WICHITA — The B-1 System Program Office (SPO), Tinker AFB, Oklahoma awarded a six-year, $100 million follow-on contract to Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) on Wednesday to continue the B-1’s Digital Engineering (DE) transformation, according to a media release fro WSU.

The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) helped form the strategic partnership and created a flexible contract structure, which allows NIAR and the B-1 SPO to adapt requirements real time to meet critical warfighter needs.&nbsp;

According to Lt Col Joseph Lay, B-1 SPO Material Leader for Structures: “This project brings the B-1 into the same field as newly designed aircraft and allows digital modeling to predict future areas of concern. This will allow the SPO to proactively develop repairs, reduce the cost and schedule for parts procurement by eliminating the burden of interpreting legacy Air Force (AF) drawings, and increase the number of vendors who are capable of producing parts for the B-1 platform. DE will not only help reduce the time it takes to develop repairs but also to install them. We will be able to develop and test repairs well in advance virtually ensuring first time success and improving aircraft availability.”

While new AF systems are born digitally, the transition to DE for legacy systems is complicated by various factors to include return on investment over the platform’s lifecycle, vendor lock with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), and understanding where to start on a task of this size and complexity. The B-1 is proving legacy aircraft can find a benefit and has become a trailblazer for other legacy platforms to follow.

Creating flexible requirements with a cost ceiling allows the B-1 to execute only those tasks which provide maximum benefit to the warfighter. Initially, B-1 chose to focus on structures, one of the main issues impacting fleet availability. With successes in Desert Fox, Allied Force, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve, the B-1 rapidly flew more hours than anticipated, accelerating the need to extend the original certified test life earlier than expected.

While the SPO has made significant progress in the arenas of structural life, maintenance and reliability, DE will breathe new life into the fleet, rejuvenating the B-1 to fly until the future bomber force is ready. Even in such short time, the SPO has already begun to benefit from DE activities. B-1 models have been delivered to aid in the design and manufacture of support fixtures for use at Depot Maintenance facilities and the first set of models are being supplied to third-party vendors to provide digital manufacturing data for complex components. &nbsp;

“NIAR is eagerly looking forward to continuing to support the B-1 SPO’s DE transformation by reducing cost, expanding the supply base, and increasing aircraft mission readiness. Over the past two years, the B-1 program team has developed smart ways to implement DE for maximum impact on legacy platforms. Flexibility afforded through the NCMS contract has allowed NIAR to adapt to changing priorities of the warfighter,” said Melinda Laubach-Hock, NIAR B-1 Program Director.

The B-1 SPO began their digital transformation in early 2020, creating a structural digital twin of a single wing. Since then the effort has expanded to include the structure of the entire airframe, the launch of an Integrated Digital Engineering Environment including a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tool, model based systems engineering (MBSE) efforts to create system modeling language (SySML) representations of various mechanical systems, technical order digitalization, the integration of systems and weapons to enhance the structural digital twin, structural and aerodynamic predictive simulation tool development, and other DE efforts.&nbsp;

“Wichita State’s partnership with the DoD supports sustainment efforts for legacy weapons systems, like the B-1, that will immediately impact the preparedness of the warfighter. In addition, these programs provide unique educational opportunities for students to work with seasoned professionals, developing a talent pipeline the DoD is capitalizing on, particularly in the emerging field of digital engineering,” said Dr. John Tomblin, Senior Vice President for Industry and Defense at Wichita State University.

“We are excited to continue this partnership and move the B-1 further into the virtual world. We could not have achieved this without the great partnership and team between the SPO, NIAR, and NCMS to make this all happen,” said Lt Col Lay.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646858838114.png" alt="Wichita State University continues to support our nation’s security priorities by offering innovative and effective solutions to the Air Force’s most pressing challenges. The partnership that has grown between NIAR and the B-1 System Program Office is improving B-1 readiness will keep these legacy bombers in the fight for years to come.” — Senator Jerry Moran -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Wichita State University continues to support our nation’s security priorities by offering innovative and effective solutions to the Air Force’s most pressing challenges. The partnership that has grown between NIAR and the B-1 System Program Office is improving B-1 readiness will keep these legacy bombers in the fight for years to come.” — Senator Jerry Moran -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA — The B-1 System Program Office (SPO), Tinker AFB, Oklahoma awarded a six-year, $100 million follow-on contract to Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) on Wednesday to continue the B-1’s Digital Engineering (DE) transformation, according to a media release fro WSU.The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) helped form the strategic partnership and created a flexible contract structure, which allows NIAR and the B-1 SPO to adapt requirements real time to meet critical warfighter needs.&nbsp;According to Lt Col Joseph Lay, B-1 SPO Material Leader for Structures: “This project brings the B-1 into the same field as newly designed aircraft and allows digital modeling to predict future areas of concern. This will allow the SPO to proactively develop repairs, reduce the cost and schedule for parts procurement by eliminating the burden of interpreting legacy Air Force (AF) drawings, and increase the number of vendors who are capable of producing parts for the B-1 platform. DE will not only help reduce the time it takes to develop repairs but also to install them. We will be able to develop and test repairs well in advance virtually ensuring first time success and improving aircraft availability.”While new AF systems are born digitally, the transition to DE for legacy systems is complicated by various factors to include return on investment over the platform’s lifecycle, vendor lock with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), and understanding where to start on a task of this size and complexity. The B-1 is proving legacy aircraft can find a benefit and has become a trailblazer for other legacy platforms to follow.Creating flexible requirements with a cost ceiling allows the B-1 to execute only those tasks which provide maximum benefit to the warfighter. Initially, B-1 chose to focus on structures, one of the main issues impacting fleet availability. With successes in Desert Fox, Allied Force, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve, the B-1 rapidly flew more hours than anticipated, accelerating the need to extend the original certified test life earlier than expected.While the SPO has made significant progress in the arenas of structural life, maintenance and reliability, DE will breathe new life into the fleet, rejuvenating the B-1 to fly until the future bomber force is ready. Even in such short time, the SPO has already begun to benefit from DE activities. B-1 models have been delivered to aid in the design and manufacture of support fixtures for use at Depot Maintenance facilities and the first set of models are being supplied to third-party vendors to provide digital manufacturing data for complex components. &nbsp;“NIAR is eagerly looking forward to continuing to support the B-1 SPO’s DE transformation by reducing cost, expanding the supply base, and increasing aircraft mission readiness. Over the past two years, the B-1 program team has developed smart ways to implement DE for maximum impact on legacy platforms. Flexibility afforded through the NCMS contract has allowed NIAR to adapt to changing priorities of the warfighter,” said Melinda Laubach-Hock, NIAR B-1 Program Director.The B-1 SPO began their digital transformation in early 2020, creating a structural digital twin of a single wing. Since then the effort has expanded to include the structure of the entire airframe, the launch of an Integrated Digital Engineering Environment including a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tool, model based systems engineering (MBSE) efforts to create system modeling language (SySML) representations of various mechanical systems, technical order digitalization, the integration of systems and weapons to enhance the structural digital twin, structural and aerodynamic predictive simulation tool development, and other DE efforts.&nbsp;“Wichita State’s partnership with the DoD supports sustainment efforts for legacy weapons systems, like the B-1, that will immediately impact the preparedness of the warfighter. In addition, these programs provide unique educational opportunities for students to work with seasoned professionals, developing a talent pipeline the DoD is capitalizing on, particularly in the emerging field of digital engineering,” said Dr. John Tomblin, Senior Vice President for Industry and Defense at Wichita State University.“We are excited to continue this partnership and move the B-1 further into the virtual world. We could not have achieved this without the great partnership and team between the SPO, NIAR, and NCMS to make this all happen,” said Lt Col Lay.

Wichita St. lands $100M U.S. Air Force award for aviation research

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — Authorities in south-central Kansas have identified a man who was killed in a wildfire over the weekend that also destroyed 35 homes. 

