WASHINGTON — Law enforcement was on high alert Thursday around the U.S. Capitol after intelligence uncovered a “possible plot” by a militia group to storm the iconic building yet again, two months after a mob of Donald Trump supporters smashed through windows and doors to try to stop Congress from certifying now-President Joe Biden's victory.

The threat appears to be connected to a far-right conspiracy theory, mainly promoted by supporters of QAnon, that former President Trump will rise again to power on March 4 and that thousands will come to Washington, D.C., to try to remove Democrats from office. March 4 was the original presidential inauguration day until 1933, when it was moved to Jan. 20.

Online chatter identified by authorities included discussions among members of the Three Percenters, an anti-government militia group, concerning possible plots against the Capitol on Thursday, according to two law enforcement officials who were not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Members of the Three Percenters were among the extremists who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6.

In a media release, the United States Capitol Police Department said they are&nbsp; aware of and prepared for any potential threats towards members of Congress or towards the Capitol complex. We have obtained intelligence that shows a possible plot to breach the Capitol by an identified militia group on Thursday, March 4. We have already made significant security upgrades to include establishing a physical structure and increasing manpower to ensure the protection of Congress, the public and our police officers.

"Our Department is working with our local, state, and federal partners to stop any threats to the Capitol. We are taking the intelligence seriously. Due to the sensitive nature of this information, we cannot provide additional details at this time."

The threat came as the Capitol police and other law enforcement agencies were taking heat from Congress in contentious hearings this week on their poor handling of the Jan. 6 riot. Police were ill-prepared for the mass of Trump supporters in tactical gear, some armed, and it took hours for National Guard reinforcements to come.

By then, rioters had broken and smashed their way into the building and roamed the halls for hours, stalling Congress' certification effort temporarily and sending lawmakers into hiding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614337301435.png" alt="Fence around the U.S. Capitol-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Fence around the U.S. Capitol-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — Law enforcement was on high alert Thursday around the U.S. Capitol after intelligence uncovered a “possible plot” by a militia group to storm the iconic building yet again, two months after a mob of Donald Trump supporters smashed through windows and doors to try to stop Congress from certifying now-President Joe Biden's victory.The threat appears to be connected to a far-right conspiracy theory, mainly promoted by supporters of QAnon, that former President Trump will rise again to power on March 4 and that thousands will come to Washington, D.C., to try to remove Democrats from office. March 4 was the original presidential inauguration day until 1933, when it was moved to Jan. 20.Online chatter identified by authorities included discussions among members of the Three Percenters, an anti-government militia group, concerning possible plots against the Capitol on Thursday, according to two law enforcement officials who were not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Members of the Three Percenters were among the extremists who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6.In a media release, the United States Capitol Police Department said they are&nbsp; aware of and prepared for any potential threats towards members of Congress or towards the Capitol complex. We have obtained intelligence that shows a possible plot to breach the Capitol by an identified militia group on Thursday, March 4. We have already made significant security upgrades to include establishing a physical structure and increasing manpower to ensure the protection of Congress, the public and our police officers."Our Department is working with our local, state, and federal partners to stop any threats to the Capitol. We are taking the intelligence seriously. Due to the sensitive nature of this information, we cannot provide additional details at this time."The threat came as the Capitol police and other law enforcement agencies were taking heat from Congress in contentious hearings this week on their poor handling of the Jan. 6 riot. Police were ill-prepared for the mass of Trump supporters in tactical gear, some armed, and it took hours for National Guard reinforcements to come.By then, rioters had broken and smashed their way into the building and roamed the halls for hours, stalling Congress' certification effort temporarily and sending lawmakers into hiding.

Police uncover 'possible plot by militia' to storm the capitol

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats passed sweeping voting and ethics legislation over unanimous Republican opposition, advancing to the Senate what would be the largest overhaul of the U.S. election law in at least a generation.

House Resolution 1, which touches on virtually every aspect of the electoral process, was approved Wednesday night on a near party-line 220-210 vote. It would restrict&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/54daa625511445969fee66696f7979c2">partisan gerrymandering</a>&nbsp;of congressional districts, strike down hurdles to voting and bring transparency to a murky campaign finance system that allows wealthy donors to anonymously bankroll political causes.

The bill is a powerful counterweight to voting rights restrictions advancing in Republican-controlled statehouses across the country in the wake of Donald Trump’s repeated false claims of a stolen 2020 election. Yet it faces an uncertain fate in the Democratic-controlled Senate, where it has little chance of passing without changes to procedural rules that currently allow Republicans to block it.

The stakes in the outcome are monumental, cutting to the foundational idea that one person equals one vote, and carrying with it the potential to shape election outcomes for years to come. It also offers a test of how hard President Joe Biden and his party are willing to fight for their priorities, as well as those of their voters.

This bill “will put a stop at the voter suppression that we’re seeing debated right now,” said Rep. Nikema Williams, a new congresswoman who represents the Georgia district that deceased voting rights champion John Lewis held for years. “This bill is the ‘Good Trouble’ he fought for his entire life.”

To Republicans, however, it would give license to unwanted federal interference in states’ authority to conduct their own elections — ultimately benefiting Democrats through higher turnout, most notably among minorities.

“Democrats want to use their razor-thin majority not to pass bills to earn voters’ trust, but to ensure they don’t lose more seats in the next election,” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said from the House floor Tuesday.

The measure has been a priority for Democrats since they won their House majority in 2018. But it has taken on added urgency in the wake of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-ap-fact-check-joe-biden-donald-trump-technology-49a24edd6d10888dbad61689c24b05a5">Trump’s false claims</a>, which incited the deadly storming of the U.S. Capitol in January.

Courts and even Trump’s last attorney general, William Barr, found his claims about the election to be without merit. But, spurred on by those lies, state lawmakers across the U.S. have filed more than 200 bills in 43 states that would limit ballot access, according to a tally kept by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University.

In Iowa, the legislature voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-iowa-city-iowa-state-elections-coronavirus-pandemic-70884a8ce4834a87fcede7b81979d016">cut absentee and in-person early voting,</a>&nbsp;while preventing local elections officials from setting up additional locations to make early voting easier. In Georgia, the House on Monday voted for legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-elections-bills-legislation-elections-georgia-842d9ad16a78901322f4b952f6c0d8dd">requiring identification to vote by mail</a>&nbsp;that would also allow counties to cancel early in-person voting on Sundays, when many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-us-news-race-and-ethnicity-stacey-abrams-georgia-93f7d957172f59968571e7d45874a814">Black voters</a>&nbsp;cast ballots after church.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court appeared ready to uphold voting restrictions in Arizona, which could make it harder to challenge state election laws in the future.

When asked why proponents sought to uphold the Arizona laws, which limit who can turn in absentee ballots and enable ballots to be thrown out if they are cast in the wrong precinct, a lawyer for the state’s Republican Party was stunningly clear.

“Because it puts us at a competitive disadvantage relative to Democrats,” said attorney Michael Carvin. “Politics is a zero-sum game.”

Battle lines are quickly being drawn by outside groups who plan to spend millions of dollars on advertising and outreach campaigns.

Republicans “are not even being coy about it. They are saying the ‘quiet parts’ out loud,” said Tiffany Muller, the president of End Citizens United, a left-leaning group that aims to curtail the influence of corporate money in politics. Her organization has launched a $10 million effort supporting the bill. “For them, this isn’t about protecting our democracy or protecting our elections. This is about pure partisan political gain.”

Conservatives, meanwhile, are mobilizing a $5 million pressure campaign, urging moderate Senate Democrats to oppose rule changes needed to pass the measure.

“H.R. 1 is not about making elections better,” said Ken Cuccinelli, a former Trump administration Homeland Security official who is leading the effort. “It’s about the opposite. It’s intended to dirty up elections.”

H.R. 1 would require states to automatically register eligible voters, as well as offer same-day registration. It would limit states’ ability to purge registered voters from their rolls and restore former felons’ voting rights. Among dozens of other provisions, it would also require states to offer 15 days of early voting and allow no-excuse absentee balloting.

On the cusp of a once-in-a-decade redrawing of congressional district boundaries, typically a fiercely partisan affair, the bill would mandate that nonpartisan commissions handle the process instead of state legislatures.

Many Republican opponents in Congress have focused on narrower aspects, like the creation of a public financing system for congressional campaigns that would be funded through fines and settlement proceeds raised from corporate bad actors.

