TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper says in a statement that he drew his pistol on a Kansas legislator stopped for speeding when the lawmaker abruptly got out of his car holding his cellphone. 

The trooper’s affidavit was released Wednesday and provides details about the Nov. 27 arrest in Lawrence of Democratic state Rep. Aaron Coleman, of Kansas City. 

Coleman is charged in Douglas County District Court with speeding and failing to yield to an emergency vehicle and has a hearing set for April 15. Master Trooper Michael Hamilton said in his affidavit that Coleman was speeding west on Interstate 70, left the highway and stopped in a parking area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635804497310.png" alt="Rep. Aaron Coleman following an Oct. arrest in Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Aaron Coleman following an Oct. arrest in Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper says in a statement that he drew his pistol on a Kansas legislator stopped for speeding when the lawmaker abruptly got out of his car holding his cellphone. The trooper’s affidavit was released Wednesday and provides details about the Nov. 27 arrest in Lawrence of Democratic state Rep. Aaron Coleman, of Kansas City. Coleman is charged in Douglas County District Court with speeding and failing to yield to an emergency vehicle and has a hearing set for April 15. Master Trooper Michael Hamilton said in his affidavit that Coleman was speeding west on Interstate 70, left the highway and stopped in a parking area.

Trooper drew gun on Kansas lawmaker after stop for speeding

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A Dodge City man was arrested late Tuesday night after he allegedly broke into his ex-girlfriend's west Salina residence and threatened to kill her and her family.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that officers were sent to the 1600 block of Beverly Drive at approximately 11:30 p.m. after multiple calls were received concerning a disturbance that involved a woman running away from a man.

A 47-year-old woman told police that she was cooking dinner when her ex-boyfriend, identified as Zachary Mayarda, 40, of Dodge City, came through the front door and threatened to kill her and her family, Forrester said.

The woman was able to escape the residence through the front door. A witness reported seeing Mayarda chasing the woman down the street, Forrester said.

Mayarda was located back at the residence and was arrested on the following requested charges of Aggravated burglary and Criminal threat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646243888458.png" alt="Mayarda has previous convictions for criminal threat, aggravated assault and 4 or more for DUI, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Mayarda has previous convictions for criminal threat, aggravated assault and 4 or more for DUI, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Dodge City man was arrested late Tuesday night after he allegedly broke into his ex-girlfriend's west Salina residence and threatened to kill her and her family.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that officers were sent to the 1600 block of Beverly Drive at approximately 11:30 p.m. after multiple calls were received concerning a disturbance that involved a woman running away from a man.A 47-year-old woman told police that she was cooking dinner when her ex-boyfriend, identified as Zachary Mayarda, 40, of Dodge City, came through the front door and threatened to kill her and her family, Forrester said.The woman was able to escape the residence through the front door. A witness reported seeing Mayarda chasing the woman down the street, Forrester said.Mayarda was located back at the residence and was arrested on the following requested charges of Aggravated burglary and Criminal threat.

SW Kansas felon jailed for alleged threat to ex-girlfriend

MCPHERSON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Wednesday in McPherson.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021&nbsp;McPherson Fire Department&nbsp; Ford F250 driven by Timothy John&nbsp;Wyssmann, 38, McPherson, was northbound on Main Street at National Avenue running lights and sirens to a call.

A 2003 Ford Taurus driven by Mary Elizabeth Ramsey, 77, Marion, pulled out in front of the F250.&nbsp; The fire department vehicle struck the car.

EMS transported Ramsey to a hospital in Wichita.&nbsp; A private vehicle transported a passenger in the fire department Ford identified as Jenae Kathryn&nbsp;Pfeiff, 29, McPherson, to the McPherson Center for Health.&nbsp;Wyssmann was not injured. Ramsey was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

MCPHERSON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Wednesday in McPherson.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021&nbsp;McPherson Fire Department&nbsp; Ford F250 driven by Timothy John&nbsp;Wyssmann, 38, McPherson, was northbound on Main Street at National Avenue running lights and sirens to a call.A 2003 Ford Taurus driven by Mary Elizabeth Ramsey, 77, Marion, pulled out in front of the F250.&nbsp; The fire department vehicle struck the car.EMS transported Ramsey to a hospital in Wichita.&nbsp; A private vehicle transported a passenger in the fire department Ford identified as Jenae Kathryn&nbsp;Pfeiff, 29, McPherson, to the McPherson Center for Health.&nbsp;Wyssmann was not injured. Ramsey was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized after crash with fire dept. vehicle in McPherson

GOP skeptics raise alarms about governor’s selection of Winter, Lane

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/02/senate-approves-three-nominees-to-kansas-board-of-regents-after-unprecedented-scrutiny/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Bipartisan majorities in
 the Kansas Senate voted Wednesday to confirm three nominees to the 
Kansas Board of Regents recommended by Gov. Laura Kelly.

The process of considering nominations of former BNSF Railway 
executive Carl Ice, retired school superintendent Cynthia Lane and 
former banker and state Sen. Wint Winter took on an unusually high level
 of political intrigue as some GOP lawmakers sought to derail Kelly’s 
picks of Lane and Winter to the state board with oversight of more than 
30 public universities, community colleges and technical colleges.

The Senate Education Committee conducted an extensive inquiry into 
the nominees despite a unanimous vote of support last year by the 
interim Senate Confirmation Committee.

Sen. Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican and chairwoman of the 
Senate Education Committee, said evidence raised in the extended process
 resulted in a recommendation Ice be confirmed. She said the other 
nominees — Winter and Lane — were forwarded to the Senate without a 
recommendation because some lawmakers were convinced the nominees hadn’t
 been sufficiently transparent in answers to written and oral questions.

“It is up to this body to assure the nomination process and the confirmation process isn’t perfunctory,” Baumgardner said.

Before the vote, Sen. Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence, delivered a brief speech endorsing each of the governor’s nominees.

Ice won unanimous support from the Senate with a 38-0 vote on 
confirmation. The margin for Winter was 24-9, while Lane was confirmed 
23-11.

During the Senate committee hearings, questions were raised by GOP 
lawmakers about political allegiances of people selected by the 
Democratic governor. They quizzed Winter about his opposition to 
re-election of then-Gov. Sam Brownback, while Lane was questioned about 
her involvement in a school-finance lawsuit that led to a finding the 
Legislature’s approach to funding K-12 public schools was 
unconstitutional.

The political dimension of the Senate’s consideration of the nominees
 was unusual given that three of six members of the Board of Regents, 
aside from Winter, previously served in the Legislature.

