WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden wants Congress to know he’s sincere about cutting a deal on infrastructure, but Republican lawmakers have deep-seated doubts about the scope of his proposed package, its tax hikes and Biden’s premise that this is an inflection point for the U.S. as a world power.

Biden met Monday afternoon with a bipartisan group of lawmakers and tried to assure them that the Oval Office gathering was not “window dressing.” One of the core disputes is over what counts as infrastructure in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-coronavirus-pandemic-pittsburgh-jen-psaki-8865ffc8f5ad3142155a5bd3c3a3e6d3">$2.3 trillion proposal</a>.

“I’m prepared to negotiate as to the extent of my infrastructure project, as well as how we pay for it,” Biden said. “It’s going to get down to what we call ‘infrastructure.’”

Republican Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi indicated after the meeting that he was willing to negotiate with Biden and called it a “good discussion.” But a more fundamental disagreement also emerged about whether the United States is losing its status atop the global economy because of its deteriorating infrastructure.

“He says that we’re a declining superpower, the United States is no longer number one,” Wicker said afterward. “I just fundamentally disagree with that.”

The meeting came as the Biden’s team is making a direct argument for lawmakers to put their constituents ahead of their ideologies. The White House released state-by-state breakdowns Monday that show the dire shape of roads, bridges, the power grid and housing affordability, among other issues. An appeal to the broader public is unlikely to resonate much with Republican lawmakers who have already blasted the plan.

Among the Republicans at the meeting were Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska and Reps. Garret Graves of Louisiana and Don Young of Alaska. Democrats attending were Sens. Maria Cantwell of Washington and Sen. Alex Padilla of California and Reps. Donald Payne Jr. of New Jersey and David Price of North Carolina.

In the room, “nobody said we didn’t need infrastructure investment,” Cantwell, the chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, said in an interview.

The lawmakers said Biden will seek to drive a consensus by having his team revisit with them and others, as soon as Tuesday.

Graves said the president talked about how he was open to discussion and open to negotiation on the size, scope and definition of infrastructure.

“Those are all the exact words that I wanted to hear going into the meeting. And so that was really encouraging,” Graves, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, told The Associated Press. “Is this truly going to be a two-way discussion where we talk about better ways to deliver infrastructure, what the appropriate size and scope are, ways of funding, things like that?”

The figures in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/20613298-biden-infrastructure-plan-state-highlights" target="_blank">state summaries</a>&nbsp;paint a decidedly bleak outlook for the world’s largest economy after years of repairs being deferred and delayed. They suggest that too much infrastructure is unsafe for vehicles at any speed, while highlighting the costs of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/weather">extreme weather events</a>&nbsp;that have become more frequent with climate change as well as dead spots for broadband and a dearth of child care options.

Drawn from an array of private and public data, the state reports show there are 7,300 miles (11,748 kilometers) of highway in Michigan alone that are in poor condition. Damaged streets in North Carolina impose an average yearly cost of $500 on motorists. Iowa has 4,571 bridges in need of repair. There is a roughly 4-in-10 chance that a public transit vehicle in Indiana might be ready for the scrap yard. Pennsylvania’s schools are short $1.4 billion for maintenance and upgrades.

Most states received a letter grade on their infrastructure. West Virginia earned a D. So did Biden’s home state of Delaware. Of the states rated, the highest grade went to Georgia and Utah, which each notched a C-plus. The lowest grade, D-minus, went to the territory of Puerto Rico.

The administration is banking that the data will confirm the everyday experiences of Americans as they bump over potholes, get trapped in traffic jams and wait for buses that almost never correspond to published schedules. There is already a receptive audience to the sales pitch, and the strategy is that public support can overcome any congressional misgivings.

“We don’t have a lot of work to do to persuade the American people that U.S. infrastructure needs major improvement,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-buttigieg-transportation-secretary-infrastructure-bb883b4af7b9c700d0ef2b7c29d7a5b0">Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg</a>&nbsp;said on Fox News Channel’s “Fox News Sunday” ahead of the reports’ release. “The American people already know it.”

Republican lawmakers have been quick to reject the infrastructure proposal from Biden. They say just a fraction of the spending goes to traditional infrastructure, as $400 billion would expand Medicaid support for caregivers and substantial portions would fund electric vehicle charging stations and address the racial injustice of highways that were built in ways that destroyed Black neighborhoods.

The reports give some data to back up their argument that more money should be spent on roads and bridges. Biden’s plan would modernize 20,000 miles (32,187 kilometers) worth of roadways, but California by itself has 14,220 miles (22,885 kilometers) of highway in poor condition.

Republican lawmakers also object to funding the package by increasing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/corporate-taxes">the corporate tax rate</a>&nbsp;from 21% to 28% and increasing the global minimum tax, among other tax changes including stepped-up IRS enforcement being proposed by the Biden administration.

