WASHINGTON (AP) — The government's response to the failure of two large banks has already involved hundreds of billions of dollars. So will ordinary Americans end up paying for it, one way or another? And what will the price tag be?

It could be months before the answers are fully known. The Biden administration said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-wall-street-silicon-valley-banks-trump-e6c27850d35d7f782fc6af9498925e7f">it will guarantee</a>&nbsp;uninsured deposits at both banks. The Federal Reserve announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/silicon-valley-bank-uk-bailout-hsbc-sale-4d2da0e9c6f39c0fd8faf321a2b295cf">a new lending program</a>&nbsp;for all banks that need to borrow money to pay for withdrawals.

On Thursday, the Fed provided the first glimpse of the scale of the response: It said banks had borrowed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/banks-federal-reserve-silicon-valley-lending-fa9cea4bf6a24f881337630acf04ecfd">about $300 billion in emergency funding in the past week</a>, with nearly half that amount going to holding companies for the two failed banks to pay depositors. The Fed did not say how many other banks borrowed money and added that it expects the loans to be repaid.

The goal is to prevent a broadening panic in which customers rush to pull out so much money that even healthy banks buckle. That scenario would unsettle the entire financial system and risk derailing the economy.

Taxpayers will probably bear no direct cost for the failure of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. But other banks may have to help defray the cost of covering uninsured deposits. Over time, those banks could pass higher costs on to customers, forcing everyone to pay more for services.

Here are some questions and answers about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/banks-federal-reserve-silicon-valley-lending-rescue-a04875a164165b50e971ff4576bf4e27">the cost of the bank collapses</a>:

Most of the cost of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/silicon-valley-bank-uk-bailout-hsbc-sale-4d2da0e9c6f39c0fd8faf321a2b295cf">guaranteeing all deposits at both banks</a>&nbsp;will likely be covered by the proceeds the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. receives from winding down the two banks — either by selling them to other financial institutions or by auctioning off their assets.

Any costs beyond that would be paid for out of the FDIC's deposit insurance fund, which is typically used in the event of a bank failure to reimburse depositors for up to $250,000 per account. The fund is maintained with fees paid by participating banks.

Both Silicon Valley and Signature banks had a strikingly high share of deposits above that amount: 94% of Silicon Valley’s deposits were uninsured, as were 90% of deposits at Signature. The average figure for large banks is about half that level.

If necessary, the insurance fund will be replenished by a “special assessment” on banks, the FDIC, Fed and Treasury said in a joint statement. Though the cost of that assessment could ultimately be borne by bank customers, it's not clear how much money would be involved.

Kathryn Judge, a law professor at Columbia University, said a bigger cost to consumers and the economy could stem from potentially major changes to the financial system that result from this episode.

If all customer deposits were considered guaranteed by the government, formally or informally, then regulations would need to be strengthened to prevent bank failures or lessen their costs when they do happen. Banks might have to pay permanently higher fees to the FDIC.

“It's going to require us to revisit the entire bank regulatory framework," Judge said. “That's far more significant than the modest costs that other banks will pay.”

President Joe Biden has insisted that no taxpayer money will be used to resolve the crisis. The White House is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/silicon-valley-bank-failure-deposits-fdic-8011ea377d8f9941032790ce1d704c5a">desperate to avoid</a>&nbsp;any perception that average Americans are “bailing out” the two banks in a way similar to the highly unpopular bailouts of the biggest financial firms during the 2008 financial crisis.

“No losses associated with the resolution of Silicon Valley Bank will be borne by the taxpayer,” read the joint statement from the Treasury, Fed and FDIC.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen defended that view Thursday under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yellen-banking-federal-reserve-silicon-valley-bank-dfd110d0b55d3284afaafc4677616b9e?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_06">tough questioning from GOP lawmakers</a>.

The Fed's lending program to help banks pay depositors is backed by $25 billion of taxpayer funds that would cover any losses on the loans. But the Fed says it's unlikely that the money will be needed because the loans will be backed by Treasury bonds and other safe securities as collateral.

Even if taxpayers aren't directly on the hook, some economists say the banks' customers still stand to benefit from government support.

“Saying that the taxpayer won’t pay anything ignores the fact that providing insurance to somebody who didn’t pay for insurance is a gift,” said Anil Kashyap, an economics professor at the University of Chicago. “And that’s kind of what happened.”

Biden and other Democrats in Washington deny that their actions amount to a bailout of any kind.

“It's not a bailout as happened in 2008,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut, said this week while proposing legislation to toughen bank regulation. “It is, in effect, protection of depositors and a preventive measure to stop a run on other banks all around the country."

Biden has stressed that the banks' managers will be fired and their investors will not be protected. Both banks will cease to exist. In the 2008 crisis, some financial institutions that received government financial aid, like the insurer AIG, were rescued from near-certain bankruptcy.

Yet many economists say the depositors at Silicon Valley Bank, which included wealthy venture capitalists and tech startups, are still receiving government help.

“Why is it sensible capitalism for somebody to take a risk, and then be protected from that risk when that risk actually happens?” asked Raghuram Rajan, a finance professor at the University of Chicago and former head of India's central bank. “It’s probably good for the short term in the sense that you don’t have a widespread panic. ... But it is problematic for the system long term."

Many Republicans on Capitol Hill argue that smaller community banks and their customers will shoulder some of the cost.

Banks in rural Oklahoma "are about to pay a special fee to be able to bail out millionaires in San Francisco,” Sen. James Lankford, a Republican from Oklahoma, said on the Senate floor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678567122405.png" alt="Silicon Vally Bank branch in Santa Clara, California -Google image" />
 <figcaption>Silicon Vally Bank branch in Santa Clara, California -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The government's response to the failure of two large banks has already involved hundreds of billions of dollars. So will ordinary Americans end up paying for it, one way or another? And what will the price tag be?It could be months before the answers are fully known. The Biden administration said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-wall-street-silicon-valley-banks-trump-e6c27850d35d7f782fc6af9498925e7f">it will guarantee</a>&nbsp;uninsured deposits at both banks. The Federal Reserve announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/silicon-valley-bank-uk-bailout-hsbc-sale-4d2da0e9c6f39c0fd8faf321a2b295cf">a new lending program</a>&nbsp;for all banks that need to borrow money to pay for withdrawals.On Thursday, the Fed provided the first glimpse of the scale of the response: It said banks had borrowed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/banks-federal-reserve-silicon-valley-lending-fa9cea4bf6a24f881337630acf04ecfd">about $300 billion in emergency funding in the past week</a>, with nearly half that amount going to holding companies for the two failed banks to pay depositors. The Fed did not say how many other banks borrowed money and added that it expects the loans to be repaid.The goal is to prevent a broadening panic in which customers rush to pull out so much money that even healthy banks buckle. That scenario would unsettle the entire financial system and risk derailing the economy.Taxpayers will probably bear no direct cost for the failure of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. But other banks may have to help defray the cost of covering uninsured deposits. Over time, those banks could pass higher costs on to customers, forcing everyone to pay more for services.Here are some questions and answers about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/banks-federal-reserve-silicon-valley-lending-rescue-a04875a164165b50e971ff4576bf4e27">the cost of the bank collapses</a>:HOW IS THE RESPONSE BEING PAID FOR?Most of the cost of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/silicon-valley-bank-uk-bailout-hsbc-sale-4d2da0e9c6f39c0fd8faf321a2b295cf">guaranteeing all deposits at both banks</a>&nbsp;will likely be covered by the proceeds the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. receives from winding down the two banks — either by selling them to other financial institutions or by auctioning off their assets.Any costs beyond that would be paid for out of the FDIC's deposit insurance fund, which is typically used in the event of a bank failure to reimburse depositors for up to $250,000 per account. The fund is maintained with fees paid by participating banks.Both Silicon Valley and Signature banks had a strikingly high share of deposits above that amount: 94% of Silicon Valley’s deposits were uninsured, as were 90% of deposits at Signature. The average figure for large banks is about half that level.If necessary, the insurance fund will be replenished by a “special assessment” on banks, the FDIC, Fed and Treasury said in a joint statement. Though the cost of that assessment could ultimately be borne by bank customers, it's not clear how much money would be involved.Kathryn Judge, a law professor at Columbia University, said a bigger cost to consumers and the economy could stem from potentially major changes to the financial system that result from this episode.If all customer deposits were considered guaranteed by the government, formally or informally, then regulations would need to be strengthened to prevent bank failures or lessen their costs when they do happen. Banks might have to pay permanently higher fees to the FDIC.“It's going to require us to revisit the entire bank regulatory framework," Judge said. “That's far more significant than the modest costs that other banks will pay.”WILL TAXPAYERS BE ON THE HOOK?President Joe Biden has insisted that no taxpayer money will be used to resolve the crisis. The White House is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/silicon-valley-bank-failure-deposits-fdic-8011ea377d8f9941032790ce1d704c5a">desperate to avoid</a>&nbsp;any perception that average Americans are “bailing out” the two banks in a way similar to the highly unpopular bailouts of the biggest financial firms during the 2008 financial crisis.“No losses associated with the resolution of Silicon Valley Bank will be borne by the taxpayer,” read the joint statement from the Treasury, Fed and FDIC.Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen defended that view Thursday under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yellen-banking-federal-reserve-silicon-valley-bank-dfd110d0b55d3284afaafc4677616b9e?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_06">tough questioning from GOP lawmakers</a>.The Fed's lending program to help banks pay depositors is backed by $25 billion of taxpayer funds that would cover any losses on the loans. But the Fed says it's unlikely that the money will be needed because the loans will be backed by Treasury bonds and other safe securities as collateral.Even if taxpayers aren't directly on the hook, some economists say the banks' customers still stand to benefit from government support.“Saying that the taxpayer won’t pay anything ignores the fact that providing insurance to somebody who didn’t pay for insurance is a gift,” said Anil Kashyap, an economics professor at the University of Chicago. “And that’s kind of what happened.”SO IS THIS A BAILOUT?Biden and other Democrats in Washington deny that their actions amount to a bailout of any kind.“It's not a bailout as happened in 2008,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut, said this week while proposing legislation to toughen bank regulation. “It is, in effect, protection of depositors and a preventive measure to stop a run on other banks all around the country."Biden has stressed that the banks' managers will be fired and their investors will not be protected. Both banks will cease to exist. In the 2008 crisis, some financial institutions that received government financial aid, like the insurer AIG, were rescued from near-certain bankruptcy.Yet many economists say the depositors at Silicon Valley Bank, which included wealthy venture capitalists and tech startups, are still receiving government help.“Why is it sensible capitalism for somebody to take a risk, and then be protected from that risk when that risk actually happens?” asked Raghuram Rajan, a finance professor at the University of Chicago and former head of India's central bank. “It’s probably good for the short term in the sense that you don’t have a widespread panic. ... But it is problematic for the system long term."Many Republicans on Capitol Hill argue that smaller community banks and their customers will shoulder some of the cost.Banks in rural Oklahoma "are about to pay a special fee to be able to bail out millionaires in San Francisco,” Sen. James Lankford, a Republican from Oklahoma, said on the Senate floor.___

