EL PASO, Texas&nbsp;– Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect wanted for murder in Kansas.

On March 28, U.S. Border Patrol Agents&nbsp;in the El Paso&nbsp;Sector&nbsp;arrested a U.S.&nbsp;citizen wanted for&nbsp;murder in Wichita.

The El Paso Station&nbsp;Border Patrol Agent encountered an individual walking along&nbsp;the south side of the Border Barrier&nbsp;near Fonseca Drive&nbsp;and Cesar E. Chavez/Border Highway, according to a media release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

When agents questioned the individual as to his citizenship, the man stated that he was a U.S.&nbsp;citizen and that he had&nbsp;just&nbsp;entered the United States&nbsp;from Mexico, illegally,&nbsp;by attempting to drive his truck across the Rio Grande.&nbsp;

The individual, later identified as 25-year-old Patricio Gomez, was taken into custody, for the illegal entry,&nbsp;and transported to the station for further investigation.&nbsp;Record checks revealed that he had an extensive criminal history&nbsp;and an&nbsp;active&nbsp;warrant&nbsp;out of&nbsp;Wichita,&nbsp;Kansas,&nbsp;for&nbsp;murder.

Gomez was&nbsp;remanded to the&nbsp;custody of the&nbsp;El Paso County Sheriff’s&nbsp;Office&nbsp;waiting&nbsp;to be extradited to Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On October 1, Wichita police issued an alert in an attempt to locate Gomez.

Just before 6:30p.m. Sept. 30, 2021. officers responded to a shooting call at a hotel in the 9400 block of East Corporate Hills.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located 42-year-old Michael Martinez who had been shot.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.

The investigation revealed&nbsp;Patricio&nbsp;along with a woman arrived at the hotel regarding an illegal drug transaction.&nbsp; During the transaction, a disturbance ensued and&nbsp;Gomez&nbsp;fired multiple shots at Martinez, striking him.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gomez&nbsp;and the woman fled the scene in a black Cadillac Escalade.

Police located the Cadillac outside of a hotel in Park City.&nbsp; 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648742338695.png" alt="Gomez from a Sept. 2021 arrest in Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Gomez from a Sept. 2021 arrest in Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>EL PASO, Texas&nbsp;– Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect wanted for murder in Kansas.On March 28, U.S. Border Patrol Agents&nbsp;in the El Paso&nbsp;Sector&nbsp;arrested a U.S.&nbsp;citizen wanted for&nbsp;murder in Wichita.The El Paso Station&nbsp;Border Patrol Agent encountered an individual walking along&nbsp;the south side of the Border Barrier&nbsp;near Fonseca Drive&nbsp;and Cesar E. Chavez/Border Highway, according to a media release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.When agents questioned the individual as to his citizenship, the man stated that he was a U.S.&nbsp;citizen and that he had&nbsp;just&nbsp;entered the United States&nbsp;from Mexico, illegally,&nbsp;by attempting to drive his truck across the Rio Grande.&nbsp;The individual, later identified as 25-year-old Patricio Gomez, was taken into custody, for the illegal entry,&nbsp;and transported to the station for further investigation.&nbsp;Record checks revealed that he had an extensive criminal history&nbsp;and an&nbsp;active&nbsp;warrant&nbsp;out of&nbsp;Wichita,&nbsp;Kansas,&nbsp;for&nbsp;murder.Gomez was&nbsp;remanded to the&nbsp;custody of the&nbsp;El Paso County Sheriff’s&nbsp;Office&nbsp;waiting&nbsp;to be extradited to Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633117408445.png" alt="Gomez-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Gomez-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>On October 1, Wichita police issued an alert in an attempt to locate Gomez.Just before 6:30p.m. Sept. 30, 2021. officers responded to a shooting call at a hotel in the 9400 block of East Corporate Hills.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located 42-year-old Michael Martinez who had been shot.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.The investigation revealed&nbsp;Patricio&nbsp;along with a woman arrived at the hotel regarding an illegal drug transaction.&nbsp; During the transaction, a disturbance ensued and&nbsp;Gomez&nbsp;fired multiple shots at Martinez, striking him.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gomez&nbsp;and the woman fled the scene in a black Cadillac Escalade.Police located the Cadillac outside of a hotel in Park City.&nbsp;

Wanted Kan. murder suspect captured by U.S. Border agents

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday ordered the release of 1 million barrels of oil per day from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-prices-ae5200310e3d3c0390d9e1cbb3c5a964">the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve</a>&nbsp;for six months, a bid to control energy prices that have spiked after the United States and allies imposed steep sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

The president said it was not known how much gasoline prices could decline as a result of his move, but he suggested it might be “anything from 10 cents to 35 cents a gallon.” Gas is averaging about $4.23 a gallon, compared with $2.87 a year ago, according to AAA.

“The bottom line is if we want lower gas prices we need to have more oil supply right now,” Biden said. “This is a moment of consequence and peril for the world, and pain at the pump for American families.”

(click below to listen to Pres. Biden's statement to producers)

The president also wants Congress to impose financial penalties on oil and gas companies that lease public lands but are not producing. He said he will invoke the Defense Production Act to encourage the mining of critical minerals for batteries in electric vehicles, part of a broader push to shift toward cleaner energy sources and reduce the use of fossil fuels.

The actions show that oil remains a vulnerability for the U.S. Higher prices have hurt Biden’s approval domestically and added billions of oil-export dollars to the Russian government as it wages war on Ukraine.

Tapping the stockpile would create pressures that could reduce oil prices, though Biden has twice ordered releases from the reserves without causing a meaningful shift in oil markets. Biden said Thursday he expects gasoline prices could drop “fairly significantly.”

Part of Biden’s concern is that high prices have not so far coaxed a meaningful jump in oil production. The planned release is a way to increase supplies as a bridge until&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-covid-health-business-da75f38d60c1e820b5147fa9e25feca2">oil companies ramp up their own production,</a>&nbsp;with administration officials estimating that domestic production will grow by 1 million barrels daily this year and an additional 700,000 barrels daily in 2023.

The markets reacted quickly with crude oil prices dropping about 4% in Thursday trading to under $104 a barrel. Still, oil is up from roughly $60 a year ago, with supplies failing to keep up with demand as the world economy has begun to rebound from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>. That inflationary problem was compounded by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, which created new uncertainties about oil and natural gas supplies and led to retaliatory sanctions from the U.S. and its allies.

Stewart Glickman, an oil analyst for CFRA Research, said the release would bring short-term relief on prices and would be akin to “taking some Advil for a headache.” But markets would ultimately look to see whether, after the releases stop, the underlying problems that led to Biden’s decisions remain.

“The root cause of the headache is probably still going to be there after the medicine wears off,” Glickman said.

Biden has been in talks with allies and partners to join in additional releases of oil, such that the world market will get more than the 180 million barrels total being pledged by the U.S.

Americans on average use about 21 million barrels of oil daily, with about 40% of that devoted to gasoline, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That total accounts for about one-fifth of total global consumption of oil.

Domestic oil production is equal to more than half of U.S. usage, but high prices have not led companies to return to their pre-pandemic levels of output. The U.S. is producing on average 11.7 million barrels daily, down from 13 million barrels in early 2020.

Republican lawmakers have said the problem results from the administration being hostile to oil permits and the construction of new pipelines such as the Keystone XL. Democrats say the country needs to move to renewable energy such as wind and solar that could reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and Putin’s leverage.

Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., blasted Biden’s action to tap the reserve without first taking steps to increase American energy production, calling it “a Band-Aid on a bullet wound.″

Daines called Biden’s actions “desperate moves″ that avoid what he called the real solution: ”investing in American energy production,″ and getting “oil and gas leases going again.”

The administration says increasing oil output is a gradual process and the release would provide time to ramp up production. It also wants to incentivize greater production by putting fees on unused leases on government lands, something that would require congressional approval.

Oil producers have been more focused on meeting the needs of investors than consumers, according to a survey released last week by the Dallas Federal Reserve. About 59% of the executives surveyed said investor pressure to preserve “capital discipline” amid high prices was the reason they weren’t pumping more, while fewer than 10% blamed government regulation.

In his remarks Thursday, Biden tried to shame oil companies that he said are focused on profits instead of putting out more barrels, saying that adding to the oil supply was a patriotic obligation.

“This is not the time to sit on record profits: It’s time to step up for the good of your country,” the president said.

The steady release from the reserves would be a meaningful sum and come near to closing the domestic production gap relative to February 2020, before the coronavirus caused a steep decline in oil output.

Still, the politics of oil are complicated with industry advocates and environmentalists both criticizing the planned release. Groups such as the American Petroleum Institute want to make drilling easier, while environmental organizations say energy companies should be forced to pay a special tax on windfall profits instead.

The administration in November announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-oil-strategic-reserve-gas-prices-a7e0802b299cd627c7ffdeeb0e50bd2c">the release of 50 million barrels</a>&nbsp;from the strategic reserve in coordination with other countries. And after the Russia-Ukraine war began, the U.S. and 30 other countries agreed to an additional release of 60 million barrels from reserves, with half of the total coming from the U.S.

According to the Department of Energy, which manages it, more than 568 million barrels of oil were held in the reserve as of March 25. After the release, the government would begin to replenish the reserve once prices have sufficiently fallen.

