</a>&mdash; Union Station KC (@UnionStationKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/UnionStationKC/status/1625830189266796545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Most schools, many businesses and some government offices in the Kansas City metro area will be closed so people can celebrate. The event starts at noon and will end with a victory rally at the city’s Union Station.Officials began planning the parade even before the Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2023-kansas-city-chiefs-philadelphia-eagles-43a1fb387f63438c1eea23b6a4244d95">defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35</a>&nbsp;Sunday on a field goal with 8 seconds remaining in the game.Officials said that more than 19 local and area law enforcement agencies, along with fire departments and transportation leaders are ready for the anticipated crowd.The City Council Transportation and Infrastructure Committee agreed to earmark $750,000 for parade-related expenses, and Mayor Quinton Lucas estimated overtime costs for police and firefighters would total more than $1.5 million.The the Kansas City Sports Commission is expected to contribute another $1 million in private donations, and the Jackson County Legislature voted to add $75,000.After decades of championship drought, the city is gaining experience with victory parades. Two years ago, the Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/san-francisco-49ers-sports-general-super-bowl-football-ap-top-news-8f6178fbfa3844677b5fc374bc53b80f">defeated the San Francisco 49ers</a>&nbsp;for the team's first Super Bowl championship in 50 years. That followed the Kansas City Royals winning the World Series in 2015, the city's first baseball championship in 30 years.

'Our own dynasty': Kansas City celebrates latest Super Bowl win

NEW YORK (AP) — Raquel Welch, whose emergence from the sea in a skimpy, furry bikini in the film “One Million Years B.C.” would propel her to international sex symbol status throughout the 1960s and '70s, has died. She was 82.

Welch died early Wednesday after a brief illness, according to her agent, Stephen LaManna of the talent agency Innovative Artists.

Welch’s breakthrough came in 1966's campy prehistoric flick “One Million Years B.C.,” despite having a grand total of three lines. Clad in a brown doeskin bikini, she successfully evaded pterodactyls but not the notice of the public.

"I just thought it was a goofy dinosaur epic we'd be able to sweep under the carpet one day," she told The Associated Press in 1981. "Wrong. It turned out that I was the Bo Derek of the season, the lady in the loin cloth about whom everyone said, 'My God, what a bod' and they expected to disappear overnight."

She did not, playing Lust for the comedy team of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore in their film “Bedazzled” in 1967 and playing a secret agent in the sexy spy spoof “Fathom” that same year.

Her curves and beauty captured pop culture attention, with Playboy crowning her the "most desired woman" of the '70s, despite never being completely naked in the magazine. In 2013, she graced the No. 2 spot on Men's Health's “Hottest Women of All Time” list. In the film “The Shawshank Redemption,” a poster of Welch is used to cover an escape tunnel, the last of three women he used images of after Rita Hayworth and Marilyn Monroe.

In addition to acting, Welch was a singer and dancer. She surprised many critics — and won positive reviews — when she starred in the 1981 musical "Woman of the Year" on Broadway, replacing a vacationing Lauren Bacall. She returned to the Great White Way in 1997 in “Victor/Victoria.”

She knew that some people didn’t take her seriously because of her glamorous image. "I'm not Penny Marshall or Barbra Streisand," she told the AP in 1993. "They'll say, 'Raquel Welch wants to direct? Give me a break."'

Welch was born Jo-Raquel Tejada in Chicago and raised in La Jolla, California. (The Jo in her name was from her mother, Josephine). Welch was a divorced mother when she met ex-actor turned press agent, Patrick Curtis.

“The irony of it all is that even though people thought of me as a sex symbol, in reality I was a single mother of two small children!” she wrote in her autobiography, “Raquel: Beyond the Cleavage.”

Curtis became her manager and second husband and helped shape her into a glamor-girl with hundreds of magazine covers and a string of movies, plus exercise videos and books like "The Raquel Welch Total Beauty and Fitness Program."

Though she would appear in exploitative films, she also surprised many in the industry with fine performances, including in Richard Lester's "The Three Musketeers," which earned her a Golden Globe, and opposite James Coco in "Wild Party." She was also nominated for a Globe in 1988 for the TV movie “Right to Die.”

Married and divorced four times, she is survived by two children, Damon Welch and Tahnee Welch, who also became an actress, including landing a featured role in 1985’s “Cocoon.”

NEW YORK (AP) — Raquel Welch, whose emergence from the sea in a skimpy, furry bikini in the film “One Million Years B.C.” would propel her to international sex symbol status throughout the 1960s and '70s, has died. She was 82.Welch died early Wednesday after a brief illness, according to her agent, Stephen LaManna of the talent agency Innovative Artists.Welch’s breakthrough came in 1966's campy prehistoric flick “One Million Years B.C.,” despite having a grand total of three lines. Clad in a brown doeskin bikini, she successfully evaded pterodactyls but not the notice of the public."I just thought it was a goofy dinosaur epic we'd be able to sweep under the carpet one day," she told The Associated Press in 1981. "Wrong. It turned out that I was the Bo Derek of the season, the lady in the loin cloth about whom everyone said, 'My God, what a bod' and they expected to disappear overnight."She did not, playing Lust for the comedy team of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore in their film “Bedazzled” in 1967 and playing a secret agent in the sexy spy spoof “Fathom” that same year.Her curves and beauty captured pop culture attention, with Playboy crowning her the "most desired woman" of the '70s, despite never being completely naked in the magazine. In 2013, she graced the No. 2 spot on Men's Health's “Hottest Women of All Time” list. In the film “The Shawshank Redemption,” a poster of Welch is used to cover an escape tunnel, the last of three women he used images of after Rita Hayworth and Marilyn Monroe.In addition to acting, Welch was a singer and dancer. She surprised many critics — and won positive reviews — when she starred in the 1981 musical "Woman of the Year" on Broadway, replacing a vacationing Lauren Bacall. She returned to the Great White Way in 1997 in “Victor/Victoria.”She knew that some people didn’t take her seriously because of her glamorous image. "I'm not Penny Marshall or Barbra Streisand," she told the AP in 1993. "They'll say, 'Raquel Welch wants to direct? Give me a break."'Welch was born Jo-Raquel Tejada in Chicago and raised in La Jolla, California. (The Jo in her name was from her mother, Josephine). Welch was a divorced mother when she met ex-actor turned press agent, Patrick Curtis.“The irony of it all is that even though people thought of me as a sex symbol, in reality I was a single mother of two small children!” she wrote in her autobiography, “Raquel: Beyond the Cleavage.”Curtis became her manager and second husband and helped shape her into a glamor-girl with hundreds of magazine covers and a string of movies, plus exercise videos and books like "The Raquel Welch Total Beauty and Fitness Program."Though she would appear in exploitative films, she also surprised many in the industry with fine performances, including in Richard Lester's "The Three Musketeers," which earned her a Golden Globe, and opposite James Coco in "Wild Party." She was also nominated for a Globe in 1988 for the TV movie “Right to Die.”Married and divorced four times, she is survived by two children, Damon Welch and Tahnee Welch, who also became an actress, including landing a featured role in 1985’s “Cocoon.”___

Hollywood sex symbol Raquel Welch dies at 82

KANSAS CITY — Thousands of fans attended the Kansas City Chiefs Champions parade celebration on Wednesday. Police were busy with crowd control, directing traffic and reuniting children with their families.

Just after 1:30p.m. Wednesday, Kansas City Police used social media to ask, "Are you at the parade and missing a child?"

"We have located multiple children who have gotten separated from their parents/guardians. Please contact the officer closest to you to learn where you can reunite."