Will Americans end up footing the bill for bank failures?

PLATTE COUNTY—Two people including a Manhattan man died in an accident just after 5p.m. Friday in Platte County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Nissan Sentra driven by Samantha M. Hemke, 22, Lenexa, was southbound on Interstate 435 just north of the Kansas state line.

The Nissan rear-ended a 2002 Mazda Protege driven by Karin J. Breen, 57, Kansas City, Mo., who was traveling in reverse in the number one lane of the interstate.

Breen and a passenger in the Mazda identified as Studd F. Leach, 46, Manhattan, Kansas, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Northland Regional EMS transported Hemke to KU Medical Center. Breen was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

PLATTE COUNTY—Two people including a Manhattan man died in an accident just after 5p.m. Friday in Platte County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Nissan Sentra driven by Samantha M. Hemke, 22, Lenexa, was southbound on Interstate 435 just north of the Kansas state line.The Nissan rear-ended a 2002 Mazda Protege driven by Karin J. Breen, 57, Kansas City, Mo., who was traveling in reverse in the number one lane of the interstate.Breen and a passenger in the Mazda identified as Studd F. Leach, 46, Manhattan, Kansas, were pronounced dead at the scene.Northland Regional EMS transported Hemke to KU Medical Center. Breen was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Kansas man killed in car traveling in reverse on interstate

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump said in a social media post that he expects to be arrested Tuesday as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-grand-jury-investigation-manhattan-e35836ebb6179e1c0ea28877590cfc1c">New York prosecutor is eyeing charges</a>&nbsp;in a case examining hush money paid to women who alleged sexual encounters with the former president.

Trump said in a post on his Truth Social network early Saturday that “illegal leaks” from the Manhattan district attorney's office indicate that “THE FAR &amp; AWAY LEADING REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE &amp; FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, WILL BE ARRESTED ON TUESDAY OF NEXT WEEK.”

Messages left Saturday with the district attorney’s office were not immediately returned. Representatives for Trump did not immediately respond to calls for comment.

Trump did not provide any details on social media about how he knew about the expected arrest. In his postings, he repeated his lies that the 2020 presidential election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden was stolen and he urged his followers to “PROTEST, TAKE OUR NATION BACK!” That language evoked the message from the then-president that preceded the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Law enforcement officials in New York have been making security preparations for the possibility that Trump could be indicted.

There has been no public announcement of any time frame for the grand jury’s secret work in the case, including any potential vote on whether to indict the ex-president.

Trump's posting echoes one made last summer when he broke the news on Truth Socia that the FBI was searching his home as part of an investigation into the possible mishandling of classified documents.

The grand jury in Manhattan has been hearing from witnesses, including former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, who says he orchestrated payments in 2016 to two women to silence them about sexual encounters they said they had with Trump a decade earlier.

Trump denies the encounters occurred, says he did nothing wrong and has cast the investigation as a “witch hunt” by a Democratic prosecutor bent on sabotaging the Republican’s 2024 presidential campaign.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office has apparently been examining whether any state laws were broken in connection with the payments or the way Trump’s company compensated Cohen for his work to keep the women’s allegations quiet.

Daniels and at least two former Trump aides — onetime political adviser Kellyanne Conway and former spokesperson Hope Hicks — are among witnesses who have met with prosecutors in recent weeks.

Cohen has said that at Trump’s direction, he arranged payments totaling $280,000 to porn actor Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal. According to Cohen, the payouts were to buy their silence about Trump, who was then in the thick of his first presidential campaign. ___

Associated Press writer Meg Kinnard in Columbia, South Carolina, contributed to this report.

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump said in a social media post that he expects to be arrested Tuesday as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-grand-jury-investigation-manhattan-e35836ebb6179e1c0ea28877590cfc1c">New York prosecutor is eyeing charges</a>&nbsp;in a case examining hush money paid to women who alleged sexual encounters with the former president.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679143938516.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trump said in a post on his Truth Social network early Saturday that “illegal leaks” from the Manhattan district attorney's office indicate that “THE FAR &amp; AWAY LEADING REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE &amp; FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, WILL BE ARRESTED ON TUESDAY OF NEXT WEEK.”Messages left Saturday with the district attorney’s office were not immediately returned. Representatives for Trump did not immediately respond to calls for comment.Trump did not provide any details on social media about how he knew about the expected arrest. In his postings, he repeated his lies that the 2020 presidential election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden was stolen and he urged his followers to “PROTEST, TAKE OUR NATION BACK!” That language evoked the message from the then-president that preceded the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.Law enforcement officials in New York have been making security preparations for the possibility that Trump could be indicted.There has been no public announcement of any time frame for the grand jury’s secret work in the case, including any potential vote on whether to indict the ex-president.Trump's posting echoes one made last summer when he broke the news on Truth Socia that the FBI was searching his home as part of an investigation into the possible mishandling of classified documents.The grand jury in Manhattan has been hearing from witnesses, including former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, who says he orchestrated payments in 2016 to two women to silence them about sexual encounters they said they had with Trump a decade earlier.Trump denies the encounters occurred, says he did nothing wrong and has cast the investigation as a “witch hunt” by a Democratic prosecutor bent on sabotaging the Republican’s 2024 presidential campaign.Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office has apparently been examining whether any state laws were broken in connection with the payments or the way Trump’s company compensated Cohen for his work to keep the women’s allegations quiet.Daniels and at least two former Trump aides — onetime political adviser Kellyanne Conway and former spokesperson Hope Hicks — are among witnesses who have met with prosecutors in recent weeks.Cohen has said that at Trump’s direction, he arranged payments totaling $280,000 to porn actor Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal. According to Cohen, the payouts were to buy their silence about Trump, who was then in the thick of his first presidential campaign. ___Associated Press writer Meg Kinnard in Columbia, South Carolina, contributed to this report.