They’ve also attacked an effort to revamp the federal government’s toothless elections cop. That agency, the Federal Election Commission, has been gripped by partisan deadlock for years, allowing campaign finance law violators to go mostly unchecked.

Another section that’s been a focus of Republican ire would force the disclosure of donors to “dark money” political groups, which are a magnet for wealthy interests looking to influence the political process while remaining anonymous.

Still, the biggest obstacles lie ahead in the Senate, which is split 50-50 between Republicans and Democrats.

On some legislation, it takes only 51 votes to pass, with Vice President Kamala Harris as the tiebreaker. On a deeply divisive bill like this one, they would need 60 votes under the Senate’s rules to overcome a Republican filibuster — a tally they are unlikely to reach.

Some Democrats have discussed options like lowering the threshold to break a filibuster, or creating a workaround that would allow priority legislation, including a separate John Lewis Voting Rights bill, to be exempt. Biden has been cool to filibuster reforms and Democratic congressional aides say the conversations are fluid but underway.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has not committed to a time frame but vowed “to figure out the best way to get big, bold action on a whole lot of fronts.”

He said: “We’re not going to be the legislative graveyard. ... People are going to be forced to vote on them, yes or no, on a whole lot of very important and serious issues.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614864960981.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi discussed the 'For the People' act on the House Floor Wednesday ahead of the vote." />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi discussed the 'For the People' act on the House Floor Wednesday ahead of the vote.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats passed sweeping voting and ethics legislation over unanimous Republican opposition, advancing to the Senate what would be the largest overhaul of the U.S. election law in at least a generation.House Resolution 1, which touches on virtually every aspect of the electoral process, was approved Wednesday night on a near party-line 220-210 vote. It would restrict&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/54daa625511445969fee66696f7979c2">partisan gerrymandering</a>&nbsp;of congressional districts, strike down hurdles to voting and bring transparency to a murky campaign finance system that allows wealthy donors to anonymously bankroll political causes.The bill is a powerful counterweight to voting rights restrictions advancing in Republican-controlled statehouses across the country in the wake of Donald Trump’s repeated false claims of a stolen 2020 election. Yet it faces an uncertain fate in the Democratic-controlled Senate, where it has little chance of passing without changes to procedural rules that currently allow Republicans to block it.The stakes in the outcome are monumental, cutting to the foundational idea that one person equals one vote, and carrying with it the potential to shape election outcomes for years to come. It also offers a test of how hard President Joe Biden and his party are willing to fight for their priorities, as well as those of their voters.This bill “will put a stop at the voter suppression that we’re seeing debated right now,” said Rep. Nikema Williams, a new congresswoman who represents the Georgia district that deceased voting rights champion John Lewis held for years. “This bill is the ‘Good Trouble’ he fought for his entire life.”To Republicans, however, it would give license to unwanted federal interference in states’ authority to conduct their own elections — ultimately benefiting Democrats through higher turnout, most notably among minorities.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">H.R.1 is House Democracts&#39; top priority. It will federalize elections, put taxpayer dollars toward campaigns and make the FEC a partisan entity. States should be empowered to make elections fair, safe and secure. DC politicians do not need more power. <a href="https://t.co/5tojnd4u4p">pic.twitter.com/5tojnd4u4p</a>&mdash; Tracey Mann (@RepMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMann/status/1366765237584674816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Democrats want to use their razor-thin majority not to pass bills to earn voters’ trust, but to ensure they don’t lose more seats in the next election,” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said from the House floor Tuesday.The measure has been a priority for Democrats since they won their House majority in 2018. But it has taken on added urgency in the wake of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-ap-fact-check-joe-biden-donald-trump-technology-49a24edd6d10888dbad61689c24b05a5">Trump’s false claims</a>, which incited the deadly storming of the U.S. Capitol in January.Courts and even Trump’s last attorney general, William Barr, found his claims about the election to be without merit. But, spurred on by those lies, state lawmakers across the U.S. have filed more than 200 bills in 43 states that would limit ballot access, according to a tally kept by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University.In Iowa, the legislature voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-iowa-city-iowa-state-elections-coronavirus-pandemic-70884a8ce4834a87fcede7b81979d016">cut absentee and in-person early voting,</a>&nbsp;while preventing local elections officials from setting up additional locations to make early voting easier. In Georgia, the House on Monday voted for legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-elections-bills-legislation-elections-georgia-842d9ad16a78901322f4b952f6c0d8dd">requiring identification to vote by mail</a>&nbsp;that would also allow counties to cancel early in-person voting on Sundays, when many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-us-news-race-and-ethnicity-stacey-abrams-georgia-93f7d957172f59968571e7d45874a814">Black voters</a>&nbsp;cast ballots after church.On Tuesday, the Supreme Court appeared ready to uphold voting restrictions in Arizona, which could make it harder to challenge state election laws in the future.When asked why proponents sought to uphold the Arizona laws, which limit who can turn in absentee ballots and enable ballots to be thrown out if they are cast in the wrong precinct, a lawyer for the state’s Republican Party was stunningly clear.“Because it puts us at a competitive disadvantage relative to Democrats,” said attorney Michael Carvin. “Politics is a zero-sum game.”Battle lines are quickly being drawn by outside groups who plan to spend millions of dollars on advertising and outreach campaigns.Republicans “are not even being coy about it. They are saying the ‘quiet parts’ out loud,” said Tiffany Muller, the president of End Citizens United, a left-leaning group that aims to curtail the influence of corporate money in politics. Her organization has launched a $10 million effort supporting the bill. “For them, this isn’t about protecting our democracy or protecting our elections. This is about pure partisan political gain.”Conservatives, meanwhile, are mobilizing a $5 million pressure campaign, urging moderate Senate Democrats to oppose rule changes needed to pass the measure.“H.R. 1 is not about making elections better,” said Ken Cuccinelli, a former Trump administration Homeland Security official who is leading the effort. “It’s about the opposite. It’s intended to dirty up elections.”So what’s actually in the bill?H.R. 1 would require states to automatically register eligible voters, as well as offer same-day registration. It would limit states’ ability to purge registered voters from their rolls and restore former felons’ voting rights. Among dozens of other provisions, it would also require states to offer 15 days of early voting and allow no-excuse absentee balloting.On the cusp of a once-in-a-decade redrawing of congressional district boundaries, typically a fiercely partisan affair, the bill would mandate that nonpartisan commissions handle the process instead of state legislatures.Many Republican opponents in Congress have focused on narrower aspects, like the creation of a public financing system for congressional campaigns that would be funded through fines and settlement proceeds raised from corporate bad actors.They’ve also attacked an effort to revamp the federal government’s toothless elections cop. That agency, the Federal Election Commission, has been gripped by partisan deadlock for years, allowing campaign finance law violators to go mostly unchecked.Another section that’s been a focus of Republican ire would force the disclosure of donors to “dark money” political groups, which are a magnet for wealthy interests looking to influence the political process while remaining anonymous.Still, the biggest obstacles lie ahead in the Senate, which is split 50-50 between Republicans and Democrats.On some legislation, it takes only 51 votes to pass, with Vice President Kamala Harris as the tiebreaker. On a deeply divisive bill like this one, they would need 60 votes under the Senate’s rules to overcome a Republican filibuster — a tally they are unlikely to reach.Some Democrats have discussed options like lowering the threshold to break a filibuster, or creating a workaround that would allow priority legislation, including a separate John Lewis Voting Rights bill, to be exempt. Biden has been cool to filibuster reforms and Democratic congressional aides say the conversations are fluid but underway.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has not committed to a time frame but vowed “to figure out the best way to get big, bold action on a whole lot of fronts.”He said: “We’re not going to be the legislative graveyard. ... People are going to be forced to vote on them, yes or no, on a whole lot of very important and serious issues.”

House passes sweeping voting rights bill over GOP opposition

Kansas City (AP) — A federal grand jury indicted a southwest Missouri man on charges that he threatened to kill two Democratic congressmen from Missouri and Tennessee.

Prosecutors said Kenneth Hubert, 63, of Marionville, Missouri, threatened to assault and kill Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II of Missouri and Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hubert was indicted on Feb. 23. The three-count indictment was made public Wednesday after he was arrested and made his first court appearance, according to the U.S. attorney’s office in western Missouri.