In addition, Brownback selected Helen Van Etten, who served as 
Republican National Committeewoman, to serve on the board in 2013 at the
 same time she served in that high-level Republican Party position.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646258730678.png" alt="Sen. Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican and chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee, led opposition to two of three nominees to the Kansas Board of Regents recommended by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican and chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee, led opposition to two of three nominees to the Kansas Board of Regents recommended by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>GOP skeptics raise alarms about governor’s selection of Winter, Lane</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/02/senate-approves-three-nominees-to-kansas-board-of-regents-after-unprecedented-scrutiny/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Bipartisan majorities in
 the Kansas Senate voted Wednesday to confirm three nominees to the 
Kansas Board of Regents recommended by Gov. Laura Kelly.The process of considering nominations of former BNSF Railway 
executive Carl Ice, retired school superintendent Cynthia Lane and 
former banker and state Sen. Wint Winter took on an unusually high level
 of political intrigue as some GOP lawmakers sought to derail Kelly’s 
picks of Lane and Winter to the state board with oversight of more than 
30 public universities, community colleges and technical colleges.The Senate Education Committee conducted an extensive inquiry into 
the nominees despite a unanimous vote of support last year by the 
interim Senate Confirmation Committee.Sen. Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican and chairwoman of the 
Senate Education Committee, said evidence raised in the extended process
 resulted in a recommendation Ice be confirmed. She said the other 
nominees — Winter and Lane — were forwarded to the Senate without a 
recommendation because some lawmakers were convinced the nominees hadn’t
 been sufficiently transparent in answers to written and oral questions.“It is up to this body to assure the nomination process and the confirmation process isn’t perfunctory,” Baumgardner said.Before the vote, Sen. Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence, delivered a brief speech endorsing each of the governor’s nominees.Ice won unanimous support from the Senate with a 38-0 vote on 
confirmation. The margin for Winter was 24-9, while Lane was confirmed 
23-11.During the Senate committee hearings, questions were raised by GOP 
lawmakers about political allegiances of people selected by the 
Democratic governor. They quizzed Winter about his opposition to 
re-election of then-Gov. Sam Brownback, while Lane was questioned about 
her involvement in a school-finance lawsuit that led to a finding the 
Legislature’s approach to funding K-12 public schools was 
unconstitutional.The political dimension of the Senate’s consideration of the nominees
 was unusual given that three of six members of the Board of Regents, 
aside from Winter, previously served in the Legislature.In addition, Brownback selected Helen Van Etten, who served as 
Republican National Committeewoman, to serve on the board in 2013 at the
 same time she served in that high-level Republican Party position.

Senate approves three nominees to Kansas Board of Regents

AUBURN, Kan. (AP) — Auburn fire officials say a 90-year-old man died after a brush fire he started got out of control. Auburn Assistant Fire Chief Erik Wood said crews responded to the fire Tuesday in southwest Shawnee County, where a woman said she couldn't find her husband. 

Wood said firefighters found the man dead after extinguishing the blaze. It wasn't clear if the man died from the fire or a medical problem. Fire officials are warning Kansans to reconsider burning in the current warm and extremely dry conditions. 

The National Weather Service had issued an advisory for a very high fire danger on Tuesday because of the conditions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646255699186.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal fire Tuesday -photo courtesy WIBW-TV" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal fire Tuesday -photo courtesy WIBW-TV</figcaption>
 </figure>AUBURN, Kan. (AP) — Auburn fire officials say a 90-year-old man died after a brush fire he started got out of control. Auburn Assistant Fire Chief Erik Wood said crews responded to the fire Tuesday in southwest Shawnee County, where a woman said she couldn't find her husband. Wood said firefighters found the man dead after extinguishing the blaze. It wasn't clear if the man died from the fire or a medical problem. Fire officials are warning Kansans to reconsider burning in the current warm and extremely dry conditions. The National Weather Service had issued an advisory for a very high fire danger on Tuesday because of the conditions.

90-year-old Kansas man dies after brush fire gets out of control

Murhpy Woodmansee's birthday was March 15 and during the month of 
March, everyone is encouraged to celebrate all things golfing 
(putt-putt, Top Golf, virtual or hitting the course) and share your 
pictures on social media or the "Golf For Murphy in March" event page on
 Facebook using the hashtag #golfformurphy.

Murphy, age 15, passed away Dec. 7, 2021, following a car accident on U.S. 281.

Murphy was a Great Bend resident and a sophomore at Hoisington High School where he was active in golf.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646260952328.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Murhpy Woodmansee's birthday was March 15 and during the month of 
March, everyone is encouraged to celebrate all things golfing 
(putt-putt, Top Golf, virtual or hitting the course) and share your 
pictures on social media or the "Golf For Murphy in March" event page on
 Facebook using the hashtag #golfformurphy.Murphy, age 15, passed away Dec. 7, 2021, following a car accident on U.S. 281.Murphy was a Great Bend resident and a sophomore at Hoisington High School where he was active in golf.

Barton Co. teen honored: Golf for Murphy this month

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating an auto theft with a baby in the vehicle are asking for help to locate&nbsp;51-year-old Kevin Robertson of Wichita.

Just after 3p.m. on Tuesday, 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; Robertson is currently on parole through the Kansas Department of Corrections. 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.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Two off-duty police officers in Wichita found a baby unharmed in the back seat of a car that had been stolen from a Walmart parking lot. Television station KAKE reports the theft happened Tuesday afternoon. 

The officers were off-duty and working at a business on Pawnee Street when they learned of the car theft with the 11-month-old baby still in the car's back seat. 

The pair began patrolling the area looking for the car and found it abandoned a short distance away with the baby still in the back seat. 

The suspect who stole the car is described as a white male in his 50s with brownish, blonde hair, some facial hair and he was wearing blue jeans and a checkered, flannel shirt, according to OffiCer Charley Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646258255237.png" alt="Robertson has over twenty previous convictions that include theft,&nbsp; aggravated burglary, aggravated battery, DUI, criminal threat, obstruction, aggravated failure to appear and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Robertson has over twenty previous convictions that include theft,&nbsp; aggravated burglary, aggravated battery, DUI, criminal threat, obstruction, aggravated failure to appear and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating an auto theft with a baby in the vehicle are asking for help to locate&nbsp;51-year-old Kevin Robertson of Wichita.Just after 3p.m. on Tuesday, 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; Robertson is currently on parole through the Kansas Department of Corrections. 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.------------------WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Two off-duty police officers in Wichita found a baby unharmed in the back seat of a car that had been stolen from a Walmart parking lot. Television station KAKE reports the theft happened Tuesday afternoon. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646235649403.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation Tuesday afternoon-photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation Tuesday afternoon-photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>The officers were off-duty and working at a business on Pawnee Street when they learned of the car theft with the 11-month-old baby still in the car's back seat. The pair began patrolling the area looking for the car and found it abandoned a short distance away with the baby still in the back seat. The suspect who stole the car is described as a white male in his 50s with brownish, blonde hair, some facial hair and he was wearing blue jeans and a checkered, flannel shirt, according to OffiCer Charley Davidson.

Search continues  for Kan. felon who stole car with baby inside

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that many Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) will offer <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/irs-face-to-face-saturday-help">face-to-face Saturday help</a> without an appointment from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 12. Normally TACs are only open weekdays.

"Being open on select Saturdays is offered for people to get the help
 they need when they need it," said IRS Wage and Investment Division 
Commissioner and Taxpayer Experience Officer Ken Corbin. "We know that 
many taxpayers work during the week or have other obligations that make 
it difficult to get away to take care of their taxes during our routine 
business hours. We're here to help, and people don't need an appointment
 during these special Saturday hours."

People can also ask about reconciling <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">advance Child Tax Credit</a>
 payments, receive help resolving a tax problem, a tax bill or an IRS 
audit. If assistance from IRS employees specializing in these services 
is not available, the individual will receive a referral for these 
services. IRS staff will schedule appointments for a later date for Deaf
 or Hard of Hearing individuals who need sign language interpreter 
services. Foreign language interpreters will be available.

The IRS follows <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html">Centers for Disease Control social distancing guidelines</a>
 for COVID-19, and availability may change without notice. People are 
required to wear face masks and social distance at these events.

The IRS urges individuals to bring the following information:

During the visit, IRS staff may also request the following information:

No tax return preparation will be available at any IRS TAC. The IRS.gov webpage, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office">Contact Your Local IRS Office</a>, lists all services provided at specific TACs.

While tax return preparation is not a service offered at IRS TACs 
during regular hours or during these Saturday hours, the following free 
resources are available to help most taxpayers prepare and file their 
2021 federal tax returns anytime:

Any individual or family earning $73,000 or less in 2021 can use tax 
software from providers who make their online products available through
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a> at no cost. There are products in English and Spanish.