Trump expects to be arrested Tuesday as DA eyes charges

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have released the name of the victim as 13-year-old Kaleb Lane of Topeka, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.

Just before 8:30 p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to a shooting at a home in the the 1300 Block of SW Garfield Ave. in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

First responders found Lane with life threatening injuries. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Following an investigation, police took a 14-year-old boy from Topeka,&nbsp; to the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested charges of Murder in the 2nd Degree, according to Stanley.&nbsp; Police did not release details on the relationship between the two boys.

Dr. Tiffany Anderson, Superintendent, USD 501, Topeka Public Schools sent a statement to parents Friday.

"We are so sorry to share some sad news over the break impacting one of our scholars. It is with tremendous sadness that we share one of our Eisenhower students passed last night tragically. Reportedly, last night our student Kaleb Lane, an 8th grader at Eisenhower, was involved in a reported accidental shooting, and he tragically passed away."

"Kaleb was a fun loving, energetic student with many friends. We do not have any additional details we can share at this time. This incident remains under investigation by the police department. We wanted to inform our staff immediately after the family gave permission to share with you Kaleb passed last night. A mental health team will be in place Monday for any staff or students with needs at Eisenhower and at other impacted schools."

"We are so sorry to share information regarding a student tragedy over the Spring break and our hearts are heavy for the family. We ask that families and staff respect the privacy of the family as local law enforcement completes their investigation."

"Please keep Kaleb’s family and all that are impacted uplifted in your thoughts and prayers.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679050938330.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation late Thursday-photo courtesy WIBW-TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation late Thursday-photo courtesy WIBW-TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have released the name of the victim as 13-year-old Kaleb Lane of Topeka, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.Just before 8:30 p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to a shooting at a home in the the 1300 Block of SW Garfield Ave. in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.First responders found Lane with life threatening injuries. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Following an investigation, police took a 14-year-old boy from Topeka,&nbsp; to the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested charges of Murder in the 2nd Degree, according to Stanley.&nbsp; Police did not release details on the relationship between the two boys.Dr. Tiffany Anderson, Superintendent, USD 501, Topeka Public Schools sent a statement to parents Friday."We are so sorry to share some sad news over the break impacting one of our scholars. It is with tremendous sadness that we share one of our Eisenhower students passed last night tragically. Reportedly, last night our student Kaleb Lane, an 8th grader at Eisenhower, was involved in a reported accidental shooting, and he tragically passed away.""Kaleb was a fun loving, energetic student with many friends. We do not have any additional details we can share at this time. This incident remains under investigation by the police department. We wanted to inform our staff immediately after the family gave permission to share with you Kaleb passed last night. A mental health team will be in place Monday for any staff or students with needs at Eisenhower and at other impacted schools.""We are so sorry to share information regarding a student tragedy over the Spring break and our hearts are heavy for the family. We ask that families and staff respect the privacy of the family as local law enforcement completes their investigation.""Please keep Kaleb’s family and all that are impacted uplifted in your thoughts and prayers.”

Kan. school district issues statement on death of 13-year-old

TOPEKA (AP) —The Kansas Court of Appeals on Friday reinstated a lawsuit that challenged provisions of a voting law enacted in 2021 that opponents argue is unconstitutional and limits voting rights.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-voting-rights-laws-elections-voting-2e10b25e00158f9f08844c1f9493a2ea">lawsuit was filed in 2021 by</a>&nbsp;Loud Light, the League of Women Voters, the Topeka Independent Living Resource Center and the Kansas Appleseed Center for Law and Justice.

They challenged provisions of a law passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature that limit how many advance mail ballots individuals can collect and require election officials to match the signatures on an advance ballot to a person’s voter registration record.

Supporters of the law argued that restricting individuals from collecting and returning more than 10 advanced ballots per election would reduce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-topeka-kansas-voting-rights-elections-4b5b5a6334ce145c0421bf574d5c9479">“ballot harvesting”</a>&nbsp;and limit voter fraud. Kansas Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed the measure but lawmakers overrode her veto.

The unanimous opinion Friday, written by Judge Stephen Hill, said the two provisions “impair” the right to vote.

“It was by free elections that we gained statehood. Thus, voting rights are preserved in the Kansas Constitution," Hill wrote. "Great care must be taken when trying to limit or infringe on those rights. Voting was important then. Voting is important now.”

The court sent the lawsuit back to Shawnee County District Court Judge Teresa Watson, who originally dismissed it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-voting-rights-lawsuits-kansas-aa6e7891d356fd633ac1e75545d73454">in April 2022</a>&nbsp;after finding the restrictions were reasonable. The ruling does not strike down the law but requires Watson to review the lawsuit using “strict scrutiny,” which is the highest standard of legal review.

Attorney General Kris Kobach called the ruling “the most radical election law decision in the country.” He said the signature verification requirement protects people from having their votes stolen. He did not address the provision limiting the collection of ballots.

“It is clearly wrong,” Kobach said in a statement. “The decision is directly contrary to what the U.S. Supreme Court has said, as well as what every state supreme court has said on the matter.”

Davis Hammet, executive director of Loud Light, noted the ruling did not address whether the law is constitutional but said it was still a victory for voters.

“It clarified the right to vote is a fundamental constitutional right and said when election laws are challenged the courts will apply the highest level of scrutiny to those laws,” Hammet said.

Hammet said the ruling is especially important in the aftermath of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">baseless claims</a>&nbsp;that the 2020 election was not valid, which prompted a wave of misinformation and voter suppression laws across the country.

“What the court said here is (lawmakers) can’t just restrict the right to vote,” he said. “If you have a restriction, it has to be there for a compelling reason. You have to show you’re not just stopping people from voting or having their votes count.”

Secretary of State Scott Schwab said his office was reviewing the decision but said it "appeared to be a substantial change to the judicial standard of reviewing state election laws.”

And Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Republican from Wichita, called the decision “shocking” and said it endangers all current election integrity laws.

“I am confident that Attorney General Kobach will swiftly appeal this egregious decision and Republicans in the House will support his efforts in every possible way,” Hawkins said.

The Kansas Supreme Court heard arguments last month on another provision of the law, which makes it a crime to impersonate election officials. Opponents said the provision would make it difficult to conduct voter registration drives.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673288684737.png" alt="Kan. Attorney General Kris Kobach called the ruling “the most radical election law decision in the country.”" />
 <figcaption>Kan. Attorney General Kris Kobach called the ruling “the most radical election law decision in the country.”</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA (AP) —The Kansas Court of Appeals on Friday reinstated a lawsuit that challenged provisions of a voting law enacted in 2021 that opponents argue is unconstitutional and limits voting rights.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-voting-rights-laws-elections-voting-2e10b25e00158f9f08844c1f9493a2ea">lawsuit was filed in 2021 by</a>&nbsp;Loud Light, the League of Women Voters, the Topeka Independent Living Resource Center and the Kansas Appleseed Center for Law and Justice.They challenged provisions of a law passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature that limit how many advance mail ballots individuals can collect and require election officials to match the signatures on an advance ballot to a person’s voter registration record.Supporters of the law argued that restricting individuals from collecting and returning more than 10 advanced ballots per election would reduce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-topeka-kansas-voting-rights-elections-4b5b5a6334ce145c0421bf574d5c9479">“ballot harvesting”</a>&nbsp;and limit voter fraud. Kansas Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed the measure but lawmakers overrode her veto.The unanimous opinion Friday, written by Judge Stephen Hill, said the two provisions “impair” the right to vote.“It was by free elections that we gained statehood. Thus, voting rights are preserved in the Kansas Constitution," Hill wrote. "Great care must be taken when trying to limit or infringe on those rights. Voting was important then. Voting is important now.”The court sent the lawsuit back to Shawnee County District Court Judge Teresa Watson, who originally dismissed it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-voting-rights-lawsuits-kansas-aa6e7891d356fd633ac1e75545d73454">in April 2022</a>&nbsp;after finding the restrictions were reasonable. The ruling does not strike down the law but requires Watson to review the lawsuit using “strict scrutiny,” which is the highest standard of legal review.Attorney General Kris Kobach called the ruling “the most radical election law decision in the country.” He said the signature verification requirement protects people from having their votes stolen. He did not address the provision limiting the collection of ballots.“It is clearly wrong,” Kobach said in a statement. “The decision is directly contrary to what the U.S. Supreme Court has said, as well as what every state supreme court has said on the matter.”Davis Hammet, executive director of Loud Light, noted the ruling did not address whether the law is constitutional but said it was still a victory for voters.“It clarified the right to vote is a fundamental constitutional right and said when election laws are challenged the courts will apply the highest level of scrutiny to those laws,” Hammet said.Hammet said the ruling is especially important in the aftermath of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">baseless claims</a>&nbsp;that the 2020 election was not valid, which prompted a wave of misinformation and voter suppression laws across the country.“What the court said here is (lawmakers) can’t just restrict the right to vote,” he said. “If you have a restriction, it has to be there for a compelling reason. You have to show you’re not just stopping people from voting or having their votes count.”Secretary of State Scott Schwab said his office was reviewing the decision but said it "appeared to be a substantial change to the judicial standard of reviewing state election laws.”And Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Republican from Wichita, called the decision “shocking” and said it endangers all current election integrity laws.“I am confident that Attorney General Kobach will swiftly appeal this egregious decision and Republicans in the House will support his efforts in every possible way,” Hawkins said.The Kansas Supreme Court heard arguments last month on another provision of the law, which makes it a crime to impersonate election officials. Opponents said the provision would make it difficult to conduct voter registration drives.