A short time later, police asked any parent who needs to report a child missing should now respond to Pershing and Grand to contact an officer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676477589551.png" alt="Photo of the crowd at 10a.m. from the KC Police helicopter " />
 <figcaption>Photo of the crowd at 10a.m. from the KC Police helicopter </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — Thousands of fans attended the Kansas City Chiefs Champions parade celebration on Wednesday. Police were busy with crowd control, directing traffic and reuniting children with their families.Just after 1:30p.m. Wednesday, Kansas City Police used social media to ask, "Are you at the parade and missing a child?""We have located multiple children who have gotten separated from their parents/guardians. Please contact the officer closest to you to learn where you can reunite."A short time later, police asked any parent who needs to report a child missing should now respond to Pershing and Grand to contact an officer.

Police: Multiple children separated from parents at Chiefs parade

SALINE COUNTY—A Salina woman died in an accident just after 1a.m. Wednesday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Toyota Tundra driven by&nbsp; Abygail E Aaron, 20, Wichita, was southbound on Interstate 135 just south of Water Well Road.

The pickup crossed the center median and struck a 2016 Ford F150 driven by Jose M.&nbsp;Rodriguez, 41, Salina, on the shoulder of the northbound lanes.

EMS transported Rodriguez and a passenger in the Ford identified as Daisha J. Endsley, 26, Salina, to Salina Regional Health Center where Endsley was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; EMS also transported&nbsp;Aaron to Wesley Medical Center.

All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SALINE COUNTY —The Kansas Highway Patrol and Salina Police are investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred overnight south of Salina.

The highway is now open to all northbound traffic on Interstate 135&nbsp; according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

SALINE COUNTY —The Kansas Highway Patrol and Salina Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash that occurred overnight south of Salina.

All northbound traffic on Interstate 135 will exit off the interstate at the Mentor Road-Smolan Road milepost 86 ramp in Saline county, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

SALINE COUNTY—A Salina woman died in an accident just after 1a.m. Wednesday in Saline County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Toyota Tundra driven by&nbsp; Abygail E Aaron, 20, Wichita, was southbound on Interstate 135 just south of Water Well Road.The pickup crossed the center median and struck a 2016 Ford F150 driven by Jose M.&nbsp;Rodriguez, 41, Salina, on the shoulder of the northbound lanes.EMS transported Rodriguez and a passenger in the Ford identified as Daisha J. Endsley, 26, Salina, to Salina Regional Health Center where Endsley was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; EMS also transported&nbsp;Aaron to Wesley Medical Center.All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.------------SALINE COUNTY —The Kansas Highway Patrol and Salina Police are investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred overnight south of Salina.The highway is now open to all northbound traffic on Interstate 135&nbsp; according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.------SALINE COUNTY —The Kansas Highway Patrol and Salina Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash that occurred overnight south of Salina.All northbound traffic on Interstate 135 will exit off the interstate at the Mentor Road-Smolan Road milepost 86 ramp in Saline county, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Kansas woman dies, 2 injured after 2-vehicle crash

By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/14/kansas-lawmaker-questions-fairness-of-flat-tax-proposal-that-would-mostly-benefit-states-top-earners/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA
 — Lawmakers on Tuesday debated the merits of a flat tax proposal that 
would lower revenues by an estimated $1.5 billion annually and disproportionately benefit the state’s wealthiest residents.

Rep. Christina Haswood, a Lawrence 
Democrat, questioned during a House committee hearing why the 
Legislature should favor the flat tax over more equitable tax cut 
proposals. Democrats, including Gov. Laura Kelly, favor the immediate 
elimination of the sales tax on food, feminine hygiene products and 
back-to-school supplies.

The proposed flat tax, Haswood says, “puts the burden on more working class folks.”

The Kansas Chamber and associated proponents pointed to declining 
populations and said the flat tax would help bring people back to the 
state. Eric Stafford, lobbyist for the Kansas Chamber, said the flat tax would make the state competitive with others.

“Our state has many great things to 
offer its residents,” Stafford. “However, money walks and families or 
individuals considering a move will weigh all financial decisions when 
considering job openings.”

Kansas Policy Institute CEO Dave 
Trabert also testified in support of the bill and its potential to 
reinvigorate the population. Lawmakers questioned him on the link 
between tax rates and population losses, to which Trabert said there 
were no statistics.

“There’s no hard data on why people 
leave because there’s no exit interviews that are done,” Trabert said. 
“But we know talking to a lot of taxpayers, especially senior citizens, 
that taxes are the reason they’re going. It’s all combined.”

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2061/">House Bill 2061</a> would set a 5% income tax rate for corporations and individuals. An impact study estimated the proposal <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/30/analysis-show-kansas-chambers-flat-tax-proposal-costs-1-5b-favors-top-20-of-wage-earners/">would dramatically lower state revenues</a> in the next few years, jeopardizing the state’s ability to pay for basic services.

The Kansas Chamber proposed the bill, along with its companion, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb61/">Senate Bill 61</a>.

Adam Proffitt, the state budget 
director, estimated that the proposal would decrease the state’s general
 fund revenue by $428 million in fiscal year 2024, and then by $1.452 
billion and $1.541 billion in the next two fiscal years.

Under the plan, the individual income
 tax rate would be set at 5% for annual income above $15,000. Current 
law sets the state’s graduated individual income tax rates at 3.1% for 
income under $15,000, 5.25% for income between $15,000 and $30,000, and 
5.7% for income above $30,000. For couples filing jointly, the numbers 
are doubled.

The current assessments on corporate 
income in Kansas stands at 4% on taxable income with a 3% surtax on 
taxable income in excess of $50,000. The bill would set the corporation 
tax rate at 5% for taxable income. Under the proposal, surtax rates for 
bank, trusts, and savings and loan associations would be cut by more 
than 50%, along with other provisions. All of the rate changes would be 
set for tax year 2024.&nbsp;

The Kansas Reflector asked the <a target="_blank" href="https://itep.org/">Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy</a>,
 a nonprofit that provides research on state and federal tax policies, 
for an analysis of the legislation. The institute calculated that 49% of
 the individual income tax reduction would go to the richest 20% of 
Kansans. The state’s bottom 20% of earners would get about 4.1% of the 
tax reduction.

&nbsp;The bill also creates a procedure to allow individual and corporate income tax rates to decrease in future years.

The governor has<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/31/gov-kelly-condemns-flat-tax-proposal-touts-plan-to-cut-taxes-on-groceries-and-other-supplies/"> spoken against the proposed tax plan</a>, comparing it to former Gov. Sam Brownback’s disastrous tax policies.

“There’s actually a proposal out 
there that would do more damage more quickly than the Brownback tax 
experiment of 2012 and 2013,” Kelly said during a Jan. 31 “Axe the Tax” 
public conference.

The bill’s opponents include Kansas 
Action for Children and the Kansas National Education Association, which
 opposed the legislation on the grounds of fairness and feasibility, 
saying the bill would disproportionately harm middle- and lower-class 
Kansas families.

KNEA spokesman Timothy Graham drew a 
correlation between tax policy and unconstitutionally low funding of 
public schools during the Brownback years.

“Kansas tried similar tax strategies 
in the recent past that left the fiscal health of the state in a state 
of chaos and uncertainty. Let’s not go through this pain again,” KNEA 
spokesman Timothy Graham said.