“This plan would impose the biggest tax hikes in a generation when workers need an economic recovery. It would gut right-to-work protections for blue-collar workers,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a Monday floor speech. “It would throw hundreds of billions at the far-left’s ‘green’ fads.”

Yet the state-by-state reports make clear that many of the people in Mississippi that Wicker represents could benefit from the package, an aspect of the Biden effort to engender the backing of voters across party lines.

Mississippi needs $4.8 billion for drinking water and $289 million for schools. Nearly a quarter of households lack an internet subscription, and a similar percentage lives in areas without broadband. Mississippians who use public transportation have to devote an extra 87.7% of their time to commuting.

Mississippi’s infrastructure received a grade of D-plus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618264660542.png" alt="President Biden at meeting&nbsp; on&nbsp; Monday with a bipartisan group of Members of Congress to discuss American Jobs Plan. -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Biden at meeting&nbsp; on&nbsp; Monday with a bipartisan group of Members of Congress to discuss American Jobs Plan. -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden wants Congress to know he’s sincere about cutting a deal on infrastructure, but Republican lawmakers have deep-seated doubts about the scope of his proposed package, its tax hikes and Biden’s premise that this is an inflection point for the U.S. as a world power.Biden met Monday afternoon with a bipartisan group of lawmakers and tried to assure them that the Oval Office gathering was not “window dressing.” One of the core disputes is over what counts as infrastructure in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-coronavirus-pandemic-pittsburgh-jen-psaki-8865ffc8f5ad3142155a5bd3c3a3e6d3">$2.3 trillion proposal</a>.“I’m prepared to negotiate as to the extent of my infrastructure project, as well as how we pay for it,” Biden said. “It’s going to get down to what we call ‘infrastructure.’”Republican Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi indicated after the meeting that he was willing to negotiate with Biden and called it a “good discussion.” But a more fundamental disagreement also emerged about whether the United States is losing its status atop the global economy because of its deteriorating infrastructure.“He says that we’re a declining superpower, the United States is no longer number one,” Wicker said afterward. “I just fundamentally disagree with that.”The meeting came as the Biden’s team is making a direct argument for lawmakers to put their constituents ahead of their ideologies. The White House released state-by-state breakdowns Monday that show the dire shape of roads, bridges, the power grid and housing affordability, among other issues. An appeal to the broader public is unlikely to resonate much with Republican lawmakers who have already blasted the plan.Among the Republicans at the meeting were Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska and Reps. Garret Graves of Louisiana and Don Young of Alaska. Democrats attending were Sens. Maria Cantwell of Washington and Sen. Alex Padilla of California and Reps. Donald Payne Jr. of New Jersey and David Price of North Carolina.In the room, “nobody said we didn’t need infrastructure investment,” Cantwell, the chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, said in an interview.The lawmakers said Biden will seek to drive a consensus by having his team revisit with them and others, as soon as Tuesday.Graves said the president talked about how he was open to discussion and open to negotiation on the size, scope and definition of infrastructure.“Those are all the exact words that I wanted to hear going into the meeting. And so that was really encouraging,” Graves, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, told The Associated Press. “Is this truly going to be a two-way discussion where we talk about better ways to deliver infrastructure, what the appropriate size and scope are, ways of funding, things like that?”The figures in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/20613298-biden-infrastructure-plan-state-highlights" target="_blank">state summaries</a>&nbsp;paint a decidedly bleak outlook for the world’s largest economy after years of repairs being deferred and delayed. They suggest that too much infrastructure is unsafe for vehicles at any speed, while highlighting the costs of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/weather">extreme weather events</a>&nbsp;that have become more frequent with climate change as well as dead spots for broadband and a dearth of child care options.Drawn from an array of private and public data, the state reports show there are 7,300 miles (11,748 kilometers) of highway in Michigan alone that are in poor condition. Damaged streets in North Carolina impose an average yearly cost of $500 on motorists. Iowa has 4,571 bridges in need of repair. There is a roughly 4-in-10 chance that a public transit vehicle in Indiana might be ready for the scrap yard. Pennsylvania’s schools are short $1.4 billion for maintenance and upgrades.Most states received a letter grade on their infrastructure. West Virginia earned a D. So did Biden’s home state of Delaware. Of the states rated, the highest grade went to Georgia and Utah, which each notched a C-plus. The lowest grade, D-minus, went to the territory of Puerto Rico.The administration is banking that the data will confirm the everyday experiences of Americans as they bump over potholes, get trapped in traffic jams and wait for buses that almost never correspond to published schedules. There is already a receptive audience to the sales pitch, and the strategy is that public support can overcome any congressional misgivings.“We don’t have a lot of work to do to persuade the American people that U.S. infrastructure needs major improvement,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-buttigieg-transportation-secretary-infrastructure-bb883b4af7b9c700d0ef2b7c29d7a5b0">Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg</a>&nbsp;said on Fox News Channel’s “Fox News Sunday” ahead of the reports’ release. “The American people already know it.”Republican lawmakers have been quick to reject the infrastructure proposal from Biden. They say just a fraction of the spending goes to traditional infrastructure, as $400 billion would expand Medicaid support for caregivers and substantial portions would fund electric vehicle charging stations and address the racial injustice of highways that were built in ways that destroyed Black neighborhoods.The reports give some data to back up their argument that more money should be spent on roads and bridges. Biden’s plan would modernize 20,000 miles (32,187 kilometers) worth of roadways, but California by itself has 14,220 miles (22,885 kilometers) of highway in poor condition.Republican lawmakers also object to funding the package by increasing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/corporate-taxes">the corporate tax rate</a>&nbsp;from 21% to 28% and increasing the global minimum tax, among other tax changes including stepped-up IRS enforcement being proposed by the Biden administration.“This plan would impose the biggest tax hikes in a generation when workers need an economic recovery. It would gut right-to-work protections for blue-collar workers,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a Monday floor speech. “It would throw hundreds of billions at the far-left’s ‘green’ fads.”Yet the state-by-state reports make clear that many of the people in Mississippi that Wicker represents could benefit from the package, an aspect of the Biden effort to engender the backing of voters across party lines.Mississippi needs $4.8 billion for drinking water and $289 million for schools. Nearly a quarter of households lack an internet subscription, and a similar percentage lives in areas without broadband. Mississippians who use public transportation have to devote an extra 87.7% of their time to commuting.Mississippi’s infrastructure received a grade of D-plus.