News of the administration’s planning was first reported by Bloomberg.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648749907890.png" alt="The president also wants Congress to impose financial penalties on oil and gas companies that lease public lands but are not producing-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>The president also wants Congress to impose financial penalties on oil and gas companies that lease public lands but are not producing-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday ordered the release of 1 million barrels of oil per day from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-prices-ae5200310e3d3c0390d9e1cbb3c5a964">the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve</a>&nbsp;for six months, a bid to control energy prices that have spiked after the United States and allies imposed steep sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F300434728721015%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=36" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The president said it was not known how much gasoline prices could decline as a result of his move, but he suggested it might be “anything from 10 cents to 35 cents a gallon.” Gas is averaging about $4.23 a gallon, compared with $2.87 a year ago, according to AAA.“The bottom line is if we want lower gas prices we need to have more oil supply right now,” Biden said. “This is a moment of consequence and peril for the world, and pain at the pump for American families.”(click below to listen to Pres. Biden's statement to producers)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F300434728721015%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=246" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The president also wants Congress to impose financial penalties on oil and gas companies that lease public lands but are not producing. He said he will invoke the Defense Production Act to encourage the mining of critical minerals for batteries in electric vehicles, part of a broader push to shift toward cleaner energy sources and reduce the use of fossil fuels.The actions show that oil remains a vulnerability for the U.S. Higher prices have hurt Biden’s approval domestically and added billions of oil-export dollars to the Russian government as it wages war on Ukraine.Tapping the stockpile would create pressures that could reduce oil prices, though Biden has twice ordered releases from the reserves without causing a meaningful shift in oil markets. Biden said Thursday he expects gasoline prices could drop “fairly significantly.”Part of Biden’s concern is that high prices have not so far coaxed a meaningful jump in oil production. The planned release is a way to increase supplies as a bridge until&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-covid-health-business-da75f38d60c1e820b5147fa9e25feca2">oil companies ramp up their own production,</a>&nbsp;with administration officials estimating that domestic production will grow by 1 million barrels daily this year and an additional 700,000 barrels daily in 2023.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648751491285.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The markets reacted quickly with crude oil prices dropping about 4% in Thursday trading to under $104 a barrel. Still, oil is up from roughly $60 a year ago, with supplies failing to keep up with demand as the world economy has begun to rebound from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>. That inflationary problem was compounded by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, which created new uncertainties about oil and natural gas supplies and led to retaliatory sanctions from the U.S. and its allies.Stewart Glickman, an oil analyst for CFRA Research, said the release would bring short-term relief on prices and would be akin to “taking some Advil for a headache.” But markets would ultimately look to see whether, after the releases stop, the underlying problems that led to Biden’s decisions remain.“The root cause of the headache is probably still going to be there after the medicine wears off,” Glickman said.Biden has been in talks with allies and partners to join in additional releases of oil, such that the world market will get more than the 180 million barrels total being pledged by the U.S.Americans on average use about 21 million barrels of oil daily, with about 40% of that devoted to gasoline, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That total accounts for about one-fifth of total global consumption of oil.Domestic oil production is equal to more than half of U.S. usage, but high prices have not led companies to return to their pre-pandemic levels of output. The U.S. is producing on average 11.7 million barrels daily, down from 13 million barrels in early 2020.Republican lawmakers have said the problem results from the administration being hostile to oil permits and the construction of new pipelines such as the Keystone XL. Democrats say the country needs to move to renewable energy such as wind and solar that could reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and Putin’s leverage.Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., blasted Biden’s action to tap the reserve without first taking steps to increase American energy production, calling it “a Band-Aid on a bullet wound.″Daines called Biden’s actions “desperate moves″ that avoid what he called the real solution: ”investing in American energy production,″ and getting “oil and gas leases going again.”The administration says increasing oil output is a gradual process and the release would provide time to ramp up production. It also wants to incentivize greater production by putting fees on unused leases on government lands, something that would require congressional approval.Oil producers have been more focused on meeting the needs of investors than consumers, according to a survey released last week by the Dallas Federal Reserve. About 59% of the executives surveyed said investor pressure to preserve “capital discipline” amid high prices was the reason they weren’t pumping more, while fewer than 10% blamed government regulation.In his remarks Thursday, Biden tried to shame oil companies that he said are focused on profits instead of putting out more barrels, saying that adding to the oil supply was a patriotic obligation.“This is not the time to sit on record profits: It’s time to step up for the good of your country,” the president said.The steady release from the reserves would be a meaningful sum and come near to closing the domestic production gap relative to February 2020, before the coronavirus caused a steep decline in oil output.Still, the politics of oil are complicated with industry advocates and environmentalists both criticizing the planned release. Groups such as the American Petroleum Institute want to make drilling easier, while environmental organizations say energy companies should be forced to pay a special tax on windfall profits instead.The administration in November announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-oil-strategic-reserve-gas-prices-a7e0802b299cd627c7ffdeeb0e50bd2c">the release of 50 million barrels</a>&nbsp;from the strategic reserve in coordination with other countries. And after the Russia-Ukraine war began, the U.S. and 30 other countries agreed to an additional release of 60 million barrels from reserves, with half of the total coming from the U.S.According to the Department of Energy, which manages it, more than 568 million barrels of oil were held in the reserve as of March 25. After the release, the government would begin to replenish the reserve once prices have sufficiently fallen.News of the administration’s planning was first reported by Bloomberg.___

🎥Biden threatens some oil, gas producers in plan to lower gas prices

STAFFORD COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 7:30a.m. Thursday in Stafford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 GMC Sierra driven by Itzel&nbsp;Guillen, 19, St. John, was&nbsp;northbound on U.S. 281 three miles north of St. John. A 2012 Chevy Silverado driven by Claudio&nbsp;Sanchez Molina, 52, Great Bend, was southbound. 

Guillen lost control of the GMC on the icy bridge. The pickup traveled left of center. Both vehicles collided on the bridge causing the Chevy to strike the cement railing on the west side of the highway. 

Sanchez Molina was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Minnis Chapel.

EMS transported Guillen and one passenger in the Chevy 41-year-old Jose S.&nbsp;Garcia-Hernandez of Great Bend to the hospital in Great Bend. EMS transported a second passenger in the Chevy Carlos P. Castro, 25, Great Bend, to Wesley Medical Center. The occupants in the Chevy were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

STAFFORD COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 7:30a.m. Thursday in Stafford County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 GMC Sierra driven by Itzel&nbsp;Guillen, 19, St. John, was&nbsp;northbound on U.S. 281 three miles north of St. John. A 2012 Chevy Silverado driven by Claudio&nbsp;Sanchez Molina, 52, Great Bend, was southbound. Guillen lost control of the GMC on the icy bridge. The pickup traveled left of center. Both vehicles collided on the bridge causing the Chevy to strike the cement railing on the west side of the highway. Sanchez Molina was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Minnis Chapel.EMS transported Guillen and one passenger in the Chevy 41-year-old Jose S.&nbsp;Garcia-Hernandez of Great Bend to the hospital in Great Bend. EMS transported a second passenger in the Chevy Carlos P. Castro, 25, Great Bend, to Wesley Medical Center. The occupants in the Chevy were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dead, 3 injured after pickups collide on icy bridge

Lincoln County (Neb.) Sheriff's Office courtesy <a href="https://northplattepost.com">North Platte Post</a>

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — As of Thursday, investigators with the Nebraska Fire Marshall, North Platte Police 
Department and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office continue the search for 
North Platte resident Jerome Vieyra. 

Today, Investigators again 
searched the huge pile of rubble that was previously searched on March 
25. After a few hours of searching, Investigators did locate human
 remains in the pile of rubble.  The remains were removed and secured. 

  An autopsy is scheduled for next week for identification purposes and cause of death. 

The investigation continues in this matter.

Late this 
afternoon, the North Platte Fire Marshall reported that their 
investigation did not lead to the recovery of the individual who was 
seen by police inside the building prior to the structure fire.

The
 individual contacted by police last night was the property owner, 37 
year old Jerome F. Vieyra. Jerome is a suspect in the arson fire.

At
 this time, Jerome has been entered into the National Crime Information 
Center as an endangered missing person. Jerome is 5’10”, 190 lbs, brown 
eyes and black hair.

If anyone knows of Jerome’s whereabouts, please contact the North Platte Police Department at 308-535-6789.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-One person is believed to be dead following a fire in North Platte.

On&nbsp;March
 24, at&nbsp;approximately 10:48&nbsp;p.m.,&nbsp;the North Platte 911 Center received 
reports of gunshots in the area of Rodeo Rd and Carr. &nbsp;Multiple callers&nbsp;<a></a>reported hearing gunshots as well as the discharge of fireworks. &nbsp;

North
 Platte Police Officers responded to investigate and made contact with 
an individual at&nbsp;1900&nbsp;Rodeo Rd. &nbsp; &nbsp;This is a large commercial property 
and the individual was inside of the building near an open overhead 
garage door. &nbsp;

There was a small fire inside of the building. &nbsp;The
 officers ordered the man out of the building but he&nbsp;refused their 
instructions and retreated into the building. &nbsp;

The North Platte 
Fire Department was dispatched and assistance was requested from the 
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the Nebraska State Patrol. &nbsp;

The
 officers secured the building after receiving information that there 
were a large number of fireworks inside. &nbsp;By 11:50 PM, the building was 
reported to be fully engulfed. &nbsp;

The individual whom the police 
had contact with, was last seen inside of the building. A source told 
The Post there was no way out of the building and the subject is 
believed to be deceased.