The Reno County Sheriff’s Office tells station KAKE that the body of 45-year-old <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/father-dies-in-cottonwood-fire-in-reno-county?utm_source=messenger&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1">Chadwick Penner</a> was found in a wooded area that had burned on Sunday.

The fire began Saturday in eastern Reno County. Besides the homes burned, it also destroyed 92 outbuildings and 110 vehicles as it spread across 12,000 acres. 

Officials say investigators determined the cause of the blaze was a brush pile fire that was left unattended. The Hutchinson Fire Department said Wednesday morning that the fire was 85% contained, and firefighters expected it to be fully contained sometime between Thursday and Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646852525545.png" alt="Penner-photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Penner-photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — Authorities in south-central Kansas have identified a man who was killed in a wildfire over the weekend that also destroyed 35 homes. The Reno County Sheriff’s Office tells station KAKE that the body of 45-year-old <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/father-dies-in-cottonwood-fire-in-reno-county?utm_source=messenger&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1">Chadwick Penner</a> was found in a wooded area that had burned on Sunday. The fire began Saturday in eastern Reno County. Besides the homes burned, it also destroyed 92 outbuildings and 110 vehicles as it spread across 12,000 acres. Officials say investigators determined the cause of the blaze was a brush pile fire that was left unattended. The Hutchinson Fire Department said Wednesday morning that the fire was 85% contained, and firefighters expected it to be fully contained sometime between Thursday and Saturday.

Authorities identify man killed in Kansas wildfire

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional leaders reached a bipartisan deal early Wednesday providing $13.6 billion to help Ukraine and European allies plus billions more to battle the pandemic as part of an overdue $1.5 trillion measure financing federal agencies for the rest of this year.

Though a tiny fraction of the massive bill, the money countering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-biden-europe-avril-haines-5c9707de86165915e7ce9d10d18464f3">a Russian blitzkrieg that’s devastated parts of Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and prompted Europe’s worst refugee crisis since World War II ensured the measure would pass with robust bipartisan support. President Joe Biden requested $10 billion for military, humanitarian and economic aid last week, and Democratic and Republican backing was so staunch that the figure grew to $12 billion Monday and $13.6 billion just a day later.

“We’re going to support them against tyranny, oppression, violent acts of subjugation,” Biden said at the White House.

Party leaders planned to whip the 2,741-page measure through the House on Wednesday and the Senate by week’s end, though that chamber’s exact timing was unclear. Lawmakers were spurred by the urgency of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-europe-2bed71c00916d44ea951c5809b446db3">helping Ukraine before Russia’s military might makes it too late.</a>

They also faced a Friday deadline to approve the government-wide spending measure or face a weekend election-year federal shutdown. As a backstop against delays, the House planned to pass a bill Wednesday keeping agencies afloat through March 15.

Over $4 billion of the Ukraine aid was to help the country and Eastern European nations cope with the 2 million refugees who’ve already fled the fighting. Another $6.7 billion was for the deployment of U.S. troops and equipment to the region and to transfer American military items to Ukraine and U.S. allies, and there was economic aid and money to enforce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-us-russia-oil-ban-120c0152cf310a5b593f6ae7a2857e62">economic sanctions against Russia&nbsp;</a>as well.

“War in Europe has focused the energies of Congress to getting something done and getting it done fast,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said the measure would provide loan guarantees to Poland to help it replace aircraft it is sending Ukraine. “It’s been like pulling teeth” to get Democrats to agree to some of the defense spending, he said. But he added, “It’s an important step. It needs to be passed. It needs to be passed quickly.”

The bipartisan rallying behind the Ukraine aid was just one manifestation of Congress’ eagerness to help the beleaguered country, though not all of it has been harmonious.

Republicans accused Biden of moving too slowly to help Ukraine and NATO allies and to impose sanctions against Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin. Democrats countered that time was needed to bring along European allies that rely heavily on Russian energy sources. And a bipartisan push to ban Russian oil imports had become nearly unstoppable before Biden announced Tuesday that he would do that on his own.

The huge overall bill was stocked with victories for both parties.

For Democrats, it provides $730 billion for domestic programs, 6.7% more than last year, the biggest boost in four years. Republicans won $782 billion for defense, 5.6% over last year’s levels.

In contrast, Biden’s 2022 budget last spring proposed a 16% increase for domestic programs and less than 2% more for defense — numbers that were doomed from the start thanks to Democrats’ slender congressional majorities.

The bill was also fueled by large numbers of hometown projects for both parties’ lawmakers, which Congress had banned since 2011 but were revived this year. The spending — once called earmarks, now dubbed community projects — includes money for courthouses in Connecticut and Tennessee and repairs to a post office in West Virginia. And it names a federal building in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, after Sen. Richard Shelby, the state’s senior GOP senator, a chief author of the bill who’s retiring after six terms.

Democrats won $15.6 billion for a fresh round of spending for vaccines, testing and treatments for COVID-19, including $5 billion for fighting the pandemic around the world. That was below Biden’s $22.5 billion request.

Republicans said they’d forced Democrats to pay for the entire amount by pulling back money from COVID-19 relief bills enacted previously. Much of the money was to go to help states and businesses cope with the toll of the pandemic.

There’s added money for child care, job training, economic development in poorer communities and more generous Pell grants for low-income undergraduates. Public health and biomedical research would get increases, including $194 million for Biden’s “Cancer Moonshot” effort to cure the disease.

Citizenship and Immigration Services would get funds to reduce huge backlogs of people trying to enter the U.S. There would be fresh efforts to bolster renewable energy and curb pollution, with some of that aimed specifically at communities of color.

There is added funding to build affordable housing. And the measure distributes billions of dollars initially provided by the bipartisan infrastructure bill enacted last year for road, rail and airport projects.

The bill “delivers transformative federal investments to help lower the cost of living for working families, create American jobs, and provide a lifeline for the vulnerable,” said House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn.

The bill renews programs protecting women against domestic violence and requires many infrastructure operators to report significant cyber attacks and ransomware demands to federal authorities. The Defense Department would have to report on extremist ideologies within the ranks.

The measure retains strict decades-old curbs against using federal money for nearly all abortions. It has $300 million in military assistance for Ukraine and $300 million to help nearby countries like the Baltic nations and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-poland-nato-5724ff192113703d829024dc4410664e">Poland</a>. Service members would get 2.7% pay raises, and Navy shipbuilding would get a boost in a counter to China.