The House panel was scheduled to hear testimony Wednesday on the 
corporate tax cuts included in the bill, which would primarily favor 
out-of-state shareholders of large corporations. A Senate panel also 
planned to begin hearings Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676472736553.png" alt="Rep. Christina Haswood questioned the fairness of a flat tax proposal that would mainly benefit wealthy Kansans. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Christina Haswood questioned the fairness of a flat tax proposal that would mainly benefit wealthy Kansans. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/14/kansas-lawmaker-questions-fairness-of-flat-tax-proposal-that-would-mostly-benefit-states-top-earners/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA
 — Lawmakers on Tuesday debated the merits of a flat tax proposal that 
would lower revenues by an estimated $1.5 billion annually and disproportionately benefit the state’s wealthiest residents.Rep. Christina Haswood, a Lawrence 
Democrat, questioned during a House committee hearing why the 
Legislature should favor the flat tax over more equitable tax cut 
proposals. Democrats, including Gov. Laura Kelly, favor the immediate 
elimination of the sales tax on food, feminine hygiene products and 
back-to-school supplies.The proposed flat tax, Haswood says, “puts the burden on more working class folks.”The Kansas Chamber and associated proponents pointed to declining 
populations and said the flat tax would help bring people back to the 
state. Eric Stafford, lobbyist for the Kansas Chamber, said the flat tax would make the state competitive with others.“Our state has many great things to 
offer its residents,” Stafford. “However, money walks and families or 
individuals considering a move will weigh all financial decisions when 
considering job openings.”Kansas Policy Institute CEO Dave 
Trabert also testified in support of the bill and its potential to 
reinvigorate the population. Lawmakers questioned him on the link 
between tax rates and population losses, to which Trabert said there 
were no statistics.“There’s no hard data on why people 
leave because there’s no exit interviews that are done,” Trabert said. 
“But we know talking to a lot of taxpayers, especially senior citizens, 
that taxes are the reason they’re going. It’s all combined.”<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2061/">House Bill 2061</a> would set a 5% income tax rate for corporations and individuals. An impact study estimated the proposal <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/30/analysis-show-kansas-chambers-flat-tax-proposal-costs-1-5b-favors-top-20-of-wage-earners/">would dramatically lower state revenues</a> in the next few years, jeopardizing the state’s ability to pay for basic services.The Kansas Chamber proposed the bill, along with its companion, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb61/">Senate Bill 61</a>. Adam Proffitt, the state budget 
director, estimated that the proposal would decrease the state’s general
 fund revenue by $428 million in fiscal year 2024, and then by $1.452 
billion and $1.541 billion in the next two fiscal years.Under the plan, the individual income
 tax rate would be set at 5% for annual income above $15,000. Current 
law sets the state’s graduated individual income tax rates at 3.1% for 
income under $15,000, 5.25% for income between $15,000 and $30,000, and 
5.7% for income above $30,000. For couples filing jointly, the numbers 
are doubled.The current assessments on corporate 
income in Kansas stands at 4% on taxable income with a 3% surtax on 
taxable income in excess of $50,000. The bill would set the corporation 
tax rate at 5% for taxable income. Under the proposal, surtax rates for 
bank, trusts, and savings and loan associations would be cut by more 
than 50%, along with other provisions. All of the rate changes would be 
set for tax year 2024.&nbsp;The Kansas Reflector asked the <a target="_blank" href="https://itep.org/">Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy</a>,
 a nonprofit that provides research on state and federal tax policies, 
for an analysis of the legislation. The institute calculated that 49% of
 the individual income tax reduction would go to the richest 20% of 
Kansans. The state’s bottom 20% of earners would get about 4.1% of the 
tax reduction.&nbsp;The bill also creates a procedure to allow individual and corporate income tax rates to decrease in future years.The governor has<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/31/gov-kelly-condemns-flat-tax-proposal-touts-plan-to-cut-taxes-on-groceries-and-other-supplies/"> spoken against the proposed tax plan</a>, comparing it to former Gov. Sam Brownback’s disastrous tax policies.“There’s actually a proposal out 
there that would do more damage more quickly than the Brownback tax 
experiment of 2012 and 2013,” Kelly said during a Jan. 31 “Axe the Tax” 
public conference.The bill’s opponents include Kansas 
Action for Children and the Kansas National Education Association, which
 opposed the legislation on the grounds of fairness and feasibility, 
saying the bill would disproportionately harm middle- and lower-class 
Kansas families.KNEA spokesman Timothy Graham drew a 
correlation between tax policy and unconstitutionally low funding of 
public schools during the Brownback years.“Kansas tried similar tax strategies 
in the recent past that left the fiscal health of the state in a state 
of chaos and uncertainty. Let’s not go through this pain again,” KNEA 
spokesman Timothy Graham said.The House panel was scheduled to hear testimony Wednesday on the 
corporate tax cuts included in the bill, which would primarily favor 
out-of-state shareholders of large corporations. A Senate panel also 
planned to begin hearings Wednesday.

Kansas lawmaker questions fairness of flat tax plan

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;Health reported 2,057&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">new </a>coronavirus cases in Kansas from Feb. 8 to Feb. 15, for a total of 932,205 cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state reported 1,963 cases the previous week.

On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">the state reported&nbsp;</a>34&nbsp;additional COVID-19 deaths since the report on Feb. 8, for a total of 10,029 since the state started reported COVID illness and deaths. The state has reported 500 deaths since Sept. 28.

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

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">Click here</a>&nbsp;for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”

The health department updates data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;Health reported 2,057&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">new </a>coronavirus cases in Kansas from Feb. 8 to Feb. 15, for a total of 932,205 cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state reported 1,963 cases the previous week.On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">the state reported&nbsp;</a>34&nbsp;additional COVID-19 deaths since the report on Feb. 8, for a total of 10,029 since the state started reported COVID illness and deaths. The state has reported 500 deaths since Sept. 28.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">Click here</a>&nbsp;for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”The health department updates data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

KDHE: Statewide COVID death toll tops 10,000

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations after a drug bust.

On Tuesday, police conducted a search warrant for suspected distribution of controlled substances in the 700 block of Mission Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

The search warrant resulted in the seizure of over 300 suspected fentanyl pills and marijuana. 

Police arrested 20-year-old Trevon Markham and 23-year-old Therriana Pittman both of Manhattan in the 1900 block of Casement in connection to the search warrant. 

Police found suspected fentanyl pills and marijuana in Markham's vehicle at the time of their arrests. 

Markham is in custody on requested charges that include violation of offender registration, aggravated child endangerment, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of an opiate with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, possession of an opiate, and possession of a controlled substance.&nbsp;Markham has been listed as a registered drug offender since Feb. 9, for a felony drug distribution conviction this month, according to the KBI Offender Registry.

Pittman is jailed on requested charges of felon in possession of a firearm, aggravated child endangerment, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of an opiate with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, and possession of an opiate.

Officers also arrested 18-year-old Juliana Morgan, 18, of Junction City on a requested charges of interference with law enforcement as officers conducted the search warrant at a residence.Morgan was issued a total bond of $2,000 and is no longer confined at the time of this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676474690005.png" alt="Markham has been listed as a registered drug offender since Feb. 9 for a felony drug distribution conviction this month, according to the KBI Offender Registry." />
 <figcaption>Markham has been listed as a registered drug offender since Feb. 9 for a felony drug distribution conviction this month, according to the KBI Offender Registry.</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations after a drug bust.On Tuesday, police conducted a search warrant for suspected distribution of controlled substances in the 700 block of Mission Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.The search warrant resulted in the seizure of over 300 suspected fentanyl pills and marijuana. Police arrested 20-year-old Trevon Markham and 23-year-old Therriana Pittman both of Manhattan in the 1900 block of Casement in connection to the search warrant. Police found suspected fentanyl pills and marijuana in Markham's vehicle at the time of their arrests. Markham is in custody on requested charges that include violation of offender registration, aggravated child endangerment, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of an opiate with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, possession of an opiate, and possession of a controlled substance.&nbsp;Markham has been listed as a registered drug offender since Feb. 9, for a felony drug distribution conviction this month, according to the KBI Offender Registry.Pittman is jailed on requested charges of felon in possession of a firearm, aggravated child endangerment, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of an opiate with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, and possession of an opiate.Officers also arrested 18-year-old Juliana Morgan, 18, of Junction City on a requested charges of interference with law enforcement as officers conducted the search warrant at a residence.Morgan was issued a total bond of $2,000 and is no longer confined at the time of this report.