Lawmakers debate 'infrastructure' in Biden's $2.3T plan

RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal weekend shooting have two suspects in custody.

Just after 1:3o a.m. Sunday police officers were on routine patrol in the area of 5th and Hendricks in Hutchinson when they heard a series of gunshots north of their location, according to a media release.

 While investigating, a 911 call came into dispatch advising of a shooting.    Officers arrived in the 1500 block W 12th Street where they contacted a 42 year old black male laying in the street with gunshot wounds to his abdomen. 

EMS transported the victim to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment. He was reported in stable condition just after 1p.m.&nbsp;

 Officers located a second victim, a 46-year-old black male laying in the front yard of a nearby residence with a single gunshot wound to his chest. The 46-year-old was also taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and was pronounced deceased, according to the release.&nbsp;

Just before noon Monday, detectives and members of the Special Operations division of the Hutchinson Police Department conducted a search warrant on a residence within the city limits of Hutchinson and located Sandral Wade, a person of interest in the homicide. Through the investigation of the homicide, detectives also arrested Wade and 71-year-old Robert Louis Lagrange on requested charges of first degree murder and attempted first degree murder.

RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and asking the public for help to locate a suspect

 Officers located a second victim, a 46 year old black male laying in the front yard of a nearby residence with a single gunshot wound to his chest. The 46-year-old was also taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and was pronounced deceased, according to the release.&nbsp;

Police are asking for help to locate a person of interest in this case Identified as 64-year-old Sandral Lee Wade.&nbsp; He is described as 6-foot--4,&nbsp; 200 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. . Anyone with information on Wade’s whereabouts or additional information is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Reno county, 1-800-222-TIPS or Lt Loepp at the Hutchinson Police Department 620-694-2829.    