&nbsp;Out of concern that a grand jury may be 
convened, the incident is being investigated by the Nebraska Fire 
Marshal’s office, the North Platte Fire Marshal’s office and the Lincoln
 County Sheriff’s office.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648754128462.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln County (Neb.) Sheriff's Office courtesy <a href="https://northplattepost.com">North Platte Post</a>NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — As of Thursday, investigators with the Nebraska Fire Marshall, North Platte Police 
Department and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office continue the search for 
North Platte resident Jerome Vieyra. Today, Investigators again 
searched the huge pile of rubble that was previously searched on March 
25. After a few hours of searching, Investigators did locate human
 remains in the pile of rubble. The remains were removed and secured. An autopsy is scheduled for next week for identification purposes and cause of death. The investigation continues in this matter.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648754150386.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Original StoryUPDATE 3/25/22 9:40 p.m.Late this 
afternoon, the North Platte Fire Marshall reported that their 
investigation did not lead to the recovery of the individual who was 
seen by police inside the building prior to the structure fire.The
 individual contacted by police last night was the property owner, 37 
year old Jerome F. Vieyra. Jerome is a suspect in the arson fire.At
 this time, Jerome has been entered into the National Crime Information 
Center as an endangered missing person. Jerome is 5’10”, 190 lbs, brown 
eyes and black hair.If anyone knows of Jerome’s whereabouts, please contact the North Platte Police Department at 308-535-6789.. . .NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-One person is believed to be dead following a fire in North Platte.On&nbsp;March
 24, at&nbsp;approximately 10:48&nbsp;p.m.,&nbsp;the North Platte 911 Center received 
reports of gunshots in the area of Rodeo Rd and Carr. &nbsp;Multiple callers&nbsp;<a></a>reported hearing gunshots as well as the discharge of fireworks. &nbsp;North
 Platte Police Officers responded to investigate and made contact with 
an individual at&nbsp;1900&nbsp;Rodeo Rd. &nbsp; &nbsp;This is a large commercial property 
and the individual was inside of the building near an open overhead 
garage door. &nbsp;There was a small fire inside of the building. &nbsp;The
 officers ordered the man out of the building but he&nbsp;refused their 
instructions and retreated into the building. &nbsp;The North Platte 
Fire Department was dispatched and assistance was requested from the 
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the Nebraska State Patrol. &nbsp;The
 officers secured the building after receiving information that there 
were a large number of fireworks inside. &nbsp;By 11:50 PM, the building was 
reported to be fully engulfed. &nbsp;The individual whom the police 
had contact with, was last seen inside of the building. A source told 
The Post there was no way out of the building and the subject is 
believed to be deceased.&nbsp;Out of concern that a grand jury may be 
convened, the incident is being investigated by the Nebraska Fire 
Marshal’s office, the North Platte Fire Marshal’s office and the Lincoln
 County Sheriff’s office.&nbsp;

Law enforcement locates body at site of North Platte fire

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on Thursday announced their continued efforts to shift to the next chapter of the COVID-19 response, pivoting from emergency pandemic response to endemic normalcy. 

On April 1, KDHE will make changes to continue the transition from emergency response to our ‘new normal,’ which includes life with COVID-19—similar to how we deal with other recurring diseases like the flu. Using the lessons learned over the past two years, KDHE will continue to ensure the State is prepared for potential surges or other needs that might arise in the future.

"Kansas is continuing the transition to a new phase of understanding and living with COVID-19,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“We know the pandemic is not over, however we now have the tools and knowledge obtained over the past two years to prevent or reduce the spread of the virus. We are normalizing our COVID-19 response and incorporating these lessons into our larger efforts at improving health outcomes for all Kansans, which includes work on multiple diseases and an awareness of differing risk factors.”

This decision comes as current COVID-19 metrics are moving in the right direction. Over the last two years, KDHE has made significant progress in keeping Kansas communities safe with the help of partners throughout the State: over 7 million tests have been given, over 4 million vaccines have been administered, and over 78% of eligible Kansans have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine.

“In our new normal, we will continue to ensure that Kansans have equitable access to life-saving vaccines, tests, and treatments. This shift does not mean that COVID is over, but rather we are working to manage the disease in a way that allows us to maintain a more normal life that is once again filled with friends, families and other loved ones,”&nbsp;said KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek.

Working with Local Health Departments (LHDs) and stakeholders, KDHE’s endemic plan addresses six key areas that are designed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Kansans:

Across each of the above areas, KDHE will remain prepared to ramp up capacity to quickly respond to a surge and keep Kansans safe should the need arise.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on Thursday announced their continued efforts to shift to the next chapter of the COVID-19 response, pivoting from emergency pandemic response to endemic normalcy. On April 1, KDHE will make changes to continue the transition from emergency response to our ‘new normal,’ which includes life with COVID-19—similar to how we deal with other recurring diseases like the flu. Using the lessons learned over the past two years, KDHE will continue to ensure the State is prepared for potential surges or other needs that might arise in the future."Kansas is continuing the transition to a new phase of understanding and living with COVID-19,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“We know the pandemic is not over, however we now have the tools and knowledge obtained over the past two years to prevent or reduce the spread of the virus. We are normalizing our COVID-19 response and incorporating these lessons into our larger efforts at improving health outcomes for all Kansans, which includes work on multiple diseases and an awareness of differing risk factors.”This decision comes as current COVID-19 metrics are moving in the right direction. Over the last two years, KDHE has made significant progress in keeping Kansas communities safe with the help of partners throughout the State: over 7 million tests have been given, over 4 million vaccines have been administered, and over 78% of eligible Kansans have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine.“In our new normal, we will continue to ensure that Kansans have equitable access to life-saving vaccines, tests, and treatments. This shift does not mean that COVID is over, but rather we are working to manage the disease in a way that allows us to maintain a more normal life that is once again filled with friends, families and other loved ones,”&nbsp;said KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek.Working with Local Health Departments (LHDs) and stakeholders, KDHE’s endemic plan addresses six key areas that are designed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Kansans:<ul>
 <li>Intervention:&nbsp;KDHE will continue to provide comprehensive guidance, while continuing to offer additional assistance to underserved and/or vulnerable populations.</li><li>Vaccination:&nbsp;KDHE will focus on making sure vulnerable populations have access to the COVID-19 vaccine while existing vaccine providers, including health care providers, pharmacists, hospitals, and LHDs, will continue to serve the broader population.</li><li>Treatment:&nbsp;KDHE will continue to ensure Kansans will be able to receive COVID-19 treatment across the State, as treatment distribution shifts away from public health entities and back to local health care providers.</li><li>Testing:&nbsp;KDHE will continue to support access to free testing across the state through community testing sites, LHDs, and K-12 schools as long as federal funding is available. In addition, the federal government provides direct testing support to Federally Qualified Health Centers and pharmacies around the state. To find a free testing location near you, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAzMzEuNTU3NDY5ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy5rZGhla3MuZ292LzI4MC9DT1ZJRC0xOS1UZXN0aW5nIn0.GfHL9b4jMqHPXXa-raViSl3-9DLuVjAXv4mI1BPx2bo/s/1303160919/br/128948992477-l" target="_blank">knowbeforeyougoKS.com</a>. KDHE testing support for Long Term Care Facilities will be phased out&nbsp;on May 15, 2022,&nbsp;and testing support for employers&nbsp;ends on June 30, 2022.&nbsp;</li><li>Monitoring:&nbsp;KDHE will continue to monitor data as reported by organizations and facilities across the state to understand the status of COVID-19 and proactively identify at-risk groups. Public reporting will be reduced to once a week.</li><li>Communications:&nbsp;KDHE will continue to provide essential and accessible COVID information to keep Kansans safe and aware of any subsequent changes to COVID-19 response efforts.</li>
 </ul>Across each of the above areas, KDHE will remain prepared to ramp up capacity to quickly respond to a surge and keep Kansans safe should the need arise.

Gov.: Pandemic not over; Kan. moves to endemic phase of COVID response

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) —&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;lawmakers have given final approval to a redistricting measure that's likely to preserve Republican supermajorities in the Legislature while possibly moving the state school board to the right.

The state Senate on Wednesday night approved, 29-11, a single bill containing plans for its members, the House and the State Board of Education, shortly after the House approved it, 83-40. The measure goes next to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, and Republican leaders appear to have the two-thirds majorities in both chambers to override a veto.

Top Republicans largely drew the new political boundaries, but the lines had bipartisan support in both chambers. Some Democratic senators liked their new districts, and most House members were pleased with theirs.

The new State Board of Education map drew an unusual amount of attention this year. The board had a rival plan likely to retain its current centrist majority, while Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, hopes to elect more conservatives.

Kelly hasn't weighed in publicly on the state school board map, but she said in an interview earlier this week that the House and Senate maps seemed “as fair to the incumbents as the numbers would allow.”

“I actually think they did a pretty good job on that,” she said.

The Kansas Constitution requires the Legislature to redraw districts once every decade to make them as equal in population as possible after population shifts. Southeast, central and parts of western Kansas lost population over the last 10 years, while the Wichita area and northeast Kansas saw gains.

If Kelly signs the measure, the Kansas Supreme Court automatically will review the maps.

Republicans expect the new maps to allow them to keep roughly the same majorities of 29-11 in the Senate and 86-39 in the House.