Police find fentanyl pills, arrest registered Kansas offender

2023&nbsp;SENATE&nbsp;SCENE WEEK FIVE Feb. 15, 2023

Last week marked the fifth week of session with the first half of the legislative session almost behind us.&nbsp; As we approach “turn-around” the&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;held floor debate on Tuesday and Thursday and worked bills which were sent out of committees to the full&nbsp;Senate.&nbsp; The bills voted on by the full&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;now cross over to the House of Representatives where the process starts over.&nbsp;

DIRECTOR OF KBI &amp; OTHER APPOINTMENTS CONFIRMED&nbsp; The Director of the KBI was nominated by Attorney General Kobach while the other nominations were made by the governor.

Anthony Mattivi was named the 13th&nbsp;Director of Kansas Bureau of Investigation on Thursday, February 9th.&nbsp; Tony served as a federal prosecutor for over 20 years as an assistant United States Attorney.&nbsp; He was the lead prosecutor for the capital case against the al Qaeda operative who masterminded the bombing of the USS Cole in 2000.&nbsp; He also worked for the US Department of Justice’s (USDOJ) Regime Crimes Liaison Office in Iraq, advising the Iraqi High Tribunal as they tried members of Saddam Hussein’s regime for committing war crimes.&nbsp;

Other appointments approved:&nbsp; State Civil Service Board, Chrystal Krier and Jacob Miller; State Board of Indigents Defense Services, Maurice Brewer and Alexandra Rose; and State Banking Board, Ruth Stevenson, Lea Tatum-Haskell, and Patrick Walden.&nbsp; All nominees were by unanimous vote in the full&nbsp;Senate.&nbsp;

FLOOR ACTION – BILLS VOTED ON AND PASSED OUT OF THE&nbsp;SENATE

Dozens of bills are making their way through the legislative process and this week, a series of bills from the Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance and the Capitol Preservation Committee made their way to the&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;floor.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb14/" target="_blank">SB 14</a>&nbsp;<a>updates&nbsp;</a>the version of risk-based capital instructions in effect.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 14 passed 39-0.&nbsp;<a>&nbsp;I voted yes.</a>

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb15/" target="_blank">SB 15</a>&nbsp;removes the requirement of a documented written demand for premiums as part of a prima facie case against agents or brokers who fail to pay premiums due.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 15 passed 39-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb17/" target="_blank">SB 17</a>&nbsp;reduces the size of government by modifying the requirement to report individuals who solicit memberships on behalf of prepaid service plans from semi-annually to annually and upon application for registration and&nbsp;discontinuing payment of annual registration&nbsp;<a>fees for such plans</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 17 passed 39-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb25/" target="_blank">SB 25</a>&nbsp;is a tax cut, decreasing&nbsp;<a>the premium&nbsp;</a>tax rate imposed on surplus lines insurance from 6% to 4%.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 25 passed 39-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb26/" target="_blank">SB 26</a>&nbsp;specifies certain requirements necessary to demonstrate fiscal soundness for health maintenance organizations and Medicare provider organizations applying for certificates of authority.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 26 passed 38-1.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb19/" target="_blank">SB 19</a>&nbsp;requires certain premium taxes to be paid 90 days after each calendar year and basing such premium taxes upon the gross premiums collected for the&nbsp;previous year.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 19 passed 39‑0.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb42/" target="_blank">SB 42</a>&nbsp;authorizes payment claims of certain claims against the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 42 passed 39-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb11/" target="_blank">SB 11</a>&nbsp;would authorize the Capitol Preservation Committee to develop and approve the Ad Astra Plaza on capitol area grounds.&nbsp; The Plaza would include a life-size sculpture of the Ad Astra statute that tops the State Capitol Building, bronze plaques, and donor bricks.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 11 passed 39‑0.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb39/" target="_blank">SB 39</a>&nbsp;would provide for the development of a mural in the Statehouse honoring the 1st Kansas (Colored) Voluntary Infantry Regiment and establish a fund for such purpose.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 39 passed 39-0.&nbsp;I voted yes.

Full texts of the bills and supplemental notes as well as the Final Action vote on these measures can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>.&nbsp;

KANSAS.GOV – FILE YOUR TAXES FOR FREE

You can file your Kansas Income Tax Return and Homestead Refund Claim with Kansas WebFile, a free state tax return service provided by the Kansas Department of Revenue and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansas.gov/" target="_blank">www.Kansas.gov</a>.

Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkslib.info%2FFergusons&amp;data=04%7C01%7CCindy.Roupe%40ks.gov%7C2686943afc684980dcbb08d8d8d33b0c%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637497749022293563%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=%2BCZBoEtk8v5za0dHvLoUiv%2FNpMfJOQDL%2F%2FRzLXOiDvo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://kslib.info/Fergusons</a>&nbsp;is an online career exploration and planning resource provided by the State Library of Kansas.&nbsp; It provides detailed and up-to-date profiles of thousands of today’s most popular jobs.&nbsp; Included:&nbsp; an undergraduate and graduate school finder, planning timelines that cover education to career, and a database of sample resumes and cover letters.&nbsp; A section on apprenticeships includes advice on applying and interviewing along with key skills for success.&nbsp; For someone seeking a summer internship:&nbsp; advice on resumes, creating an online persona, and how to recognize a quality internship program.

If the above link asks for a Kansas Library eCard number, you may get one at any library in Kansas.&nbsp; Most schools and Kansans will be automatically recognized as being in Kansas and will not need this step.&nbsp; Questions:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kslc@ks.gov" target="_blank">kslc@ks.gov</a>.

TOUR THE STATE CAPITOL AND STATE-OWNED HISTORICAL SITES FROM HOME

Take an online tour of the magnificent Kansas State Capitol, floor by floor at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshs.org/p/kansas-state-capitol-online-tour/15843" target="_blank">https://www.kshs.org/p/kansas-state-capitol-online-tour/15843</a>.&nbsp; The classically inspired building is an impressive public monument as well as the working offices for the governor and legislators. The building holds a dramatic array of art, architecture, and colorful Kansas history.&nbsp; There are also 16 state-owned sites, administered by the Kansas Historical Society, to explore different topics in our state’s fascinating history.&nbsp; Two of these sites in&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;District #36 are Hollenberg Pony Express Station in Hanover and Pawnee Indian Museum in Republic.&nbsp;

I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature.&nbsp; Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. An email is the best at this point in the session.

Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a> 785-296-7389 <a href="https://elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">https://elainebowers.com/</a> <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>

Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is senator of the 36th District in Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644853578448.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist." />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>2023&nbsp;SENATE&nbsp;SCENE WEEK FIVE Feb. 15, 2023SENATE&nbsp;HIGHLIGHTSLast week marked the fifth week of session with the first half of the legislative session almost behind us.&nbsp; As we approach “turn-around” the&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;held floor debate on Tuesday and Thursday and worked bills which were sent out of committees to the full&nbsp;Senate.&nbsp; The bills voted on by the full&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;now cross over to the House of Representatives where the process starts over.&nbsp;DIRECTOR OF KBI &amp; OTHER APPOINTMENTS CONFIRMED&nbsp; The Director of the KBI was nominated by Attorney General Kobach while the other nominations were made by the governor.Anthony Mattivi was named the 13th&nbsp;Director of Kansas Bureau of Investigation on Thursday, February 9th.&nbsp; Tony served as a federal prosecutor for over 20 years as an assistant United States Attorney.&nbsp; He was the lead prosecutor for the capital case against the al Qaeda operative who masterminded the bombing of the USS Cole in 2000.&nbsp; He also worked for the US Department of Justice’s (USDOJ) Regime Crimes Liaison Office in Iraq, advising the Iraqi High Tribunal as they tried members of Saddam Hussein’s regime for committing war crimes.&nbsp;Other appointments approved:&nbsp; State Civil Service Board, Chrystal Krier and Jacob Miller; State Board of Indigents Defense Services, Maurice Brewer and Alexandra Rose; and State Banking Board, Ruth Stevenson, Lea Tatum-Haskell, and Patrick Walden.&nbsp; All nominees were by unanimous vote in the full&nbsp;Senate.&nbsp;FLOOR ACTION – BILLS VOTED ON AND PASSED OUT OF THE&nbsp;SENATEDozens of bills are making their way through the legislative process and this week, a series of bills from the Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance and the Capitol Preservation Committee made their way to the&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;floor.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb14/" target="_blank">SB 14</a>&nbsp;<a>updates&nbsp;</a>the version of risk-based capital instructions in effect.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 14 passed 39-0.&nbsp;<a>&nbsp;I voted yes.</a><a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb15/" target="_blank">SB 15</a>&nbsp;removes the requirement of a documented written demand for premiums as part of a prima facie case against agents or brokers who fail to pay premiums due.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 15 passed 39-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb17/" target="_blank">SB 17</a>&nbsp;reduces the size of government by modifying the requirement to report individuals who solicit memberships on behalf of prepaid service plans from semi-annually to annually and upon application for registration and&nbsp;discontinuing payment of annual registration&nbsp;<a>fees for such plans</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 17 passed 39-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb25/" target="_blank">SB 25</a>&nbsp;is a tax cut, decreasing&nbsp;<a>the premium&nbsp;</a>tax rate imposed on surplus lines insurance from 6% to 4%.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 25 passed 39-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb26/" target="_blank">SB 26</a>&nbsp;specifies certain requirements necessary to demonstrate fiscal soundness for health maintenance organizations and Medicare provider organizations applying for certificates of authority.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 26 passed 38-1.&nbsp; I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb19/" target="_blank">SB 19</a>&nbsp;requires certain premium taxes to be paid 90 days after each calendar year and basing such premium taxes upon the gross premiums collected for the&nbsp;previous year.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 19 passed 39‑0.&nbsp; I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb42/" target="_blank">SB 42</a>&nbsp;authorizes payment claims of certain claims against the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 42 passed 39-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb11/" target="_blank">SB 11</a>&nbsp;would authorize the Capitol Preservation Committee to develop and approve the Ad Astra Plaza on capitol area grounds.&nbsp; The Plaza would include a life-size sculpture of the Ad Astra statute that tops the State Capitol Building, bronze plaques, and donor bricks.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 11 passed 39‑0.&nbsp; I voted yes.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb39/" target="_blank">SB 39</a>&nbsp;would provide for the development of a mural in the Statehouse honoring the 1st Kansas (Colored) Voluntary Infantry Regiment and establish a fund for such purpose.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 39 passed 39-0.&nbsp;I voted yes.Full texts of the bills and supplemental notes as well as the Final Action vote on these measures can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>.&nbsp;KANSAS.GOV – FILE YOUR TAXES FOR FREEYou can file your Kansas Income Tax Return and Homestead Refund Claim with Kansas WebFile, a free state tax return service provided by the Kansas Department of Revenue and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansas.gov/" target="_blank">www.Kansas.gov</a>.FROM THE STATE LIBRARYFerguson’s Career Guidance Center&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkslib.info%2FFergusons&amp;data=04%7C01%7CCindy.Roupe%40ks.gov%7C2686943afc684980dcbb08d8d8d33b0c%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637497749022293563%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=%2BCZBoEtk8v5za0dHvLoUiv%2FNpMfJOQDL%2F%2FRzLXOiDvo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://kslib.info/Fergusons</a>&nbsp;is an online career exploration and planning resource provided by the State Library of Kansas.&nbsp; It provides detailed and up-to-date profiles of thousands of today’s most popular jobs.&nbsp; Included:&nbsp; an undergraduate and graduate school finder, planning timelines that cover education to career, and a database of sample resumes and cover letters.&nbsp; A section on apprenticeships includes advice on applying and interviewing along with key skills for success.&nbsp; For someone seeking a summer internship:&nbsp; advice on resumes, creating an online persona, and how to recognize a quality internship program.If the above link asks for a Kansas Library eCard number, you may get one at any library in Kansas.&nbsp; Most schools and Kansans will be automatically recognized as being in Kansas and will not need this step.&nbsp; Questions:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kslc@ks.gov" target="_blank">kslc@ks.gov</a>.TOUR THE STATE CAPITOL AND STATE-OWNED HISTORICAL SITES FROM HOMETake an online tour of the magnificent Kansas State Capitol, floor by floor at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshs.org/p/kansas-state-capitol-online-tour/15843" target="_blank">https://www.kshs.org/p/kansas-state-capitol-online-tour/15843</a>.&nbsp; The classically inspired building is an impressive public monument as well as the working offices for the governor and legislators. The building holds a dramatic array of art, architecture, and colorful Kansas history.&nbsp; There are also 16 state-owned sites, administered by the Kansas Historical Society, to explore different topics in our state’s fascinating history.&nbsp; Two of these sites in&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;District #36 are Hollenberg Pony Express Station in Hanover and Pawnee Indian Museum in Republic.&nbsp;I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature.&nbsp; Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. An email is the best at this point in the session.Thank you for the honor of serving you!Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a> 785-296-7389 <a href="https://elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">https://elainebowers.com/</a> <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a> Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is senator of the 36th District in Kansas.

BOWERS: Senate Scene Week 5, Feb. 15, 2023

WASHINGTON (AP) — Maybe they came from China. Maybe from somewhere farther away. A lot farther away.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-high-altitude-balloons-in-airspace-8d8b9e7474027e1305264b2c7b8b04fb?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_01">downing of four aerial devices by U.S. warplanes</a>&nbsp;has touched off rampant misinformation about the objects, their origin and their purpose, showing how complicated world events and a lack of information can quickly create the perfect conditions for unchecked conjecture and misinformation.

The presence of mysterious objects high in the sky doesn't help.

“There will be an investigation and we will learn more, but until then this story has created a playground for people interested in speculating or stirring the pot for their own reasons," said Jim Ludes, a former national defense analyst who now leads the Pell Center for International Relations at Salve Regina University.

“In part," Ludes added, "because it feeds into so many narratives about government secrecy.”

President Joe Biden and other top Washington officials have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-charles-schumer-jake-sullivan-china-acc1a333326c50ee9649760c569c300f">said little</a>&nbsp;about the repeated shootdowns, which began with a suspected Chinese spy balloon earlier this month. Three more unidentified devices have been shot down, with the latest Sunday over Lake Huron. Pentagon officials said they posed no security threats but have not disclosed their origins or purpose.