Hubert allegedly threatened to assault and kill Cleaver on Jan. 7. He allegedly threatened Cohen on May 6, 2019. The indictment said both men were threatened to impede them from performing their officials duties, or in retaliation for the performance of their duties.

Cohen was threatened in a phone call to his Washington, D.C., office, according to the indictment, which does not say how the threat to Cleaver was transmitted.

Cleaver said that he doesn’t know Hubert and he was unaware of the threat until Cohen told him about it last week.

“I didn’t even know that this guy had made a threat. It was completely news to me when Steve Cohen told me,” Cleaver said.

Cleaver was threatened the day after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Capitol riot&nbsp;</a>in Washington, D.C., but Hubert was not involved in that event, said Don Ledford, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office.

Cleaver represents Missouri’s 5th District, which includes Kansas City. He is also the former mayor of Kansas City. Cohen represents Tennessee’s 9th District, which includes most of Memphis.

Hubert remains in custody pending a detention hearing on Monday. The federal public defender’s office was appointed to represent Hubert. A representative from the office did not return a phone call seeking comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614858198513.png" alt="Hubert is being held for U.S. Marshals in Greene County" />
 <figcaption>Hubert is being held for U.S. Marshals in Greene County</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City (AP) — A federal grand jury indicted a southwest Missouri man on charges that he threatened to kill two Democratic congressmen from Missouri and Tennessee.Prosecutors said Kenneth Hubert, 63, of Marionville, Missouri, threatened to assault and kill Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II of Missouri and Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hubert was indicted on Feb. 23. The three-count indictment was made public Wednesday after he was arrested and made his first court appearance, according to the U.S. attorney’s office in western Missouri.Hubert allegedly threatened to assault and kill Cleaver on Jan. 7. He allegedly threatened Cohen on May 6, 2019. The indictment said both men were threatened to impede them from performing their officials duties, or in retaliation for the performance of their duties.Cohen was threatened in a phone call to his Washington, D.C., office, according to the indictment, which does not say how the threat to Cleaver was transmitted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1564430219299.png" alt="U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver was criticized after he ended his opening prayer on the first day of the new Congress by saying, “Amen and A-woman.”" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver was criticized after he ended his opening prayer on the first day of the new Congress by saying, “Amen and A-woman.”</figcaption>
 </figure>Cleaver said that he doesn’t know Hubert and he was unaware of the threat until Cohen told him about it last week.“I didn’t even know that this guy had made a threat. It was completely news to me when Steve Cohen told me,” Cleaver said.Cleaver was threatened the day after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Capitol riot&nbsp;</a>in Washington, D.C., but Hubert was not involved in that event, said Don Ledford, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office.Cleaver represents Missouri’s 5th District, which includes Kansas City. He is also the former mayor of Kansas City. Cohen represents Tennessee’s 9th District, which includes most of Memphis.Hubert remains in custody pending a detention hearing on Monday. The federal public defender’s office was appointed to represent Hubert. A representative from the office did not return a phone call seeking comment.

Prosecutors: Man threatened to kill Kansas City-area congressman

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House warned that the U.S. may consider a military response to the rocket attack on Wednesday that hit an air base in western Iraq where American and coalition troops are housed, raising concerns this could trigger a new round of escalating violence.

A U.S. contractor died after at least 10 rockets slammed into the base. And while no group claimed responsibility, it was the first strike since the U.S. bombed Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week.

Heightened tensions with Iranian-backed militia groups in Iraq could lead to more attacks, complicating the Biden administration’s desire to open talks with Iran over the 2015 nuclear deal, as well as the ongoing U.S. strategy to focus more attention on Asia.

Asked about the attack, President Joe Biden told reporters, “we are following that through right now.” He added, “Thank God, no one was killed by the rocket, but one individual, a contractor, died of a heart attack. But we’re identifying who’s responsible and we’ll make judgments” about a response.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki suggested that the “calculated” U.S. airstrikes last week could be a model for a military response. Those strikes were in response to an attack on American forces in northern Iraq earlier in February.

“If we assess further response is warranted, we will take action again in a manner and time of our choosing,” Psaki said.

Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. contractor “suffered a cardiac episode while sheltering” from the attack and died shortly afterward. He said there were no service members injured and all are accounted for. British and Danish troops also are among those stationed at the base.

The U.S. airstrikes last week, which killed one member of the Iran-aligned militia, had stoked fears of another cycle of tit-for-tat attacks as happened more than a year ago. Those attacks included the U.S. drone strike in January 2020 that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani in Baghdad and set off months of increased troops levels in the region.

The latest attack also comes two days before Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Iraq despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travel-islamic-state-group-coronavirus-pandemic-pope-francis-iraq-c12a15c5cce65c6edd4856567fcc7e7f">concerns about security and the coronavirus pandemic</a>. The much-anticipated trip will include stops in Baghdad, southern Iraq and the northern city of Irbil.

The rockets struck Ain al-Asad airbase in Anbar province early in the morning, U.S.-led coalition spokesperson Col. Wayne Marotto said. Kirby said the rockets were fired from east of the base, and that counter-rocket defensive systems were used to defend forces at the base. He added that while 10 rockets hit the base, he didn’t have information on what, if any, impact the defensive systems had in stopping any strikes. He said damage assessments were ongoing.

Asked if the attack may have come from Iranian-backed Shia militia groups, Kirby said the U.S. can’t attribute responsibility for the attack yet. He acknowledged, however, during a Pentagon briefing, that “we have seen rocket attacks come from Shia-backed militia groups in the past. So in that way, certainly it certainly coincides with our past experience here.”

It’s the same base that Iran struck with a barrage of missiles in January of last year in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani. Dozens of U.S. service members suffered concussions in that strike.

The Iraqi military released a statement saying that Wednesday’s attack did not cause significant losses and that security forces had found the launch pad used for the rockets — a truck. Video of the site shows a burning truck in a desert area.

British Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Hickey condemned the attack, saying it undermined the ongoing fight against the Islamic State group. “Coalition forces are in Iraq to fight Daesh at the invitation of the Iraqi government,” he tweeted, using the Arabic acronym for IS. “These terrorist attacks undermine the fight against Daesh and destabilize Iraq.”

Denmark said coalition forces at the base were helping to bring stability and security to the country.

“Despicable attacks against Ain al-Asad base in #Iraq are completely unacceptable,” Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod tweeted. The Danish armed forces said two Danes who were at the base at the time of the attack are unharmed.

Last week’s U.S. strike along the border was in response to a spate of rocket attacks that targeted the American presence, including one that killed a coalition contractor from the Philippines outside the Irbil airport.

After that attack, the Pentagon said the strike was a “proportionate military response.”

Marotto, the coalition spokesperson, said the Iraqi security forces were leading an investigation into the attack.

Frequent rocket attacks in Baghdad targeting the heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses the U.S. Embassy, during Donald Trump’s presidency frustrated the administration, leading to threats of embassy closure and escalatory strikes. Those attacks have increased again in recent weeks, since President Joe Biden took office, following a lull during the transition period.