It “rejects liberal policies and effectively addresses Republican priorities,” said Shelby, top Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Since the government’s fiscal year began last Oct. 1, agencies have been running on spending levels approved during Donald Trump’s final weeks in the White House. Congress has approved three short-term bills since then keeping agency doors open.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646834086823.png" alt="“War in Europe has focused the energies of Congress to getting something done and getting it done fast,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.-photo CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>“War in Europe has focused the energies of Congress to getting something done and getting it done fast,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.-photo CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional leaders reached a bipartisan deal early Wednesday providing $13.6 billion to help Ukraine and European allies plus billions more to battle the pandemic as part of an overdue $1.5 trillion measure financing federal agencies for the rest of this year.Though a tiny fraction of the massive bill, the money countering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-biden-europe-avril-haines-5c9707de86165915e7ce9d10d18464f3">a Russian blitzkrieg that’s devastated parts of Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and prompted Europe’s worst refugee crisis since World War II ensured the measure would pass with robust bipartisan support. President Joe Biden requested $10 billion for military, humanitarian and economic aid last week, and Democratic and Republican backing was so staunch that the figure grew to $12 billion Monday and $13.6 billion just a day later.“We’re going to support them against tyranny, oppression, violent acts of subjugation,” Biden said at the White House.Party leaders planned to whip the 2,741-page measure through the House on Wednesday and the Senate by week’s end, though that chamber’s exact timing was unclear. Lawmakers were spurred by the urgency of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-europe-2bed71c00916d44ea951c5809b446db3">helping Ukraine before Russia’s military might makes it too late.</a>They also faced a Friday deadline to approve the government-wide spending measure or face a weekend election-year federal shutdown. As a backstop against delays, the House planned to pass a bill Wednesday keeping agencies afloat through March 15.Over $4 billion of the Ukraine aid was to help the country and Eastern European nations cope with the 2 million refugees who’ve already fled the fighting. Another $6.7 billion was for the deployment of U.S. troops and equipment to the region and to transfer American military items to Ukraine and U.S. allies, and there was economic aid and money to enforce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-us-russia-oil-ban-120c0152cf310a5b593f6ae7a2857e62">economic sanctions against Russia&nbsp;</a>as well.“War in Europe has focused the energies of Congress to getting something done and getting it done fast,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646833210045.png" alt="<a href="https://twitter.com/LeaderMcConnell"> </a>Senate Republic Leader Mitch McConnell said, "The bill needs to be passed and it needs to be passed quickly." photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://twitter.com/LeaderMcConnell"> </a>Senate Republic Leader Mitch McConnell said, "The bill needs to be passed and it needs to be passed quickly." photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said the measure would provide loan guarantees to Poland to help it replace aircraft it is sending Ukraine. “It’s been like pulling teeth” to get Democrats to agree to some of the defense spending, he said. But he added, “It’s an important step. It needs to be passed. It needs to be passed quickly.”The bipartisan rallying behind the Ukraine aid was just one manifestation of Congress’ eagerness to help the beleaguered country, though not all of it has been harmonious.Republicans accused Biden of moving too slowly to help Ukraine and NATO allies and to impose sanctions against Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin. Democrats countered that time was needed to bring along European allies that rely heavily on Russian energy sources. And a bipartisan push to ban Russian oil imports had become nearly unstoppable before Biden announced Tuesday that he would do that on his own.The huge overall bill was stocked with victories for both parties.For Democrats, it provides $730 billion for domestic programs, 6.7% more than last year, the biggest boost in four years. Republicans won $782 billion for defense, 5.6% over last year’s levels.In contrast, Biden’s 2022 budget last spring proposed a 16% increase for domestic programs and less than 2% more for defense — numbers that were doomed from the start thanks to Democrats’ slender congressional majorities.The bill was also fueled by large numbers of hometown projects for both parties’ lawmakers, which Congress had banned since 2011 but were revived this year. The spending — once called earmarks, now dubbed community projects — includes money for courthouses in Connecticut and Tennessee and repairs to a post office in West Virginia. And it names a federal building in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, after Sen. Richard Shelby, the state’s senior GOP senator, a chief author of the bill who’s retiring after six terms.Democrats won $15.6 billion for a fresh round of spending for vaccines, testing and treatments for COVID-19, including $5 billion for fighting the pandemic around the world. That was below Biden’s $22.5 billion request.Republicans said they’d forced Democrats to pay for the entire amount by pulling back money from COVID-19 relief bills enacted previously. Much of the money was to go to help states and businesses cope with the toll of the pandemic.There’s added money for child care, job training, economic development in poorer communities and more generous Pell grants for low-income undergraduates. Public health and biomedical research would get increases, including $194 million for Biden’s “Cancer Moonshot” effort to cure the disease.Citizenship and Immigration Services would get funds to reduce huge backlogs of people trying to enter the U.S. There would be fresh efforts to bolster renewable energy and curb pollution, with some of that aimed specifically at communities of color.There is added funding to build affordable housing. And the measure distributes billions of dollars initially provided by the bipartisan infrastructure bill enacted last year for road, rail and airport projects.The bill “delivers transformative federal investments to help lower the cost of living for working families, create American jobs, and provide a lifeline for the vulnerable,” said House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn.The bill renews programs protecting women against domestic violence and requires many infrastructure operators to report significant cyber attacks and ransomware demands to federal authorities. The Defense Department would have to report on extremist ideologies within the ranks.The measure retains strict decades-old curbs against using federal money for nearly all abortions. It has $300 million in military assistance for Ukraine and $300 million to help nearby countries like the Baltic nations and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-poland-nato-5724ff192113703d829024dc4410664e">Poland</a>. Service members would get 2.7% pay raises, and Navy shipbuilding would get a boost in a counter to China.It “rejects liberal policies and effectively addresses Republican priorities,” said Shelby, top Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee.Since the government’s fiscal year began last Oct. 1, agencies have been running on spending levels approved during Donald Trump’s final weeks in the White House. Congress has approved three short-term bills since then keeping agency doors open.

Senate Leader: War in Europe focused Congress on getting something done 

TOPEKA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 552 to a total of 768,422, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The state reported 15 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 8003.

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

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;

Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

TOPEKA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 552 to a total of 768,422, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp; &nbsp;The state reported 15 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 8003.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646847853953.png" alt="Wednesday March 9, 2022 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday March 9, 2022 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: Statewide COVID death toll tops 8,000

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Co —A small plane traveling from Kansas crashed in Colorado just before 2:30p.m. Tuesday.

The single engine Cessna P210N, with seating for 6, was flying from Dodge City Regional Airport to Centennial Airport and was on final approach to land when the crash occurred in a wide highway median on E-470 between Peoria and Jamaica, according to&nbsp;Kristin Eckmann with South Metro Fire and Rescue.

No passing vehicles collided with the aircraft. Two adults on board the aircraft were safely evacuated from the plane as the engine caught fire. Both adults sustained minor injuries and were transported to an area hospital.

Flames from the engine rapidly spread to leaking fuel and quickly consumed most of the aircraft.&nbsp;Firefighters used a hose line and turrets from the aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles to extinguish the flames. Once the fire was extinguished SMFR and Colorado State Patrol Hazardous Materials Team personnel worked to mitigate concerns with the fuel.

A mixture of fuel and water was left in the wing tank which was drained into a catch basin. An environmental clean-up service assisted by containing and absorbing fuel that spilled in the median. Once the fuel was no longer a safety risk, a tow truck was used to remove the aircraft from the crash site.&nbsp;Authorities have not released the name of the pilot and passenger.

The FAA and the&nbsp;National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646824831246.png" alt="photo courtesy South Metro Fire and Rescue" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy South Metro Fire and Rescue</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY, Co —A small plane traveling from Kansas crashed in Colorado just before 2:30p.m. Tuesday.The single engine Cessna P210N, with seating for 6, was flying from Dodge City Regional Airport to Centennial Airport and was on final approach to land when the crash occurred in a wide highway median on E-470 between Peoria and Jamaica, according to&nbsp;Kristin Eckmann with South Metro Fire and Rescue.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646824809448.png" alt="photo courtesy Douglas County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Douglas County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>No passing vehicles collided with the aircraft. Two adults on board the aircraft were safely evacuated from the plane as the engine caught fire. Both adults sustained minor injuries and were transported to an area hospital.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646841251466.png" alt="Photo Colorado State Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo Colorado State Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>Flames from the engine rapidly spread to leaking fuel and quickly consumed most of the aircraft.&nbsp;Firefighters used a hose line and turrets from the aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles to extinguish the flames. Once the fire was extinguished SMFR and Colorado State Patrol Hazardous Materials Team personnel worked to mitigate concerns with the fuel.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646843993995.png" alt="photo courtesy South Metro Fire and Rescue" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy South Metro Fire and Rescue</figcaption>
 </figure>A mixture of fuel and water was left in the wing tank which was drained into a catch basin. An environmental clean-up service assisted by containing and absorbing fuel that spilled in the median. Once the fuel was no longer a safety risk, a tow truck was used to remove the aircraft from the crash site.&nbsp;Authorities have not released the name of the pilot and passenger.The FAA and the&nbsp;National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash.-------------

Small plane that left SW Kansas crashed near Colorado highway

JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) — In the wake of shootings that left one police officer dead and two others badly wounded, the mayor of Joplin urged residents Wednesday to pull together, just as they did 11 years ago when a massive tornado devastated the southwestern Missouri city.

The officer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-missouri-joplin-brian-lewis-6151d6a29d0a0b0ecd2be9cea5029c4b">who was killed Tuesday</a>&nbsp;was Cpl. Benjamin Cooper, a husband and father of two, Joplin Police Chief Sloan Rowland said at a news conference. He had been with the department since 2003.