On Monday, many social media sites in the U.S. lit up with theories that Biden had deployed the aerial devices as a way to distract Americans from other, more pressing issues. Those concerns included immigration, inflation, the war in Ukraine and Republican investigations into Hunter Biden, the president's son.

While the concentration of claims was highest on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-steve-bannon-technology-business-health-349c44b477cfee34bf3635160bfa74ea">fringe sites popular with far-right Americans</a>, the unfounded rumors and conspiracy theories popped up on bigger platforms like Twitter and Facebook, too.

One of the most popular theories suggested the White House and Pentagon are using the airborne devices to divert attention from a chemical spill earlier this month in Ohio.

That incident, caused by a train derailment, occurred several days before the most recent devices were shot down, and was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-updates-bf5a60de2243cd6f7f730096aa33294c">covered extensively.</a>&nbsp;Nonetheless, the spill remained the top subject searched on Google on Monday, showing continued public interest in the story.

China's government apparently took notice. On Tuesday Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying tweeted a link to news coverage of the Ohio chemical leak and added #OhioChernobyl, a hashtag used in many posts that suggest the incident is being covered up.

“Apparently some in the US take a wandering civilian balloon as a big threat while the explosive train derailment and toxic chemical leak not,” she wrote in the tweet, which racked up tens of thousands of views within hours Tuesday.

Misleading claims about the airborne devices have also prompted violent threats, according to an analysis by the SITE Intelligence Group, a firm that tracks extremist rhetoric online. After the White House said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-china-jake-sullivan-d7a981b058d2c195ccc01912d805ae08">earlier surveillance flights went undetected</a>&nbsp;during Donald Trump's presidency, an article circulated on far-right sites urging the execution of any Trump administration officials who may have withheld the information.

Trump administration officials have said they knew of no such surveillance craft.

Some commenters said Biden’s decision to wait until the balloon had reached the East Coast before shooting it down showed he was in league with China. Others, meanwhile, chastised Biden for shooting down foreign aircraft that they imagined could be carrying bioweapons or nuclear weapons.

Alongside the political conspiracy theories were suggestions that the aerial objects were extraterrestrial in origin. Photos of alleged UFOs were shared online and web searches for the term “UFO” soared around the world Sunday, according to information from Google Trends.

Online posts mentioning extraterrestrials increased by nearly 300% since the first balloon was identified, according to an analysis conducted for The Associated Press by Zignal Labs, a San Francisco-based media intelligence firm. Zignal’s review included millions of posts on platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Reddit.

“Don’t worry, just some of my friends of mine stopping by,” Elon Musk, the CEO of Twitter, Tesla and SpaceX, joked in a tweet Sunday.

Humor aside, while the details of the different claims vary, they have two things in common: a lack of evidence and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-technology-health-government-and-politics-new-york-cfb56a95aec23dddbabcf3ebbe839f05">strong distrust</a>&nbsp;of America’s elected leaders.

“Maybe Joe built the balloon &amp; had Hunter launch it to scare we the people!” wrote one Facebook user. “How do WE know??? We don’t!”

The federal government must balance the public's desire to know the details with the need for secrecy regarding national security and defense, Ludes said. That's not likely to satisfy Biden's critics, Ludes said, or prevent misleading explanations from going viral.

High-profile news stories and events often precede a spike in false and misleading claims as people turn to the internet for explanations. Conspiracy theories about Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-bills-nfl-sports-health-damar-hamlin-b1273c5903a1efd3f67c8480feb6b52f">spread quickly after his dramatic on-field collapse</a>&nbsp;in January. Something similar happened last year when the Nord Stream pipelines in the North Sea were damaged.

In that instance, Russia spread conspiracy theories&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-united-states-baltic-sea-b837ae25021807a3caef4aa3043a8013">blaming the U.S. for the sabotage</a>. The baseless theories were quickly amplified by far-right users in the U.S. It's not the first time America's authoritarian adversaries have seized on global events to portray the U.S. as belligerent.

China has claimed the balloon shot down Feb. 4 was engaged in meteorological research. On Monday, China’s foreign ministry&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-high-altitude-balloons-in-airspace-8d8b9e7474027e1305264b2c7b8b04fb">said 10 U.S. balloons had entered Chinese airspace</a>&nbsp;without permission in the past year.

Beijing's response to this latest diplomatic row seeks to portray China as the responsible actor, while sidestepping surveillance allegations made by the U.S., according to Kenton Thibaut, a China expert at the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab, a Washington-based organization that tracks foreign disinformation and propaganda.

“It’s about projecting an image of responsibility and rationality, of being the adult in the room,” Thibaut said of China's response. “It's a clear signal to nations in the developing world that the U.S. is selfish, untrustworthy and hypocritical.”

On Monday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre did refute one viral claim to have emerged from the balloon saga.