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618271578571.jpeg" alt="Robert LaGrange photo Hutchinson Police" />
 <figcaption>Robert LaGrange photo Hutchinson Police</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal weekend shooting have two suspects in custody.Just after 1:3o a.m. Sunday police officers were on routine patrol in the area of 5th and Hendricks in Hutchinson when they heard a series of gunshots north of their location, according to a media release. While investigating, a 911 call came into dispatch advising of a shooting. Officers arrived in the 1500 block W 12th Street where they contacted a 42 year old black male laying in the street with gunshot wounds to his abdomen. EMS transported the victim to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment. He was reported in stable condition just after 1p.m.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618162821449.jpeg" alt="SANDRAL WADE has previous convictions for indecent liberties with a child, criminal threat, aggravated assault, four times for DUI, failure to report an injury accident and for drugs, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections. -photo Hutchinson Police" />
 <figcaption>SANDRAL WADE has previous convictions for indecent liberties with a child, criminal threat, aggravated assault, four times for DUI, failure to report an injury accident and for drugs, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections. -photo Hutchinson Police</figcaption>
 </figure> Officers located a second victim, a 46-year-old black male laying in the front yard of a nearby residence with a single gunshot wound to his chest. The 46-year-old was also taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and was pronounced deceased, according to the release.&nbsp;Just before noon Monday, detectives and members of the Special Operations division of the Hutchinson Police Department conducted a search warrant on a residence within the city limits of Hutchinson and located Sandral Wade, a person of interest in the homicide. Through the investigation of the homicide, detectives also arrested Wade and 71-year-old Robert Louis Lagrange on requested charges of first degree murder and attempted first degree murder.----------RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and asking the public for help to locate a suspectJust after 1:3o a.m. Sunday police officers were on routine patrol in the area of 5th and Hendricks in Hutchinson when they heard a series of gunshots north of their location, according to a media release. While investigating, a 911 call came into dispatch advising of a shooting. Officers arrived in the 1500 block W 12th Street where they contacted a 42 year old black male laying in the street with gunshot wounds to his abdomen. EMS transported the victim to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment. He was reported in stable condition just after 1p.m.&nbsp; Officers located a second victim, a 46 year old black male laying in the front yard of a nearby residence with a single gunshot wound to his chest. The 46-year-old was also taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and was pronounced deceased, according to the release.&nbsp;Police are asking for help to locate a person of interest in this case Identified as 64-year-old Sandral Lee Wade.&nbsp; He is described as 6-foot--4,&nbsp; 200 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. . Anyone with information on Wade’s whereabouts or additional information is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Reno county, 1-800-222-TIPS or Lt Loepp at the Hutchinson Police Department 620-694-2829.

Police arrest 2 Kansas men for weekend murder

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/12/lawmakers-finalize-effort-to-limit-mail-voting-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A pair of 
election bills passed by the Legislature to limit advance voting options
 and restrict the authority to change election law prompted passionate 
debate in the Senate and House.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2183/">House Bill 2183</a>,
 opposed by voting rights activists, would restrict the number of 
advance ballots an individual may deliver on behalf of others to a 
maximum of 10, loosened from five in negotiations. In addition, the 
measure would remove the authority of the secretary of state to extend 
the deadline for receiving mail ballots.

The bill also bans candidates from assisting neighbors, friends or family with their ballots.

Rep.
 Vic Miller, D-Topeka, questioned Republican efforts to target the 
practice of so-called ballot harvesting — gathering advanced ballots 
from voters and delivering them to the election office. He said he often
 assists those in his community who request help filling out and 
delivering their ballot.

Earlier
 this year, Secretary of State Scott Schwab reported no abnormalities in
 Kansas during the 2020 election. Why then is a bill criminalizing 
candidates and other citizens for assisting one another necessary, 
Miller asked.

“For
 decades we’ve referred to it as ‘get out the vote,’ because in my 
party, we believe in making it as easy as we can for every individual to
 cast their constitutional rights,” Miller said. “Now you want to make a
 criminal out of people like me because people like me don’t sit at home
 and send out mail asking for people to vote for us.”

Senators passed the bill 27 to 11, and within an hour, the House followed suit, 80 to 42.&nbsp;

These
 measures come amid a nationwide push by Republican-led legislatures who
 argue increased election security is needed — after they’ve made 
unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud. In Kansas, this prompted 
some Democratic legislators and election advocates to raise concerns 
about the possible voter suppression such measures could cause.

To counter GOP efforts, the Democratic majority in <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/04/u-s-house-passes-sweeping-voting-rights-package/">the U.S. House passed a voting rights package in March</a>
 which expanded mail-in voting and access to the polls. Republican 
legislators in Kansas urged the state’s delegation in D.C. to reject 
these proposed changes.

While Miller has remained skeptical of some provisions included in the federal bill, <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1/text">HR1 or the For the People Act</a>, he said changes to election law should be working to raise — not lower — voter registration and turnout.

Sen.
 Richard Hilderbrand, R-Galena, championed several of the voting bills 
proposed in Kansas, including limitations on candidates interacting with
 the voting process. He said situations like Miller’s are exactly why 
these measures are needed.

Hilderbrand pointed to procedure and policy regarding voting in person on Election Day.&nbsp;

“I
 do not believe as a candidate, I can sit (in the voting booth) and help
 people fill out their ballot or assist with the process of going 
through the ballot process,” Hilderbrand said. “If we are not allowed in
 that process that we should not be doing that outside of that arena as 
well.”

The
 penalty for violating the proposed advanced ballot delivery provisions 
was lowered in the conference committee from a felony offense to a class
 B misdemeanor.

While
 he praised the intent to secure future elections, Sen. Jeff Pittman, 
D-Leavenworth, said Kansas lawmakers were going about it the wrong way. 
He pointed to partisan election officials and dark-money groups funding 
campaigns as larger issues needing to be addressed.

“Our
 focus in on these details is wrong and really restrict a vote of our 
people out there,” Pittman said. “I understand that desire to make sure 
no election is stolen, but I also want to fight those elections that are
 bought, and I think we’re going down the wrong direction.”