Kan. AG: Ruling on voting law most radical election law decision in the country

PRATT COUNTY—Three people died in an accident just before 3p.m. Friday in Pratt County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Ford Taurus driven by William Fowler Stevens, 32, Woodward, Oklahoma, was southbound on Kansas 61 two miles north of Preston.

The Taurus crossed the center line and struck a northbound 2014 Ford Fusion driven by Joshua Jamal Townsell, 30, Omaha, head-on.

Stevens,&nbsp;Townsell and a juvenile in the Fusion were pronounced dead at the scene. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

PRATT COUNTY—Three people died in an accident just before 3p.m. Friday in Pratt County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Ford Taurus driven by William Fowler Stevens, 32, Woodward, Oklahoma, was southbound on Kansas 61 two miles north of Preston.The Taurus crossed the center line and struck a northbound 2014 Ford Fusion driven by Joshua Jamal Townsell, 30, Omaha, head-on.Stevens,&nbsp;Townsell and a juvenile in the Fusion were pronounced dead at the scene. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

2 adults, juvenile dead after Kansas head-on crash

IRON COUNTY (AP) —A rural Missouri sheriff and two deputies are jailed and facing charges accusing them of helping a man in a parental kidnapping plot.

Officers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Thursday arrested Iron County Sheriff Jeff Burkett, deputies Matthew Cozad and Chase Bresnahan, and the father of the child, Donald Gaston. All four face multiple charges and were jailed Friday in neighboring Washington County.

Iron County has about 9,500 residents and sits 100 miles (161 kilometers) southwest of St. Louis.

Burkett's lawyer, Gabe Crocker, said the charges are politically motivated.

“This is small-town politics,” Crocker said. "This is the continuation of a long gestating effort to remove this sheriff from office."

Charging documents say that in February, Gaston, 62, sought to take his daughter after an argument with the child's mother. Among the accusations against Burkett: Prosecutors say he lied to a 911 dispatcher to report that the mother had kidnapped the girl, and falsely accused the woman of putting the child in danger. Ultimately, the girl remained with her mother.

The sheriff and deputies also are accused of tracking the woman's whereabouts through her cell phone.

All four men were charged with criminal street gang activity since the alleged crime was organized. Burkett, 46, also is charged with attempted kidnapping, being an accessory to stalking, and other crimes.

Gaston's alleged crimes include stalking and attempted parental kidnapping. Gaston, Cozad and Bresnahan do not yet have attorneys, according to Missouri's online court reporting system.

Burkett is jailed on $500,000 cash-only bond. The other suspects are jailed on $400,000 cash-only bond.

Burkett, a Republican, was elected sheriff in 2020 and previously worked as a deputy. Last year, he was hospitalized for nearly four months with COVID-19, including spending time on a ventilator, according to the department's Facebook page. While he was hospitalized, county officials sought to remove him from office but eventually backed off, the posting said.

“It is no secret that Sheriff Burkett is an outsider to many of the current elected officials,” the posting stated.

Burkett was hospitalized briefly on March 10 due to lingering COVID-19 “symptoms and complications,” the Facebook page stated. The mugshot photo taken after his arrest shows him wearing an oxygen line in his nose.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679072161027.png" alt="Burkett-photo Washington Co." />
 <figcaption>Burkett-photo Washington Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>IRON COUNTY (AP) —A rural Missouri sheriff and two deputies are jailed and facing charges accusing them of helping a man in a parental kidnapping plot.Officers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Thursday arrested Iron County Sheriff Jeff Burkett, deputies Matthew Cozad and Chase Bresnahan, and the father of the child, Donald Gaston. All four face multiple charges and were jailed Friday in neighboring Washington County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679072213542.png" alt="Cozad-phjoto Washington Co." />
 <figcaption>Cozad-phjoto Washington Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Iron County has about 9,500 residents and sits 100 miles (161 kilometers) southwest of St. Louis.Burkett's lawyer, Gabe Crocker, said the charges are politically motivated.“This is small-town politics,” Crocker said. "This is the continuation of a long gestating effort to remove this sheriff from office."Charging documents say that in February, Gaston, 62, sought to take his daughter after an argument with the child's mother. Among the accusations against Burkett: Prosecutors say he lied to a 911 dispatcher to report that the mother had kidnapped the girl, and falsely accused the woman of putting the child in danger. Ultimately, the girl remained with her mother.The sheriff and deputies also are accused of tracking the woman's whereabouts through her cell phone.All four men were charged with criminal street gang activity since the alleged crime was organized. Burkett, 46, also is charged with attempted kidnapping, being an accessory to stalking, and other crimes.Gaston's alleged crimes include stalking and attempted parental kidnapping. Gaston, Cozad and Bresnahan do not yet have attorneys, according to Missouri's online court reporting system.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679072275600.png" alt="Gaston-photo Washington Co." />
 <figcaption>Gaston-photo Washington Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Burkett is jailed on $500,000 cash-only bond. The other suspects are jailed on $400,000 cash-only bond.Burkett, a Republican, was elected sheriff in 2020 and previously worked as a deputy. Last year, he was hospitalized for nearly four months with COVID-19, including spending time on a ventilator, according to the department's Facebook page. While he was hospitalized, county officials sought to remove him from office but eventually backed off, the posting said.“It is no secret that Sheriff Burkett is an outsider to many of the current elected officials,” the posting stated.Burkett was hospitalized briefly on March 10 due to lingering COVID-19 “symptoms and complications,” the Facebook page stated. The mugshot photo taken after his arrest shows him wearing an oxygen line in his nose.

Rural sheriff, 2 deputies arrested in kidnap plot

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.&nbsp;

On Thursday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Shawnee County Drug Task Force served a search warrant in the 2300 Block of SE Oakwood Drive, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

As a result, officer arrested 32-year-old Cody Cowhick and transported him to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested&nbsp; charges that include Distribution of Opioids (Fentanyl), Possession of Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia and&nbsp; Possession of User Drug Paraphernalia 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678963945921.png" alt="Cowhick-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Cowhick-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.&nbsp;On Thursday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Shawnee County Drug Task Force served a search warrant in the 2300 Block of SE Oakwood Drive, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.As a result, officer arrested 32-year-old Cody Cowhick and transported him to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested&nbsp; charges that include Distribution of Opioids (Fentanyl), Possession of Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia and&nbsp; Possession of User Drug Paraphernalia

Kansas man accused of selling fentanyl

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are&nbsp;investigating a workplace incident that fatally injured 68-year-old David Adams of Towanda.

Just after 2:00 pm, Thursday, police were dispatched to an injury accident with a person pinned at a business in the 3200 block of West May in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

Fire department units arrived on the scene first and located Adams unconscious and not breathing. He would be pronounced deceased on the scene.