“I know there have been questions and concerns about this, but there is no — again no indication — of aliens or extraterrestrial activity with these recent takedowns,” Jean-Pierre told reporters. “I wanted to make sure that the American people knew that, all of you knew that and it was important for us to say that from here because we’ve been hearing a lot about it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676401897160.png" alt="President Biden delivered a keynote address to the National Association of Counties on Tuesday. He took no questions and did not mention the UFOs." />
 <figcaption>President Biden delivered a keynote address to the National Association of Counties on Tuesday. He took no questions and did not mention the UFOs.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Maybe they came from China. Maybe from somewhere farther away. A lot farther away.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-high-altitude-balloons-in-airspace-8d8b9e7474027e1305264b2c7b8b04fb?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_01">downing of four aerial devices by U.S. warplanes</a>&nbsp;has touched off rampant misinformation about the objects, their origin and their purpose, showing how complicated world events and a lack of information can quickly create the perfect conditions for unchecked conjecture and misinformation.The presence of mysterious objects high in the sky doesn't help.“There will be an investigation and we will learn more, but until then this story has created a playground for people interested in speculating or stirring the pot for their own reasons," said Jim Ludes, a former national defense analyst who now leads the Pell Center for International Relations at Salve Regina University.“In part," Ludes added, "because it feeds into so many narratives about government secrecy.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676045566817.png" alt="Agents assigned to the evidence response team process material recovered from the China spy balloon recovered off the coast of South Carolina-photo FBI" />
 <figcaption>Agents assigned to the evidence response team process material recovered from the China spy balloon recovered off the coast of South Carolina-photo FBI</figcaption>
 </figure>President Joe Biden and other top Washington officials have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-charles-schumer-jake-sullivan-china-acc1a333326c50ee9649760c569c300f">said little</a>&nbsp;about the repeated shootdowns, which began with a suspected Chinese spy balloon earlier this month. Three more unidentified devices have been shot down, with the latest Sunday over Lake Huron. Pentagon officials said they posed no security threats but have not disclosed their origins or purpose.On Monday, many social media sites in the U.S. lit up with theories that Biden had deployed the aerial devices as a way to distract Americans from other, more pressing issues. Those concerns included immigration, inflation, the war in Ukraine and Republican investigations into Hunter Biden, the president's son.While the concentration of claims was highest on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-steve-bannon-technology-business-health-349c44b477cfee34bf3635160bfa74ea">fringe sites popular with far-right Americans</a>, the unfounded rumors and conspiracy theories popped up on bigger platforms like Twitter and Facebook, too.One of the most popular theories suggested the White House and Pentagon are using the airborne devices to divert attention from a chemical spill earlier this month in Ohio.That incident, caused by a train derailment, occurred several days before the most recent devices were shot down, and was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-updates-bf5a60de2243cd6f7f730096aa33294c">covered extensively.</a>&nbsp;Nonetheless, the spill remained the top subject searched on Google on Monday, showing continued public interest in the story.China's government apparently took notice. On Tuesday Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying tweeted a link to news coverage of the Ohio chemical leak and added #OhioChernobyl, a hashtag used in many posts that suggest the incident is being covered up.“Apparently some in the US take a wandering civilian balloon as a big threat while the explosive train derailment and toxic chemical leak not,” she wrote in the tweet, which racked up tens of thousands of views within hours Tuesday.Misleading claims about the airborne devices have also prompted violent threats, according to an analysis by the SITE Intelligence Group, a firm that tracks extremist rhetoric online. After the White House said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-china-jake-sullivan-d7a981b058d2c195ccc01912d805ae08">earlier surveillance flights went undetected</a>&nbsp;during Donald Trump's presidency, an article circulated on far-right sites urging the execution of any Trump administration officials who may have withheld the information.Trump administration officials have said they knew of no such surveillance craft.Some commenters said Biden’s decision to wait until the balloon had reached the East Coast before shooting it down showed he was in league with China. Others, meanwhile, chastised Biden for shooting down foreign aircraft that they imagined could be carrying bioweapons or nuclear weapons.Alongside the political conspiracy theories were suggestions that the aerial objects were extraterrestrial in origin. Photos of alleged UFOs were shared online and web searches for the term “UFO” soared around the world Sunday, according to information from Google Trends.Online posts mentioning extraterrestrials increased by nearly 300% since the first balloon was identified, according to an analysis conducted for The Associated Press by Zignal Labs, a San Francisco-based media intelligence firm. Zignal’s review included millions of posts on platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Reddit.“Don’t worry, just some of my friends of mine stopping by,” Elon Musk, the CEO of Twitter, Tesla and SpaceX, joked in a tweet Sunday.Humor aside, while the details of the different claims vary, they have two things in common: a lack of evidence and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-technology-health-government-and-politics-new-york-cfb56a95aec23dddbabcf3ebbe839f05">strong distrust</a>&nbsp;of America’s elected leaders.“Maybe Joe built the balloon &amp; had Hunter launch it to scare we the people!” wrote one Facebook user. “How do WE know??? We don’t!”The federal government must balance the public's desire to know the details with the need for secrecy regarding national security and defense, Ludes said. That's not likely to satisfy Biden's critics, Ludes said, or prevent misleading explanations from going viral.High-profile news stories and events often precede a spike in false and misleading claims as people turn to the internet for explanations. Conspiracy theories about Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-bills-nfl-sports-health-damar-hamlin-b1273c5903a1efd3f67c8480feb6b52f">spread quickly after his dramatic on-field collapse</a>&nbsp;in January. Something similar happened last year when the Nord Stream pipelines in the North Sea were damaged.In that instance, Russia spread conspiracy theories&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-united-states-baltic-sea-b837ae25021807a3caef4aa3043a8013">blaming the U.S. for the sabotage</a>. The baseless theories were quickly amplified by far-right users in the U.S. It's not the first time America's authoritarian adversaries have seized on global events to portray the U.S. as belligerent.China has claimed the balloon shot down Feb. 4 was engaged in meteorological research. On Monday, China’s foreign ministry&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-high-altitude-balloons-in-airspace-8d8b9e7474027e1305264b2c7b8b04fb">said 10 U.S. balloons had entered Chinese airspace</a>&nbsp;without permission in the past year.Beijing's response to this latest diplomatic row seeks to portray China as the responsible actor, while sidestepping surveillance allegations made by the U.S., according to Kenton Thibaut, a China expert at the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab, a Washington-based organization that tracks foreign disinformation and propaganda.“It’s about projecting an image of responsibility and rationality, of being the adult in the room,” Thibaut said of China's response. “It's a clear signal to nations in the developing world that the U.S. is selfish, untrustworthy and hypocritical.”On Monday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre did refute one viral claim to have emerged from the balloon saga.“I know there have been questions and concerns about this, but there is no — again no indication — of aliens or extraterrestrial activity with these recent takedowns,” Jean-Pierre told reporters. “I wanted to make sure that the American people knew that, all of you knew that and it was important for us to say that from here because we’ve been hearing a lot about it.”

Balloons, UFOs: Biden stays mum on the mystery

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man is going to prison for the stabbing death of his uncle.&nbsp;

On Feb. 9, 33-year-old Douglass McGathy was sentenced to 15 years and one month in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; 

In December he pleaded no contest&nbsp;to one count of second-degree murder.

In August of 2021, deputies were dispatched to a stabbing in the 5600 block of south 143rd Street East in Wichita, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.

When deputies arrived, they located a 48-year-old as Kelly Joe Ralph in the driveway with multiple stab wounds. EMS transported&nbsp; him to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

During the investigation, deputies learned there was a physical disturbance between Ralph and and his nephew Douglass R. McGathy over a gun sale, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter. They both lived at the home.

Deputies arrested McGathy and the next day located the knife used in the murder. It was thrown on the roof of the home, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630426752484.png" alt="McGathy-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>McGathy-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man is going to prison for the stabbing death of his uncle.&nbsp;On Feb. 9, 33-year-old Douglass McGathy was sentenced to 15 years and one month in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; In December he pleaded no contest&nbsp;to one count of second-degree murder.In August of 2021, deputies were dispatched to a stabbing in the 5600 block of south 143rd Street East in Wichita, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.When deputies arrived, they located a 48-year-old as Kelly Joe Ralph in the driveway with multiple stab wounds. EMS transported&nbsp; him to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.During the investigation, deputies learned there was a physical disturbance between Ralph and and his nephew Douglass R. McGathy over a gun sale, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter. They both lived at the home.Deputies arrested McGathy and the next day located the knife used in the murder. It was thrown on the roof of the home, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.

Kan. man who hid murder weapon on roof of home sentenced

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured a 17-year-old&nbsp; during a robbery.

Just before 6p.m. Monday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 200 block of North Rock Road in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

At the scene, witnesses informed the officers that before the officers arrived, they saw a man with a gunshot wound to one of his legs leaving the scene of the incident in a black vehicle, traveling in an unknown direction.

During the investigation, 911 dispatch made the officers aware of a walk-in victim at one of the local hospitals with a gunshot wound to his lower body. The victim matched the description given to the nofficers by witnesses.

 The victim drove himself to the hospital, was treated and released the same day, according to Rebolledo.

The victim spoke with officers and based on the information, investigators were able to determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting. This was not a random incident. Police have not released details on a suspect or reported an arrest.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured a 17-year-old&nbsp; during a robbery.Just before 6p.m. Monday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 200 block of North Rock Road in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.At the scene, witnesses informed the officers that before the officers arrived, they saw a man with a gunshot wound to one of his legs leaving the scene of the incident in a black vehicle, traveling in an unknown direction.During the investigation, 911 dispatch made the officers aware of a walk-in victim at one of the local hospitals with a gunshot wound to his lower body. The victim matched the description given to the nofficers by witnesses. The victim drove himself to the hospital, was treated and released the same day, according to Rebolledo.The victim spoke with officers and based on the information, investigators were able to determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting. This was not a random incident. Police have not released details on a suspect or reported an arrest.

Police: Kansas shooting victim drove himself to hospital

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A judge on Tuesday overturned the conviction of a man who has served nearly 28 years of a life sentence for a killing that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prisons-st-louis-missouri-state-government-89e58b911e0dff1eaa79b0c48372abc2">has always said</a>&nbsp;he didn't commit.