While the State Board of Education has a 6-4 Republican majority, it's controlled by Democrats and GOP moderates.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican legislators in Kansas are pushing a redistricting plan that the state Senate’s top GOP leader hopes will move the state school board to the right and give conservatives more say over what’s taught in public schools.

The Senate on Tuesday approved&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegresearch.org/KLRD-web/Publications/Redistricting/2022-Plans/Board-of-Education/Apple-7-Packet.pdf" target="_blank">a bill&nbsp;</a>that would redraw the districts for the 10-member elected State Board of Education so that districts are as equal in population as possible after a decade of shifts across Kansas. The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20220329165047_314472/" target="_blank">31-8 vote</a>&nbsp;sent the measure to the House, and lawmakers expect to give final approval to new lines for board districts and for their own districts before the Republican-controlled Legislature begins its annual spring break Saturday.

Republicans hold a 6-4 majority on the state school board, but it has become far less conservative than the Legislature. The board sets curriculum guidelines for public schools, and from 1999 until 2007, Kansas endured international ridicule over&nbsp;<a href="https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/389385" target="_blank">debates about teaching evolution</a>&nbsp;in its public schools as the board adopted five sets of science standards in eight years and its majority seesawed between conservatives and a Democratic-moderate GOP coalition.

Senate President Ty Masterson, a conservative Andover Republican and the redistricting plan’s architect, said he’s hoping for “more vibrant conversation” among board members about education policy “instead of one monolithic vision.”

“It would be good if there were more conservatives on the board,” Masterson said during an interview. “You have these offices that need more attention because we need more discussion on that, so the result is the State Board of Education doesn’t reflect Kansas.”

Conservative lawmakers are frustrated that the board hasn’t moved on its own&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-kansas-topeka-d9684fdec9ad74c621d7a51977c58f7d">to limit what can be taught about race</a>&nbsp;and the role of racism in U.S. history or to make it easier to remove materials from classrooms and libraries.

“Their responses to parents’ concerns have not been as robust as I would probably have hoped,” said Rep. Kristey Williams, a conservative Augusta Republican and chair of a House committee on education spending. “Kansans are generally to the right of many of our board members.”

Redrawing state board districts traditionally has been an afterthought for lawmakers, with plans attached to state House and Senate maps just before they clear the Legislature. Each board district is four state Senate districts, so top House Republicans plan to defer to GOP senators’ wishes.

Board members have&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegresearch.org/KLRD-web/Publications/Redistricting/2022-Plans/Board-of-Education/Little-Jerusalem-Badlands_Packet.pdf" target="_blank">their own map,</a>&nbsp;one more likely to preserve the political status quo. That proposal avoided putting two incumbents in any district.

Board member Ann Mah, a Topeka Democrat, said the board’s plan would ensure that it continues to “stand up” to the Legislature.

As for Masterson, Mah said, “If he could mess it up and have a weak board that the Legislature could control, that would be, you know, right up his alley.”

GOP lawmakers’ plan would pair Republican board members Ben Jones, of Sterling, and Deena Horst, of Salina, in a central Kansas district. In the Kansas City area, Democratic board members Janet Waugh, of Kansas City, and Melanie Haas, of Overland Park, would share a district.

The measure also would carve up the Kansas City, Kansas, area among three board districts, while the board’s plan would split it between two. The area is in a single district now, represented by Waugh.

“Carving it up with what appears to be a more partisan divide is a little unsettling,” said Democratic state Sen. David Haley, of Kansas City, adding that minority communities could lack “a clear voice” in board debates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648723358554.png" alt="State board of education district map" />
 <figcaption>State board of education district map</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) —&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;lawmakers have given final approval to a redistricting measure that's likely to preserve Republican supermajorities in the Legislature while possibly moving the state school board to the right.The state Senate on Wednesday night approved, 29-11, a single bill containing plans for its members, the House and the State Board of Education, shortly after the House approved it, 83-40. The measure goes next to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, and Republican leaders appear to have the two-thirds majorities in both chambers to override a veto.Top Republicans largely drew the new political boundaries, but the lines had bipartisan support in both chambers. Some Democratic senators liked their new districts, and most House members were pleased with theirs.The new State Board of Education map drew an unusual amount of attention this year. The board had a rival plan likely to retain its current centrist majority, while Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, hopes to elect more conservatives.Kelly hasn't weighed in publicly on the state school board map, but she said in an interview earlier this week that the House and Senate maps seemed “as fair to the incumbents as the numbers would allow.”“I actually think they did a pretty good job on that,” she said.The Kansas Constitution requires the Legislature to redraw districts once every decade to make them as equal in population as possible after population shifts. Southeast, central and parts of western Kansas lost population over the last 10 years, while the Wichita area and northeast Kansas saw gains.If Kelly signs the measure, the Kansas Supreme Court automatically will review the maps.Republicans expect the new maps to allow them to keep roughly the same majorities of 29-11 in the Senate and 86-39 in the House.While the State Board of Education has a 6-4 Republican majority, it's controlled by Democrats and GOP moderates.---------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican legislators in Kansas are pushing a redistricting plan that the state Senate’s top GOP leader hopes will move the state school board to the right and give conservatives more say over what’s taught in public schools.The Senate on Tuesday approved&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegresearch.org/KLRD-web/Publications/Redistricting/2022-Plans/Board-of-Education/Apple-7-Packet.pdf" target="_blank">a bill&nbsp;</a>that would redraw the districts for the 10-member elected State Board of Education so that districts are as equal in population as possible after a decade of shifts across Kansas. The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20220329165047_314472/" target="_blank">31-8 vote</a>&nbsp;sent the measure to the House, and lawmakers expect to give final approval to new lines for board districts and for their own districts before the Republican-controlled Legislature begins its annual spring break Saturday.Republicans hold a 6-4 majority on the state school board, but it has become far less conservative than the Legislature. The board sets curriculum guidelines for public schools, and from 1999 until 2007, Kansas endured international ridicule over&nbsp;<a href="https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/389385" target="_blank">debates about teaching evolution</a>&nbsp;in its public schools as the board adopted five sets of science standards in eight years and its majority seesawed between conservatives and a Democratic-moderate GOP coalition.Senate President Ty Masterson, a conservative Andover Republican and the redistricting plan’s architect, said he’s hoping for “more vibrant conversation” among board members about education policy “instead of one monolithic vision.”“It would be good if there were more conservatives on the board,” Masterson said during an interview. “You have these offices that need more attention because we need more discussion on that, so the result is the State Board of Education doesn’t reflect Kansas.”Conservative lawmakers are frustrated that the board hasn’t moved on its own&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-kansas-topeka-d9684fdec9ad74c621d7a51977c58f7d">to limit what can be taught about race</a>&nbsp;and the role of racism in U.S. history or to make it easier to remove materials from classrooms and libraries.“Their responses to parents’ concerns have not been as robust as I would probably have hoped,” said Rep. Kristey Williams, a conservative Augusta Republican and chair of a House committee on education spending. “Kansans are generally to the right of many of our board members.”Redrawing state board districts traditionally has been an afterthought for lawmakers, with plans attached to state House and Senate maps just before they clear the Legislature. Each board district is four state Senate districts, so top House Republicans plan to defer to GOP senators’ wishes.Board members have&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegresearch.org/KLRD-web/Publications/Redistricting/2022-Plans/Board-of-Education/Little-Jerusalem-Badlands_Packet.pdf" target="_blank">their own map,</a>&nbsp;one more likely to preserve the political status quo. That proposal avoided putting two incumbents in any district.Board member Ann Mah, a Topeka Democrat, said the board’s plan would ensure that it continues to “stand up” to the Legislature.As for Masterson, Mah said, “If he could mess it up and have a weak board that the Legislature could control, that would be, you know, right up his alley.”GOP lawmakers’ plan would pair Republican board members Ben Jones, of Sterling, and Deena Horst, of Salina, in a central Kansas district. In the Kansas City area, Democratic board members Janet Waugh, of Kansas City, and Melanie Haas, of Overland Park, would share a district.The measure also would carve up the Kansas City, Kansas, area among three board districts, while the board’s plan would split it between two. The area is in a single district now, represented by Waugh.“Carving it up with what appears to be a more partisan divide is a little unsettling,” said Democratic state Sen. David Haley, of Kansas City, adding that minority communities could lack “a clear voice” in board debates.___

Kansas lawmakers approve their new districts, ed board map

SALINE COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in an accident just before 8a.m. Thursday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Toyota 4-Runner driven by Ellaina M.&nbsp;Brightbill, 42, Salina, was eastbound on Interstate 70 near the N. Ninth Street exit.

She lost control of the vehicle due to the icy roadway.

The SUV veered into the median and struck a guardrail on the westbound side, crossed the westbound lanes, rolled and came to rest on the north side of Interstate 70 off the roadway.