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2332/">House Bill 2332</a>,
 the second election bill considered late last week, passed in the House
 83 to 38 and in the Senate 27 to 11. The bill would amend the law 
regarding advanced voting ballot applications and require every county 
election officer to keep the residential and mailing address for each 
registered voter if they differ.

Sen. Larry Alley, R-Winfield, addressed concerns regarding how this provision would work for people without housing.

“A homeless shelter would 
be classified as their physical address,” Alley said. “They could 
receive your mail at a post office box, but the physical address had to 
be where they spend the night. It could even be in a car, actually, 
parked at a location.”

Perhaps
 the most significant section of the bill prohibits the executive and 
judicial branches from creating new election laws. Rep. Blake Carpenter,
 R-Derby, said this was in response to changes made by the governor and 
judicial branch last year during the pandemic.

“If
 we’re going to pass laws, it should be the Legislature that does so,” 
Carpenter said, adding the provision would not interfere with the 
judicial branch’s authority to strike down unconstitutional laws.

While
 both bills’ restrictions were softened in the conference committee, the
 effort to advance the legislation did not sit well with Rep. Brett 
Parker, D-Overland Park. He noted many of the bills had few proponents 
and those who did testify in support were all sitting legislators.

“What
 is the point of our process that we go through here, where we let the 
public come in and testify and — as the opposition from people outside 
of the building is negative — we still advanced the legislation,” Parker
 said. “What are we doing? Who are we listening to at that point?”

Both
 bills will now go to Gov. Laura Kelly. The governor has not said 
whether she would veto them. If she does, the House vote fell shy of the
 two-thirds majority needed to override a veto.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618258986952.png" alt="Incensed Rep. Vic Miller, D-Topeka, heavily criticizes a voting bill whose provisions, he said, would make criminals out of candidates and everyday citizens. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Incensed Rep. Vic Miller, D-Topeka, heavily criticizes a voting bill whose provisions, he said, would make criminals out of candidates and everyday citizens. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/12/lawmakers-finalize-effort-to-limit-mail-voting-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A pair of 
election bills passed by the Legislature to limit advance voting options
 and restrict the authority to change election law prompted passionate 
debate in the Senate and House.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2183/">House Bill 2183</a>,
 opposed by voting rights activists, would restrict the number of 
advance ballots an individual may deliver on behalf of others to a 
maximum of 10, loosened from five in negotiations. In addition, the 
measure would remove the authority of the secretary of state to extend 
the deadline for receiving mail ballots.The bill also bans candidates from assisting neighbors, friends or family with their ballots.Rep.
 Vic Miller, D-Topeka, questioned Republican efforts to target the 
practice of so-called ballot harvesting — gathering advanced ballots 
from voters and delivering them to the election office. He said he often
 assists those in his community who request help filling out and 
delivering their ballot.Earlier
 this year, Secretary of State Scott Schwab reported no abnormalities in
 Kansas during the 2020 election. Why then is a bill criminalizing 
candidates and other citizens for assisting one another necessary, 
Miller asked.“For
 decades we’ve referred to it as ‘get out the vote,’ because in my 
party, we believe in making it as easy as we can for every individual to
 cast their constitutional rights,” Miller said. “Now you want to make a
 criminal out of people like me because people like me don’t sit at home
 and send out mail asking for people to vote for us.”Senators passed the bill 27 to 11, and within an hour, the House followed suit, 80 to 42.&nbsp;These
 measures come amid a nationwide push by Republican-led legislatures who
 argue increased election security is needed — after they’ve made 
unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud. In Kansas, this prompted 
some Democratic legislators and election advocates to raise concerns 
about the possible voter suppression such measures could cause.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618259043064.jpeg" alt="Sen. Richard Hilderbrand, R-Galena, says if candidates aren’t allowed to assist at the polls, they should not be able to deliver advanced ballots on behalf of another person. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Richard Hilderbrand, R-Galena, says if candidates aren’t allowed to assist at the polls, they should not be able to deliver advanced ballots on behalf of another person. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>To counter GOP efforts, the Democratic majority in <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/04/u-s-house-passes-sweeping-voting-rights-package/">the U.S. House passed a voting rights package in March</a>
 which expanded mail-in voting and access to the polls. Republican 
legislators in Kansas urged the state’s delegation in D.C. to reject 
these proposed changes.While Miller has remained skeptical of some provisions included in the federal bill, <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1/text">HR1 or the For the People Act</a>, he said changes to election law should be working to raise — not lower — voter registration and turnout.Sen.
 Richard Hilderbrand, R-Galena, championed several of the voting bills 
proposed in Kansas, including limitations on candidates interacting with
 the voting process. He said situations like Miller’s are exactly why 
these measures are needed.Hilderbrand pointed to procedure and policy regarding voting in person on Election Day.&nbsp;“I
 do not believe as a candidate, I can sit (in the voting booth) and help
 people fill out their ballot or assist with the process of going 
through the ballot process,” Hilderbrand said. “If we are not allowed in
 that process that we should not be doing that outside of that arena as 
well.”The
 penalty for violating the proposed advanced ballot delivery provisions 
was lowered in the conference committee from a felony offense to a class
 B misdemeanor.While
 he praised the intent to secure future elections, Sen. Jeff Pittman, 
D-Leavenworth, said Kansas lawmakers were going about it the wrong way. 
He pointed to partisan election officials and dark-money groups funding 
campaigns as larger issues needing to be addressed.“Our
 focus in on these details is wrong and really restrict a vote of our 
people out there,” Pittman said. “I understand that desire to make sure 
no election is stolen, but I also want to fight those elections that are
 bought, and I think we’re going down the wrong direction.”<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2332/">House Bill 2332</a>,
 the second election bill considered late last week, passed in the House
 83 to 38 and in the Senate 27 to 11. The bill would amend the law 
regarding advanced voting ballot applications and require every county 
election officer to keep the residential and mailing address for each 
registered voter if they differ.Sen. Larry Alley, R-Winfield, addressed concerns regarding how this provision would work for people without housing.“A homeless shelter would 
be classified as their physical address,” Alley said. “They could 
receive your mail at a post office box, but the physical address had to 
be where they spend the night. It could even be in a car, actually, 
parked at a location.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618259072382.jpeg" alt="Rep. Blake Carpenter, R-Derby, says he considers House Bill 2332 a necessity to prevent the type of changes to election law made by the executive and judicial branch during the 2020 elections. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Blake Carpenter, R-Derby, says he considers House Bill 2332 a necessity to prevent the type of changes to election law made by the executive and judicial branch during the 2020 elections. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Perhaps
 the most significant section of the bill prohibits the executive and 
judicial branches from creating new election laws. Rep. Blake Carpenter,
 R-Derby, said this was in response to changes made by the governor and 
judicial branch last year during the pandemic.“If
 we’re going to pass laws, it should be the Legislature that does so,” 
Carpenter said, adding the provision would not interfere with the 
judicial branch’s authority to strike down unconstitutional laws.While
 both bills’ restrictions were softened in the conference committee, the
 effort to advance the legislation did not sit well with Rep. Brett 
Parker, D-Overland Park. He noted many of the bills had few proponents 
and those who did testify in support were all sitting legislators.“What
 is the point of our process that we go through here, where we let the 
public come in and testify and — as the opposition from people outside 
of the building is negative — we still advanced the legislation,” Parker
 said. “What are we doing? Who are we listening to at that point?”Both
 bills will now go to Gov. Laura Kelly. The governor has not said 
whether she would veto them. If she does, the House vote fell shy of the
 two-thirds majority needed to override a veto.