Lamar Johnson, 50, closed his eyes and shook his head slightly as a member of his legal team patted him on the back when Missouri Circuit Judge David Mason issued his ruling. In coming to his decision, Mason explained that there had to be “reliable evidence of actual innocence — evidence so reliable that it actually passes the standard of clear and convincing.”

Johnson walked free after he was processed out at the courthouse. Beaming, he walked up to reporters in the courthouse lobby about two hours after the ruling and thanked everyone who worked on his case, as well as the judge.

“This is unbelievable,” said Johnson, who didn't take any questions.

St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/st-louis-missouri-c1ca44ca5c760e26cb6ccef5efdfa82a">filed a motion in August</a>&nbsp;seeking Johnson's release after an investigation her office conducted with help from the Innocence Project convinced her he was telling the truth, applauded the ruling.

“Mr. Lamar Johnson. Thank you. You’re free,” she said before the gathered press.

Gardner said this is a time for Johnson to spend with his attorneys and family.

“This is Valentine’s Day and this is historical,” she said.

The Republican-led state attorney general's office fought to keep Johnson locked up. A spokeswoman for the office, Madeline Sieren, said in an email that the office will take no further action in the case. She again defended the office's push to keep Johnson behind bars.

“As he stated when he was sworn in, Attorney General (Andrew) Bailey is committed to enforcing the laws as written,” Sieren wrote. “Our office defended the rule of law and worked to uphold the original verdict that a jury of Johnson’s peers deemed to be appropriate based on the facts presented at trial.”

Johnson's attorneys blasted the state attorney general's office after the hearing, saying it “never stopped claiming Lamar was guilty and was comfortable to have him languish and die in prison.”

“Yet, when this State’s highest law enforcement office could hide from a courtroom no more, it presented nothing to challenge the overwhelming body of evidence that the circuit attorney and Lamar Johnson had amassed,” they said in a statement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670604699080.png" alt="Johnson-photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A judge on Tuesday overturned the conviction of a man who has served nearly 28 years of a life sentence for a killing that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prisons-st-louis-missouri-state-government-89e58b911e0dff1eaa79b0c48372abc2">has always said</a>&nbsp;he didn't commit.Lamar Johnson, 50, closed his eyes and shook his head slightly as a member of his legal team patted him on the back when Missouri Circuit Judge David Mason issued his ruling. In coming to his decision, Mason explained that there had to be “reliable evidence of actual innocence — evidence so reliable that it actually passes the standard of clear and convincing.”Johnson walked free after he was processed out at the courthouse. Beaming, he walked up to reporters in the courthouse lobby about two hours after the ruling and thanked everyone who worked on his case, as well as the judge.“This is unbelievable,” said Johnson, who didn't take any questions.St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/st-louis-missouri-c1ca44ca5c760e26cb6ccef5efdfa82a">filed a motion in August</a>&nbsp;seeking Johnson's release after an investigation her office conducted with help from the Innocence Project convinced her he was telling the truth, applauded the ruling.“Mr. Lamar Johnson. Thank you. You’re free,” she said before the gathered press.Gardner said this is a time for Johnson to spend with his attorneys and family.“This is Valentine’s Day and this is historical,” she said.The Republican-led state attorney general's office fought to keep Johnson locked up. A spokeswoman for the office, Madeline Sieren, said in an email that the office will take no further action in the case. She again defended the office's push to keep Johnson behind bars.“As he stated when he was sworn in, Attorney General (Andrew) Bailey is committed to enforcing the laws as written,” Sieren wrote. “Our office defended the rule of law and worked to uphold the original verdict that a jury of Johnson’s peers deemed to be appropriate based on the facts presented at trial.”Johnson's attorneys blasted the state attorney general's office after the hearing, saying it “never stopped claiming Lamar was guilty and was comfortable to have him languish and die in prison.”“Yet, when this State’s highest law enforcement office could hide from a courtroom no more, it presented nothing to challenge the overwhelming body of evidence that the circuit attorney and Lamar Johnson had amassed,” they said in a statement.Johnson plans to reconnect with his family and enjoy experiences he was denied for most of his adult life while locked up, his lawyers said.“While today brings joy, nothing can restore all that the state stole from him. Nothing will give him back the nearly three decades he lost while separated from his daughters and family,” they said. “The evidence that proved his innocence was available at his trial, but it was kept hidden or ignored by those who saw no value in the lives of two young Black men from the South Side.”Johnson was convicted of murder for the October 1994 killing of Marcus Boyd, who was shot to death on his front porch by two masked men. Police and prosecutors blamed the killing on a dispute over drug money. Johnson maintained his innocence from the outset, saying he was with his girlfriend miles (kilometers) away when the crime occurred.While Johnson was convicted and sentenced to life, a second suspect, Phil Campbell, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge in exchange for a seven-year prison term.Johnson testified at a December hearing that he was with his girlfriend on the night of the crime, except for a few minutes when he stepped outside of the home of a friend to sell drugs on a corner several blocks from where the victim was killed.Johnson’s girlfriend at the time, Erika Barrow, testified that she was with Johnson that entire night, except for about a five-minute span when he left to make the drug sale. She said the distance between the friend's home and Boyd’s home would have made it impossible for Johnson to get there and back in five minutes.The case for Johnson's release was centered around a key witness who recanted his testimony and a prison inmate who says it was he — not Johnson — who joined Campbell in the killing.James Howard, 46, is serving a life sentence for murder and several other crimes that happened three years after Boyd was killed. He testified at the hearing that he and Campbell decided to rob Boyd, who owed one of their friends money from the sale of drugs. He also said Johnson wasn't there.Howard testified that he shot Boyd in the back of the head and neck, and that Campbell shot Boyd in the side.Howard and Campbell years ago signed affidavits admitting to the crime and claiming Johnson was not involved. Campbell has since died.James Gregory Elking testified in December that he was on the front porch with Boyd, trying to buy crack cocaine, when the two gunmen wearing black ski masks came around the house and began the attack. Elking, who later spent several years in prison for bank robbery, initially told police he couldn’t identify the gunmen.He agreed to view a lineup anyway. Elking testified that when he was unable to name anyone from the lineup as a shooter, Detective Joseph Nickerson told him, “I know you know who it is,” and urged him to “help get these guys off the street.”Saying he felt “bullied” and “pressured,” Elking named Johnson as one of the shooters. Gardner’s office said Elking was also paid at least $4,000 after agreeing to testify.“It’s been haunting me,” he said of his role in sending Johnson to prison.Nickerson denied coercing Elking. He testified in December that Elking’s identification of Johnson was based on all that he could see of the shooter’s face — his eyes. Johnson has one eye that looks different than the other, Nickerson said. “You can clearly see it.”Dwight Warren, who prosecuted Johnson in 1995, said that beyond Elking’s testimony, the main evidence against Johnson was an overheard jail cell conversation. A jailhouse informant, William Mock, told investigators at the time that he heard Campbell and Johnson talking when one of them said, “We should have shot that white boy,” apparently referring to Elking.Warren acknowledged that convicting Johnson would have been “iffy” without Mock’s testimony.In March 2021, the Missouri Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/st-louis-trials-michael-brown-courts-30687d06b29640ca94206d2917ede421">denied Johnson’s request for a new trial</a>&nbsp;after then-Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s office argued successfully that Gardner lacked the authority to seek one so many years after the case was adjudicated.The case led to the passage of a state law that makes it easier for prosecutors to get new hearings in cases where there is fresh evidence of a wrongful conviction. That law freed another longtime inmate,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-kansas-missouri-bba67efd61eaa165165e29a7298a1dc3">Kevin Strickland</a>, last year. He had served more than 40 years for a Kansas City triple killing.