EMS transported Brightbill to Salina Regional Health Center where she was pronounced dead. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SALINE COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in an accident just before 8a.m. Thursday in Saline County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Toyota 4-Runner driven by Ellaina M.&nbsp;Brightbill, 42, Salina, was eastbound on Interstate 70 near the N. Ninth Street exit.She lost control of the vehicle due to the icy roadway.The SUV veered into the median and struck a guardrail on the westbound side, crossed the westbound lanes, rolled and came to rest on the north side of Interstate 70 off the roadway.EMS transported Brightbill to Salina Regional Health Center where she was pronounced dead. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman dies after SUV rolls on icy Interstate 70 

MANHATTAN —&nbsp;Robert "Bob" Campbell was a self-made man who took advantage of opportunities others may have missed. Through his Kansas State University education, tenacity and self-taught start in the oil business, he was able to build a lucrative career, according to a media release. As part of his estate plan, Campbell, who died in March 2021, established a $17 million scholarship and recognition fund to help the next generation of K-State students launch their own successful careers and inspire others to support the university. The Robert E. Campbell Opportunity Scholarship and Robert E. Campbell Opportunity Scholars Recognition Fund is in addition to a $1 million gift Campbell made to the College of Business Administration in 2018. "Because Bob started from scratch, he cared about others and wanted to help kids," said Kent Sedlacek, senior director of gift, estate and trust planning at the KSU Foundation. "His gift to K-State was how he could make a difference in students' lives and in the university. He delighted in both being generous and doing things his own way." Campbell was a first-generation student who studied business administration at K-State via the GI Bill after serving in World War II with the U.S. Army Air Corps, a precursor to the U.S. Air Force. After his 1950 graduation from K-State, he sold bonds before eventually researching how the oil business worked. In 1963, he launched his own company, Robert E. Campbell Oil and Gas Operations in&nbsp;Wichita, which he operated for 56 years. At his 2016 induction into K-State's College of Business Administration Distinguished Business Leaders Hall of Fame, Campbell said, "Kansas State University is where I grew intellectually and as a person." Then he encouraged students to apply themselves and nurture their ideas toward their own goals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648735860410.jpeg" alt="Robert "Bob" Campbell courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Robert "Bob" Campbell courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN —&nbsp;Robert "Bob" Campbell was a self-made man who took advantage of opportunities others may have missed. Through his Kansas State University education, tenacity and self-taught start in the oil business, he was able to build a lucrative career, according to a media release. As part of his estate plan, Campbell, who died in March 2021, established a $17 million scholarship and recognition fund to help the next generation of K-State students launch their own successful careers and inspire others to support the university. The Robert E. Campbell Opportunity Scholarship and Robert E. Campbell Opportunity Scholars Recognition Fund is in addition to a $1 million gift Campbell made to the College of Business Administration in 2018. "Because Bob started from scratch, he cared about others and wanted to help kids," said Kent Sedlacek, senior director of gift, estate and trust planning at the KSU Foundation. "His gift to K-State was how he could make a difference in students' lives and in the university. He delighted in both being generous and doing things his own way." Campbell was a first-generation student who studied business administration at K-State via the GI Bill after serving in World War II with the U.S. Army Air Corps, a precursor to the U.S. Air Force. After his 1950 graduation from K-State, he sold bonds before eventually researching how the oil business worked. In 1963, he launched his own company, Robert E. Campbell Oil and Gas Operations in&nbsp;Wichita, which he operated for 56 years. At his 2016 induction into K-State's College of Business Administration Distinguished Business Leaders Hall of Fame, Campbell said, "Kansas State University is where I grew intellectually and as a person." Then he encouraged students to apply themselves and nurture their ideas toward their own goals.

Businessman's $17M gift to benefit thousands of KSU students

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Cold Weather Rule ends Thursday. That means Kansans who are behind on electric and natural gas utility bills will be subject to disconnection of service unless they contact their utility company to make payment arrangements.

The Cold Weather Rule is in effect from November 1 through March 31 each year. It provides protection from disconnection to residential customers served by utilities regulated by the Kansas Corporation Commission's (KCC). When that protection ends on Thursday, failure to make arrangements or failure to adhere to an already established payment plan could result in disconnection. Reconnection after March 31 may require past due balances be paid in full, depending on the utility's policy. That is why it is important to call now – while regulated utilities are still required to offer the Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plan.

The Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plans require an initial payment of 1/12 of the overdue amount, 1/12 of the bill for current service, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fees, plus any applicable deposit owed to the utility. The balance is billed in equal payments over the next 11 months in addition to the regular monthly bill.

The KCC adopted the Cold Weather Rule in 1983 to protect customers during cold winter weather by providing a reasonable and organized method of paying past due and current bills. It is important to note that the KCC does not regulate co-ops or municipal utilities, although many of those utilities also offer a cold weather plan. For a complete list of utilities regulated by the KCC visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAzMjguNTU1NDkyNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va2NjLmtzLmdvdi9hYm91dC11cy9qdXJpc2RpY3Rpb24_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.Db16i69ofitwjtpR7xk89RbLlLS-AqJHQyQu5w9fySE/s/1510802758/br/128738625735-l">http://kcc.ks.gov/about-us/jurisdiction</a>

To find out more about utility assistance programs in your area, contact your utility or the KCC Consumer Protection Office at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140. Utility assistance program information is also posted on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAzMjguNTU1NDkyNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tjYy5rcy5nb3YvcHVibGljLWFmZmFpcnMtYW5kLWNvbnN1bWVyLXByb3RlY3Rpb24vdXRpbGl0eS13ZWF0aGVyaXphdGlvbi1yZWxhdGVkLWFzc2lzdGFuY2UtcHJvZ3JhbXM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.JwIV_1HHFZSd6OEUP6Rrp9TV9b8tCgr_XiSrXDkSiZQ/s/1510802758/br/128738625735-l">KCC’s website</a>.

KCCTOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Cold Weather Rule ends Thursday. That means Kansans who are behind on electric and natural gas utility bills will be subject to disconnection of service unless they contact their utility company to make payment arrangements.The Cold Weather Rule is in effect from November 1 through March 31 each year. It provides protection from disconnection to residential customers served by utilities regulated by the Kansas Corporation Commission's (KCC). When that protection ends on Thursday, failure to make arrangements or failure to adhere to an already established payment plan could result in disconnection. Reconnection after March 31 may require past due balances be paid in full, depending on the utility's policy. That is why it is important to call now – while regulated utilities are still required to offer the Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plan.The Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plans require an initial payment of 1/12 of the overdue amount, 1/12 of the bill for current service, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fees, plus any applicable deposit owed to the utility. The balance is billed in equal payments over the next 11 months in addition to the regular monthly bill.The KCC adopted the Cold Weather Rule in 1983 to protect customers during cold winter weather by providing a reasonable and organized method of paying past due and current bills. It is important to note that the KCC does not regulate co-ops or municipal utilities, although many of those utilities also offer a cold weather plan. For a complete list of utilities regulated by the KCC visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAzMjguNTU1NDkyNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va2NjLmtzLmdvdi9hYm91dC11cy9qdXJpc2RpY3Rpb24_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.Db16i69ofitwjtpR7xk89RbLlLS-AqJHQyQu5w9fySE/s/1510802758/br/128738625735-l">http://kcc.ks.gov/about-us/jurisdiction</a>To find out more about utility assistance programs in your area, contact your utility or the KCC Consumer Protection Office at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140. Utility assistance program information is also posted on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAzMjguNTU1NDkyNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tjYy5rcy5nb3YvcHVibGljLWFmZmFpcnMtYW5kLWNvbnN1bWVyLXByb3RlY3Rpb24vdXRpbGl0eS13ZWF0aGVyaXphdGlvbi1yZWxhdGVkLWFzc2lzdGFuY2UtcHJvZ3JhbXM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.JwIV_1HHFZSd6OEUP6Rrp9TV9b8tCgr_XiSrXDkSiZQ/s/1510802758/br/128738625735-l">KCC’s website</a>.

Cold weather rule ends today in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers on Wednesday passed a measure to overturn three communities' policies that could help immigrants stay in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;illegally, highlighting an issue the GOP is likely to push in the governor's race.

The bill is a response to an ordinance enacted last month by Wyandotte County, a Democratic stronghold. The ordinance provides local identification cards for immigrants and other residents and declares that the county won't help the federal government enforce immigration laws absent a threat to public safety. Lawrence and Roeland Park in northeast Kansas also have such immigration enforcement policies.

Attorney General Derek Schmidt, the presumed Republican nominee for governor, decried Wyandotte County's “sanctuary" policy and urged lawmakers to intervene. Their bill would nullify existing ordinances and bar future ones restricting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The bill also would say a local ID isn't valid for voting.

The Senate approved the measure Wednesday, 29-10, after the House passed it last week, 84-38. It goes next to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. Republicans have criticized her for weeks for not taking a public stand against Wyandotte County's policy.

Schmidt called the measure “commonsense legislation" that prevents “a patchwork of local rules.” He also suggested local ID cards “lack basic anti-fraud protections.”

State Sen. Richard Hilderbrand, a Baxter Springs Republican, said when local officials promote violating federal law, "There is no place for local control there.”

Supporters had the two-thirds majorities necessary in both chambers to override a potential veto.

While Kelly hasn't taken a formal position on the bill, she told reporters last week, “I have been a staunch supporter, whenever possible, of allowing local units of government to make decisions that they feel are the best interest of their community.”

Meanwhile, critics of the bill questioned whether it violates a provision of the Kansas Constitution that says cities are “empowered to determine their local affairs.”

They also said Wyandotte County's ordinance makes sense for one of the most racially and ethnically diverse counties in Kansas. According to the 2020 census, non-Hispanic white residents make up 37% of its population, while Hispanic residents are 33%.

Finally, critics suggested that Schmidt was engaging in political theater in pushing for a bill after Wyandotte County enacted its policy, rather than doing it earlier, when Lawrence or Roeland Park did.