Free help preparing tax returns is available at a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Center (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly location (TCE)</a> sites. The income limit for VITA assistance is $58,000. To find the closest free tax return preparation help, use the <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/">VITA Locator Tool</a> or call <a href="tel:800-906-9887">800-906-9887</a>. To find a TCE AARP Tax-Aide site, use the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/locations.html">AARP Site Locator Tool</a> or call <a href="tel:888-227-7669">888-227-7669</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that many Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) will offer <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/irs-face-to-face-saturday-help">face-to-face Saturday help</a> without an appointment from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 12. Normally TACs are only open weekdays."Being open on select Saturdays is offered for people to get the help
 they need when they need it," said IRS Wage and Investment Division 
Commissioner and Taxpayer Experience Officer Ken Corbin. "We know that 
many taxpayers work during the week or have other obligations that make 
it difficult to get away to take care of their taxes during our routine 
business hours. We're here to help, and people don't need an appointment
 during these special Saturday hours."People can also ask about reconciling <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">advance Child Tax Credit</a>
 payments, receive help resolving a tax problem, a tax bill or an IRS 
audit. If assistance from IRS employees specializing in these services 
is not available, the individual will receive a referral for these 
services. IRS staff will schedule appointments for a later date for Deaf
 or Hard of Hearing individuals who need sign language interpreter 
services. Foreign language interpreters will be available.The IRS follows <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html">Centers for Disease Control social distancing guidelines</a>
 for COVID-19, and availability may change without notice. People are 
required to wear face masks and social distance at these events.<h2>Please come prepared</h2>The IRS urges individuals to bring the following information:<ul>
 <li>Current government-issued photo identification</li><li>Social Security cards and/or ITINs for members of their household, including spouse and dependents (if applicable)</li><li>Any IRS letters or notices received and related documents</li>
 </ul>During the visit, IRS staff may also request the following information:<ul>
 <li>A current mailing address, and</li><li>Bank account information, to receive payments or refunds by <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">Direct Deposit</a>.</li>
 </ul>No tax return preparation will be available at any IRS TAC. The IRS.gov webpage, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office">Contact Your Local IRS Office</a>, lists all services provided at specific TACs.<h2>Free tax preparation help</h2>While tax return preparation is not a service offered at IRS TACs 
during regular hours or during these Saturday hours, the following free 
resources are available to help most taxpayers prepare and file their 
2021 federal tax returns anytime:Any individual or family earning $73,000 or less in 2021 can use tax 
software from providers who make their online products available through
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a> at no cost. There are products in English and Spanish.Free help preparing tax returns is available at a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Center (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly location (TCE)</a> sites. The income limit for VITA assistance is $58,000. To find the closest free tax return preparation help, use the <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/">VITA Locator Tool</a> or call <a href="tel:800-906-9887">800-906-9887</a>. To find a TCE AARP Tax-Aide site, use the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/locations.html">AARP Site Locator Tool</a> or call <a href="tel:888-227-7669">888-227-7669</a>.

Face-to-face IRS help available in more than 30 cities this month

Washington— The U.S. Senate on Wednesday passed Senator Roger Marshall's legislation to halt President Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for healthcare workers. Senator Marshall delivered remarks on the Senate floor prior to the vote.&nbsp;

“Make no mistake, this federal vaccine mandate is not about public health or science – it’s about Joe Biden fulfilling his desire to control every aspect of our lives, and it’s a slap in the face to the hard-working men and women who never took a day off on the frontline fight against COVID-19,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall. “Today is a huge victory for all the healthcare workers who ran to the sound of the COVID battle as Senate Republicans joined forces taking us one step closer to invalidating President Biden’s overreaching and harmful CMS vaccine mandate. These workers are the true heroes of the pandemic and deserve our best fight and utmost respect.”

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/CMS-Vaccine-Mandate-CRA-Floor-Speech.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view Senator Marshall’s remarks as prepared.

Washington— The U.S. Senate on Wednesday passed Senator Roger Marshall's legislation to halt President Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for healthcare workers. Senator Marshall delivered remarks on the Senate floor prior to the vote.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fb_osjCmbx0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“Make no mistake, this federal vaccine mandate is not about public health or science – it’s about Joe Biden fulfilling his desire to control every aspect of our lives, and it’s a slap in the face to the hard-working men and women who never took a day off on the frontline fight against COVID-19,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall. “Today is a huge victory for all the healthcare workers who ran to the sound of the COVID battle as Senate Republicans joined forces taking us one step closer to invalidating President Biden’s overreaching and harmful CMS vaccine mandate. These workers are the true heroes of the pandemic and deserve our best fight and utmost respect.”Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/CMS-Vaccine-Mandate-CRA-Floor-Speech.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view Senator Marshall’s remarks as prepared.

Senate passes Marshall's bill to stop vaxx mandate for healthcare workers

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-03-01/derby-residents-pack-school-board-meeting-to-support-principals-lesson-on-white-privilege">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA, Kansas — Debate over a video about white privilege 
dominated the Derby school board meeting this week, with one board 
member linking the video to critical race theory and others saying they 
support its message and the principal who shared it.

More than 100
 people packed into the board chambers and an overflow room for Monday’s
 meeting. Many wore green “Team Hamblin” T-shirts in support of Derby 
High Principal Tim Hamblin.

Hamblin spoke publicly for the first time since the controversy began, saying he <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2022-02-20/fallout-from-video-about-white-privilege-roils-derby-school-district" target="_blank">shared the video with teachers</a> in January after learning about race-based attacks on social media against two Black students.

“‘See
 something, say something.’ It’s on the Derby homepage. It’s in every 
building in this district,” Hamblin said. “I was trying to teach kids 
how they can help others.”

Hamblin <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-02-09/a-kansas-principal-shared-a-video-about-speaking-up-against-racism-he-was-ordered-to-apologize" target="_blank">emailed his staff last month</a>
 to apologize for showing the video. He said an anonymous employee had 
complained to a school board member that the video was offensive and 
created a hostile work environment.

The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf9QBnPK6Yg" target="_blank">video features Black author Joy DeGruy</a>
 relating a story about being treated differently at a store because of 
her race. A lighter-skinned family member “used her white privilege and …
 pointed out the injustice,” DeGruy says in the video.

School board member Andy Watkins emailed Superintendent Heather Bohaty about the video on Feb. 6.

“I really believe the community/patrons of our district would not be 
OK with this video,” Watkins said in the email. He said students and 
teachers who watched it should get an apology or explanation.

“Do 
we need some kind of policy which talks more about disparaging one race 
over another (which seems like common sense but may be needed to prevent
 a video like this in the future)?” Watkins wrote in the email.

“I
 really need to understand your position on this video, as I think it 
dictates what possible next steps look like and further questions.”

Board members were <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/12LquYeN0_WcUae9m7_kI0dCRB0ZhEcsX/view" target="_blank">scheduled to review Bohaty’s contract</a> the following day.

On
 Monday, Watkins said he raised concerns about the video because he 
thinks terminology used in it “has a direct tie to critical race 
theory,” and he was concerned about “making this terminology … the 
norm.”

Critical race theory is not taught in Kansas K-12 schools, 
but its core idea holds that racism is embedded in American culture and 
policies. Some critics say conversations about white privilege can make 
people feel uncomfortable and accelerate racial conflict.

Watkins 
said he did not order Hamblin to apologize. But Hamblin said he viewed 
board members as “the ultimate formal authority” in the district.

“This
 is a dumb analogy, but if my father asked me to mow the lawn, I never 
really thought I had a choice,” Hamblin said. “I respected his formal 
authority, and it was an expectation that I would do so.”

Bohaty, 
the superintendent, drew loud applause from the audience Monday when she
 said she supported Hamblin’s decision to show the video.

“I do 
not believe there was a communication breakdown. I have clearly stated …
 that an apology should not be requested from DHS administration,” 
Bohaty said.