The investigation revealed that Adams was working on a trailer.&nbsp; His coworkers came in and found him underneath the trailer with a portion of the axle on top of him.

Several coworkers helped remove Adams from under the axle and immediately called 911 and administered CPR. No foul play is expected at this time. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679075821996.png" alt="Police don't believe any foul play was involved -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police don't believe any foul play was involved -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are&nbsp;investigating a workplace incident that fatally injured 68-year-old David Adams of Towanda.Just after 2:00 pm, Thursday, police were dispatched to an injury accident with a person pinned at a business in the 3200 block of West May in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.Fire department units arrived on the scene first and located Adams unconscious and not breathing. He would be pronounced deceased on the scene.The investigation revealed that Adams was working on a trailer.&nbsp; His coworkers came in and found him underneath the trailer with a portion of the axle on top of him.Several coworkers helped remove Adams from under the axle and immediately called 911 and administered CPR. No foul play is expected at this time.

Fatal Kan. workplace accident: Trailer axle fell on man

TOPEKA —Kansas Governor Laura has once again vetoed a ban on transgender athletes in women's sports. However, lawmakers may have the votes to override the veto.

In a statement from her office Friday afternoon, Kelly said, “We all want a fair and safe place for our kids to play and compete."

“That’s why I support the Kansas State High School Activities Association, which was set up to ensure nobody has an unfair advantage on the playing field. The Legislature should let the Association do its job."

“Let’s be clear about what this bill is all about – politics. It won’t increase any test scores. It won’t help any kids read or write. It won’t help any teachers prepare our kids for the real world. Here’s what this bill would actually do: harm the mental health of our students. That’s exactly why Republican governors have joined me in vetoing similar bills.

“This bill would also reverse the progress we’ve made in recruiting businesses and creating jobs. It would send a signal to prospective companies that Kansas is more focused on unnecessary and divisive legislation than becoming a place where young people want to work and raise a family.

Kelly&nbsp;vetoed two previous versions&nbsp;of the ban.

&nbsp;On March 9, the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature gave final approval of the ban and appear to have the votes to override the veto.

The state Senate voted 28-11 to approve the bill, which would impose the ban for K-12, college and club sports, starting July 1. In February, the House approved the bill 82-40.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678410028413.png" alt="-Adam Kellogg, a University of Kansas student and transgender man, follows a Kansas Senate health committee hearing on legislation aimed at preventing gender-affirming care for minors, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023, at the Statehouse in Topeka, Kan. The Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature is also considering a measure to define male and female in state law in such a way that it could prevent transgender men and women from changing their driver's licenses and birth certificates. (AP Photo/John Hanna)" />
 <figcaption>-Adam Kellogg, a University of Kansas student and transgender man, follows a Kansas Senate health committee hearing on legislation aimed at preventing gender-affirming care for minors, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023, at the Statehouse in Topeka, Kan. The Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature is also considering a measure to define male and female in state law in such a way that it could prevent transgender men and women from changing their driver's licenses and birth certificates. (AP Photo/John Hanna)</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Kansas Governor Laura has once again vetoed a ban on transgender athletes in women's sports. However, lawmakers may have the votes to override the veto.In a statement from her office Friday afternoon, Kelly said, “We all want a fair and safe place for our kids to play and compete."“That’s why I support the Kansas State High School Activities Association, which was set up to ensure nobody has an unfair advantage on the playing field. The Legislature should let the Association do its job."“Let’s be clear about what this bill is all about – politics. It won’t increase any test scores. It won’t help any kids read or write. It won’t help any teachers prepare our kids for the real world. Here’s what this bill would actually do: harm the mental health of our students. That’s exactly why Republican governors have joined me in vetoing similar bills.“This bill would also reverse the progress we’ve made in recruiting businesses and creating jobs. It would send a signal to prospective companies that Kansas is more focused on unnecessary and divisive legislation than becoming a place where young people want to work and raise a family.Kelly&nbsp;vetoed two previous versions&nbsp;of the ban.&nbsp;On March 9, the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature gave final approval of the ban and appear to have the votes to override the veto.The state Senate voted 28-11 to approve the bill, which would impose the ban for K-12, college and club sports, starting July 1. In February, the House approved the bill 82-40.

Kan. governor vetoes ban on trans athletes in women's sports

SHAWNE COUNTY—There was a minor train derailment just after 7p.m. Thursday in Topeka.

One car was involved near 77th and South Topeka Boulevard, according to BNFS spokesperson&nbsp;Lena Kent. There were no injuries and no HAZMAT involved.

On Friday morning, BNSF crews moved the car back into place and the train transporting vegetable products and cornmeal continued.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679079215994.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNE COUNTY—There was a minor train derailment just after 7p.m. Thursday in Topeka.One car was involved near 77th and South Topeka Boulevard, according to BNFS spokesperson&nbsp;Lena Kent. There were no injuries and no HAZMAT involved.On Friday morning, BNSF crews moved the car back into place and the train transporting vegetable products and cornmeal continued.

No injuries,  hazmat issues from minor Kan. train derailment

WILSON COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office are conducting a death investigation after human remains were found Thursday evening in rural Wilson County, according to a media release from the KBI.

Just before 7p.m. Thursday, out-of-state hunters called 911 after encountering human remains in a pasture. Deputies from the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office responded to the location, approximately a mile south of Coyville, Kansas, near Decatur Road. Upon arriving, deputies observed the human skeletal remains.

An autopsy is scheduled. At this time, the person has not been identified. Due to the condition of the remains, positive identification is expected to take longer than most cases.

If you have information about this investigation, please contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME, or the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office at (620) 378-3622. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online at https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679078526727.png" alt="The remains were found approximately a mile south of Coyville, Kansas, near Decatur Road. Google map" />
 <figcaption>The remains were found approximately a mile south of Coyville, Kansas, near Decatur Road. Google map</figcaption>
 </figure>WILSON COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office are conducting a death investigation after human remains were found Thursday evening in rural Wilson County, according to a media release from the KBI.Just before 7p.m. Thursday, out-of-state hunters called 911 after encountering human remains in a pasture. Deputies from the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office responded to the location, approximately a mile south of Coyville, Kansas, near Decatur Road. Upon arriving, deputies observed the human skeletal remains.An autopsy is scheduled. At this time, the person has not been identified. Due to the condition of the remains, positive identification is expected to take longer than most cases.If you have information about this investigation, please contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME, or the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office at (620) 378-3622. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online at https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.

KBI: Hunters found human remains in Kansas pasture

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pfizer’s COVID-19 pill Paxlovid won another vote of confidence from U.S. health advisers Thursday, clearing the way for its full regulatory approval by the Food and Drug Administration.

The medication has been used by millions of Americans since the FDA granted it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-pfizer-medication-f5f65e7e61d6aa9c7dfa193053e8878a">emergency use authorization</a>&nbsp;in late 2021. The agency has the final say on giving Pfizer's drug full approval and is expected to decide by May.

A panel of outside experts voted 16-1 that Paxlovid remains a safe and effective treatment for high-risk adults with COVID-19 who are more likely to face hospitalization and death due to the virus.

“We still have many groups that stand to benefit from Paxlovid, including unvaccinated persons, under-vaccinated persons, the elderly and the immuno-compromised,” said Dr. Richard Murphy of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The FDA said using Paxlovid in high-risk patients could prevent 1,500 COVID-19 deaths and 13,000 hospitalizations per week.

The panel's positive vote was widely expected, given that Paxlovid has been the go-to treatment against COVID-19, especially since an entire group of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-business-health-f8cbfdb48f6c78aea16930b45af4e024">antibody drugs</a>&nbsp;has been sidelined as the virus mutated.

The U.S. continues reporting about 4,000 deaths and 35,000 hospitalizations weekly, the FDA noted.

The agency asked its panel of independent medical experts to address several lingering questions involving Paxlovid, including which people currently benefit from treatment and whether the drug plays a role in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-2e843a971be751e8b8b25575c8bfc60a">cases of COVID-19 rebound</a>.

The panel agreed with assessments by both the FDA and Pfizer that found no clear link between the use of Paxlovid and returning symptoms, but said more information is needed from studies and medical records data. High-profile cases drew attention to the issue last year, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-government-and-politics-6ffc64aa1d8d67b074dd8beb67d7cf6f">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jill-biden-covid-rebound-case-527711014401a11dcd37952e1f1e6aa4">first lady Jill Biden</a>.