“Why do we have a target on our back for the attorney general?” asked state Rep. Louis Ruiz, a Kansas City Democrat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633457915278.png" alt="State Sen. Richard Hilderbrand, a Baxter Springs Republican, said when local officials promote violating federal law, "There is no place for local control there.” photo by Sherman Smith" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Richard Hilderbrand, a Baxter Springs Republican, said when local officials promote violating federal law, "There is no place for local control there.” photo by Sherman Smith</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA, AP Political WriterTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers on Wednesday passed a measure to overturn three communities' policies that could help immigrants stay in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;illegally, highlighting an issue the GOP is likely to push in the governor's race.The bill is a response to an ordinance enacted last month by Wyandotte County, a Democratic stronghold. The ordinance provides local identification cards for immigrants and other residents and declares that the county won't help the federal government enforce immigration laws absent a threat to public safety. Lawrence and Roeland Park in northeast Kansas also have such immigration enforcement policies.Attorney General Derek Schmidt, the presumed Republican nominee for governor, decried Wyandotte County's “sanctuary" policy and urged lawmakers to intervene. Their bill would nullify existing ordinances and bar future ones restricting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The bill also would say a local ID isn't valid for voting.The Senate approved the measure Wednesday, 29-10, after the House passed it last week, 84-38. It goes next to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. Republicans have criticized her for weeks for not taking a public stand against Wyandotte County's policy.Schmidt called the measure “commonsense legislation" that prevents “a patchwork of local rules.” He also suggested local ID cards “lack basic anti-fraud protections.”State Sen. Richard Hilderbrand, a Baxter Springs Republican, said when local officials promote violating federal law, "There is no place for local control there.”Supporters had the two-thirds majorities necessary in both chambers to override a potential veto.While Kelly hasn't taken a formal position on the bill, she told reporters last week, “I have been a staunch supporter, whenever possible, of allowing local units of government to make decisions that they feel are the best interest of their community.”Meanwhile, critics of the bill questioned whether it violates a provision of the Kansas Constitution that says cities are “empowered to determine their local affairs.”They also said Wyandotte County's ordinance makes sense for one of the most racially and ethnically diverse counties in Kansas. According to the 2020 census, non-Hispanic white residents make up 37% of its population, while Hispanic residents are 33%.Finally, critics suggested that Schmidt was engaging in political theater in pushing for a bill after Wyandotte County enacted its policy, rather than doing it earlier, when Lawrence or Roeland Park did.“Why do we have a target on our back for the attorney general?” asked state Rep. Louis Ruiz, a Kansas City Democrat.

Kansas lawmakers send 'sanctuary city' bill to governor

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a child sex crime and have made an arrest.

Just after 7:p.m. Tuesday., police were dispatched to the north part of Garden City, where a man was reported to be exposing himself to small children, according to a media release.

Upon arrival, Officers spoke with the reporting party, who told Officers that an 11-year-old child said a man was showing them his&nbsp;genitalia.

The investigation revealed the child was walking in a parking lot when a man sitting in a vehicle revved the engine to get the child’s attention. As the child approached the vehicle, the man was allegedly exposing himself and tried soliciting the child. The child ran from the area looking for help before finding the reporting party. 

Through further investigation, police identified 19-year-old Robert Lozano of Garden City, as the suspect and took him into custody. 

Lozano was booked on requested charges of Aggravated Indecent Solicitation of a Child and Lewd and Lascivious Behavior. He is no longer in custody, according to online records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648687471138.png" alt="Lozano photo Finney Col" />
 <figcaption>Lozano photo Finney Col</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a child sex crime and have made an arrest.Just after 7:p.m. Tuesday., police were dispatched to the north part of Garden City, where a man was reported to be exposing himself to small children, according to a media release.Upon arrival, Officers spoke with the reporting party, who told Officers that an 11-year-old child said a man was showing them his&nbsp;genitalia.The investigation revealed the child was walking in a parking lot when a man sitting in a vehicle revved the engine to get the child’s attention. As the child approached the vehicle, the man was allegedly exposing himself and tried soliciting the child. The child ran from the area looking for help before finding the reporting party. Through further investigation, police identified 19-year-old Robert Lozano of Garden City, as the suspect and took him into custody. Lozano was booked on requested charges of Aggravated Indecent Solicitation of a Child and Lewd and Lascivious Behavior. He is no longer in custody, according to online records.

Man accused of exposing himself to child in SW Kansas

WASHINGTON– Over one month since the beginning of Putin’s unjust war on Ukraine, and following a bipartisan Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-marshall-moran-visit-with-fort-riley-troops-and-kansans-deployed-to-germany/" target="_blank">delegation visit to Poland and Germany</a>, U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall joined Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in leading a bipartisan group of senators&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ernst.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/4999eda7-2331-4768-bf14-10a653549a83/362369F200B12B8E6FF0A607139F5E73.ernst-gillibrand-letter-to-nsa-sullivan.pdf" target="_blank">requesting</a>&nbsp;answers from President Biden’s national security advisor (NSA), Jake Sullivan, on the speed, specifics, and supply of lethal aid provided to Ukraine, according to a statement from Marshall's office.

In the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ernst.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/4999eda7-2331-4768-bf14-10a653549a83/362369F200B12B8E6FF0A607139F5E73.ernst-gillibrand-letter-to-nsa-sullivan.pdf" target="_blank">letter</a>, the Senators said in part,

“In light of Ukraine’s continued resistance against Vladimir Putin’s bloody invasion of Ukraine, we request you commit to a military support plan to enable Ukraine to win this unlawful war of aggression against their sovereign nation… America’s commitments to Ukraine and to our NATO allies demand we expedite the delivery of weapons and capabilities to our allies and partners; Ukraine can win this fight if we help them win this fight. Above all else, our commitment to our allies and partners keeps Americans prosperous and keeps our families safe.”

While in Poland, Senators Marshall and Moran&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-marshall-the-ukrainian-people-dont-need-words-they-need-action/" target="_blank">heard directly</a>&nbsp;from members of the Ukrainian civil society who passionately stated the lethal aid is flowing too slowly and that the sovereign country needs more specific lethal aid to win the war. Following the bipartisan trip, the Senators are pushing the administration for answers on what they have provided thus far and what more America and our allies can provide to Ukraine to win the war.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ernst.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/4999eda7-2331-4768-bf14-10a653549a83/362369F200B12B8E6FF0A607139F5E73.ernst-gillibrand-letter-to-nsa-sullivan.pdf" target="_blank">letter</a>&nbsp;to NSA Sullivan, the senators write: “We request a timely response to these questions detailing your provisions, risk assessments, and strategy to enable Ukraine to defeat Vladimir Putin and return to sovereignty and freedom.

The Senators conclude by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ernst.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/4999eda7-2331-4768-bf14-10a653549a83/362369F200B12B8E6FF0A607139F5E73.ernst-gillibrand-letter-to-nsa-sullivan.pdf" target="_blank">writing</a>:

“The U.S. mission in Ukraine must go beyond ensuring the country merely has the means to defend itself against Russian aggression. The strategy must deliver Ukraine necessary weapons to defend itself, counter the Russian forces' advance, and give the Ukrainian people a chance to win this war. Success cannot be a Russian-occupied Ukraine - it must be a free, independent, and sovereign Ukraine. Authoritarianism cannot prevail in this conflict. Defending freedom in Ukraine is defending freedom everywhere. We anxiously await your response.”

To read the full letter, click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ernst.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/4999eda7-2331-4768-bf14-10a653549a83/362369F200B12B8E6FF0A607139F5E73.ernst-gillibrand-letter-to-nsa-sullivan.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.