Another officer was hospitalized in critical condition and a third was in serious condition. Their names have not been released.

The suspected shooter, who died in the exchange of gunfire with police, was identified as 40-year-old Anthony Felix. No further information about Felix was released.

An emotional Mayor Ryan Stanley urged Joplin’s 50,000 residents to come together behind the slain and injured officers and their families.

“Please be present, show up, engage, and let the nation and world see, just like after our tornado, how we respond to tragedy as a community. We know how to pull together in love,” Stanley said.

An EF-5 tornado&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/environment-and-nature-tornadoes-science-a2a06fb3773de5d24aded447a4ab7aed">tore through Joplin</a>&nbsp;on May 22, 2011, destroying hundreds of homes, leveling a hospital, and killing about 160 people, and the community came together to recover and rebuild.

Authorities said more information about the shooting was expected to be released later Wednesday, but Stanley said it began as a “routine” case.

“It makes you really try to appreciate, try to respect, try to understand what our brave men and women have to do every day as they respond to the normal, and then not knowing what will happen,” Stanley said.

The officers responded to a disturbance about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday outside a store at the Northpark Crossing shopping center. Shots were exchanged and two officers were wounded.

The suspect stole a police car and fled, police said, before wrecking the car and fleeing on foot. Officers chased him to a street near an apartment complex and residential area in central Joplin, where another officer and the suspect were shot. Police have not specified which officer shot Felix.

Assistant Police Chief Brian Lewis said another scene was involved in the investigation, but he did not provide additional details.

Kim Jenkins, who lives near where the third officer and the suspect were shot, said she saw a man with a gun behind a fence across the street from her home,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.joplinglobe.com/news/local_news/breaking-three-police-officers-suspect-shot-in-altercation/article_d0115624-9f25-11ec-97ac-43a306917aeb.html" target="_blank">The Joplin Globe</a>&nbsp;reported.

She said the officer drove down the street and stopped in front of a van the suspect was hiding behind. That’s when the suspect fired at the officer, apparently shooting him through the windshield of his patrol car.

“I don’t think he even had time to get out when the guy started shooting,” Jenkins said.

Several other officers arrived and exchanged gunfire with the suspect, who was hit by gunfire, she said.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is assisting with the investigation.

JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) — One Joplin police officer and a suspect have died after a shooting Tuesday in the southwest Missouri city, police said.

Two other Joplin officers remain hospitalized, one in critical condition and the other in serious but stable condition, Assistant Police Chief Brian Lewis said in a news release.

The officers responded to a disturbance about 1:30 p.m. outside a store at the Northpark Crossing shopping center. Shots were exchanged and two officers were injured, he said.

The suspect stole a police car and fled, police said, before wrecking the car and fleeing on foot. Officers chased him to a street near an apartment complex and residential area in central Joplin. That is where another officer and the suspect were struck by gunfire.

Lewis said a third scene was involved in the investigation, but he did not provide additional details.

Police plan to hold a news conference Wednesday morning to provide more details.

Kim Jenkins, who lives near where the third officer and the suspect were shot, said she saw a man with a gun hiding behind a fence across the street from her home, The Joplin Globe&nbsp;<a href="https://www.joplinglobe.com/news/local_news/breaking-three-police-officers-suspect-shot-in-altercation/article_d0115624-9f25-11ec-97ac-43a306917aeb.html">reported</a>.

She said the officer drove down the street and stopped in front of a van the suspect was hiding behind.

That's when the suspect fired at the officer, apparently shooting him through the windshield of his patrol car.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is assisting with the investigation, Lewis said.

JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) — Joplin police say three officers and a suspect were shot in a confrontation in the southwest Missouri city. Assistant Police Chief Brian Lewis said officers responded about 1:30 p.m. to a disturbance and exchanged gunfire with a suspect. 

Two officers were struck in that confrontation. Police said the suspect then fled and gunfire was exchanged again, injuring another officer and the suspect. Lewis did not provide information on the condition of the officers or the suspect. It is also unclear what sparked the shooting. Lewis said there is no continuing threat to the Joplin community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646825983603.png" alt="photo courtesy KOAM TV" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy KOAM TV</figcaption>
 </figure>JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) — In the wake of shootings that left one police officer dead and two others badly wounded, the mayor of Joplin urged residents Wednesday to pull together, just as they did 11 years ago when a massive tornado devastated the southwestern Missouri city.The officer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-missouri-joplin-brian-lewis-6151d6a29d0a0b0ecd2be9cea5029c4b">who was killed Tuesday</a>&nbsp;was Cpl. Benjamin Cooper, a husband and father of two, Joplin Police Chief Sloan Rowland said at a news conference. He had been with the department since 2003.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My condolences to the women and men of the Joplin Police Department tonight on the loss of their colleague and friend. I pray for the recovery of the other injured officers.&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1501395456626151425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Another officer was hospitalized in critical condition and a third was in serious condition. Their names have not been released.The suspected shooter, who died in the exchange of gunfire with police, was identified as 40-year-old Anthony Felix. No further information about Felix was released.An emotional Mayor Ryan Stanley urged Joplin’s 50,000 residents to come together behind the slain and injured officers and their families.“Please be present, show up, engage, and let the nation and world see, just like after our tornado, how we respond to tragedy as a community. We know how to pull together in love,” Stanley said.An EF-5 tornado&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/environment-and-nature-tornadoes-science-a2a06fb3773de5d24aded447a4ab7aed">tore through Joplin</a>&nbsp;on May 22, 2011, destroying hundreds of homes, leveling a hospital, and killing about 160 people, and the community came together to recover and rebuild.Authorities said more information about the shooting was expected to be released later Wednesday, but Stanley said it began as a “routine” case.“It makes you really try to appreciate, try to respect, try to understand what our brave men and women have to do every day as they respond to the normal, and then not knowing what will happen,” Stanley said.The officers responded to a disturbance about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday outside a store at the Northpark Crossing shopping center. Shots were exchanged and two officers were wounded.The suspect stole a police car and fled, police said, before wrecking the car and fleeing on foot. Officers chased him to a street near an apartment complex and residential area in central Joplin, where another officer and the suspect were shot. Police have not specified which officer shot Felix.Assistant Police Chief Brian Lewis said another scene was involved in the investigation, but he did not provide additional details.Kim Jenkins, who lives near where the third officer and the suspect were shot, said she saw a man with a gun behind a fence across the street from her home,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.joplinglobe.com/news/local_news/breaking-three-police-officers-suspect-shot-in-altercation/article_d0115624-9f25-11ec-97ac-43a306917aeb.html" target="_blank">The Joplin Globe</a>&nbsp;reported.She said the officer drove down the street and stopped in front of a van the suspect was hiding behind. That’s when the suspect fired at the officer, apparently shooting him through the windshield of his patrol car.“I don’t think he even had time to get out when the guy started shooting,” Jenkins said.Several other officers arrived and exchanged gunfire with the suspect, who was hit by gunfire, she said.The Missouri State Highway Patrol is assisting with the investigation.-----------JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) — One Joplin police officer and a suspect have died after a shooting Tuesday in the southwest Missouri city, police said.Two other Joplin officers remain hospitalized, one in critical condition and the other in serious but stable condition, Assistant Police Chief Brian Lewis said in a news release.The officers responded to a disturbance about 1:30 p.m. outside a store at the Northpark Crossing shopping center. Shots were exchanged and two officers were injured, he said.The suspect stole a police car and fled, police said, before wrecking the car and fleeing on foot. Officers chased him to a street near an apartment complex and residential area in central Joplin. That is where another officer and the suspect were struck by gunfire.Lewis said a third scene was involved in the investigation, but he did not provide additional details.Police plan to hold a news conference Wednesday morning to provide more details.Kim Jenkins, who lives near where the third officer and the suspect were shot, said she saw a man with a gun hiding behind a fence across the street from her home, The Joplin Globe&nbsp;<a href="https://www.joplinglobe.com/news/local_news/breaking-three-police-officers-suspect-shot-in-altercation/article_d0115624-9f25-11ec-97ac-43a306917aeb.html">reported</a>.She said the officer drove down the street and stopped in front of a van the suspect was hiding behind.That's when the suspect fired at the officer, apparently shooting him through the windshield of his patrol car.“I don’t think he even had time to get out when the guy started shooting,” Jenkins said.Several other officers arrived and exchanged gunfire with the suspect, who was hit by gunfire, she said.The Missouri State Highway Patrol is assisting with the investigation, Lewis said.------------JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) — Joplin police say three officers and a suspect were shot in a confrontation in the southwest Missouri city. Assistant Police Chief Brian Lewis said officers responded about 1:30 p.m. to a disturbance and exchanged gunfire with a suspect. Two officers were struck in that confrontation. Police said the suspect then fled and gunfire was exchanged again, injuring another officer and the suspect. Lewis did not provide information on the condition of the officers or the suspect. It is also unclear what sparked the shooting. Lewis said there is no continuing threat to the Joplin community.