Lawmakers finalize effort to limit mail voting in Kansas

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid was charged Monday with driving while intoxicated resulting in serious physical injury after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-kansas-city-super-bowl-michael-brown-football-048d9a7585d07dfcd4f218df9d50a074">a crash</a>&nbsp;that left a 5-year-old girl critically injured.

The Jackson County prosecutor’s office said Reid’s blood alcohol content shortly after the Feb. 4 crash was .113, above the legal limit of .08. He also was driving about 84 mph in a 65 mph zone seconds before his truck crashed into two cars stopped on an entrance ramp to Interstate 435 near Arrowhead Stadium.

One of the vehicles had stalled because its battery was dead and the second was owned by a cousin who had arrived to help, according to the charging documents.

A 5-year-old girl in the second car, Ariel Young, suffered a traumatic brain injury. Her family’s attorney told The Kansas City Star Monday that she was released from the hospital April 2 and is being treated at her home. She is unable to talk or walk and is being fed through a feeding tube.

Reid, the son of Chiefs coach Andy Reid, could be sentenced to up to seven years in prison if he’s convicted. He was expected to surrender to police later Wednesday. Prosecutors sought a $100,000 bond.

Charging documents say Reid told police he had just left work and was looking over his shoulder to see if he could merge onto the interstate when he hit a stalled vehicle on the shoulder of the road and then hit a second vehicle. Reid called 911 shortly after the crash, police said.

A Kansas City police officer who responded said he could smell alcohol and Reid’s eyes were bloodshot and red, according to the documents.

The Chiefs said in a statement Monday the organization “remains steadfast in our concern for all who have been impacted by this tragic accident. Our prayers are focused on Ariel’s continued healing and recovery. The Chiefs are regularly in contact with the family’s designated representative during this challenging time.”

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters-Baker said in a statement that Missouri law limited the charges that could be brought against Reid given the evidence available, but said her office “will vigorously pursue these charges and Reid is not receiving any favorable treatment from Kansas City police or the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office.”