Between 10% and 16% of patients across multiple Pfizer studies had symptoms return, regardless of whether they’d received Paxlovid or a dummy pill. Such cases “likely reflect natural COVID-19 progression,” the FDA concluded.

The federal government has purchased more than 20 million doses of Paxlovid and encouraged health professionals to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-business-health-medication-a5adf6c2e7894e479e795b5a6d1aeb84">prescribe it aggressively</a>&nbsp;to help prevent severe COVID-19. But that’s led to concerns of overprescribing and questions of whether some patients are needlessly getting the drug.

Pfizer originally studied Paxlovid in the highest-risk COVID-19 patients: unvaccinated adults with other health problems and no evidence of prior coronavirus infection. But that doesn’t reflect the U.S. population today, where an estimated 95% of people have protection from at least one vaccine dose, a prior infection or both.

The FDA reviewed Pfizer data showing Paxlovid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-seniors-d8f6af66517054aae7fb27d1ecc6df66">made no meaningful difference</a>&nbsp;in otherwise healthy adults, whether or not they’d been previously vaccinated.

But when FDA teased out data for high-risk adults — regardless of their vaccination or infection history — Paxlovid still showed a significant benefit, reducing the chance of hospitalization or death between 60% and 85%, depending on individual circumstances. Patients in that group included seniors and those with serious health problems, such as diabetes, obesity, lung disease and immune-system disorders.

With so many different factors, panelists said prescribing Paxlovid will remain a case-by-case decision.

Dr. Sankar Swaminathan of the University of Utah and other panelists stressed the importance of managing potentially dangerous drug interactions between Paxlovid and other commonly used medications.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pfizer’s COVID-19 pill Paxlovid won another vote of confidence from U.S. health advisers Thursday, clearing the way for its full regulatory approval by the Food and Drug Administration.The medication has been used by millions of Americans since the FDA granted it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-pfizer-medication-f5f65e7e61d6aa9c7dfa193053e8878a">emergency use authorization</a>&nbsp;in late 2021. The agency has the final say on giving Pfizer's drug full approval and is expected to decide by May.A panel of outside experts voted 16-1 that Paxlovid remains a safe and effective treatment for high-risk adults with COVID-19 who are more likely to face hospitalization and death due to the virus.“We still have many groups that stand to benefit from Paxlovid, including unvaccinated persons, under-vaccinated persons, the elderly and the immuno-compromised,” said Dr. Richard Murphy of the Department of Veterans Affairs.The FDA said using Paxlovid in high-risk patients could prevent 1,500 COVID-19 deaths and 13,000 hospitalizations per week.The panel's positive vote was widely expected, given that Paxlovid has been the go-to treatment against COVID-19, especially since an entire group of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-business-health-f8cbfdb48f6c78aea16930b45af4e024">antibody drugs</a>&nbsp;has been sidelined as the virus mutated.The U.S. continues reporting about 4,000 deaths and 35,000 hospitalizations weekly, the FDA noted.The agency asked its panel of independent medical experts to address several lingering questions involving Paxlovid, including which people currently benefit from treatment and whether the drug plays a role in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-2e843a971be751e8b8b25575c8bfc60a">cases of COVID-19 rebound</a>.The panel agreed with assessments by both the FDA and Pfizer that found no clear link between the use of Paxlovid and returning symptoms, but said more information is needed from studies and medical records data. High-profile cases drew attention to the issue last year, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-government-and-politics-6ffc64aa1d8d67b074dd8beb67d7cf6f">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jill-biden-covid-rebound-case-527711014401a11dcd37952e1f1e6aa4">first lady Jill Biden</a>.Between 10% and 16% of patients across multiple Pfizer studies had symptoms return, regardless of whether they’d received Paxlovid or a dummy pill. Such cases “likely reflect natural COVID-19 progression,” the FDA concluded.The federal government has purchased more than 20 million doses of Paxlovid and encouraged health professionals to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-business-health-medication-a5adf6c2e7894e479e795b5a6d1aeb84">prescribe it aggressively</a>&nbsp;to help prevent severe COVID-19. But that’s led to concerns of overprescribing and questions of whether some patients are needlessly getting the drug.Pfizer originally studied Paxlovid in the highest-risk COVID-19 patients: unvaccinated adults with other health problems and no evidence of prior coronavirus infection. But that doesn’t reflect the U.S. population today, where an estimated 95% of people have protection from at least one vaccine dose, a prior infection or both.The FDA reviewed Pfizer data showing Paxlovid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-seniors-d8f6af66517054aae7fb27d1ecc6df66">made no meaningful difference</a>&nbsp;in otherwise healthy adults, whether or not they’d been previously vaccinated.But when FDA teased out data for high-risk adults — regardless of their vaccination or infection history — Paxlovid still showed a significant benefit, reducing the chance of hospitalization or death between 60% and 85%, depending on individual circumstances. Patients in that group included seniors and those with serious health problems, such as diabetes, obesity, lung disease and immune-system disorders.With so many different factors, panelists said prescribing Paxlovid will remain a case-by-case decision.Dr. Sankar Swaminathan of the University of Utah and other panelists stressed the importance of managing potentially dangerous drug interactions between Paxlovid and other commonly used medications.___

COVID-19 pill moves closer to full FDA approval

ST. CHARLES. Mo. (AP) — A man has been convicted of shooting an Amazon delivery truck driver during a dispute over a disabled parking spot.

Larry Thomlison, 70, of St. Charles, was found guilty this week of first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the March 2019 shooting of 21-year-old Jaylen Walker, who was paralyzed from the waist down, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/st-charles-man-guilty-of-shooting-paralyzing-amazon-driver-over-target-disability-parking-spot/article_0302bf13-2062-515e-9bdf-f348388dea1d.html">reported</a>.

Prosecutors said Walker had illegally parked his delivery ban in a disabled parking spot and was talking to another Amazon driver when Thomlison confronted him.

When Thomlison, who was driving a car with a disabled permit placard, tried to photograph him, Walker pushed the phone away and Thomlison punched him, police said.

When the two men fell to the ground during their fight, Thomlison pulled out a gun and shot Walker in the back, prosecutors said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679059405088.png" alt="Thomlison-photo St. Louis Co." />
 <figcaption>Thomlison-photo St. Louis Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. CHARLES. Mo. (AP) — A man has been convicted of shooting an Amazon delivery truck driver during a dispute over a disabled parking spot.Larry Thomlison, 70, of St. Charles, was found guilty this week of first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the March 2019 shooting of 21-year-old Jaylen Walker, who was paralyzed from the waist down, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/st-charles-man-guilty-of-shooting-paralyzing-amazon-driver-over-target-disability-parking-spot/article_0302bf13-2062-515e-9bdf-f348388dea1d.html">reported</a>.Prosecutors said Walker had illegally parked his delivery ban in a disabled parking spot and was talking to another Amazon driver when Thomlison confronted him.When Thomlison, who was driving a car with a disabled permit placard, tried to photograph him, Walker pushed the phone away and Thomlison punched him, police said.When the two men fell to the ground during their fight, Thomlison pulled out a gun and shot Walker in the back, prosecutors said.Thomlison will be sentenced May 1.

Man guilty in shooting over disabled parking spot

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have made an arrest.

First responders found one individual with life threatening injuries. EMS transported the victim to local area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Following an investigation, police took a 14-year-old boy from Topeka,&nbsp; to the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested charges of Murder in the 2nd Degree, according to Stanley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679050938330.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation late Thursday-photo courtesy WIBW-TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation late Thursday-photo courtesy WIBW-TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have made an arrest.Just before 8:30 p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to a shooting at a home in the the 1300 Block of SW Garfield Ave. in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.First responders found one individual with life threatening injuries. EMS transported the victim to local area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Following an investigation, police took a 14-year-old boy from Topeka,&nbsp; to the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested charges of Murder in the 2nd Degree, according to Stanley.

Police: 14-year-old Kansas boy accused in fatal shooting

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;is hosting Ireland's prime minister on Friday, after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">COVID-19 pandemic</a>&nbsp;scuttled the longstanding St. Patrick's Day meetup two years in a row.

Leo Varadkar, known as the taoiseach, and his partner, Matthew Barrett, also attended a breakfast with Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff at the Vice President's home, and Varadkar told the crowd there that Ireland is grateful for the “close and deep bond with these United States.”