“We have to do better. We must have an environment where conversations can occur, and every student feels safe in our school.”

Board
 president Michael Blankenship thanked Bohaty “for finally taking a 
stance on the video.” Then added, “Unfortunately, it’s about a month 
late.”

Several Derby residents addressed the school board in support of Hamblin.

“We
 live in a dangerous time when the sensibilities of the oppressors and 
their apologists are given more consideration than the experiences of 
true victims,” said Karen Runyon, a parent and school district employee.

“Kudos
 to Mr. Hamblin for attempting to deal with a complex and difficult 
issue in a productive way, and shame on those who requested an apology 
for his efforts.”

Cheryl Bannon, a former Derby City Council 
member, motioned to the crowd in attendance. “I represented this 
community for 17 years, and I can guarantee you, as shown by this sea of
 green, most of the community would not have a problem with that video.”

Sherilyn Ray, a Derby High graduate who is Black, said racism is a problem in the district and needs to be addressed.

“If
 every single person that was voted into a position … within this school
 district doesn't stand up and do something different, you're all 
accountable for that,” she said. “If you stand up and take a position … 
be on the right side, and that's on the side of the kids that are 
suffering.”

Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646248303390.png" alt="More than 100 people attended Monday's Derby school board meeting in support of Derby High Principal Tim Hamblin. Derby High School Panther's Tale, courtesy Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>More than 100 people attended Monday's Derby school board meeting in support of Derby High Principal Tim Hamblin. Derby High School Panther's Tale, courtesy Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-03-01/derby-residents-pack-school-board-meeting-to-support-principals-lesson-on-white-privilege">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA, Kansas — Debate over a video about white privilege 
dominated the Derby school board meeting this week, with one board 
member linking the video to critical race theory and others saying they 
support its message and the principal who shared it.More than 100
 people packed into the board chambers and an overflow room for Monday’s
 meeting. Many wore green “Team Hamblin” T-shirts in support of Derby 
High Principal Tim Hamblin.Hamblin spoke publicly for the first time since the controversy began, saying he <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2022-02-20/fallout-from-video-about-white-privilege-roils-derby-school-district" target="_blank">shared the video with teachers</a> in January after learning about race-based attacks on social media against two Black students.“‘See
 something, say something.’ It’s on the Derby homepage. It’s in every 
building in this district,” Hamblin said. “I was trying to teach kids 
how they can help others.”Hamblin <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-02-09/a-kansas-principal-shared-a-video-about-speaking-up-against-racism-he-was-ordered-to-apologize" target="_blank">emailed his staff last month</a>
 to apologize for showing the video. He said an anonymous employee had 
complained to a school board member that the video was offensive and 
created a hostile work environment.The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf9QBnPK6Yg" target="_blank">video features Black author Joy DeGruy</a>
 relating a story about being treated differently at a store because of 
her race. A lighter-skinned family member “used her white privilege and …
 pointed out the injustice,” DeGruy says in the video.School board member Andy Watkins emailed Superintendent Heather Bohaty about the video on Feb. 6.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646248392918.png" alt="Derby school board member Andy Watkins / USD 260" />
 <figcaption>Derby school board member Andy Watkins / USD 260</figcaption>
 </figure>“I really believe the community/patrons of our district would not be 
OK with this video,” Watkins said in the email. He said students and 
teachers who watched it should get an apology or explanation.“Do 
we need some kind of policy which talks more about disparaging one race 
over another (which seems like common sense but may be needed to prevent
 a video like this in the future)?” Watkins wrote in the email.“I
 really need to understand your position on this video, as I think it 
dictates what possible next steps look like and further questions.”Board members were <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/12LquYeN0_WcUae9m7_kI0dCRB0ZhEcsX/view" target="_blank">scheduled to review Bohaty’s contract</a> the following day.On
 Monday, Watkins said he raised concerns about the video because he 
thinks terminology used in it “has a direct tie to critical race 
theory,” and he was concerned about “making this terminology … the 
norm.”Critical race theory is not taught in Kansas K-12 schools, 
but its core idea holds that racism is embedded in American culture and 
policies. Some critics say conversations about white privilege can make 
people feel uncomfortable and accelerate racial conflict.Watkins 
said he did not order Hamblin to apologize. But Hamblin said he viewed 
board members as “the ultimate formal authority” in the district.“This
 is a dumb analogy, but if my father asked me to mow the lawn, I never 
really thought I had a choice,” Hamblin said. “I respected his formal 
authority, and it was an expectation that I would do so.”Bohaty, 
the superintendent, drew loud applause from the audience Monday when she
 said she supported Hamblin’s decision to show the video.“I do 
not believe there was a communication breakdown. I have clearly stated …
 that an apology should not be requested from DHS administration,” 
Bohaty said.“We have to do better. We must have an environment where conversations can occur, and every student feels safe in our school.”Board
 president Michael Blankenship thanked Bohaty “for finally taking a 
stance on the video.” Then added, “Unfortunately, it’s about a month 
late.”Several Derby residents addressed the school board in support of Hamblin.“We
 live in a dangerous time when the sensibilities of the oppressors and 
their apologists are given more consideration than the experiences of 
true victims,” said Karen Runyon, a parent and school district employee.“Kudos
 to Mr. Hamblin for attempting to deal with a complex and difficult 
issue in a productive way, and shame on those who requested an apology 
for his efforts.”Cheryl Bannon, a former Derby City Council 
member, motioned to the crowd in attendance. “I represented this 
community for 17 years, and I can guarantee you, as shown by this sea of
 green, most of the community would not have a problem with that video.”Sherilyn Ray, a Derby High graduate who is Black, said racism is a problem in the district and needs to be addressed.“If
 every single person that was voted into a position … within this school
 district doesn't stand up and do something different, you're all 
accountable for that,” she said. “If you stand up and take a position … 
be on the right side, and that's on the side of the kids that are 
suffering.”Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.

Residents pack board meeting to support Kan. principal's lesson on 'white privilege'

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/news/2022-03-02/former-kansas-attorney-general-phill-kline-subpoenaed-by-jan-6-committee">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA — A U.S. House select committee investigating the Jan.
 6 attack on the Capitol has subpoenaed Phill Kline, a former Kansas 
attorney general.

According to the subpoena, Kline convened a 
meeting between then-President Donald Trump and 300 state lawmakers in 
an attempt to “disseminate purported evidence of election fraud” and 
ultimately overturn the 2020 election.

The subpoena says Kline 
encouraged the legislators to sign a letter urging former Vice President
 Mike Pence to delay the electoral certification on Jan. 6, 2021.

Kline, a Republican who served as Kansas attorney general from 2003 to 2007, was one of <a href="https://january6th.house.gov/news/press-releases/select-committee-demands-information-witnesses-who-promoted-unsupported-claims" target="_blank">six people subpoenaed by the committee</a> on Tuesday. The subpoenas seek documents and testimony from attorneys who worked on behalf of Trump.

Kline has until March 15 to produce documents and was ordered to appear for a deposition on March 25.

Kline founded a group called <a href="https://www.theamistadproject.org/" target="_blank">The Amistad Project</a>, which bills itself as “the nation’s leading election integrity watchdog.” Recent news reports reveal that the group was <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-01-24/former-kansas-attorney-general-phill-kline-led-effort-to-promote-fake-trump-electors-in-2020" target="_blank">active in promoting fake slates of pro-Trump electors</a> in 2020.

The
 new subpoenas reflect the Jan. 6 committee’s focus on Trump’s efforts 
to stop President Joe Biden’s certification, including plans to send 
slates of electors to return Trump to office.

“The select 
committee is seeking information about attempts to disrupt or delay the 
certification of electoral votes and any efforts to corruptly change the
 outcome of the 2020 election,” Rep. Bennie Thompson, a Mississippi 
Democrat and chairman of the panel, said in a statement.