The family’s attorney, Tom Porto, told the Star the charges were, “absolutely appropriate under the circumstances. The prosecuting attorney and police department engaged in an extremely thorough investigation that ended with the appropriate charge.”

Britt Reid, the Chiefs’ former linebackers coach, underwent surgery after the crash, which happened the week before the Chiefs played in the Super Bowl. He did not accompany the team to the game in Florida.

He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-kansas-city-football-andy-reid-kansas-city-chiefs-dd7636f51135833dd2b903d22dcac099">placed on administrative leave</a>&nbsp;after the crash and his contract was allowed to expire, ending his employment with the Chiefs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612784011749.png" alt="A 5-year-old girl in the second car, Ariel Young, suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of the crash. -Photo courtesy GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>A 5-year-old girl in the second car, Ariel Young, suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of the crash. -Photo courtesy GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid was charged Monday with driving while intoxicated resulting in serious physical injury after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-kansas-city-super-bowl-michael-brown-football-048d9a7585d07dfcd4f218df9d50a074">a crash</a>&nbsp;that left a 5-year-old girl critically injured.The Jackson County prosecutor’s office said Reid’s blood alcohol content shortly after the Feb. 4 crash was .113, above the legal limit of .08. He also was driving about 84 mph in a 65 mph zone seconds before his truck crashed into two cars stopped on an entrance ramp to Interstate 435 near Arrowhead Stadium.One of the vehicles had stalled because its battery was dead and the second was owned by a cousin who had arrived to help, according to the charging documents.A 5-year-old girl in the second car, Ariel Young, suffered a traumatic brain injury. Her family’s attorney told The Kansas City Star Monday that she was released from the hospital April 2 and is being treated at her home. She is unable to talk or walk and is being fed through a feeding tube.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618277826304.png" alt="Reid photo KC Police" />
 <figcaption>Reid photo KC Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Reid, the son of Chiefs coach Andy Reid, could be sentenced to up to seven years in prison if he’s convicted. He was expected to surrender to police later Wednesday. Prosecutors sought a $100,000 bond.Charging documents say Reid told police he had just left work and was looking over his shoulder to see if he could merge onto the interstate when he hit a stalled vehicle on the shoulder of the road and then hit a second vehicle. Reid called 911 shortly after the crash, police said.A Kansas City police officer who responded said he could smell alcohol and Reid’s eyes were bloodshot and red, according to the documents.The Chiefs said in a statement Monday the organization “remains steadfast in our concern for all who have been impacted by this tragic accident. Our prayers are focused on Ariel’s continued healing and recovery. The Chiefs are regularly in contact with the family’s designated representative during this challenging time.”Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters-Baker said in a statement that Missouri law limited the charges that could be brought against Reid given the evidence available, but said her office “will vigorously pursue these charges and Reid is not receiving any favorable treatment from Kansas City police or the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office.”The family’s attorney, Tom Porto, told the Star the charges were, “absolutely appropriate under the circumstances. The prosecuting attorney and police department engaged in an extremely thorough investigation that ended with the appropriate charge.”Britt Reid, the Chiefs’ former linebackers coach, underwent surgery after the crash, which happened the week before the Chiefs played in the Super Bowl. He did not accompany the team to the game in Florida.He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-kansas-city-football-andy-reid-kansas-city-chiefs-dd7636f51135833dd2b903d22dcac099">placed on administrative leave</a>&nbsp;after the crash and his contract was allowed to expire, ending his employment with the Chiefs.___

Ex-KC Chiefs coach charged with DUI in crash that injured girl

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) —Authorities say a student at a Tennessee high school fired at officers and was killed by police. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director David B. Rausch said at a news conference Monday that police responded to a report of a possible gunman at Austin-East Magnet High School in Knoxville. 

He says the officers found him in a bathroom and ordered him to come out, but he wouldn’t comply. Rausch says that’s when the student reportedly opened fire, and police fired back. The student died at the school, and an officer was shot in the leg and taken into surgery.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Authorities say a confrontation in a Tennessee high school that involved police officers responding to a report of a possible armed man left one person dead and the officer wounded. 

Police say no other person were killed or wounded in Monday afternoon's shooting and that the scene has been secured at at the Austin-East Magnet High School in Knoxville. 

Knoxville Police posted on Facebook that officers responded to reports of a male subject who was possibly armed at the school. They said shots rang out as officers approached the person. The school was the subject of media reports in February after three students were shot to death over a three-week span.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Authorities say multiple people including a police officer have been shot at a high school in the east Tennessee city of Knoxville, and the scene has since been secured. There was no immediate report on the exact number of people shot or the extent of their injuries. 