He said the U.S. has played a central role in promoting peace in Ireland “at critical points when few others had the influence to do so." And Varadkar said the U.S. has been strong on LGBTQ rights.

“From Stonewall to Sacramento to San Francisco. America has led the way when it comes to LGBT equality," he said. “I don’t think I would be here today were it not for what America did.”

Varadkar was meeting with the president in the Oval Office before both were to head to the Capitol for a lunch with congressional leaders.

Biden has said he plans to visit both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland this year, the 25th anniversary of the U.S.-brokered Good Friday accord, which helped end sectarian violence that had raged for decades over the question of Northern Ireland unifying with Ireland or remaining part of the United Kingdom.

The agreement came under increasing stress following the U.K.’s exit from the European Union, but a recent accord between the U.K. and the EU addresses some of the issues that arose around commerce and goods that cross the Irish Sea from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

The White House said the agreement,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brexit-european-union-northern-ireland-sausage-windsor-framework-5dec795bf393476c40e304ead5cfb393">known as the Windsor Framework</a>, is an important step in maintaining the peace accord.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-ireland-e57e4edf251f6ad7b58c91e9347ae081">Varadkar took over in December</a>&nbsp;for a second term as part of a job-sharing deal made by the country’s centrist coalition government. The two leaders were expected to discuss the continued support of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Ukraine in the face of the Russian invasion</a>.

Varadkar was to present Biden with an engraved crystal bowl of shamrocks, a tradition that began in 1952. The shamrocks made it to the Oval Office last year even though&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-europe-lifestyle-nancy-pelosi-ireland-1c9aeb0df04eefb3531451f108270645">then-prime minister Micheál Martin didn't</a>. He came down with COVID-19 and had to join the meeting virtually while isolated in nearby Blair House, where world leaders often stay when they come to visit the White House.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-good-friday-accord-85b0a7afe8b1ce70e0d60355197bf650">The two leaders first annual meeting was virtual</a>, too, because of the pandemic.

Biden was to host a reception for Varadkar later Friday at the White House, which was itself designed and built by an Irish-born man, James Hoban. He oversaw the initial construction, rebuilding after it was burned down and adding renovations until his death in 1831.

Biden, who often speaks of his Irish heritage and is fond of quoting Irish poets, declared March Irish-American heritage month. The White House even dyed the South Lawn fountain green for the occasion. According to the Census Bureau, roughly 31.5 million U.S. residents claim Irish heritage, second only to German.

“Ireland and the United States are forever bound together by our people and our passion. Everything between us runs deep,” Biden said in his proclamation.

The St. Patrick's Day tradition, like the turkey pardon and Easter egg roll, has become an annual White House affair.

“That's what's wonderful about this history of the White House,” said Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association. “It's laden with rich traditions that are cultural, not just from our own country.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;is hosting Ireland's prime minister on Friday, after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">COVID-19 pandemic</a>&nbsp;scuttled the longstanding St. Patrick's Day meetup two years in a row.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F2573388139629414%2F&show_text=false&width=476&t=1" width="476" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Leo Varadkar, known as the taoiseach, and his partner, Matthew Barrett, also attended a breakfast with Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff at the Vice President's home, and Varadkar told the crowd there that Ireland is grateful for the “close and deep bond with these United States.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">As the great-great-grandson of the Blewitts of County Mayo and the Finnegans of County Louth who boarded a coffin ship to cross the Atlantic more than 165 years ago – As the proud son of Catherine Eugenia Finnegan Biden – I wish you all a very happy St. Patrick’s Day.&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1636729099245830146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He said the U.S. has played a central role in promoting peace in Ireland “at critical points when few others had the influence to do so." And Varadkar said the U.S. has been strong on LGBTQ rights.“From Stonewall to Sacramento to San Francisco. America has led the way when it comes to LGBT equality," he said. “I don’t think I would be here today were it not for what America did.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">White House. Green fountain. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! <a href="https://t.co/UXcxYTVMev">pic.twitter.com/UXcxYTVMev</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1636744259549249536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Varadkar was meeting with the president in the Oval Office before both were to head to the Capitol for a lunch with congressional leaders.Biden has said he plans to visit both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland this year, the 25th anniversary of the U.S.-brokered Good Friday accord, which helped end sectarian violence that had raged for decades over the question of Northern Ireland unifying with Ireland or remaining part of the United Kingdom.The agreement came under increasing stress following the U.K.’s exit from the European Union, but a recent accord between the U.K. and the EU addresses some of the issues that arose around commerce and goods that cross the Irish Sea from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.The White House said the agreement,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brexit-european-union-northern-ireland-sausage-windsor-framework-5dec795bf393476c40e304ead5cfb393">known as the Windsor Framework</a>, is an important step in maintaining the peace accord.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-ireland-e57e4edf251f6ad7b58c91e9347ae081">Varadkar took over in December</a>&nbsp;for a second term as part of a job-sharing deal made by the country’s centrist coalition government. The two leaders were expected to discuss the continued support of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Ukraine in the face of the Russian invasion</a>.Varadkar was to present Biden with an engraved crystal bowl of shamrocks, a tradition that began in 1952. The shamrocks made it to the Oval Office last year even though&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-europe-lifestyle-nancy-pelosi-ireland-1c9aeb0df04eefb3531451f108270645">then-prime minister Micheál Martin didn't</a>. He came down with COVID-19 and had to join the meeting virtually while isolated in nearby Blair House, where world leaders often stay when they come to visit the White House.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-good-friday-accord-85b0a7afe8b1ce70e0d60355197bf650">The two leaders first annual meeting was virtual</a>, too, because of the pandemic.Biden was to host a reception for Varadkar later Friday at the White House, which was itself designed and built by an Irish-born man, James Hoban. He oversaw the initial construction, rebuilding after it was burned down and adding renovations until his death in 1831.Biden, who often speaks of his Irish heritage and is fond of quoting Irish poets, declared March Irish-American heritage month. The White House even dyed the South Lawn fountain green for the occasion. According to the Census Bureau, roughly 31.5 million U.S. residents claim Irish heritage, second only to German.“Ireland and the United States are forever bound together by our people and our passion. Everything between us runs deep,” Biden said in his proclamation.The St. Patrick's Day tradition, like the turkey pardon and Easter egg roll, has become an annual White House affair.“That's what's wonderful about this history of the White House,” said Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association. “It's laden with rich traditions that are cultural, not just from our own country.”

🎥 Watch fountains turn green at White House for St. Patrick's Day 

DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling more than 1.5 million vehicles in the U.S. in two actions to fix leaky brake hoses and windshield wiper arms that can break.

The largest of two recalls covers nearly 1.3 million 2013 through 2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKX midsize cars. The company says in documents posted Friday by safety regulators that the front brake hoses can rupture and leak brake fluid. That would increase brake pedal travel and make stopping distances longer.

Dealers will replace the hoses. Ford will mail owner notification letters starting April 17. They'll get a second letter once parts are available for the fix.

Owners who are experiencing problems should call their dealer, Ford says. There are some parts already available for repairs. The company says only about 2% of the vehicles will have brake hose leaks.

Ford says it’s aware of one crash with no mention of injuries due to the problem.

The second recall covers more than 222,000 F-150 pickups from 2021. The windshield wiper arms can break.

Dealers will replace the arms if needed. Owners will be notified starting March 27.

DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling more than 1.5 million vehicles in the U.S. in two actions to fix leaky brake hoses and windshield wiper arms that can break.The largest of two recalls covers nearly 1.3 million 2013 through 2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKX midsize cars. The company says in documents posted Friday by safety regulators that the front brake hoses can rupture and leak brake fluid. That would increase brake pedal travel and make stopping distances longer.Dealers will replace the hoses. Ford will mail owner notification letters starting April 17. They'll get a second letter once parts are available for the fix.Owners who are experiencing problems should call their dealer, Ford says. There are some parts already available for repairs. The company says only about 2% of the vehicles will have brake hose leaks.Ford says it’s aware of one crash with no mention of injuries due to the problem.The second recall covers more than 222,000 F-150 pickups from 2021. The windshield wiper arms can break.Dealers will replace the arms if needed. Owners will be notified starting March 27.