“The six 
individuals we’ve subpoenaed today all have knowledge related to those 
matters and will help the select committee better understand all the 
various strategies employed to potentially affect the outcome of the 
election,” Thompson said.

Suzanne Perez reports for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646248163529.png" alt="Former Kansas attorney general Phill Kline / Kansas News Service photo" />
 <figcaption>Former Kansas attorney general Phill Kline / Kansas News Service photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/news/2022-03-02/former-kansas-attorney-general-phill-kline-subpoenaed-by-jan-6-committee">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA — A U.S. House select committee investigating the Jan.
 6 attack on the Capitol has subpoenaed Phill Kline, a former Kansas 
attorney general.According to the subpoena, Kline convened a 
meeting between then-President Donald Trump and 300 state lawmakers in 
an attempt to “disseminate purported evidence of election fraud” and 
ultimately overturn the 2020 election.The subpoena says Kline 
encouraged the legislators to sign a letter urging former Vice President
 Mike Pence to delay the electoral certification on Jan. 6, 2021.Kline, a Republican who served as Kansas attorney general from 2003 to 2007, was one of <a href="https://january6th.house.gov/news/press-releases/select-committee-demands-information-witnesses-who-promoted-unsupported-claims" target="_blank">six people subpoenaed by the committee</a> on Tuesday. The subpoenas seek documents and testimony from attorneys who worked on behalf of Trump.Kline has until March 15 to produce documents and was ordered to appear for a deposition on March 25.Kline founded a group called <a href="https://www.theamistadproject.org/" target="_blank">The Amistad Project</a>, which bills itself as “the nation’s leading election integrity watchdog.” Recent news reports reveal that the group was <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-01-24/former-kansas-attorney-general-phill-kline-led-effort-to-promote-fake-trump-electors-in-2020" target="_blank">active in promoting fake slates of pro-Trump electors</a> in 2020.The
 new subpoenas reflect the Jan. 6 committee’s focus on Trump’s efforts 
to stop President Joe Biden’s certification, including plans to send 
slates of electors to return Trump to office.“The select 
committee is seeking information about attempts to disrupt or delay the 
certification of electoral votes and any efforts to corruptly change the
 outcome of the 2020 election,” Rep. Bennie Thompson, a Mississippi 
Democrat and chairman of the panel, said in a statement.“The six 
individuals we’ve subpoenaed today all have knowledge related to those 
matters and will help the select committee better understand all the 
various strategies employed to potentially affect the outcome of the 
election,” Thompson said.Suzanne Perez reports for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.

Former Kansas AG Phill Kline subpoenaed by Jan. 6 committee

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A community task force is calling for the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the death of a Black teenager who was restrained facedown for more than 30 minutes at a Kansas juvenile detention center.

Sedgwick County Commission Chairman David Dennis said last month that he was told by county Sheriff Jeff Easter that the&nbsp;FBI&nbsp;requested all information regarding the death of 17-year-old Cedric Lofton. The FBI is part of the Justice Department.

But the task force wasn’t certain about the status of the investigation because its members only knew about it secondhand and they wanted to add their voices to those asking, said member Jazmine Rogers, an organizer with the Wichita-based youth civil rights group Progeny.

Lofton’s foster father called authorities in September seeking help because the teenager was hallucinating. Police initially tried to convince him to go to a mental health facility, but body camera video shows him refusing to go and then resisting when officers tried to force him.

Lofton then was taken to the Sedgwick County Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center, where he had to be resuscitated after he was held facedown. He died two days later.

The county prosecutor declined to file charges in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wichita-kansas-a51f619b8b196987e74b046ac399680c">January</a>, citing the state’s stand-your-ground law self defense law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642880340757.png" alt="Lofton as seen at the Sedgwick County Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center . Image from the video of the encounter released by Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Lofton as seen at the Sedgwick County Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center . Image from the video of the encounter released by Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A community task force is calling for the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the death of a Black teenager who was restrained facedown for more than 30 minutes at a Kansas juvenile detention center.Sedgwick County Commission Chairman David Dennis said last month that he was told by county Sheriff Jeff Easter that the&nbsp;FBI&nbsp;requested all information regarding the death of 17-year-old Cedric Lofton. The FBI is part of the Justice Department.But the task force wasn’t certain about the status of the investigation because its members only knew about it secondhand and they wanted to add their voices to those asking, said member Jazmine Rogers, an organizer with the Wichita-based youth civil rights group Progeny.Lofton’s foster father called authorities in September seeking help because the teenager was hallucinating. Police initially tried to convince him to go to a mental health facility, but body camera video shows him refusing to go and then resisting when officers tried to force him.Lofton then was taken to the Sedgwick County Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center, where he had to be resuscitated after he was held facedown. He died two days later.The county prosecutor declined to file charges in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wichita-kansas-a51f619b8b196987e74b046ac399680c">January</a>, citing the state’s stand-your-ground law self defense law.

Task force: DOJ should investigate Kan. teen's in custody death

TOPEKA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 924 to a total of 766,969, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The state reported 29 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 7,975.

<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 924 to a total of 766,969, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp; &nbsp;The state reported 29 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 7,975.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646244099939.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></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 reports 29 additional COVID-19 deaths

By MATT OTT AP Business Writer

SILVER SPRING, Md. — Google-owned Fitbit has recalled 1 million of its Ionic smartwatches after dozens of users reported burn injuries because the battery overheated. 

The fitness gadget maker says consumers who bought the $299 watches with the model number FB503 should immediately stop using the product and contact Fitbit for packaging to return them. 

The company says consumers will receive full refunds and a discount of 40% to purchase certain Fitbit products. 

Fitbit received 115 reports of the battery overheating in the U.S., with 78 reports of burn injuries including 2 reports of third-degree burns and four claims of second-degree burns.

By MATT OTT AP Business WriterSILVER SPRING, Md. — Google-owned Fitbit has recalled 1 million of its Ionic smartwatches after dozens of users reported burn injuries because the battery overheated. The fitness gadget maker says consumers who bought the $299 watches with the model number FB503 should immediately stop using the product and contact Fitbit for packaging to return them. The company says consumers will receive full refunds and a discount of 40% to purchase certain Fitbit products. Fitbit received 115 reports of the battery overheating in the U.S., with 78 reports of burn injuries including 2 reports of third-degree burns and four claims of second-degree burns.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Fitbit recalls 1M Ionic watches after burn injuries

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A suspect in the fatal shooting of a North Carolina bus driver has been arrested in Kansas, police announced Tuesday.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said in a news release that detectives found Darian Dru Thavychith, 21, through a collaboration with state police, the FBI and the Shawnee, Kansas, Police Department. Thavychith was arrested without incident at a gas station in Shawnee, according to police there.

Thavychith is charged with murder and shooting into occupied property in the death of Charlotte Area Transit System bus driver Ethan Rivera last month, police said. He is in the Johnson County, Kansas, jail, Shawnee police records show. At a court hearing Tuesday, Thavychith agreed to be extradited to Charlotte.

Officers responding to a call about a shooting on Feb. 11 found a bus off the road and the bus driver shot, police said. Rivera was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and police said he died the next day. The four passengers on the bus at the time were not hurt, police said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646237757506.png" alt="Thavychit-is being held in Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Thavychit-is being held in Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A suspect in the fatal shooting of a North Carolina bus driver has been arrested in Kansas, police announced Tuesday.Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said in a news release that detectives found Darian Dru Thavychith, 21, through a collaboration with state police, the FBI and the Shawnee, Kansas, Police Department. Thavychith was arrested without incident at a gas station in Shawnee, according to police there.Thavychith is charged with murder and shooting into occupied property in the death of Charlotte Area Transit System bus driver Ethan Rivera last month, police said. He is in the Johnson County, Kansas, jail, Shawnee police records show. At a court hearing Tuesday, Thavychith agreed to be extradited to Charlotte.Officers responding to a call about a shooting on Feb. 11 found a bus off the road and the bus driver shot, police said. Rivera was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and police said he died the next day. The four passengers on the bus at the time were not hurt, police said.