U.S. troops in Iraq significantly decreased their presence in the country last year and withdrew from several Iraqi bases to consolidate chiefly in Ain al-Asad, Baghdad and Irbil.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614355996334.png" alt="Photo courtesy Coalition for Operation Inherent Resolve" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Coalition for Operation Inherent Resolve</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House warned that the U.S. may consider a military response to the rocket attack on Wednesday that hit an air base in western Iraq where American and coalition troops are housed, raising concerns this could trigger a new round of escalating violence.A U.S. contractor died after at least 10 rockets slammed into the base. And while no group claimed responsibility, it was the first strike since the U.S. bombed Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week.Heightened tensions with Iranian-backed militia groups in Iraq could lead to more attacks, complicating the Biden administration’s desire to open talks with Iran over the 2015 nuclear deal, as well as the ongoing U.S. strategy to focus more attention on Asia.Asked about the attack, President Joe Biden told reporters, “we are following that through right now.” He added, “Thank God, no one was killed by the rocket, but one individual, a contractor, died of a heart attack. But we’re identifying who’s responsible and we’ll make judgments” about a response.White House press secretary Jen Psaki suggested that the “calculated” U.S. airstrikes last week could be a model for a military response. Those strikes were in response to an attack on American forces in northern Iraq earlier in February.“If we assess further response is warranted, we will take action again in a manner and time of our choosing,” Psaki said.Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. contractor “suffered a cardiac episode while sheltering” from the attack and died shortly afterward. He said there were no service members injured and all are accounted for. British and Danish troops also are among those stationed at the base.The U.S. airstrikes last week, which killed one member of the Iran-aligned militia, had stoked fears of another cycle of tit-for-tat attacks as happened more than a year ago. Those attacks included the U.S. drone strike in January 2020 that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani in Baghdad and set off months of increased troops levels in the region.The latest attack also comes two days before Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Iraq despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travel-islamic-state-group-coronavirus-pandemic-pope-francis-iraq-c12a15c5cce65c6edd4856567fcc7e7f">concerns about security and the coronavirus pandemic</a>. The much-anticipated trip will include stops in Baghdad, southern Iraq and the northern city of Irbil.The rockets struck Ain al-Asad airbase in Anbar province early in the morning, U.S.-led coalition spokesperson Col. Wayne Marotto said. Kirby said the rockets were fired from east of the base, and that counter-rocket defensive systems were used to defend forces at the base. He added that while 10 rockets hit the base, he didn’t have information on what, if any, impact the defensive systems had in stopping any strikes. He said damage assessments were ongoing.Asked if the attack may have come from Iranian-backed Shia militia groups, Kirby said the U.S. can’t attribute responsibility for the attack yet. He acknowledged, however, during a Pentagon briefing, that “we have seen rocket attacks come from Shia-backed militia groups in the past. So in that way, certainly it certainly coincides with our past experience here.”It’s the same base that Iran struck with a barrage of missiles in January of last year in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani. Dozens of U.S. service members suffered concussions in that strike.The Iraqi military released a statement saying that Wednesday’s attack did not cause significant losses and that security forces had found the launch pad used for the rockets — a truck. Video of the site shows a burning truck in a desert area.British Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Hickey condemned the attack, saying it undermined the ongoing fight against the Islamic State group. “Coalition forces are in Iraq to fight Daesh at the invitation of the Iraqi government,” he tweeted, using the Arabic acronym for IS. “These terrorist attacks undermine the fight against Daesh and destabilize Iraq.”Denmark said coalition forces at the base were helping to bring stability and security to the country.“Despicable attacks against Ain al-Asad base in #Iraq are completely unacceptable,” Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod tweeted. The Danish armed forces said two Danes who were at the base at the time of the attack are unharmed.Last week’s U.S. strike along the border was in response to a spate of rocket attacks that targeted the American presence, including one that killed a coalition contractor from the Philippines outside the Irbil airport.After that attack, the Pentagon said the strike was a “proportionate military response.”Marotto, the coalition spokesperson, said the Iraqi security forces were leading an investigation into the attack.Frequent rocket attacks in Baghdad targeting the heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses the U.S. Embassy, during Donald Trump’s presidency frustrated the administration, leading to threats of embassy closure and escalatory strikes. Those attacks have increased again in recent weeks, since President Joe Biden took office, following a lull during the transition period.U.S. troops in Iraq significantly decreased their presence in the country last year and withdrew from several Iraqi bases to consolidate chiefly in Ain al-Asad, Baghdad and Irbil.___

US warns of military response to rocket attack on Iraq base

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating an armed robbery in Coffeyville communicated suspect vehicle and occupant information to deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.

Deputies were able to locate the suspect vehicle on U.S. Highway 169 North of Cherryvale and conducted a traffic stop.&nbsp; Deputies found two suspect in the vehicle.

Deputies took Sah’mondre Vanburen, age 23, of Parsons, Kansas and a juvenile into custody and transported them to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s office where they were booked on the requested charge of Aggravated Robbery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614802110164.png" alt="Vanburen -photo Montgomery County" />
 <figcaption>Vanburen -photo Montgomery County</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating an armed robbery in Coffeyville communicated suspect vehicle and occupant information to deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.Deputies were able to locate the suspect vehicle on U.S. Highway 169 North of Cherryvale and conducted a traffic stop.&nbsp; Deputies found two suspect in the vehicle.Deputies took Sah’mondre Vanburen, age 23, of Parsons, Kansas and a juvenile into custody and transported them to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s office where they were booked on the requested charge of Aggravated Robbery.

Deputies catch Kansas armed robbery suspect during traffic stop

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas House members advanced a bill Wednesday that would lower the legal age to carry concealed firearms in Kansas from 21 to 18 for those who complete a background check and undergo safety training.

Eighteen, 19-, and 20-year-old Kansans can already carry firearms in the open in Kansas. Proponents of lowering the age for concealed carry said that those under 21 can serve in the military and are eligible to vote. Opponents countered that those under 21 are less mature and more prone to risk-taking

If passed, the bill would significantly increase the number of university and college students in Kansas eligible to carry concealed firearms on campus. But the legislation won’t change current laws that allow high schools to prohibit guns on school grounds, according to the Kansas Association of School Boards and the Kansas National Education Association, which opposes the bill.

Rep. Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican, led the move on the House floor and said his interest stems in part from someone attempting to abduct his college-age daughter at a Wichita gas station last year. As a 20-year-old, she wasn’t eligible to carry a concealed gun.

“It’s that simple: Either they are adults at 18, or they are not, and we need to plan accordingly,” Owens told The Associated Press. “They can serve in our military, they can vote, they can do various other things as adults. They should have the right to protect themselves.”

The House rejected amendments from Democrats that included banning concealed weapons in the statehouse and allowing universities to decide whether to allow concealed carry on campuses.

Rep. Barbara Ballard, a Lawrence Democrat and administrator at the University of Kansas, said many of her constituents are concerned about the proposal.

“I would like for us not to have concealed carry on our campus so that faculty would feel comfortable not worrying about what might happen if they give someone a bad grade or you get in a disagreement with a student, or they don’t want to be hired by us because they see because we put on our website — and we have to — that we are a concealed carry campus,” Ballard said.

Rep. Susan Estes, a Wichita Republican, said she was harassed by a stalker when she was a college student, leading her to quit her job and her parents to move homes.

“There’s a sad truth that women are targets, especially as we’re going from our cars into our buildings,” Estes said.

Eleven states allow those who are 18 to carry a concealed firearm, according to the United States Concealed Carry Association, one of the largest firearm-owner groups in the country.

The House Federal and State Affairs Committee held a hearing on the bill, but the chairman opted not to hold a vote. State Rep. Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican, then offered it as an amendment to another bill on the floor.

The bill also would expand the state’s recognition of concealed carry permits for out-of-state visitors who carry their own state’s permits.

The bill needs a final vote before it goes to the Senate for consideration.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas House members advanced a bill Wednesday that would lower the legal age to carry concealed firearms in Kansas from 21 to 18 for those who complete a background check and undergo safety training.Eighteen, 19-, and 20-year-old Kansans can already carry firearms in the open in Kansas. Proponents of lowering the age for concealed carry said that those under 21 can serve in the military and are eligible to vote. Opponents countered that those under 21 are less mature and more prone to risk-takingIf passed, the bill would significantly increase the number of university and college students in Kansas eligible to carry concealed firearms on campus. But the legislation won’t change current laws that allow high schools to prohibit guns on school grounds, according to the Kansas Association of School Boards and the Kansas National Education Association, which opposes the bill.Rep. Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican, led the move on the House floor and said his interest stems in part from someone attempting to abduct his college-age daughter at a Wichita gas station last year. As a 20-year-old, she wasn’t eligible to carry a concealed gun.“It’s that simple: Either they are adults at 18, or they are not, and we need to plan accordingly,” Owens told The Associated Press. “They can serve in our military, they can vote, they can do various other things as adults. They should have the right to protect themselves.”The House rejected amendments from Democrats that included banning concealed weapons in the statehouse and allowing universities to decide whether to allow concealed carry on campuses.Rep. Barbara Ballard, a Lawrence Democrat and administrator at the University of Kansas, said many of her constituents are concerned about the proposal.“I would like for us not to have concealed carry on our campus so that faculty would feel comfortable not worrying about what might happen if they give someone a bad grade or you get in a disagreement with a student, or they don’t want to be hired by us because they see because we put on our website — and we have to — that we are a concealed carry campus,” Ballard said.Rep. Susan Estes, a Wichita Republican, said she was harassed by a stalker when she was a college student, leading her to quit her job and her parents to move homes.“There’s a sad truth that women are targets, especially as we’re going from our cars into our buildings,” Estes said.Eleven states allow those who are 18 to carry a concealed firearm, according to the United States Concealed Carry Association, one of the largest firearm-owner groups in the country.The House Federal and State Affairs Committee held a hearing on the bill, but the chairman opted not to hold a vote. State Rep. Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican, then offered it as an amendment to another bill on the floor.The bill also would expand the state’s recognition of concealed carry permits for out-of-state visitors who carry their own state’s permits.The bill needs a final vote before it goes to the Senate for consideration.___

Kansas bill to lower concealed carry age advances in House

KANSAS CITY– Eight defendants have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a $4.1 million conspiracy to distribute more than 520 kilograms of methamphetamine, according to the United States Attorney.