Police release name of Missouri officer who died in gunfight

HUTCHINSON. — Authorities confirmed the cause of the weekend Cottonwood Fire in Reno County appears to be a brush pile that was not maintained, according to Hutchinson Fire Marshal Mike Cain.

Cain and outside agencies worked together to determine the cause.

The fire that killed one person and destroyed more than 100 buildings, including 35 homes is now at 85% contained as of Wednesday morning.

Fire crews continue to make great progress at controlling hot spots and burning trees.

The recent snow fall has helped in these efforts and if all goes well, the fire should reach full containment sometime between Thursday and Saturday. Flight restrictions have been lifted in the area.

For those wanting to assist, monetary donations for those affected can be made by calling 211, mail donations to the United Way office, 924 North Main, Hutchinson or by going online to the United Way website.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646673959653.png" alt="Photo Credit Dennis Carlson courtesy Kansas Forest Service " />
 <figcaption>Photo Credit Dennis Carlson courtesy Kansas Forest Service </figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON. — Authorities confirmed the cause of the weekend Cottonwood Fire in Reno County appears to be a brush pile that was not maintained, according to Hutchinson Fire Marshal Mike Cain.Cain and outside agencies worked together to determine the cause.The fire that killed one person and destroyed more than 100 buildings, including 35 homes is now at 85% contained as of Wednesday morning.Fire crews continue to make great progress at controlling hot spots and burning trees.The recent snow fall has helped in these efforts and if all goes well, the fire should reach full containment sometime between Thursday and Saturday. Flight restrictions have been lifted in the area.For those wanting to assist, monetary donations for those affected can be made by calling 211, mail donations to the United Way office, 924 North Main, Hutchinson or by going online to the United Way website.

Authorities determine cause of Kan. wildfire that destroyed 35 homes 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Tuesday that he will ask Congress for $2.6 billion for foreign aid programs that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/03/08/statement-by-president-joe-biden-on-international-womens-day/" target="_blank">promote gender equality worldwide</a>, more than double the size of last year’s request.

Biden announced his intentions on International Women’s Day, which is set aside to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world.

Biden created the first-ever White House Gender Policy Council on International Women’s Day last year to help promote gender equity throughout the administration.

He said everyone deserves to live up to their “God-given” potential, regardless of gender, and that societies perform better when women and girls are allowed to prosper.

“Ensuring that every woman and girl has that chance isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s also a strategic imperative that advances the prosperity, stability, and security of our nation and the world,” the president said in a written statement.

The White House also hosted a livestreamed International Women’s Day event Tuesday to discuss the announcement, featuring Secretary of State Antony Blinken from Europe, acting budget director Shalanda Young, U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Samantha Power and Jen Klein, director of the Gender Policy Council. They are to be joined by young women leaders from Ukraine, Brazil, Zambia, Burma, Jordan and the United States. Biden was not scheduled to participate.

Jill Biden marked International Women’s Day with a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS/status/1501183204010573824?s=20&amp;t=dVxHOa6TVvRWwtURyHu3LA" target="_blank">video tribute to women&nbsp;</a>throughout the world “who courageously use their voice, no matter the cost.”

“To our sisters from Ukraine who are fighting to keep their country free and their families alive: We stand with you in solidarity,” the first lady said. “To our sisters in Russia who are protesting and speaking out against the invasion at great personal risk: We see your courage,” she added.

“And to women warriors around the world, those fighting for justice and working for change: Thank you for building a better future for all of us,” said the first lady, who is visiting Arizona.

Biden’s $2.6 billion funding request will be included in his federal budget proposal for fiscal year 2023, which starts Oct. 1.

Biden sought $1.2 billion for gender equality programs in his 2022 budget proposal. The numbers haven’t been finalized since Congress is still working on the budget.

The White House has not said when Biden will send his 2023 spending proposal to Congress.

Biden-⁠Harris Administration Celebrates First Anniversary of the Establishment of the White&nbsp;House Gender Policy&nbsp;Council

One year ago today, on International Women’s Day, President Biden issued an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/03/08/executive-order-on-establishment-of-the-white-house-gender-policy-council/">Executive Order</a>&nbsp;establishing the White House Gender Policy Council and charged it with leading a government-wide effort to advance gender equity and equality both at home and abroad. &nbsp; In the year since, the Biden-Harris Administration laid out an ambitious agenda in the first-ever&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/National-Strategy-on-Gender-Equity-and-Equality.pdf">National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality</a>&nbsp;and has taken significant steps to advance equal rights and opportunity: &nbsp; Expanded Economic Opportunity and Supported Women in the Workforce

Prevented and Responded to Gender-Based Violence

Expanded Access to Health Care, including Reproductive Health Care

Advanced Gender Equality Around the World

Promoted Diverse Leadership and Full Participation

Advanced equality for transgender Americans&nbsp;by signing an Executive Order to restore open service for transgender service members, expanding access to comprehensive gender-affirming medical care for transgender veterans, delivering more inclusive federal IDs like passports for transgender and non-binary people, and addressing anti-transgender violence, which continues to disproportionately impact trans women and girls of color.&nbsp;

In the past year, the Biden-Harris Administration has produced historic results. As the President said in his State of the Union address, “We are stronger today than we were a year ago…and we will be stronger a year from now than we are today.” Going forward, the Administration remains committed to helping women get back to work; creating good jobs; closing gender and racial wage gaps; lowering costs for families; ensuring that care is accessible and affordable – including child care, home health care and paid leave; expanding access to health care, including reproductive health care; advancing LGBTQI+ equality and civil rights; and preventing and responding to gender-based violence, wherever it occurs. In doing so, we will continuing our extensive engagement with domestic and international partners, which in the last year has included collaborating with nonprofit and community-based organizations, civil society groups, faith-based organizations, unions, worker organizations and academics; engaging over 270 girls, young women and gender nonconforming youth leaders from across the United States and more than dozen countries to provide input into the development of the National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality; and hosting a historic White House roundtable with intersex advocates. We look forward to continuing this collaboration in the years ahead, in service of our vision of a world where people of all genders are guaranteed the equity, equality, and dignity they deserve.

Biden will ask Congress for $2.6B to promote gender equity

Manhattan — Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at a home in Manhattan.

At 4:17 a.m. on Wednesday, the Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched to 2112 Farmingdale Ct. for a report of a structure fire, according to Assistant Chief Sam Dameron.