Suspect in February killing of bus driver captured in Kansas

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646235649403.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation Tuesday afternoon-photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation Tuesday afternoon-photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Two off-duty police officers in Wichita found a baby unharmed in the back seat of a car that had been stolen from a Walmart parking lot. Television station KAKE reports the theft happened Tuesday afternoon. The officers were off-duty and working at a business on Pawnee Street when they learned of the car theft with the 11-month-old baby still in the car's back seat. The pair began patrolling the area looking for the car and found it abandoned a short distance away with the baby still in the back seat. The suspect who stole the car is described as a white male in his 50s with brownish, blonde hair, some facial hair and he was wearing blue jeans and a checkered, flannel shirt, according to OffiCer Charley Davidson.

Kan. officers found baby in car stolen from Walmart parking lot

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today updated its 
frequently asked questions (FAQs) on Tax Credits for Paid Leave Under 
the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for Leave After March 31, 2021.

These FAQs (<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/newsroom/fs-2022-15.pdf">FS-2022-15</a>&nbsp;PDF) revisions add Questions 98a and 116a.

These FAQs are being issued to provide general information to taxpayers and tax professionals as expeditiously as possible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today updated its 
frequently asked questions (FAQs) on Tax Credits for Paid Leave Under 
the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for Leave After March 31, 2021.These FAQs (<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/newsroom/fs-2022-15.pdf">FS-2022-15</a>&nbsp;PDF) revisions add Questions 98a and 116a.These FAQs are being issued to provide general information to taxpayers and tax professionals as expeditiously as possible.---------------------WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today updated its 
frequently asked questions (FAQs) on Tax Credits for Paid Leave Under 
the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for Leave After March 31, 2021.These FAQs (<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/newsroom/fs-2022-15.pdf">FS-2022-15</a>&nbsp;PDF) revisions add Questions 98a and 116a.These FAQs are being issued to provide general information to taxpayers and tax professionals as expeditiously as possible.

IRS: Updates to rules on COVID relief payments, paid leave

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democrats in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas">Kansas</a>&nbsp;filed a third lawsuit Tuesday against a congressional redistricting law enacted by the Republican-controlled Legislature, arguing that GOP gerrymandering aimed to “practically void” Democratic votes in the liberal enclave of Lawrence.

Four Democrats from the northeast Kansas city filed the lawsuit in Douglas County District Court, claiming that the new law violates the Kansas Constitution. It moved Lawrence from the 2nd District of northeast Kansas into the sprawling 1st District of central and western Kansas with conservative Republican communities hours away by car.

The U.S. Supreme Court declared in 2019 that partisan gerrymandering is a political issue and not for the federal courts to resolve. That still leaves the question of whether state courts might declare that the Kansas Constitution separately bars gerrymandering.

The lawsuit filed Tuesday and two others filed last month in Wyandotte County District Court ask for just such a ruling.

Republican lawmakers dismissed allegations of gerrymandering.

Attorney General Derek Schmidt, a Republican running for governor, already has filed a petition with the Kansas Supreme Court, asking it to intervene and declare that partisan gerrymandering isn't an issue for the state courts, either. Schmidt spokesperson John Milburn said the Democrats who filed the lawsuit Tuesday “appear to be raising the same legal questions.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643147273216.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democrats in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas">Kansas</a>&nbsp;filed a third lawsuit Tuesday against a congressional redistricting law enacted by the Republican-controlled Legislature, arguing that GOP gerrymandering aimed to “practically void” Democratic votes in the liberal enclave of Lawrence.Four Democrats from the northeast Kansas city filed the lawsuit in Douglas County District Court, claiming that the new law violates the Kansas Constitution. It moved Lawrence from the 2nd District of northeast Kansas into the sprawling 1st District of central and western Kansas with conservative Republican communities hours away by car.The U.S. Supreme Court declared in 2019 that partisan gerrymandering is a political issue and not for the federal courts to resolve. That still leaves the question of whether state courts might declare that the Kansas Constitution separately bars gerrymandering.The lawsuit filed Tuesday and two others filed last month in Wyandotte County District Court ask for just such a ruling.Republican lawmakers dismissed allegations of gerrymandering.Attorney General Derek Schmidt, a Republican running for governor, already has filed a petition with the Kansas Supreme Court, asking it to intervene and declare that partisan gerrymandering isn't an issue for the state courts, either. Schmidt spokesperson John Milburn said the Democrats who filed the lawsuit Tuesday “appear to be raising the same legal questions.”

Democrats file 3rd lawsuit over new Kansas congressional map

&nbsp;SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have located a 1-year-old Kansas girl reported missing early Wednesday.

Kamryn is safe and police arrested her father identified as 41-year-old James Nordman on requested charges that include a violation of a domestic violence protection order, according to Officer Charley Davidson. Police released no additional details about how or where they found the child.

Just before 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, officers responded to a domestic violence report call at a home in the 1000 block of South Christine in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson. Upon arrival, officers contacted a 25-year-old female of the residence.  

She reported that her boyfriend, James, was at the home with their child, Kamryn, while she was away.  When she arrived home James and Kamryn were gone, and they did not return for several hours.  Investigators are concerned for the welfare of Kamryn and need assistance locating her.  Additionally, James is wanted for a violation of a domestic violence protection order.

Nordman has previous convictions for theft, burglary and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are asking for assistance in locating 1-year-old Kamryn Nordman and 41-year-old James Nordman.

  They are traveling in a white 1999 Chevy Trailblazer with Kansas tag 388 MGG.  If you see Kamryn, James, or the Chevy Trailblazer, or know their whereabouts, please call 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646231301148.png" alt="Nordman has previous convictions for theft, burglary and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Nordman has previous convictions for theft, burglary and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have located a 1-year-old Kansas girl reported missing early Wednesday.Kamryn is safe and police arrested her father identified as 41-year-old James Nordman on requested charges that include a violation of a domestic violence protection order, according to Officer Charley Davidson. Police released no additional details about how or where they found the child.Just before 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, officers responded to a domestic violence report call at a home in the 1000 block of South Christine in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson. Upon arrival, officers contacted a 25-year-old female of the residence. She reported that her boyfriend, James, was at the home with their child, Kamryn, while she was away. When she arrived home James and Kamryn were gone, and they did not return for several hours. Investigators are concerned for the welfare of Kamryn and need assistance locating her. Additionally, James is wanted for a violation of a domestic violence protection order.Nordman has previous convictions for theft, burglary and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.-------SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are asking for assistance in locating 1-year-old Kamryn Nordman and 41-year-old James Nordman.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646220988772.png" alt="photo courtesy Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure> They are traveling in a white 1999 Chevy Trailblazer with Kansas tag 388 MGG. If you see Kamryn, James, or the Chevy Trailblazer, or know their whereabouts, please call 911.Just before 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, officers responded to a domestic violence report call at a home in the 1000 block of South Christine in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson. Upon arrival, officers contacted a 25-year-old female of the residence. She reported that her boyfriend, James, was at the home with their child, Kamryn, while she was away. When she arrived home James and Kamryn were gone, and they did not return for several hours. Investigators are concerned for the welfare of Kamryn and need assistance locating her. Additionally, James is wanted for a violation of a domestic violence protection order.