Tina Marie Bailey, 36, and Martin Lee Williams, 58, both of Kansas City, Mo.; Mark Williams Hildebrand II, 31, and Harry Richard Watson Jr., also known as “Ricky,” 35, of St. Joseph, Mo.; Derek Sean Freese, 53, Carl Dewey Williams, 47, and Angeliqua Teresa Collins, 35, all of Moberly, Mo.; and &nbsp;Joshua Lee Laws, 44, of Unionville, Mo., were charged in a five-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Feb. 23, 2021. The indictment has been unsealed and made public following the arrests and initial court appearances of several defendants this week.

Collins, Laws, and Watson were arrested today. Martin Williams was arrested on Monday, March 1. The remaining defendants were already detained in state custody in separate and unrelated cases.

The federal indictment alleges that all eight defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 1, 2017, to Feb. 22, 2021. The indictment also alleges that all eight defendants participated in a related money-laundering conspiracy.

In addition to the conspiracy counts, Bailey, Freese, Laws, Carl Williams, and Martin Williams are charged together with one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence and drug-trafficking crimes. Freese, Carl Williams, and Martin Williams are also charged together in one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Bailey and Laws are also charged together in one count of being a drug user in possession of firearms and ammunition.

The firearms cited in the indictment include a Smith &amp; Wesson 9mm semi-automatic handgun with a magazine containing 16 live rounds with one round in the chamber; a Tisas 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun, a Smith &amp; Wesson .380-caliber semi-automatic handgun, a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Ruger .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun, a High-Point 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Smith &amp; Wesson .40-caliber, semi-automatic handgun, a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Smith &amp; Wesson .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun, a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun, and various other firearms identified by witnesses, including those traded for methamphetamine.

The indictment also contains a forfeiture count, which would require the defendants to forfeit to the government $4,160,000, which allegedly was received in exchange for the unlawful distribution of more than 520 kilograms of methamphetamine, based on an average street price of $8,000 per kilogram. The defendants must also forfeit the firearms that were seized by law enforcement officers during the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614772053451.png" alt="Watson photo Buchanan County" />
 <figcaption>Watson photo Buchanan County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY– Eight defendants have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a $4.1 million conspiracy to distribute more than 520 kilograms of methamphetamine, according to the United States Attorney.Tina Marie Bailey, 36, and Martin Lee Williams, 58, both of Kansas City, Mo.; Mark Williams Hildebrand II, 31, and Harry Richard Watson Jr., also known as “Ricky,” 35, of St. Joseph, Mo.; Derek Sean Freese, 53, Carl Dewey Williams, 47, and Angeliqua Teresa Collins, 35, all of Moberly, Mo.; and &nbsp;Joshua Lee Laws, 44, of Unionville, Mo., were charged in a five-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Feb. 23, 2021. The indictment has been unsealed and made public following the arrests and initial court appearances of several defendants this week.Collins, Laws, and Watson were arrested today. Martin Williams was arrested on Monday, March 1. The remaining defendants were already detained in state custody in separate and unrelated cases.The federal indictment alleges that all eight defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 1, 2017, to Feb. 22, 2021. The indictment also alleges that all eight defendants participated in a related money-laundering conspiracy.In addition to the conspiracy counts, Bailey, Freese, Laws, Carl Williams, and Martin Williams are charged together with one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence and drug-trafficking crimes. Freese, Carl Williams, and Martin Williams are also charged together in one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Bailey and Laws are also charged together in one count of being a drug user in possession of firearms and ammunition.The firearms cited in the indictment include a Smith &amp; Wesson 9mm semi-automatic handgun with a magazine containing 16 live rounds with one round in the chamber; a Tisas 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun, a Smith &amp; Wesson .380-caliber semi-automatic handgun, a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Ruger .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun, a High-Point 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Smith &amp; Wesson .40-caliber, semi-automatic handgun, a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Smith &amp; Wesson .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun, a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun, and various other firearms identified by witnesses, including those traded for methamphetamine.The indictment also contains a forfeiture count, which would require the defendants to forfeit to the government $4,160,000, which allegedly was received in exchange for the unlawful distribution of more than 520 kilograms of methamphetamine, based on an average street price of $8,000 per kilogram. The defendants must also forfeit the firearms that were seized by law enforcement officers during the investigation.

8  Indicted for $4.1 million Kansas City meth conspiracy

RILEY COUNTY—A suspect in a series of alleged rapes that occurred in Ogden, Kansas from 2004-2012 has been extradited back to Kansas to face charges.

Michael James Tschantz, 46, Naples, Texas is being held on a $600,000 bond in the Riley County Jail on requested charges of 5 counts of rape of a victim under the age of 14, according to the Riley County booking report.

On November 11, 2020, officers filed a report for several past rape and aggravated criminal sodomy offenses in Ogden, listing a now 21-year-old woman as the victim and a now 46-year-old male known to her as the suspect, according to Riley County Police Department spokesperson Aaron Wintermote.

On February 19, police in Texas arrested Tschantz on a Riley County District Court warrant for five counts of rape of a child under 14 years of age.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614007991931.png" alt="Tschantz-photo Morris Co. Texas Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Tschantz-photo Morris Co. Texas Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—A suspect in a series of alleged rapes that occurred in Ogden, Kansas from 2004-2012 has been extradited back to Kansas to face charges.Michael James Tschantz, 46, Naples, Texas is being held on a $600,000 bond in the Riley County Jail on requested charges of 5 counts of rape of a victim under the age of 14, according to the Riley County booking report.On November 11, 2020, officers filed a report for several past rape and aggravated criminal sodomy offenses in Ogden, listing a now 21-year-old woman as the victim and a now 46-year-old male known to her as the suspect, according to Riley County Police Department spokesperson Aaron Wintermote.On February 19, police in Texas arrested Tschantz on a Riley County District Court warrant for five counts of rape of a child under 14 years of age.

Child rape suspect arrested in Texas moved to Kansas jail

GEARY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities conducting an investigation of a man found deceased in a cell at the Geary County Detention Center, according the the sheriff's department.

Just after 6a.m. Wednesday, Junction City Fire/EMS along with Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Detention Center for an unresponsive man in the jail. The subject, Identified as Allen Presley Harroald, 41, Wichita, was pronounced dead at the scene. Criminal activity is not suspected at this time.

Kansas Bureau of Investigations responded to the Detention Center at the request of the Geary County Sheriff’s Office, to investigate this incident per policy

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614810063622.png" alt="Harroald photo Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Harroald photo Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities conducting an investigation of a man found deceased in a cell at the Geary County Detention Center, according the the sheriff's department.Just after 6a.m. Wednesday, Junction City Fire/EMS along with Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Detention Center for an unresponsive man in the jail. The subject, Identified as Allen Presley Harroald, 41, Wichita, was pronounced dead at the scene. Criminal activity is not suspected at this time.Kansas Bureau of Investigations responded to the Detention Center at the request of the Geary County Sheriff’s Office, to investigate this incident per policy

KBI investigating death of inmate at county jail

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as 22-year-old Jacob Kalese of Wichita.

Just before 1a.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police responded to a home in the 2400 Block of North Sunny Lane in Wichita, according to&nbsp;Captain Jason Stephens.&nbsp; In the backyard of that location, police located Kalese with several gunshot wounds.&nbsp; EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators learned there was a small gathering of people at that location. An individual arrived at the home and fired multiple gunshots at the victim, according to Stephens.&nbsp; At this time, police believe the suspect is known to the victim or others who were at the gathering. Kalese did not live at the residence but was there with his girlfriend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614789091458.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation early Wednesday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation early Wednesday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as 22-year-old Jacob Kalese of Wichita.Just before 1a.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police responded to a home in the 2400 Block of North Sunny Lane in Wichita, according to&nbsp;Captain Jason Stephens.&nbsp; In the backyard of that location, police located Kalese with several gunshot wounds.&nbsp; EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.Investigators learned there was a small gathering of people at that location. An individual arrived at the home and fired multiple gunshots at the victim, according to Stephens.&nbsp; At this time, police believe the suspect is known to the victim or others who were at the gathering. Kalese did not live at the residence but was there with his girlfriend.