Upon arrival, crews found a two-story residential structure fully involved with fire. The fire reached a second alarm before it was contained within an hour and twenty minutes.&nbsp; The two-story structure was not occupied at the time of the fire. Loss to the structure is $230,000 and the value of the contents has not been determined., according to Dameron. The owner is listed as Lori Mitchell of the same address.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646833632433.png" alt="Photo courtesy Riley County Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Riley County Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Manhattan — Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at a home in Manhattan.At 4:17 a.m. on Wednesday, the Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched to 2112 Farmingdale Ct. for a report of a structure fire, according to Assistant Chief Sam Dameron.Upon arrival, crews found a two-story residential structure fully involved with fire. The fire reached a second alarm before it was contained within an hour and twenty minutes.&nbsp; The two-story structure was not occupied at the time of the fire. Loss to the structure is $230,000 and the value of the contents has not been determined., according to Dameron. The owner is listed as Lori Mitchell of the same address.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Fire caused $230,000 damage to Kansas home 

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A prosecutor says a student used a “ghost gun” during a shooting at a Kansas high school that left two adults and the student wounded.

Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe says the gun 18-year-old Jaylon Elmore allegedly used in the shooting at Olathe East High School on Friday was an illegal firearm made from a kit or individual parts that can be purchased online. 

The Kansas City Star reports that Howe says such guns have no serial number and are untraceable. Elmore is charged with attempted capital murder after the shooting wounded a school administrator and a school resource officer. Elmore also was shot. He remained in critical condition Tuesday at a Kansas hospital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646530374745.png" alt="Elmore photo courtesy Olathe East High School football" />
 <figcaption>Elmore photo courtesy Olathe East High School football</figcaption>
 </figure> OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A prosecutor says a student used a “ghost gun” during a shooting at a Kansas high school that left two adults and the student wounded.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646417385414.png" alt="Scene outside Olathe East High School on Friday -photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Scene outside Olathe East High School on Friday -photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe says the gun 18-year-old Jaylon Elmore allegedly used in the shooting at Olathe East High School on Friday was an illegal firearm made from a kit or individual parts that can be purchased online. The Kansas City Star reports that Howe says such guns have no serial number and are untraceable. Elmore is charged with attempted capital murder after the shooting wounded a school administrator and a school resource officer. Elmore also was shot. He remained in critical condition Tuesday at a Kansas hospital.

Prosecutor: Kansas high school shooter used 'ghost gun'

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — The Pentagon on Tuesday rejected a surprise announcement from Poland that it would give the United States its MiG-29 fighter jets for use by Ukraine, a rare display of disharmony as NATO allies seek to boost Ukrainian fighters while avoiding getting caught up in a wider war with Russia.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Poland’s declaration that it intended to deliver the 28 jets to the U.S. Ramstein Air Base in Germany raised the concerning prospect of warplanes departing from a U.S. and NATO base to fly into airspace contested with Russia in the Ukraine conflict.

“We will continue to consult with Poland and our other NATO allies about this issue and the difficult logistical challenges it presents, but we do not believe Poland’s proposal is a tenable one,” Kirby said in a statement.

The proposed gift of more warplanes would be a morale booster for Ukrainians now under Russian assault for nearly two weeks. But it also raises the risk of the war expanding beyond Ukraine.

Russia has declared that supporting Ukraine’s air force in this way would be tantamount to participating in the war, and would possibly spur retaliation.

White House officials were blindsided by the Polish government announcement on the MiGs. The proposal did not come up during talks with Secretary of State Antony Blinken when he was recently in Poland, according to a U.S. official familiar with the talks.

The U.S. official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said White House officials did not think the proposal would easily solve the logistical challenges of providing aircraft to Ukraine.

U.S. Undersecretary of State Victoria Nuland told lawmakers at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the Ukraine crisis Tuesday she learned of Poland’s plans only while driving to the hearing.

“To my knowledge, it wasn’t pre-consulted with us,” Nuland told senators.

Ukraine has been pleading for more warplanes as it puts up a tough resistance against stronger Russian forces. Washington has been looking at a proposal under which Poland would supply Ukraine with the Mig29s and in turn receive American F-16s to make up for their loss. Ukrainian pilots are trained to fly the Soviet-era fighter jets.

The Polish Foreign Ministry announced the plan in a statement, which said the jets would be delivered to Ramstein free of charge.

“At the same time, Poland requests the United States to provide us with used aircraft with corresponding operational capabilities,” it said.

The Polish government also appealed to other owners of MIG-29 jets to follow suit.

Former Soviet-bloc NATO members Bulgaria and Slovakia also still have Soviet-made fighter jets in their air forces.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646824139876.png" alt="“We will continue to consult with Poland and our other NATO allies about this issue and the difficult logistical challenges it presents, but we do not believe Poland’s proposal is a tenable one,” Kirby said in a statement.-Defense Dept. photo" />
 <figcaption>“We will continue to consult with Poland and our other NATO allies about this issue and the difficult logistical challenges it presents, but we do not believe Poland’s proposal is a tenable one,” Kirby said in a statement.-Defense Dept. photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WARSAW, Poland (AP) — The Pentagon on Tuesday rejected a surprise announcement from Poland that it would give the United States its MiG-29 fighter jets for use by Ukraine, a rare display of disharmony as NATO allies seek to boost Ukrainian fighters while avoiding getting caught up in a wider war with Russia.Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Poland’s declaration that it intended to deliver the 28 jets to the U.S. Ramstein Air Base in Germany raised the concerning prospect of warplanes departing from a U.S. and NATO base to fly into airspace contested with Russia in the Ukraine conflict.“We will continue to consult with Poland and our other NATO allies about this issue and the difficult logistical challenges it presents, but we do not believe Poland’s proposal is a tenable one,” Kirby said in a statement.The proposed gift of more warplanes would be a morale booster for Ukrainians now under Russian assault for nearly two weeks. But it also raises the risk of the war expanding beyond Ukraine.Russia has declared that supporting Ukraine’s air force in this way would be tantamount to participating in the war, and would possibly spur retaliation.White House officials were blindsided by the Polish government announcement on the MiGs. The proposal did not come up during talks with Secretary of State Antony Blinken when he was recently in Poland, according to a U.S. official familiar with the talks.The U.S. official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said White House officials did not think the proposal would easily solve the logistical challenges of providing aircraft to Ukraine.U.S. Undersecretary of State Victoria Nuland told lawmakers at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the Ukraine crisis Tuesday she learned of Poland’s plans only while driving to the hearing.“To my knowledge, it wasn’t pre-consulted with us,” Nuland told senators.Ukraine has been pleading for more warplanes as it puts up a tough resistance against stronger Russian forces. Washington has been looking at a proposal under which Poland would supply Ukraine with the Mig29s and in turn receive American F-16s to make up for their loss. Ukrainian pilots are trained to fly the Soviet-era fighter jets.The Polish Foreign Ministry announced the plan in a statement, which said the jets would be delivered to Ramstein free of charge.“At the same time, Poland requests the United States to provide us with used aircraft with corresponding operational capabilities,” it said.The Polish government also appealed to other owners of MIG-29 jets to follow suit.Former Soviet-bloc NATO members Bulgaria and Slovakia also still have Soviet-made fighter jets in their air forces.

White House officials blindsided by Poland's jet offer for Ukraine 

WASHINGTON, March 10, 2022— The Federal Communications Commission today announced that it is ready to authorize more than $640 million through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to fund new broadband deployments in 26 states bringing service to nearly 250,000 locations.  To date, the program has provided $4.7 billion in funding to nearly 300 carriers for new deployments in 47 states to bring broadband to almost 2.7 million locations.  

“Today’s funding will help connect hundreds of thousands of Americans to high-speed, broadband internet service,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel.  “As we approve this funding, we remain committed to making sure that this program serves areas that truly need broadband and funds carriers that can do the job, and our new Rural Broadband Accountability Plan will ensure just that.” 

Earlier this year, Chairwoman Rosenworcel established the Rural Broadband Accountability Plan (RBAP), a new effort to monitor and ensure compliance for universal service high-cost programs including the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund and Connect America Fund Phase II Auction.  The RBAP made a number of changes and enhancements to existing audit and verification procedures, including doubling the number of audits and verifications, conducting the first on-site audits for the programs, and focusing audits and verifications on the largest winning bidders.  

A fact sheet on the RBAP is available here: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-creates-rural-broadband-accountability-plan.