For more on the bipartisan CODEL to Poland and Germany, click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-marshall-on-ukraine-aid-get-them-the-damn-weapons/" target="_blank">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647785693574.png" alt="Senators Moran and Marshall during their stop to eastern Europe-courtesy photos" />
 <figcaption>Senators Moran and Marshall during their stop to eastern Europe-courtesy photos</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON– Over one month since the beginning of Putin’s unjust war on Ukraine, and following a bipartisan Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-marshall-moran-visit-with-fort-riley-troops-and-kansans-deployed-to-germany/" target="_blank">delegation visit to Poland and Germany</a>, U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall joined Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in leading a bipartisan group of senators&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ernst.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/4999eda7-2331-4768-bf14-10a653549a83/362369F200B12B8E6FF0A607139F5E73.ernst-gillibrand-letter-to-nsa-sullivan.pdf" target="_blank">requesting</a>&nbsp;answers from President Biden’s national security advisor (NSA), Jake Sullivan, on the speed, specifics, and supply of lethal aid provided to Ukraine, according to a statement from Marshall's office. In the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ernst.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/4999eda7-2331-4768-bf14-10a653549a83/362369F200B12B8E6FF0A607139F5E73.ernst-gillibrand-letter-to-nsa-sullivan.pdf" target="_blank">letter</a>, the Senators said in part,“In light of Ukraine’s continued resistance against Vladimir Putin’s bloody invasion of Ukraine, we request you commit to a military support plan to enable Ukraine to win this unlawful war of aggression against their sovereign nation… America’s commitments to Ukraine and to our NATO allies demand we expedite the delivery of weapons and capabilities to our allies and partners; Ukraine can win this fight if we help them win this fight. Above all else, our commitment to our allies and partners keeps Americans prosperous and keeps our families safe.”While in Poland, Senators Marshall and Moran&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-marshall-the-ukrainian-people-dont-need-words-they-need-action/" target="_blank">heard directly</a>&nbsp;from members of the Ukrainian civil society who passionately stated the lethal aid is flowing too slowly and that the sovereign country needs more specific lethal aid to win the war. Following the bipartisan trip, the Senators are pushing the administration for answers on what they have provided thus far and what more America and our allies can provide to Ukraine to win the war.&nbsp;&nbsp;In their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ernst.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/4999eda7-2331-4768-bf14-10a653549a83/362369F200B12B8E6FF0A607139F5E73.ernst-gillibrand-letter-to-nsa-sullivan.pdf" target="_blank">letter</a>&nbsp;to NSA Sullivan, the senators write: “We request a timely response to these questions detailing your provisions, risk assessments, and strategy to enable Ukraine to defeat Vladimir Putin and return to sovereignty and freedom.<ol>
 <li>A list of all lethal and nonlethal aid provided to date and status of delivery or estimated delivery to Ukraine.</li><li>A list of all equipment purchased or allocated for the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund that remains within U.S. stocks or control, and an assessment of the feasibility to provide such equipment to Ukraine.</li><li>A complete list of all Army Pre-positioned Stock (APS) or Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) stocks in Europe by item and location.</li><li>An analysis of available equipment within allied and partner nations that could be procured or transferred to Ukraine and subsequently backfilled with NATO equipment.</li><li>A list of equipment, production capacity, and war reserve inventories the United States is capable of delivering to backfill to NATO members who have provided capabilities to Ukraine.”</li>
 </ol>The Senators conclude by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ernst.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/4999eda7-2331-4768-bf14-10a653549a83/362369F200B12B8E6FF0A607139F5E73.ernst-gillibrand-letter-to-nsa-sullivan.pdf" target="_blank">writing</a>:“The U.S. mission in Ukraine must go beyond ensuring the country merely has the means to defend itself against Russian aggression. The strategy must deliver Ukraine necessary weapons to defend itself, counter the Russian forces' advance, and give the Ukrainian people a chance to win this war. Success cannot be a Russian-occupied Ukraine - it must be a free, independent, and sovereign Ukraine. Authoritarianism cannot prevail in this conflict. Defending freedom in Ukraine is defending freedom everywhere. We anxiously await your response.”To read the full letter, click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ernst.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/4999eda7-2331-4768-bf14-10a653549a83/362369F200B12B8E6FF0A607139F5E73.ernst-gillibrand-letter-to-nsa-sullivan.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.For more on the bipartisan CODEL to Poland and Germany, click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-marshall-on-ukraine-aid-get-them-the-damn-weapons/" target="_blank">here</a>.

Moran, Marshall demand White House provide answers on aid to Ukraine

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a baby and have made an arrest.

Just after 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to the 1400 block of SW Byron on a report of an assault, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz. 

&nbsp;Officers located an infant suffering from life threatening injuries and also found the child's mother suffering from non-life threating injuries. Both the were transported to a local hospital where the baby later died, according to Munoz. 

Officers and Detectives transported several individuals to the Law Enforcement Center for further questioning.&nbsp; As a result of the investigation, police transported 21-year-old&nbsp; Trayvonne Damont Jones, of Topeka to Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Murder in the First Degree, Abuse of a Child, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Aggravated Battery. Both the victims and suspect are known to each other, according to Munoz.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648722249337.png" alt="Trayvonne Jones-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Trayvonne Jones-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a baby and have made an arrest.Just after 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to the 1400 block of SW Byron on a report of an assault, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz. &nbsp;Officers located an infant suffering from life threatening injuries and also found the child's mother suffering from non-life threating injuries. Both the were transported to a local hospital where the baby later died, according to Munoz. The mother was treated and released.Officers and Detectives transported several individuals to the Law Enforcement Center for further questioning.&nbsp; As a result of the investigation, police transported 21-year-old&nbsp; Trayvonne Damont Jones, of Topeka to Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Murder in the First Degree, Abuse of a Child, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Aggravated Battery. Both the victims and suspect are known to each other, according to Munoz.

Kan. man accused of battering woman, killing her baby

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Washburn University President Jerry Farley said he does not support the message an anti-transgender speaker is scheduled to deliver at the university on Thursday. 

The speaker, Michael Knowles, will give a speech titled “Banning Transgenderism” on Thursday, hosted by the school's College Republicans group. Thursday is International Transgender Day of Visibility. Farley said in an email to the campus that he supports free speech rights but Washburn does not condone Knowles' beliefs.

Knowles responded with a tweet challenging Farley to show specific incidents of hate or misinformation in his speeches. A demonstration in support of Washburn's LGBTQ community is planned before Knowles' speech.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Washburn University President Jerry Farley said he does not support the message an anti-transgender speaker is scheduled to deliver at the university on Thursday. The speaker, Michael Knowles, will give a speech titled “Banning Transgenderism” on Thursday, hosted by the school's College Republicans group. Thursday is International Transgender Day of Visibility. Farley said in an email to the campus that he supports free speech rights but Washburn does not condone Knowles' beliefs.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Washburn president Jerry Farley, who personally signed the contract inviting me to come speak, just sent a campus-wide email condemning me for spreading &quot;hate and misinformation&quot;—two days before my speech is scheduled to take place. 🧵 <a href="https://t.co/U8cXRItLQb">https://t.co/U8cXRItLQb</a>&mdash; Michael Knowles, Biological (And Spiritual) Male (@michaeljknowles) <a href="https://twitter.com/michaeljknowles/status/1509182737479045121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Knowles responded with a tweet challenging Farley to show specific incidents of hate or misinformation in his speeches. A demonstration in support of Washburn's LGBTQ community is planned before Knowles' speech.

Anti-transgender speaker causes controversy at Washburn

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden called on Congress to pass billions of dollars in additional funding to fight the COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday, as he received a second booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine a day after federal regulators approved a fourth shot for those aged 50 and older.

Biden spoke as his administration rolled out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.covid.gov/" target="_blank">COVID.gov</a>, designed to be a one-stop website to help people in the United States access COVID-19 tests, vaccines and treatments, along with status updates on infection rates where they live. Biden pressed lawmakers to provide additional funding “immediately” to ensure continued supply of the tools that have helped the nation begin to emerge from the pandemic.

“Congress, we need to secure additional supply now,” he said, warning of shortages of vaccines, tests and treatments. “This isn’t partisan, it’s medicine.”

Biden, 79, received the first series of two doses of the coronavirus vaccine shortly before taking office and a first booster shot in September. The additional booster dose was administered by a member of the White House Medical Unit.

“It didn’t hurt a bit,” Biden said.

The additional booster is meant to beef up the body’s protection against COVID-19 in populations most vulnerable to the coronavirus, which has killed more than 975,000 people in the U.S.

On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cleared the way for another shot for anyone 50 and older, who can get the additional booster at least four months after their last vaccination. Severely immune-compromised patients, such as organ transplant recipients, as young as 12, are also eligible.

“We have enough supply to give booster shots, but if Congress fails to act we won’t have the supplies we need this Fall,” Biden warned, noting the possibility that regulators will approve a fourth shot for all Americans.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, have been negotiating in hopes of reviving the COVID-19 package.

If an agreement emerges, participants say they expect it to be similar to the $15.6 billion bipartisan version that congressional leaders crafted earlier this month. The original compromise collapsed after rank-and-file Democrats rebelled against cuts in unspent pandemic aid for states that would have helped pay for it.

The two parties’ continuing disagreements are over how to find savings to offset the measure’s cost, not the new spending itself.

Leaders would like Congress to approve the assistance before lawmakers leave for a spring recess after next week.

“We are not yet at the finish line, but we will keep working throughout the day,” Schumer said Wednesday. He said if a new COVID variant emerges that “extends its nasty tentacles across the country and we don’t have the tools to respond, then woe is us.”

Romney said Tuesday that bargainers were discussing savings options. “But we’re making progress and hopefully we’ll get there soon,” he said.

A subvariant of the highly transmissible omicron that scientists call BA.2 is now the dominant coronavirus mutant in the United States. It accounted for nearly 55% of new infections across the nation last week and an even greater proportion in the Northeast, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Scientists say one reason BA.2 has gained ground is that it’s about 30% more contagious than the original omicron. In rare cases, research shows it can sicken people even if they’ve already had an omicron infection. But it doesn’t seem to cause more severe disease than the original, and vaccines appear just as effective against it.