Police find missing 1-year-old Kan. girl, arrest her father

WASHINGTON (AP) — Addressing a concerned nation and anxious world, President Joe Biden vowed in his first State of the Union address Tuesday night to check&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-abc3e297725e57e6052529d844b5ee2f">Russian aggression in Ukraine,&nbsp;</a>tame soaring U.S. inflation and deal with the fading but still dangerous coronavirus.

Biden declared that he and all members of Congress, whatever their political differences, are joined “with an unwavering resolve that freedom will always triumph over tyranny.” He asked lawmakers crowding the House chamber to stand and salute the Ukrainians as he began his speech. They stood and cheered.

It was a notable show of unity after a long year of bitter acrimony between Biden’s Democratic coalition and the Republican opposition.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-voting-rights-immigration-state-of-the-union-address-5894f85ff2872a4c28b4f2bbde2741c7">Biden’s 62-minute speech,&nbsp;</a>which was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-state-of-the-union-address-joe-biden-coronavirus-pandemic-feaf4678d114e37ce708aa41fae8be82">split between attention to war abroad and worries at home</a>&nbsp;— reflected the same balancing act he now faces in his presidency. He must marshal allied resolve against Russia’s aggression while tending to inflation, COVID-19 fatigue and sagging approval ratings heading into the midterm elections.

Aiming to build on momentum from the speech, Biden will head to Wisconsin on Wednesday in an effort to show Americans that his domestic agenda is working. His vice president and Cabinet members will fan out around the country to amplify the message.

Biden heads again to an old bridge set to be repaired — increasingly a symbol for his administration, tangible evidence of the nation that he’s working to update. This time, it’s a wrought-iron bridge that connects Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, across the St. Louis Bay.

The bridge will be replaced using funds from the massive infrastructure plan signed into law last year, a signature piece of bipartisan legislation and proof — Biden says — that the GOP and Democrats can still work together.

In Tuesday’s speech, Biden highlighted the bravery of Ukrainian defenders and a newly reinvigorated Western alliance that has worked to rearm the Ukrainian military and cripple Russia’s economy through sanctions. He acknowledged costs to the American economy, as well, but warned ominously that without consequences, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression wouldn’t be contained to Ukraine.

“Throughout our history we’ve learned this lesson – when dictators do not pay a price for their aggression, they cause more chaos,” Biden said. “They keep moving. And, the costs and threats to America and the world keep rising.”

As Biden spoke, Russian forces were escalating their attacks in Ukraine, having bombarded the central square of country’s second-biggest city and Kyiv’s main TV tower, killing at least five people. The Babi Yar Holocaust memorial was also damaged.

Biden announced that the U.S. is following Canada and the European Union in banning Russian planes from its airspace in retaliation for the invasion of Ukraine. He also said the Justice Department was launching a task force to go after Russian oligarchs, whom he called “corrupt leaders who have bilked billions of dollars off this violent regime.”

“We are coming for your ill-begotten gains,” he said, pledging that the U.S. and European allies were after their yachts, luxury apartments and private jets.

Biden pivoted in his speech from the troubles abroad to those at home. Even before the Russian invasion sent energy costs skyrocketing, prices for American families had been rising, and the COVID-19 pandemic continues to hurt families and the country’s economy.

Biden outlined plans to address inflation by reinvesting in American manufacturing capacity, speeding supply chains and reducing the burden of childcare and eldercare on workers.

“Too many families are struggling to keep up with the bills,” Biden said. “Inflation is robbing them of the gains they might otherwise feel. I get it. That’s why my top priority is getting prices under control.”

In one sign of national progress on the pandemic, Biden entered the House chamber without a mask, as coronavirus cases decline and new federal guidance tries to nudge the public back to pre-pandemic activities. But there was evidence of ongoing tension as well: The Capitol was newly fenced due to security concerns after last year’s insurrection.

Set against disquiet at home and danger abroad, the White House had conceived Tuesday night’s speech as an opportunity to highlight the improving coronavirus outlook, rebrand Biden’s domestic policy priorities and show a path to lower costs for families grappling with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-prices-inflation-c1bfd93ed1719cf0135420f4fd0270f9">soaring inflation</a>. But events took a turn toward world affairs with last week’s Russian invasion of Ukraine and nuclear saber-rattling by Putin.

As is customary, one Cabinet secretary, in this case Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, was kept in a secure location during the address, ready to take over the government in the event of a catastrophe.

The State of the Union is typically an address targeted to a national audience, but this year’s had the world watching. In an interview with CNN and Reuters, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Biden to deliver a strong and “useful” message about Russia’s invasion. In a show of unity, Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova joined first lady Jill Biden in the House gallery for the speech.

In a rare discordant moment, Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado yelled out that Biden was to blame for the 13 service members who were killed during last August’s chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

“You put them in. Thirteen of them,” Boebert yelled as Biden mentioned his late son Beau, a veteran who died from brain cancer and served near toxic military burn pits, used extensively in Iraq and Afghanistan. Biden is pursuing legislation to help veterans suffering exposure and other injuries.

While the crisis in Eastern Europe may have helped to cool partisan tensions in Washington, it didn’t erase the political and cultural discord that is casting doubt on Biden’s ability to deliver.

A February AP-NORC poll found that more people disapproved than approved of how Biden is handling his job, 55% to 44%. That’s down from a 60% favorable rating last July.

Biden, used his remarks to highlight the progress from a year ago — with the majority of the U.S. population now vaccinated and millions more people at work — but also acknowledged that the job is not yet done, a recognition of American discontent.

“I have come to report on the state of the union,” Biden said. “And my report is this: The state of the union is strong — because you, the American people, are strong. We are stronger today than we were a year ago. And we will be stronger a year from now than we are today.”

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, selected to give the Republican response, said Biden’s address came as a blast from the past with rising inflation, rising crime and a resurgent Russia making it feel more like the 1980s than today.

“Even before taking the oath of office, the president said that he wanted to — quote — make America respected around the world again, and to unite us here. He’s failed on both fronts,” she said.

Biden used his speech to nudge the country back “to more normal routines” after the coronavirus reshaped American life.

“It’s time for Americans to get back to work and fill our great downtowns again,” he declared. He said people will be able to order another round of free tests from the government and that his administration was launching a “test to treat” initiative to provide free antiviral pills at pharmacies to those who test positive for the virus.

Where his speech to Congress last year saw the rollout of a massive social spending package, Biden this year largely repackaged past proposals in search of achievable measures he hopes can win bipartisan support in a bitterly divided Congress before the elections.

The president also highlighted investments in everything from internet broadband access to bridge construction from November’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-congress-infrastructure-bill-signing-b5b8cca843133de060778f049861b144">$1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law</a>&nbsp;as an example of government reaching consensus and delivering change for the nation.

As part of his pitch to voters, he also put a new emphasis on how proposals like extending the child tax credit and bringing down child care costs could bring relief to families as prices rise. He was said his climate change proposals would cut costs for lower- and middle-income families and create new jobs.

Biden called for lowering health care costs, pitching his plan to authorize Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices, as well as an extension of more generous health insurance subsidies now temporarily available through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces where 14.5 million people get coverage.

Biden also appealed for action on voting rights, which has failed to win GOP support. And as gun violence rises, he returned to calls to ban assault weapons, a blunt request he hadn’t made in months. He called to “fund the police with the resources and training they need to protect our communities.”