The Commission also announced a number of defaulted bids, making the census blocks in those defaulted bids potentially eligible for other funding programs.  A list of the eligible census blocks covered by defaulted bids is available on the Auction 904 website under the “Results” tab, https://www.fcc.gov/auction/904/round-results.

Other steps to strengthen oversight of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund program include:

· Sending letters to 197 applicants concerning areas where there was evidence of existing service or questions of waste.  Bidders have already chosen not to pursue support in approximately 5,000 census blocks in response to the Commission’s letters.  

· Denying waivers for winning bidders that have not made appropriate efforts to secure state approvals or prosecute their applications.  These bidders would have otherwise received approximately $350 million. 

· Conducting an exhaustive technical, financial, and legal review of all winning bidders. 

A list of the eligible census blocks covered by the winning bids announced today is available under the “Results” tab on this page: https://www.fcc.gov/auction/904/round-results.  For a list of RDOF providers and funding amounts by state, see https://www.fcc.gov/auction/904.

Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov 

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977952684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FCCWASHINGTON, March 10, 2022— The Federal Communications Commission today announced that it is ready to authorize more than $640 million through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to fund new broadband deployments in 26 states bringing service to nearly 250,000 locations. To date, the program has provided $4.7 billion in funding to nearly 300 carriers for new deployments in 47 states to bring broadband to almost 2.7 million locations. “Today’s funding will help connect hundreds of thousands of Americans to high-speed, broadband internet service,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “As we approve this funding, we remain committed to making sure that this program serves areas that truly need broadband and funds carriers that can do the job, and our new Rural Broadband Accountability Plan will ensure just that.” Earlier this year, Chairwoman Rosenworcel established the Rural Broadband Accountability Plan (RBAP), a new effort to monitor and ensure compliance for universal service high-cost programs including the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund and Connect America Fund Phase II Auction. The RBAP made a number of changes and enhancements to existing audit and verification procedures, including doubling the number of audits and verifications, conducting the first on-site audits for the programs, and focusing audits and verifications on the largest winning bidders. A fact sheet on the RBAP is available here: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-creates-rural-broadband-accountability-plan.The Commission also announced a number of defaulted bids, making the census blocks in those defaulted bids potentially eligible for other funding programs. A list of the eligible census blocks covered by defaulted bids is available on the Auction 904 website under the “Results” tab, https://www.fcc.gov/auction/904/round-results.Other steps to strengthen oversight of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund program include:· Sending letters to 197 applicants concerning areas where there was evidence of existing service or questions of waste. Bidders have already chosen not to pursue support in approximately 5,000 census blocks in response to the Commission’s letters. · Denying waivers for winning bidders that have not made appropriate efforts to secure state approvals or prosecute their applications. These bidders would have otherwise received approximately $350 million. · Conducting an exhaustive technical, financial, and legal review of all winning bidders. A list of the eligible census blocks covered by the winning bids announced today is available under the “Results” tab on this page: https://www.fcc.gov/auction/904/round-results. For a list of RDOF providers and funding amounts by state, see https://www.fcc.gov/auction/904.###Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).

FCC: States get another $640M in rural broadband funding from feds

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating an auto theft with a baby in the vehicle have arrested 51-year-old Kevin Robertson of Wichita. Police asked the public for help to locate the Kansas felon in connection with the case.&nbsp;Robertson’s picture was posted on social media with a request for citizens to call.

Just after 3p.m. on March 1, two off-duty Wichita Police officers were working at a business in the 500 block of East Pawnee, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; They were contacted by a woman who reported her grey Pontiac Grand Prix being stolen from the parking lot and her 11-month-old child being in the vehicle.

Officers quickly responded and began circulating.&nbsp; Officers located the vehicle abandoned in a parking lot in the 1400 block of South Emporia.&nbsp; The child was also inside, unharmed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Through the investigation, police learned of Robertson’s involvement in the theft.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On March 4th, officers were conducting extensive follow-up work to locate Robertson. They learned that he was possibly at a residence in the 200 block of S. Poplar.

Robertson was contacted at the residence by officers and taken into custody. A woman identified as 44- year-old Karri Cowling of Wichita, was also contacted at the residence and arrested for obstructing apprehension of a felon.

Robertson is being held on requested charges of aggravated endangering a child and theft.&nbsp;&nbsp;He has over twenty previous convictions that include theft, aggravated burglary, aggravated battery, DUI, criminal threat, obstruction aggravated failure to appear and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646764667930.png" alt="Robertson has over twenty previous convictions that include theft, aggravated burglary, aggravated battery, DUI, criminal threat, obstruction aggravated failure to appear and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Robertson has over twenty previous convictions that include theft, aggravated burglary, aggravated battery, DUI, criminal threat, obstruction aggravated failure to appear and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating an auto theft with a baby in the vehicle have arrested 51-year-old Kevin Robertson of Wichita. Police asked the public for help to locate the Kansas felon in connection with the case.&nbsp;Robertson’s picture was posted on social media with a request for citizens to call.Just after 3p.m. on March 1, two off-duty Wichita Police officers were working at a business in the 500 block of East Pawnee, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; They were contacted by a woman who reported her grey Pontiac Grand Prix being stolen from the parking lot and her 11-month-old child being in the vehicle.Officers quickly responded and began circulating.&nbsp; Officers located the vehicle abandoned in a parking lot in the 1400 block of South Emporia.&nbsp; The child was also inside, unharmed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Through the investigation, police learned of Robertson’s involvement in the theft.&nbsp;&nbsp;On March 4th, officers were conducting extensive follow-up work to locate Robertson. They learned that he was possibly at a residence in the 200 block of S. Poplar.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646766395938.png" alt="Cowling photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Cowling photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Robertson was contacted at the residence by officers and taken into custody. A woman identified as 44- year-old Karri Cowling of Wichita, was also contacted at the residence and arrested for obstructing apprehension of a felon.Robertson is being held on requested charges of aggravated endangering a child and theft.&nbsp;&nbsp;He has over twenty previous convictions that include theft, aggravated burglary, aggravated battery, DUI, criminal threat, obstruction aggravated failure to appear and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Police: Woman hid Kan. felon who stole car with baby inside 

KANSAS CITY— A Kansas City-area man has been charged in the fatal shooting on March 3, 2022, of Jarod T. Young in a Blue Springs residence, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Jared M. Bailey, 43, Blue Springs, faces Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges.

According to court records, on March 3, Blue Springs police were dispatched to the 100 block of SW Gladstone Drive in Blue Springs. A witness had told police that Bailey had just shot his friend 48-year-old Jarrod T. Young.

 Bailey told a family member that the victim and he had had been at odds over issues including the cutting of wires in his truck. When the victim stood up and walked toward him, the defendant told police that the victim was scaring him. 

He stated he shot the victim. Police found no weapons on the victim or in the immediate vicinity of the shooting. A preliminary autopsy report indicated that the shots to the victim's head were made from a shooter in a elevated position and downward.&nbsp; Prosecutors requested a $250,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646679708536.png" alt="Bailey-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Bailey-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— A Kansas City-area man has been charged in the fatal shooting on March 3, 2022, of Jarod T. Young in a Blue Springs residence, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Jared M. Bailey, 43, Blue Springs, faces Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges.According to court records, on March 3, Blue Springs police were dispatched to the 100 block of SW Gladstone Drive in Blue Springs. A witness had told police that Bailey had just shot his friend 48-year-old Jarrod T. Young. Bailey told a family member that the victim and he had had been at odds over issues including the cutting of wires in his truck. When the victim stood up and walked toward him, the defendant told police that the victim was scaring him. He stated he shot the victim. Police found no weapons on the victim or in the immediate vicinity of the shooting. A preliminary autopsy report indicated that the shots to the victim's head were made from a shooter in a elevated position and downward.&nbsp; Prosecutors requested a $250,000 bond.

KC-area man accused of killing friend who was 'scaring him'

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas woman for alleged drug distribution.

Just after 4p.m. Monday, a sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on I-35 just north of U.S. 75 for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

 During the stop, the deputy found illegal narcotics on the driver identified as Emajen C. Avery, 24, of Wichita.