The unvaccinated, though, are at a far greater risk.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648688148561.png" alt="Biden, 79, received the first series of two doses of the coronavirus vaccine shortly before taking office and a first booster shot in September. The additional booster dose was administered by a member of the White House Medical Unit-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Biden, 79, received the first series of two doses of the coronavirus vaccine shortly before taking office and a first booster shot in September. The additional booster dose was administered by a member of the White House Medical Unit-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden called on Congress to pass billions of dollars in additional funding to fight the COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday, as he received a second booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine a day after federal regulators approved a fourth shot for those aged 50 and older.Biden spoke as his administration rolled out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.covid.gov/" target="_blank">COVID.gov</a>, designed to be a one-stop website to help people in the United States access COVID-19 tests, vaccines and treatments, along with status updates on infection rates where they live. Biden pressed lawmakers to provide additional funding “immediately” to ensure continued supply of the tools that have helped the nation begin to emerge from the pandemic.“Congress, we need to secure additional supply now,” he said, warning of shortages of vaccines, tests and treatments. “This isn’t partisan, it’s medicine.”Biden, 79, received the first series of two doses of the coronavirus vaccine shortly before taking office and a first booster shot in September. The additional booster dose was administered by a member of the White House Medical Unit.“It didn’t hurt a bit,” Biden said.The additional booster is meant to beef up the body’s protection against COVID-19 in populations most vulnerable to the coronavirus, which has killed more than 975,000 people in the U.S.On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cleared the way for another shot for anyone 50 and older, who can get the additional booster at least four months after their last vaccination. Severely immune-compromised patients, such as organ transplant recipients, as young as 12, are also eligible.“We have enough supply to give booster shots, but if Congress fails to act we won’t have the supplies we need this Fall,” Biden warned, noting the possibility that regulators will approve a fourth shot for all Americans.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, have been negotiating in hopes of reviving the COVID-19 package.If an agreement emerges, participants say they expect it to be similar to the $15.6 billion bipartisan version that congressional leaders crafted earlier this month. The original compromise collapsed after rank-and-file Democrats rebelled against cuts in unspent pandemic aid for states that would have helped pay for it.The two parties’ continuing disagreements are over how to find savings to offset the measure’s cost, not the new spending itself.Leaders would like Congress to approve the assistance before lawmakers leave for a spring recess after next week.“We are not yet at the finish line, but we will keep working throughout the day,” Schumer said Wednesday. He said if a new COVID variant emerges that “extends its nasty tentacles across the country and we don’t have the tools to respond, then woe is us.”Romney said Tuesday that bargainers were discussing savings options. “But we’re making progress and hopefully we’ll get there soon,” he said.A subvariant of the highly transmissible omicron that scientists call BA.2 is now the dominant coronavirus mutant in the United States. It accounted for nearly 55% of new infections across the nation last week and an even greater proportion in the Northeast, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Scientists say one reason BA.2 has gained ground is that it’s about 30% more contagious than the original omicron. In rare cases, research shows it can sicken people even if they’ve already had an omicron infection. But it doesn’t seem to cause more severe disease than the original, and vaccines appear just as effective against it.The unvaccinated, though, are at a far greater risk.—

Biden receives 2nd booster, presses Congress for more virus funding

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is preparing to order the release of up to 1 million barrels of oil per day from the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve, according to two people familiar with the decision, in a bid to control energy prices that have spiked as the U.S. and allies have imposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-joe-biden-business-congress-a187eb7dcbb8e8c7224adb518392bab2">steep sanctions on Russia</a>&nbsp;over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-europe-united-states-nato-5863ad1d740cdd04ba42a25de0d31449">its invasion of Ukraine</a>.

The announcement could come as soon as Thursday, when the White House says Biden is planning to deliver remarks on his administration’s plans to combat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gas-prices-record-high-russia-ukraine-ac7fcc350ad1f1c71db4185b99fef112">rising gas prices</a>. The duration of the release hasn’t been finalized but could last for several months. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the decision.

High oil prices have not coaxed more production, creating a challenge for Biden. The Democratic president has seen his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-inflation-6b6b0abfef867fc405e9f358ce2c3a09">popularity sink</a>&nbsp;as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-inflation-soars-776c03520c90083894fedf31f1a7db00">inflation reached a 40-year high</a>&nbsp;in February and the cost of petroleum and gasoline climbed after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-moscow-kyiv-626a8c5ec22217bacb24ece60fac4fe1">Russia invaded Ukraine</a>.

The markets reacted quickly to the likely release from the strategic reserve with crude oil prices dropping 6% on Thursday morning to roughly $101 a barrel. Still, oil is up from roughly $60 a year ago as supplies have not kept up with demand as the world economy began to rebound from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>.

Americans on average use about 21 million barrels of oil daily, with about 40% of the consumption devoted to gasoline, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Domestic oil production is equal to more than half of the country’s usage, but high prices have not led companies to return to their pre-pandemic levels of output. The U.S. is producing on average 11.7 million barrels daily, down from 13 million barrels in early 2020.

The Biden administration in November announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-oil-strategic-reserve-gas-prices-a7e0802b299cd627c7ffdeeb0e50bd2c">the release of 50 million barrels</a>&nbsp;from the strategic reserve in coordination with other countries. And after the Russia-Ukraine war began, the U.S. and 30 other countries agreed to an additional release of 60 million barrels from reserves, with half of the total coming from the U.S.

According to the Department of Energy, which manages it, more than 568 million barrels of oil were held in the reserve as of March 25.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646659156352.png" alt="Americans on average use about 21 million barrels of oil daily, with about 40% of the consumption devoted to gasoline, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.-google image" />
 <figcaption>Americans on average use about 21 million barrels of oil daily, with about 40% of the consumption devoted to gasoline, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.-google image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is preparing to order the release of up to 1 million barrels of oil per day from the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve, according to two people familiar with the decision, in a bid to control energy prices that have spiked as the U.S. and allies have imposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-joe-biden-business-congress-a187eb7dcbb8e8c7224adb518392bab2">steep sanctions on Russia</a>&nbsp;over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-europe-united-states-nato-5863ad1d740cdd04ba42a25de0d31449">its invasion of Ukraine</a>.The announcement could come as soon as Thursday, when the White House says Biden is planning to deliver remarks on his administration’s plans to combat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gas-prices-record-high-russia-ukraine-ac7fcc350ad1f1c71db4185b99fef112">rising gas prices</a>. The duration of the release hasn’t been finalized but could last for several months. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the decision.High oil prices have not coaxed more production, creating a challenge for Biden. The Democratic president has seen his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-inflation-6b6b0abfef867fc405e9f358ce2c3a09">popularity sink</a>&nbsp;as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-inflation-soars-776c03520c90083894fedf31f1a7db00">inflation reached a 40-year high</a>&nbsp;in February and the cost of petroleum and gasoline climbed after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-moscow-kyiv-626a8c5ec22217bacb24ece60fac4fe1">Russia invaded Ukraine</a>.The markets reacted quickly to the likely release from the strategic reserve with crude oil prices dropping 6% on Thursday morning to roughly $101 a barrel. Still, oil is up from roughly $60 a year ago as supplies have not kept up with demand as the world economy began to rebound from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>.Americans on average use about 21 million barrels of oil daily, with about 40% of the consumption devoted to gasoline, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.Domestic oil production is equal to more than half of the country’s usage, but high prices have not led companies to return to their pre-pandemic levels of output. The U.S. is producing on average 11.7 million barrels daily, down from 13 million barrels in early 2020.Oil producers have been more focused on meeting the needs of investors than consumers, according to a survey released last week by the Dallas Federal Reserve. About 59% of the executives surveyed said investor pressure to preserve “capital discipline” amid high prices was the reason they weren’t pumping more, while fewer than 10% blamed government regulation.The steady release from the reserves would be a meaningful sum and come near to closing the domestic production gap relative to February 2020, before the coronavirus caused a steep decline in oil output.The Biden administration in November announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-oil-strategic-reserve-gas-prices-a7e0802b299cd627c7ffdeeb0e50bd2c">the release of 50 million barrels</a>&nbsp;from the strategic reserve in coordination with other countries. And after the Russia-Ukraine war began, the U.S. and 30 other countries agreed to an additional release of 60 million barrels from reserves, with half of the total coming from the U.S.According to the Department of Energy, which manages it, more than 568 million barrels of oil were held in the reserve as of March 25.News of the administration’s planning was first reported by Bloomberg.___

Biden considers plan to tap oil reserve to control gas prices

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Black Kansas City teenager will receive a $325,000 settlement after three white police officers hit him more than 10 times and used a stun gun on him, according to an excessive force lawsuit.

It is the third settlement this year against Kansas City police in cases involving Black teenagers, with a total payout of $1.3 million, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article259897090.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>.

The lawsuit alleged the 17-year-old was sitting in his car in a parking lot waiting for friends after homecoming at Hogan Preparatory Academy on Oct. 12, 2019.

Two officers approached the car and ordered him to get out. When the teen got out of the car, he was thrown to the ground, punched, knelt on by two officers and hit with a stun gun by a third, according to the lawsuit.

Video filed with the lawsuit includes the teenager calling for help and saying he was not resisting, The Star reported.

The teenager had not committed any traffic violations. He was arrested but never charged with a crime.

The Kansas City Police Department declined to comment on the settlement.

The police department has paid more than $10.8 million in excessive force and wrongful arrest claims since 2014.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Black Kansas City teenager will receive a $325,000 settlement after three white police officers hit him more than 10 times and used a stun gun on him, according to an excessive force lawsuit.It is the third settlement this year against Kansas City police in cases involving Black teenagers, with a total payout of $1.3 million, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article259897090.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>.The lawsuit alleged the 17-year-old was sitting in his car in a parking lot waiting for friends after homecoming at Hogan Preparatory Academy on Oct. 12, 2019.Two officers approached the car and ordered him to get out. When the teen got out of the car, he was thrown to the ground, punched, knelt on by two officers and hit with a stun gun by a third, according to the lawsuit.Video filed with the lawsuit includes the teenager calling for help and saying he was not resisting, The Star reported.The teenager had not committed any traffic violations. He was arrested but never charged with a crime.The Kansas City Police Department declined to comment on the settlement.The police department has paid more than $10.8 million in excessive force and wrongful arrest claims since 2014.