Police ID victim, seek suspect in fatal shooting at Kan. home

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly held a press conference Wednesday to give an update regarding COVID-19, the Kansas Department of Labor and utility issues in Kansas.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 807 to a total of 295,109, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4816 an increase of 73.

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly held a press conference Wednesday to give an update regarding COVID-19, the Kansas Department of Labor and utility issues in Kansas.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F918501902294047%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 807 to a total of 295,109, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4816 an increase of 73.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614794901750.png" alt="Wednesday March 3, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday March 3, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 Gov. gives updates on COVID-19, Kansas Dept. of Labor

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a violent, domestic attack arrested 41-year-old James E. Brown of Wichita early Wednesday, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Police arrested him on charges stemming from an aggravated battery – domestic violence and animal cruelty investigation and a second aggravated battery – domestic violence strangulation investigation, according to officer Charley Davidson. Brown also has an outstanding warrant.

Just after 2 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a home in the 1500 block of North New York in Wichita, according to Davidson.

 Upon arrival, they contacted a 41-year-old woman who had a severe laceration to her hand and back.&nbsp; She was taken to an area hospital for treatment of severe injuries and remains hospitalized.

The investigation revealed the victim and her boyfriend identified as Brown, were at the home and got into a verbal disturbance.&nbsp; Brown grabbed a five to six-foot sword during the disturbance, struck her multiple times, and stabbed her dog multiple times.&nbsp; Investigators also learned the victim had been strangled.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614859032817.png" alt="Brown photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Brown photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a violent, domestic attack arrested 41-year-old James E. Brown of Wichita early Wednesday, according to officer Charley Davidson.Police arrested him on charges stemming from an aggravated battery – domestic violence and animal cruelty investigation and a second aggravated battery – domestic violence strangulation investigation, according to officer Charley Davidson. Brown also has an outstanding warrant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614728617214.png" alt="Brown photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Brown photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 2 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a home in the 1500 block of North New York in Wichita, according to Davidson. Upon arrival, they contacted a 41-year-old woman who had a severe laceration to her hand and back.&nbsp; She was taken to an area hospital for treatment of severe injuries and remains hospitalized.The investigation revealed the victim and her boyfriend identified as Brown, were at the home and got into a verbal disturbance.&nbsp; Brown grabbed a five to six-foot sword during the disturbance, struck her multiple times, and stabbed her dog multiple times.&nbsp; Investigators also learned the victim had been strangled.

Police arrest Kansas man for sword attack on girlfriend, dog

BY NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/02/champions-of-kansas-bill-say-rural-development-tool-key-to-addressing-housing-needs-but-skeptics-remain/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas senators 
gave initial approval Tuesday to a bill that would expand a rural 
development program aimed at addressing housing needs and revitalizing 
downtowns.

The bill would allow 
renovations on the second floor or higher of buildings located in 
central business areas of Rural Housing Incentive Districts. RHIDs can 
be designated in any city or county with a population of less than 
60,000.

The buildings must exceed 
25 years of age, and the renovations must be done for residential 
purposes. The cost of these RHID projects would be covered by the 
incremental increase in property tax value.

Skeptics argued the 
program did not have enough foresight and may not be needed. However, 
Sen. Jeff Longbine, R-Emporia, said this was an important rural 
development tool. He cited work in his district done using the program 
in support of the measure.

“This is a tool that has 
been used in our community very, very successfully in the rural housing 
development. Our first project was complete houses,” Longbine said. 
“This is a component that our main street organizations across the state
 are very, very interested in.”

The Senate has yet to take a final vote on the bill, one of about 20 pieces of legislation considered Tuesday on the floor.

The bill introduced in the
 Senate Commerce Committee was supported by representatives from the 
Kansas Department of Commerce, the League of Kansas Municipalities and 
the Kansas Association of Realtors. Proponents argued in committee 
testimony that RHIDs could revitalize downtowns while addressing housing
 needs.

Holland emphasized these 
claims in support of the bill. He said expanding housing in western 
Kansas communities was a must or risk furthering outward migration from 
these areas.

“When we talk about our 
slowly dying main streets, the ability of this bill to basically 
incentivize somebody to set up some residences on top of these old, 
fading away properties we have in main street, I think that’s 
significant,” Holland said. “Because once again, we are trying to 
revitalize these dying parts of our state.”

Holland said having programs like these is essential in attracting companies and developers to these counties and cities.

Sen. Larry Alley, 
R-Winfield, expressed concern that for 25 years the city or county could
 abate these property taxes and would not see any revenue from the new 
development. This would lead to issues paying other civic works 
expenses.

“The cities and the 
counties that these RHIDs are included, are they looking 10, 12, 14 
years in the future when the roads may have to be replaced?” Alley said.
 “They will not get a dime of taxes from the local people that move into
 these new apartments and these new housings. They won’t get a dime of 
taxes to replace those roads, to fix the water lines for the area.”

Sen. Alicia Straub, 
R-Ellinwood, said she does not hear constituents in her district 
clamoring for downtown housing. She expressed concern this could 
increase costs down the road for local taxpayers and farmers and would 
not be beneficial to rural areas.

Sen. Robert Olson, 
R-Olathe, assured Straub the only costs would be the incremental 
property tax increase on that building, not the entire community.

The Senate also took final
 action to pass more than a dozen bills Tuesday, including a bill 
officially recognizing funeral processions in state statute and a 
measure designating public utility vehicles as authorized emergency 
vehicles.

A debated bill creating 
new crimes for damage of public or private infrastructure also passed 
29-9. Opponents justified the increase by citing the need to deter 
radical protests, but proponents worried the definition of a radical 
protest may be taken loosely.

“Of course, we need to 
protect our critical infrastructure, but we also have an obligation to 
uphold our Constitution. This bill threatens First Amendment rights,” 
said Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa. “I have concerns 
about Kansans’ freedom of assembly of rights and the future litigation 
that will almost certainly arise from Kansas exercising their right to 
peacefully protest and assemble.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614788262590.png" alt="Senate Vice President Jeff Longbine, R-Emporia, praised an expansion of the Rural Housing Incentive District program for potential benefits to Kansas main streets. (Nick Krug for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Senate Vice President Jeff Longbine, R-Emporia, praised an expansion of the Rural Housing Incentive District program for potential benefits to Kansas main streets. (Nick Krug for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/02/champions-of-kansas-bill-say-rural-development-tool-key-to-addressing-housing-needs-but-skeptics-remain/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas senators 
gave initial approval Tuesday to a bill that would expand a rural 
development program aimed at addressing housing needs and revitalizing 
downtowns.The bill would allow 
renovations on the second floor or higher of buildings located in 
central business areas of Rural Housing Incentive Districts. RHIDs can 
be designated in any city or county with a population of less than 
60,000.The buildings must exceed 
25 years of age, and the renovations must be done for residential 
purposes. The cost of these RHID projects would be covered by the 
incremental increase in property tax value.Skeptics argued the 
program did not have enough foresight and may not be needed. However, 
Sen. Jeff Longbine, R-Emporia, said this was an important rural 
development tool. He cited work in his district done using the program 
in support of the measure.“This is a tool that has 
been used in our community very, very successfully in the rural housing 
development. Our first project was complete houses,” Longbine said. 
“This is a component that our main street organizations across the state
 are very, very interested in.”The Senate has yet to take a final vote on the bill, one of about 20 pieces of legislation considered Tuesday on the floor.The bill introduced in the
 Senate Commerce Committee was supported by representatives from the 
Kansas Department of Commerce, the League of Kansas Municipalities and 
the Kansas Association of Realtors. Proponents argued in committee 
testimony that RHIDs could revitalize downtowns while addressing housing
 needs.Holland emphasized these 
claims in support of the bill. He said expanding housing in western 
Kansas communities was a must or risk furthering outward migration from 
these areas.“When we talk about our 
slowly dying main streets, the ability of this bill to basically 
incentivize somebody to set up some residences on top of these old, 
fading away properties we have in main street, I think that’s 
significant,” Holland said. “Because once again, we are trying to 
revitalize these dying parts of our state.”Holland said having programs like these is essential in attracting companies and developers to these counties and cities.Sen. Larry Alley, 
R-Winfield, expressed concern that for 25 years the city or county could
 abate these property taxes and would not see any revenue from the new 
development. This would lead to issues paying other civic works 
expenses.“The cities and the 
counties that these RHIDs are included, are they looking 10, 12, 14 
years in the future when the roads may have to be replaced?” Alley said.
 “They will not get a dime of taxes from the local people that move into
 these new apartments and these new housings. They won’t get a dime of 
taxes to replace those roads, to fix the water lines for the area.”Sen. Alicia Straub, 
R-Ellinwood, said she does not hear constituents in her district 
clamoring for downtown housing. She expressed concern this could 
increase costs down the road for local taxpayers and farmers and would 
not be beneficial to rural areas.Sen. Robert Olson, 
R-Olathe, assured Straub the only costs would be the incremental 
property tax increase on that building, not the entire community.The Senate also took final
 action to pass more than a dozen bills Tuesday, including a bill 
officially recognizing funeral processions in state statute and a 
measure designating public utility vehicles as authorized emergency 
vehicles.A debated bill creating 
new crimes for damage of public or private infrastructure also passed 
29-9. Opponents justified the increase by citing the need to deter 
radical protests, but proponents worried the definition of a radical 
protest may be taken loosely.“Of course, we need to 
protect our critical infrastructure, but we also have an obligation to 
uphold our Constitution. This bill threatens First Amendment rights,” 
said Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa. “I have concerns 
about Kansans’ freedom of assembly of rights and the future litigation 
that will almost certainly arise from Kansas exercising their right to 
peacefully protest and assemble.”