Ford recalls 1.5M vehicles to fix brake hoses, wiper arms

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The U.S. European Command released video Thursday of a Russian fighter jet dumping fuel on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-kramatorsk-peace-plan-fde09a8ea4d9b692637ad8f76cd05f3a">U.S. Air Force surveillance drone</a>&nbsp;as the U.S. sought to hold Russia responsible for the collision that led to the drone's crash into the Black Sea without escalating already fraught tensions with the Kremlin.

(click the video below to watch courtesy U.S. European Command)

Poland, meanwhile, said it's giving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-poland-russia-war-jets-migs-6d843ccbd50fef5f96091a5bff8f3e01">Ukraine a dozen MiG-29 fighter jets</a>, becoming the first NATO member to fulfill Kyiv's increasingly urgent requests for warplanes.

The U.S. military's declassified 42-second color footage shows a Russian Su-27 approaching the back of the MQ-9 Reaper drone and releasing fuel as it passes, the Pentagon said. Dumping the fuel appeared to be aimed at blinding the drone's optical instruments to drive it from the area.

On a second approach, either the same jet or another Russian Su-27 that had been shadowing the MQ-9 struck the drone’s propeller, damaging a blade, according to the U.S. military, which said it then ditched the aircraft in the sea.

The video excerpt does not show the collision, although it does show the damage to the propeller.

Russia said its fighters didn’t strike the drone and claimed the unmanned aerial vehicle went down after making a sharp maneuver.

While calling out Russia for “reckless” action, the White House tried to strike a balance to avoid exacerbating tensions. U.S. officials said they have not been able to determine whether the Russian pilot intentionally struck the American drone and stressed that lines of communication with Moscow remain open.

“I can’t point to that video and say this is a deliberate attempt to escalate or ... tangibly bring about Putin’s false claim that this is about the West versus Russia.,” White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said. “We have made clear on many occasions, we do not seek a conflict with Russia.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin argues that by providing weapons to Ukraine and sharing intelligence information with Kyiv, the U.S. and its allies have effectively become engaged in the war, now in its 13th month.

Nikolai Patrushev, the secretary of Russia’s Security Council, said Wednesday that an attempt would be made to recover the drone debris.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679049345331.png" alt="The MQ-9 struck the drone’s propeller, damaging a blade.-image from the video" />
 <figcaption>The MQ-9 struck the drone’s propeller, damaging a blade.-image from the video</figcaption>
 </figure>KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The U.S. European Command released video Thursday of a Russian fighter jet dumping fuel on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-kramatorsk-peace-plan-fde09a8ea4d9b692637ad8f76cd05f3a">U.S. Air Force surveillance drone</a>&nbsp;as the U.S. sought to hold Russia responsible for the collision that led to the drone's crash into the Black Sea without escalating already fraught tensions with the Kremlin.(click the video below to watch courtesy U.S. European Command)<div><iframe src="https://www.dvidshub.net/video/embed/876667" width="800" height="450" frameborder="0" allowtransparency allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Poland, meanwhile, said it's giving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-poland-russia-war-jets-migs-6d843ccbd50fef5f96091a5bff8f3e01">Ukraine a dozen MiG-29 fighter jets</a>, becoming the first NATO member to fulfill Kyiv's increasingly urgent requests for warplanes.The U.S. military's declassified 42-second color footage shows a Russian Su-27 approaching the back of the MQ-9 Reaper drone and releasing fuel as it passes, the Pentagon said. Dumping the fuel appeared to be aimed at blinding the drone's optical instruments to drive it from the area.On a second approach, either the same jet or another Russian Su-27 that had been shadowing the MQ-9 struck the drone’s propeller, damaging a blade, according to the U.S. military, which said it then ditched the aircraft in the sea.The video excerpt does not show the collision, although it does show the damage to the propeller.Russia said its fighters didn’t strike the drone and claimed the unmanned aerial vehicle went down after making a sharp maneuver.While calling out Russia for “reckless” action, the White House tried to strike a balance to avoid exacerbating tensions. U.S. officials said they have not been able to determine whether the Russian pilot intentionally struck the American drone and stressed that lines of communication with Moscow remain open.“I can’t point to that video and say this is a deliberate attempt to escalate or ... tangibly bring about Putin’s false claim that this is about the West versus Russia.,” White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said. “We have made clear on many occasions, we do not seek a conflict with Russia.”Russian President Vladimir Putin argues that by providing weapons to Ukraine and sharing intelligence information with Kyiv, the U.S. and its allies have effectively become engaged in the war, now in its 13th month.Nikolai Patrushev, the secretary of Russia’s Security Council, said Wednesday that an attempt would be made to recover the drone debris.U.S. officials have expressed confidence that nothing of military value would remain from the drone even if Russia retrieved the wreckage. They left open the possibility of trying to recover portions of the downed $32 million aircraft, which they said crashed into waters that were 4,000 to 5,000 feet (1,200 to 1,500 meters) deep, although the U.S. does not have any ships in the area.Russia and NATO member countries routinely intercept each other’s warplanes, but Tuesday's incident marked the first time since the Cold War that a U.S. aircraft went down during such a confrontation, raising concerns it could bring the United States and Russia closer to a direct conflict.Moscow has repeatedly voiced concern about U.S. intelligence flights near the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014 and illegally annexed.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-drone-pentagon-9f4b3e8fdd719c0fa91a0683228b9e51">top U.S. and Russian defense and military leaders</a>&nbsp;spoke Wednesday about the destruction of the drone, underscoring the event's seriousness.The calls between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, as well as between Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley and Gen. Valery Gerasimov, chief of Russian General Staff, were the first since October.The Russian Defense Ministry said in its report of the call with Austin that Shoigu accused the U.S. of provoking the incident by ignoring flight restrictions the Kremlin had imposed because of its military operations in Ukraine. The U.S. said the drone was operating in international airspace.The MQ-9, which has a 66-foot (20-meter) wingspan, includes a ground control station and satellite equipment. It is capable of carrying munitions, but Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson, would not say whether the ditched drone had been armed.The video's release is the latest example of the Biden administration making public intelligence findings over the course of the war. The administration has said it wants to highlight Russian malicious activity as well as plans for Russian misinformation operations so allies remain clear-eyed about Moscow’s intent.The White House deferred to Austin on the decision to release it, with the Pentagon and President Joe Biden’s national security aides agreeing it was important to let the world see what happened, according to an administration official familiar with the decision-making process. The official, who requested anonymity to discuss the deliberations, said it took time to go through the declassification process and insisted the administration was not concerned it would further escalate tensions with Russia.Because the video does not show the actual collision, some involved in the decision to release the footage wondered whether the Russians would seize on that as proof there was no contact between the jet and the drone, according to another official familiar with the discussions about making it public. Those concerns were overcome when the Pentagon explained that the video showed the immediate aftermath and damage to the drone’s propeller, which could have come only from a collision, according to the second official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to disclose the details.Separately, Polish President Andrzej Duda said Warsaw would give Ukraine four Soviet-made MiG-29s “within the next few days” and that the rest needed servicing and would be supplied later. The Polish word he used to describe the total number of warplanes can mean between 11 and 19.“They are in the last years of their functioning but they are in good working condition,” Duda added. He did not say whether other countries would follow suit, although Slovakia has said it would send Ukraine its disused MiGs.While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pleaded for fighter jets from the West, some NATO members — including the U.S. — have expressed hesitancy.The White House said Poland gave the U.S. advanced notice of its decision to provide the MiGs.Kirby, the White House spokesman, called Poland’s providing the fighter jets a sovereign decision and cheered the Poles for continuing to “punch above their weight” in assisting Kyiv, but insisted that Duda's decision would have no bearing on the U.S. president's decision, thus far, not to provide American-made F-16s.Before Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine had several dozen MiG-29s it inherited in the 1991 demise of the Soviet Union, but it’s unclear how many remain in service.Duda said Poland’s air force would replace the planes it gives to Ukraine with South Korean-made FA-50 fighters and American-made F-35s.A crucial ally of Kyiv, Poland hosts thousands of U.S. troops and is taking in more people fleeing the war in the neighboring country than any other nation. It has suffered invasions and occupations by Russia for centuries and still fears Russia despite being a member of NATO.Authorities in Warsaw also said the security services have detained members of a Russian espionage ring, alleging they were preparing acts of sabotage in Poland and had been monitoring railroad routes used to transport weapons into Ukraine.___