He led Congress in a bipartisan tribute to retiring Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and highlighted the biography of federal judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/Ketanji-Brown-Jackson-biden-supreme-court-nominee-32f77fe08d7cf64af95591668a0aaa41">Ketanji Brown Jackson,</a>&nbsp;his nominee be the first Black woman on the high court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646187951280.png" alt="President&nbsp;Biden outlined plans to address inflation by reinvesting in American manufacturing capacity, speeding supply chains and reducing the burden of childcare and eldercare on workers.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President&nbsp;Biden outlined plans to address inflation by reinvesting in American manufacturing capacity, speeding supply chains and reducing the burden of childcare and eldercare on workers.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Addressing a concerned nation and anxious world, President Joe Biden vowed in his first State of the Union address Tuesday night to check&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-abc3e297725e57e6052529d844b5ee2f">Russian aggression in Ukraine,&nbsp;</a>tame soaring U.S. inflation and deal with the fading but still dangerous coronavirus.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mVIXLQrC9rE?start=1384" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Biden declared that he and all members of Congress, whatever their political differences, are joined “with an unwavering resolve that freedom will always triumph over tyranny.” He asked lawmakers crowding the House chamber to stand and salute the Ukrainians as he began his speech. They stood and cheered.It was a notable show of unity after a long year of bitter acrimony between Biden’s Democratic coalition and the Republican opposition.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-voting-rights-immigration-state-of-the-union-address-5894f85ff2872a4c28b4f2bbde2741c7">Biden’s 62-minute speech,&nbsp;</a>which was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-state-of-the-union-address-joe-biden-coronavirus-pandemic-feaf4678d114e37ce708aa41fae8be82">split between attention to war abroad and worries at home</a>&nbsp;— reflected the same balancing act he now faces in his presidency. He must marshal allied resolve against Russia’s aggression while tending to inflation, COVID-19 fatigue and sagging approval ratings heading into the midterm elections.Aiming to build on momentum from the speech, Biden will head to Wisconsin on Wednesday in an effort to show Americans that his domestic agenda is working. His vice president and Cabinet members will fan out around the country to amplify the message.Biden heads again to an old bridge set to be repaired — increasingly a symbol for his administration, tangible evidence of the nation that he’s working to update. This time, it’s a wrought-iron bridge that connects Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, across the St. Louis Bay.The bridge will be replaced using funds from the massive infrastructure plan signed into law last year, a signature piece of bipartisan legislation and proof — Biden says — that the GOP and Democrats can still work together.In Tuesday’s speech, Biden highlighted the bravery of Ukrainian defenders and a newly reinvigorated Western alliance that has worked to rearm the Ukrainian military and cripple Russia’s economy through sanctions. He acknowledged costs to the American economy, as well, but warned ominously that without consequences, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression wouldn’t be contained to Ukraine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646219843722.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Throughout our history we’ve learned this lesson – when dictators do not pay a price for their aggression, they cause more chaos,” Biden said. “They keep moving. And, the costs and threats to America and the world keep rising.”As Biden spoke, Russian forces were escalating their attacks in Ukraine, having bombarded the central square of country’s second-biggest city and Kyiv’s main TV tower, killing at least five people. The Babi Yar Holocaust memorial was also damaged.Biden announced that the U.S. is following Canada and the European Union in banning Russian planes from its airspace in retaliation for the invasion of Ukraine. He also said the Justice Department was launching a task force to go after Russian oligarchs, whom he called “corrupt leaders who have bilked billions of dollars off this violent regime.”“We are coming for your ill-begotten gains,” he said, pledging that the U.S. and European allies were after their yachts, luxury apartments and private jets.Biden pivoted in his speech from the troubles abroad to those at home. Even before the Russian invasion sent energy costs skyrocketing, prices for American families had been rising, and the COVID-19 pandemic continues to hurt families and the country’s economy.Biden outlined plans to address inflation by reinvesting in American manufacturing capacity, speeding supply chains and reducing the burden of childcare and eldercare on workers.“Too many families are struggling to keep up with the bills,” Biden said. “Inflation is robbing them of the gains they might otherwise feel. I get it. That’s why my top priority is getting prices under control.”In one sign of national progress on the pandemic, Biden entered the House chamber without a mask, as coronavirus cases decline and new federal guidance tries to nudge the public back to pre-pandemic activities. But there was evidence of ongoing tension as well: The Capitol was newly fenced due to security concerns after last year’s insurrection.Set against disquiet at home and danger abroad, the White House had conceived Tuesday night’s speech as an opportunity to highlight the improving coronavirus outlook, rebrand Biden’s domestic policy priorities and show a path to lower costs for families grappling with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-prices-inflation-c1bfd93ed1719cf0135420f4fd0270f9">soaring inflation</a>. But events took a turn toward world affairs with last week’s Russian invasion of Ukraine and nuclear saber-rattling by Putin.As is customary, one Cabinet secretary, in this case Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, was kept in a secure location during the address, ready to take over the government in the event of a catastrophe.The State of the Union is typically an address targeted to a national audience, but this year’s had the world watching. In an interview with CNN and Reuters, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Biden to deliver a strong and “useful” message about Russia’s invasion. In a show of unity, Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova joined first lady Jill Biden in the House gallery for the speech.In a rare discordant moment, Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado yelled out that Biden was to blame for the 13 service members who were killed during last August’s chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.“You put them in. Thirteen of them,” Boebert yelled as Biden mentioned his late son Beau, a veteran who died from brain cancer and served near toxic military burn pits, used extensively in Iraq and Afghanistan. Biden is pursuing legislation to help veterans suffering exposure and other injuries.While the crisis in Eastern Europe may have helped to cool partisan tensions in Washington, it didn’t erase the political and cultural discord that is casting doubt on Biden’s ability to deliver.A February AP-NORC poll found that more people disapproved than approved of how Biden is handling his job, 55% to 44%. That’s down from a 60% favorable rating last July.Biden, used his remarks to highlight the progress from a year ago — with the majority of the U.S. population now vaccinated and millions more people at work — but also acknowledged that the job is not yet done, a recognition of American discontent.“I have come to report on the state of the union,” Biden said. “And my report is this: The state of the union is strong — because you, the American people, are strong. We are stronger today than we were a year ago. And we will be stronger a year from now than we are today.”Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, selected to give the Republican response, said Biden’s address came as a blast from the past with rising inflation, rising crime and a resurgent Russia making it feel more like the 1980s than today.“Even before taking the oath of office, the president said that he wanted to — quote — make America respected around the world again, and to unite us here. He’s failed on both fronts,” she said.Biden used his speech to nudge the country back “to more normal routines” after the coronavirus reshaped American life.“It’s time for Americans to get back to work and fill our great downtowns again,” he declared. He said people will be able to order another round of free tests from the government and that his administration was launching a “test to treat” initiative to provide free antiviral pills at pharmacies to those who test positive for the virus.Where his speech to Congress last year saw the rollout of a massive social spending package, Biden this year largely repackaged past proposals in search of achievable measures he hopes can win bipartisan support in a bitterly divided Congress before the elections.The president also highlighted investments in everything from internet broadband access to bridge construction from November’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-congress-infrastructure-bill-signing-b5b8cca843133de060778f049861b144">$1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law</a>&nbsp;as an example of government reaching consensus and delivering change for the nation.As part of his pitch to voters, he also put a new emphasis on how proposals like extending the child tax credit and bringing down child care costs could bring relief to families as prices rise. He was said his climate change proposals would cut costs for lower- and middle-income families and create new jobs.Biden called for lowering health care costs, pitching his plan to authorize Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices, as well as an extension of more generous health insurance subsidies now temporarily available through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces where 14.5 million people get coverage.Biden also appealed for action on voting rights, which has failed to win GOP support. And as gun violence rises, he returned to calls to ban assault weapons, a blunt request he hadn’t made in months. He called to “fund the police with the resources and training they need to protect our communities.”He led Congress in a bipartisan tribute to retiring Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and highlighted the biography of federal judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/Ketanji-Brown-Jackson-biden-supreme-court-nominee-32f77fe08d7cf64af95591668a0aaa41">Ketanji Brown Jackson,</a>&nbsp;his nominee be the first Black woman on the high court.___