Key rural housing bill advances in Kansas Legislature

SALINE COUNTY —One person was injured in an a Tuesday fire in Salina.

Just after 9a.m. Tuesday, fire crews were dispatched to the Country Hills Apartments at East Crawford Street and Fairdale Road in Salina for the report of a fire at the complex, according to Salina Fire Marshal Troy Long.

The blaze started in the ground floor apartment at the north end of the complex and spread to the apartment above. The ground level apartment was destroyed and the deck and part of the second-floor apartment were damaged.

Seven people were able to escape the fire, however one of them, a woman, suffered burns and an injury sustained on the way out of the building, according to Long. EMS transported her to a Wichita hospital burn unit. Her name was not released. Cause of the fire remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614705146006.jpeg" alt="Fire destroyed a first-floor apartment and damaged a second floor apartment at the Country Hills Apartments in east Salina." />
 <figcaption>Fire destroyed a first-floor apartment and damaged a second floor apartment at the Country Hills Apartments in east Salina.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —One person was injured in an a Tuesday fire in Salina.Just after 9a.m. Tuesday, fire crews were dispatched to the Country Hills Apartments at East Crawford Street and Fairdale Road in Salina for the report of a fire at the complex, according to Salina Fire Marshal Troy Long.The blaze started in the ground floor apartment at the north end of the complex and spread to the apartment above. The ground level apartment was destroyed and the deck and part of the second-floor apartment were damaged.Seven people were able to escape the fire, however one of them, a woman, suffered burns and an injury sustained on the way out of the building, according to Long. EMS transported her to a Wichita hospital burn unit. Her name was not released. Cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Woman critically injured in Kansas apartment building fire

TOPEKA —An El Dorado Correctional Facility resident 30-year-old Juan Soto-Rodriguez died Sunday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.

 The cause of death is pending an autopsy. Preliminary assessment indicates the death was not related to COVID-19.

Soto-Rogriguez was serving a 95-month sentence for&nbsp;intent to distribute heroin or meth, according to the state department of corrections web site. 

He had been imprisoned with KDOC since February 2018 and had ten reports of disciplinary issues over the past two years while at the Norton Correctional facility, according to the KDOC. He had been moved from Norton to El Dorado on February 25.

Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

The 1,955 bed El Dorado Correctional Facility opened in 1991 and was expanded in 1995 and 2001. The facility is designed for maximum- and medium-custody residents and serves as the Reception and Diagnostic Unit (RDU) for all adult males sentenced to KDOC.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614698922156.png" alt="SOTO-RODRIGUEZ-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>SOTO-RODRIGUEZ-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —An El Dorado Correctional Facility resident 30-year-old Juan Soto-Rodriguez died Sunday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections. The cause of death is pending an autopsy. Preliminary assessment indicates the death was not related to COVID-19.Soto-Rogriguez was serving a 95-month sentence for&nbsp;intent to distribute heroin or meth, according to the state department of corrections web site. He had been imprisoned with KDOC since February 2018 and had ten reports of disciplinary issues over the past two years while at the Norton Correctional facility, according to the KDOC. He had been moved from Norton to El Dorado on February 25.Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.The 1,955 bed El Dorado Correctional Facility opened in 1991 and was expanded in 1995 and 2001. The facility is designed for maximum- and medium-custody residents and serves as the Reception and Diagnostic Unit (RDU) for all adult males sentenced to KDOC.&nbsp;

Kan. inmate dies just days after move to different prison

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 807 to a total of 295,109, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4816 an increase of 73

<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.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 807 to a total of 295,109, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4816 an increase of 73<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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614794901750.png" alt="Wednesday March 3, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday March 3, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police are investigating after human skeletal remains were found in a wooded area in the heart of Kansas City.

The remains were found by a woman Tuesday afternoon near West 34th Street and Roanoke Road. Homicide police and the medical examiner’s office quickly determined the bones were human.

A death investigation has been launched, police said, and the medical examiner will try to determine how the person died.

Police did not give any indication as to the identity or gender of the remains, but said there was no immediate sign of foul play at the scene.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police are investigating after human skeletal remains were found in a wooded area in the heart of Kansas City.The remains were found by a woman Tuesday afternoon near West 34th Street and Roanoke Road. Homicide police and the medical examiner’s office quickly determined the bones were human.A death investigation has been launched, police said, and the medical examiner will try to determine how the person died.Police did not give any indication as to the identity or gender of the remains, but said there was no immediate sign of foul play at the scene.

Kansas City police investigating after human remains found

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says a U.S. contractor died when at least 10 rockets slammed into an air base housing U.S. and other coalition troops in western Iraq. 

Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said Wednesday that the contractor “suffered a cardiac episode while sheltering” and died shortly afterward. 

It was the first such attack since the U.S. struck Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week, killing one militiaman. That strike stoked fears of another cycle of tit-for-tat attacks. No one claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s attack, which comes two days before Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the country.

BAGHDAD (AP) — At least 10 rockets targeted a military base in western Iraq that hosts U.S.-led coalition troops on Wednesday, the coalition and the Iraqi military said. It was not immediately known if there were any casualties.

The rockets struck Ain al-Asad airbase in Anbar province at 7:20 a.m., coalition spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto said. No one claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Iraqi military released a statement saying the attack did not cause significant losses and that security forces had found the launch pad used for the rockets. It was found in the al-Baghdadi area of Anbar, an Iraqi military official said on condition of anonymity to discuss the attack with the media.

It was the first attack since the U.S. struck Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week, killing killed one militiaman and stoking fears of a possible repeat of a series of tit-for-tat attacks that escalated last year, culminating in the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani outside the Baghdad airport.

Wednesday’s attack targeted the same base where Iran struck with a barrage of missiles in January last year in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani. Dozens of U.S. service members were injured, suffering concussions in that strike.

Denmark, which like the U.S. and Britain also has troops at the base, said coalition forces at Ain al-Asad were helping to bring stability and security to the country.

“Despicable attacks against Ain al-Asad base in #Iraq are completely unacceptable,” Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod tweeted. The Danish armed forces said two Danes, who were in the camp at the time of the attack, are unharmed.

Wednesday’s attack comes two days before Pope Francis’ is scheduled to visit Iraq in a much anticipated trip that will include Baghdad, southern Iraq and in the northern city of Irbil.

Last week’s U.S. strike along the border had been in response to a spate of rocket attacks that targeted the American presence, including one that killed a coalition contractor from the Philippines outside the Irbil airport.

After that attack, the Pentagon said the strike was a “proportionate military response” taken after consulting coalition partners.

Marotto said the Iraqi security forces were leading an investigation into the attack on Ain al-Asad.