Deputies took her into custody and transported her to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The Osage County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Coffey County Sheriff's Office and Waverly Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646773902694.png" alt="Avery-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Avery-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas woman for alleged drug distribution.Just after 4p.m. Monday, a sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on I-35 just north of U.S. 75 for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, the deputy found illegal narcotics on the driver identified as Emajen C. Avery, 24, of Wichita.Deputies took her into custody and transported her to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The Osage County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Coffey County Sheriff's Office and Waverly Police Department.

Sheriff: Kansas woman jailed for alleged meth distribution

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Attorney General Derek Schmidt is asking a Wyandotte County judge to dismiss two lawsuits filed against Kansas officials over new congressional district lines enacted by Republican lawmakers. 

Schmidt’s request Monday came three days after the Kansas Supreme Court refused to dismiss the lawsuits and another in Douglas County at the Republican attorney general’s request. 

Democrats and the voting-rights group Loud Light argue that the congressional redistricting law represents partisan and racial gerrymandering and violates the Kansas Constitution. Schmidt and fellow Republicans argue that the new map isn’t gerrymandering and even if it were, state courts have no power under the Kansas Constitution to rule on congressional districts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643147273216.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Attorney General Derek Schmidt is asking a Wyandotte County judge to dismiss two lawsuits filed against Kansas officials over new congressional district lines enacted by Republican lawmakers. Schmidt’s request Monday came three days after the Kansas Supreme Court refused to dismiss the lawsuits and another in Douglas County at the Republican attorney general’s request. Democrats and the voting-rights group Loud Light argue that the congressional redistricting law represents partisan and racial gerrymandering and violates the Kansas Constitution. Schmidt and fellow Republicans argue that the new map isn’t gerrymandering and even if it were, state courts have no power under the Kansas Constitution to rule on congressional districts.

Kansas AG asking judge to dismiss redistricting lawsuits

SALINE COUNTY —Another earthquake shook central Kansas Tuesday afternoon. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a 3.0 magnitude quake was centered approximately 4 miles southwest of Gypsum.

This is the third quake in that area over the past two days.&nbsp;

A 2.4 magnitude earthquake was recorded just after 7a.m. Monday followed by a&nbsp;2.0 magnitude temblor at 10:30a.m. Tuesday, according to the Kansas Geological Survey. There are no reports of damage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646779439105.png" alt="Location of Tuesday's 3.0 quake USGS image" />
 <figcaption>Location of Tuesday's 3.0 quake USGS image</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Another earthquake shook central Kansas Tuesday afternoon. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a 3.0 magnitude quake was centered approximately 4 miles southwest of Gypsum.This is the third quake in that area over the past two days.&nbsp;A 2.4 magnitude earthquake was recorded just after 7a.m. Monday followed by a&nbsp;2.0 magnitude temblor at 10:30a.m. Tuesday, according to the Kansas Geological Survey. There are no reports of damage.

Third quake in two days shakes Saline County

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fire Department continues to put out hot spots and deal with a small number of burning trees connected to the Cottonwood Complex fire.

Hutchinson Fire Chief Steve Beer says all other task forces and mutual aid crews have been released from the fire, which tore through northeastern Reno County Saturday killing one person and destroying more than 100 buildings, including 35 homes. He also said that crews are getting through extinguishing trees and hot spots faster than expected and could have the fire fully contained in a couple of days.&nbsp;

Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar says nearly all of the homes destroyed were in an area from 4th Avenue to an area around 17th Avenue and from Victory to Clydesdale. Beer says a digital map was being put together to outline the fire and show where buildings were damaged or destroyed.

An adjuster from the Kansas Forest Service has been brought in to put together all of the financial numbers for the fire department, including costs for damaged or lost equipment, man-hours and costs for mutual aid. Beer hopes that this kind of cost breakdown will allow them to better recoup their expenses and losses when they make a request to FEMA for reimbursement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646673959653.png" alt="Photo Credit Dennis Carlson courtesy Kansas Forest Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo Credit Dennis Carlson courtesy Kansas Forest Service</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fire Department continues to put out hot spots and deal with a small number of burning trees connected to the Cottonwood Complex fire.Hutchinson Fire Chief Steve Beer says all other task forces and mutual aid crews have been released from the fire, which tore through northeastern Reno County Saturday killing one person and destroying more than 100 buildings, including 35 homes. He also said that crews are getting through extinguishing trees and hot spots faster than expected and could have the fire fully contained in a couple of days.&nbsp;Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar says nearly all of the homes destroyed were in an area from 4th Avenue to an area around 17th Avenue and from Victory to Clydesdale. Beer says a digital map was being put together to outline the fire and show where buildings were damaged or destroyed.An adjuster from the Kansas Forest Service has been brought in to put together all of the financial numbers for the fire department, including costs for damaged or lost equipment, man-hours and costs for mutual aid. Beer hopes that this kind of cost breakdown will allow them to better recoup their expenses and losses when they make a request to FEMA for reimbursement.

Crews making progress on Kan. wildfire that destroyed 35 homes

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall Tuesday responded after President Biden announced a ban on the U.S. purchase of Russian oil.

(Click below to watch President Biden's comments)

Ahead of the State of the Union, Senators Moran and Marshall joined other lawmakers in sending a&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/kansas-senators-call-on-biden-to-ban-russian-oil-purchase-ahead-of-state-of-the-union-address-draft-bill-if-he-will-not/" target="_blank">letter</a>&nbsp;to President Biden calling for an embargo on Russian energy and&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/kansas-senators-call-on-biden-to-ban-russian-oil-purchase-ahead-of-state-of-the-union-address-draft-bill-if-he-will-not/" target="_blank">introduced legislation</a>&nbsp;that would ban the import of Russian oil.

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall Tuesday responded after President Biden announced a ban on the U.S. purchase of Russian oil.(Click below to watch President Biden's comments)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F298103705755103%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=83" 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>Ahead of the State of the Union, Senators Moran and Marshall joined other lawmakers in sending a&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/kansas-senators-call-on-biden-to-ban-russian-oil-purchase-ahead-of-state-of-the-union-address-draft-bill-if-he-will-not/" target="_blank">letter</a>&nbsp;to President Biden calling for an embargo on Russian energy and&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/kansas-senators-call-on-biden-to-ban-russian-oil-purchase-ahead-of-state-of-the-union-address-draft-bill-if-he-will-not/" target="_blank">introduced legislation</a>&nbsp;that would ban the import of Russian oil.“My colleagues and I made clear the United States cannot continue subsidizing Russia’s aggression by purchasing Russian oil,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine must be a wake-up call to the Biden administration to maximize home-grown energy and not diminish American energy independence. We need an all-of-the-above approach to energy independence, and it can’t be accomplished without enabling our oil and gas producers to play a larger role. Banning the purchase of Russian oil is a good first step, but now President Biden must immediately reinstate the keystone pipeline, allow for new drilling leases on federal lands and waters, and retreat from proposals that would install burdensome regulations and tax increases on domestic oil and gas producers. Until we take these actions to unleash American energy, gas prices will continue to rise and we will remain reliant on our adversaries for energy production.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thankful for US and <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> personal leadership in striking in the heart of Putin’s war machine and banning oil, gas and coal from US market. Encourage other countries and leaders to follow.&mdash; Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1501269086680006657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“I applaud President Biden for taking this important step, but similar to sanctions on Russia and aid delivered to Ukraine, he is once again late to act. After spending billions to finance Putin’s war on Ukraine, the President must immediately redirect efforts to restart America’s energy production. An announcement to restart the Keystone XL Pipeline would drop the price of oil tomorrow alone,”&nbsp;said Sen. Marshall. “Under the previous Administration, our nation was energy independent but President Biden reversed course and turned hostile nations like Russia into America’s gas station. Now he’s turning to Iran and Venezuela. Joe Biden always talks about the importance of buying American – it’s past time he actually follows through and buys into American energy.”