U.S. troops in Iraq significantly decreased their presence in the country last year under the Trump administration. The forces withdrew from several Iraqi based across the country to consolidate chiefly in Ain al-Asad and Baghad.

Frequent rocket attacks targeting the heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses the U.S. Embassy, during President Donald Trump’s time in office frustrated the administration, leading to threats of embassy closure and escalatory strikes.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says a U.S. contractor died when at least 10 rockets slammed into an air base housing U.S. and other coalition troops in western Iraq. Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said Wednesday that the contractor “suffered a cardiac episode while sheltering” and died shortly afterward. It was the first such attack since the U.S. struck Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week, killing one militiaman. That strike stoked fears of another cycle of tit-for-tat attacks. No one claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s attack, which comes two days before Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the country.------BAGHDAD (AP) — At least 10 rockets targeted a military base in western Iraq that hosts U.S.-led coalition troops on Wednesday, the coalition and the Iraqi military said. It was not immediately known if there were any casualties.The rockets struck Ain al-Asad airbase in Anbar province at 7:20 a.m., coalition spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto said. No one claimed responsibility for the attack.The Iraqi military released a statement saying the attack did not cause significant losses and that security forces had found the launch pad used for the rockets. It was found in the al-Baghdadi area of Anbar, an Iraqi military official said on condition of anonymity to discuss the attack with the media.It was the first attack since the U.S. struck Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week, killing killed one militiaman and stoking fears of a possible repeat of a series of tit-for-tat attacks that escalated last year, culminating in the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani outside the Baghdad airport.Wednesday’s attack targeted the same base where Iran struck with a barrage of missiles in January last year in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani. Dozens of U.S. service members were injured, suffering concussions in that strike.British Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Hickey condemned the attack, saying it undermined the ongoing fight against the Islamic State group. “Coalition forces are in Iraq to fight Daesh at the invitation of the Iraqi government,” he tweeted, using the Arabic acronym for IS. “These terrorist attacks undermine the fight against Daesh and destabilize Iraq.”Denmark, which like the U.S. and Britain also has troops at the base, said coalition forces at Ain al-Asad were helping to bring stability and security to the country.“Despicable attacks against Ain al-Asad base in #Iraq are completely unacceptable,” Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod tweeted. The Danish armed forces said two Danes, who were in the camp at the time of the attack, are unharmed.Wednesday’s attack comes two days before Pope Francis’ is scheduled to visit Iraq in a much anticipated trip that will include Baghdad, southern Iraq and in the northern city of Irbil.Last week’s U.S. strike along the border had been in response to a spate of rocket attacks that targeted the American presence, including one that killed a coalition contractor from the Philippines outside the Irbil airport.After that attack, the Pentagon said the strike was a “proportionate military response” taken after consulting coalition partners.Marotto said the Iraqi security forces were leading an investigation into the attack on Ain al-Asad.U.S. troops in Iraq significantly decreased their presence in the country last year under the Trump administration. The forces withdrew from several Iraqi based across the country to consolidate chiefly in Ain al-Asad and Baghad.Frequent rocket attacks targeting the heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses the U.S. Embassy, during President Donald Trump’s time in office frustrated the administration, leading to threats of embassy closure and escalatory strikes.

Update: 1 dead after rockets hit airbase in Iraq hosting US troops

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers moved Tuesday to extend protections for businesses from lawsuits over COVID-19, while a prominent critic of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said the state’s vaccine distribution has improved in recent weeks.

The Republican-controlled Legislature is considering several measures arising out of the pandemic or Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s response to it. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill that would give businesses an extra year of protection, until March 31, 2022, from lawsuits from customers or employees who contract COVID-19 if those businesses were “in substantial compliance” with public health orders.

The measure goes next to the Senate, which also was debating&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/sb235_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;to require all of the state’s local school districts to offer in-person classes to all of their students by March 26. Only a handful of the state’s 286 districts don’t plan to have a majority of their students back in classrooms by then, according to State Department of Education data.

The debates over those measures and others rewriting the state’s emergency management laws come amid ongoing COVID-19 inoculations. Some Republican legislators contend that distribution of vaccines is going too slowly, pointing to federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data ranking Kansas near the bottom of states for doses administered per 100,000 residents.

Kelly and state Department of Health and Environment officials contend that reporting issues have led the number of doses administered to be underreported and the department is working to fix that problem. Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, said the distribution had been a “colossal disaster” but lawmakers are getting fewer complaints now.

“You can only go up from the bottom,” he said. “I think things are at least trending in the right direction, but I would still contend that’s the only direction it could go.”

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers moved Tuesday to extend protections for businesses from lawsuits over COVID-19, while a prominent critic of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said the state’s vaccine distribution has improved in recent weeks.The Republican-controlled Legislature is considering several measures arising out of the pandemic or Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s response to it. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill that would give businesses an extra year of protection, until March 31, 2022, from lawsuits from customers or employees who contract COVID-19 if those businesses were “in substantial compliance” with public health orders.The measure goes next to the Senate, which also was debating&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/sb235_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;to require all of the state’s local school districts to offer in-person classes to all of their students by March 26. Only a handful of the state’s 286 districts don’t plan to have a majority of their students back in classrooms by then, according to State Department of Education data.The debates over those measures and others rewriting the state’s emergency management laws come amid ongoing COVID-19 inoculations. Some Republican legislators contend that distribution of vaccines is going too slowly, pointing to federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data ranking Kansas near the bottom of states for doses administered per 100,000 residents.Kelly and state Department of Health and Environment officials contend that reporting issues have led the number of doses administered to be underreported and the department is working to fix that problem. Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, said the distribution had been a “colossal disaster” but lawmakers are getting fewer complaints now.“You can only go up from the bottom,” he said. “I think things are at least trending in the right direction, but I would still contend that’s the only direction it could go.”Legislators last year enacted a law to protect health care providers from being sued over medical decisions they made during the pandemic. They also protected adult care homes that followed state rules and public health directives and manufacturers that provided personal protective or medical equipment.But the general protection from lawsuits for stores, restaurants, bars and other businesses is due to expire March 31. Supporters of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s bill said extending the protection another year will give lawmakers time to see how many cases arise.Eric Stafford, a lobbyist for the influential Kansas Chamber of Commerce, said the group hasn’t heard of any cases, but, “If COVID never goes away, we would prefer that the liability protection never goes away.”Some attorneys and lawmakers argued last year that the protections provided by the Legislature and could shield some bad behavior. Callie Denton, executive director of the Kansas Trial Lawyers Association, said the dearth of lawsuits shows the protections aren’t needed.Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Environment continued to face scrutiny over the distribution of vaccines.&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations" target="_blank">A CDC report</a>&nbsp;Tuesday ranked Kansas 46 among states for its per capital administration of doses, at 21,609 per 100,000 residents.The CDC said at least 444,176 Kansas residents have received at least one of two required vaccine doses, or 15.2% of the state’s 2.9 million residents.Those numbers are higher than figures reported Monday by the state health department, but the CDC also reports Kansas as receiving more doses. Both put the percentage of doses administered at about 72.5%.“The data files we are getting as of last week will help us dig in and find out where the discrepancies are happening between the various (reporting) systems,” said state health department spokeswoman Ashley Jones-Wisner in a text to The Associated Press.Some Republican legislators question the department’s explanation of reporting problems, and Democratic state Rep. Louis Ruiz, of Kansas City, suggested there have been communication problems between the state and local officialsBut Rep. Rui Xu, a Westwood Democrat, sees the problem as a short supply across the nation.“Demand is far outstripping supply right now,” Xu said. “As far as I’m aware, we are getting the vaccine out as soon as we’re getting it, and that’s all the state can do.”Some GOP lawmakers criticized Kelly for closing K-12 school buildings in March 2020 until the end of the spring semester, and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_sb273_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill approved Monday</a>&nbsp;by the Senate would allow only local schools boards to cancel in-person classes.The bill advanced Tuesday in the Senate, requiring in-person classes by March 26, is Masterson’s proposal.“How many of our children that do not do well with distant learning is it acceptable to leave in the wind?” he said.According to State Department of Education data, only five local districts were not planning to have a majority of their students returning to in-person classes by that date. After Democrats suggested the bill was an attack on local control of schools, Republican Sen. Renee Erickson of Wichita asked whether Democrats saw it that way when Kelly closed all schools last year.___