The Knoxville Police Department tweeted that authorities were on the scene of the shooting Monday at Austin-East Magnet High School. Authorities did not immediately say how many people were shot or disclose the extent of their injuries. 

The online posting said a Knoxville Police Department officer was reported among the victims. Police urged people to avoid the area. Details remained sketchy and news outlets showed numerous police and emergency vehicles outside the school.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Authorities say multiple people including a police officer have been shot at a high school in the east Tennessee city of Knoxville, and the scene has since been secured. 

The Knoxville Police Department tweeted that authorities were on the scene of the shooting Monday at Austin-East Magnet High School. The online posting said a Knoxville Police Department officer was reported among the victims. 

Police urged people to avoid the area. Details remained sketchy and news outlets showed numerous police and emergency vehicles outside the school.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618260444077.png" alt="&nbsp;Multiple agencies on the scene of a shooting at Austin-East Magnet High School. Multiple gunshot victims reported, including a Knoxville Police officer-photo courtesy Knoxville Police" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Multiple agencies on the scene of a shooting at Austin-East Magnet High School. Multiple gunshot victims reported, including a Knoxville Police officer-photo courtesy Knoxville Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) —Authorities say a student at a Tennessee high school fired at officers and was killed by police. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director David B. Rausch said at a news conference Monday that police responded to a report of a possible gunman at Austin-East Magnet High School in Knoxville. He says the officers found him in a bathroom and ordered him to come out, but he wouldn’t comply. Rausch says that’s when the student reportedly opened fire, and police fired back. The student died at the school, and an officer was shot in the leg and taken into surgery.----------KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Authorities say a confrontation in a Tennessee high school that involved police officers responding to a report of a possible armed man left one person dead and the officer wounded. Police say no other person were killed or wounded in Monday afternoon's shooting and that the scene has been secured at at the Austin-East Magnet High School in Knoxville. Knoxville Police posted on Facebook that officers responded to reports of a male subject who was possibly armed at the school. They said shots rang out as officers approached the person. The school was the subject of media reports in February after three students were shot to death over a three-week span.KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Authorities say multiple people including a police officer have been shot at a high school in the east Tennessee city of Knoxville, and the scene has since been secured. There was no immediate report on the exact number of people shot or the extent of their injuries. The Knoxville Police Department tweeted that authorities were on the scene of the shooting Monday at Austin-East Magnet High School. Authorities did not immediately say how many people were shot or disclose the extent of their injuries. The online posting said a Knoxville Police Department officer was reported among the victims. Police urged people to avoid the area. Details remained sketchy and news outlets showed numerous police and emergency vehicles outside the school.---------KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Authorities say multiple people including a police officer have been shot at a high school in the east Tennessee city of Knoxville, and the scene has since been secured. The Knoxville Police Department tweeted that authorities were on the scene of the shooting Monday at Austin-East Magnet High School. The online posting said a Knoxville Police Department officer was reported among the victims. Police urged people to avoid the area. Details remained sketchy and news outlets showed numerous police and emergency vehicles outside the school.

Update: Student fires at officers at Tennessee school, is killed

TOPEKA– Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatality crash Monday morning involving one vehicle have identified the victim as Brad L. Shipps, 50 of Tecumseh.

Just after 6:30 a.m., police were dispatched to the Ramada Hotel and Convention Center, 420 SE 6th Avenue in Topeka on a report of a vehicle that crashed and came to rest on the front lawn of the business, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

Preliminary information indicates the vehicle was traveling westbound on SE 6th Avenue prior to the crash.

Upon arrival, officers located Shipps. He was the single occupant of the vehicle and was&nbsp; unresponsive.&nbsp; Medical personnel responded to the scene and pronounced him deceased a short time later.

SE 6th Ave. between SE Madison Street and SE Jefferson Street were temporarily closed to traffic during the investigation, according Spiker.

TOPEKA– Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatality crash Monday morning involving one vehicle.

Upon arrival, officers located the single occupant of the vehicle, an unresponsive adult man.&nbsp; Medical personnel responded to the scene and pronounced the man deceased a short time later.

SE 6th Ave. between SE Madison Street and SE Jefferson Street were closed to traffic during the investigation, according Spiker.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618237792337.png" alt="First responders on the scene early Monday -photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene early Monday -photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA– Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatality crash Monday morning involving one vehicle have identified the victim as Brad L. Shipps, 50 of Tecumseh.Just after 6:30 a.m., police were dispatched to the Ramada Hotel and Convention Center, 420 SE 6th Avenue in Topeka on a report of a vehicle that crashed and came to rest on the front lawn of the business, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.Preliminary information indicates the vehicle was traveling westbound on SE 6th Avenue prior to the crash.Upon arrival, officers located Shipps. He was the single occupant of the vehicle and was&nbsp; unresponsive.&nbsp; Medical personnel responded to the scene and pronounced him deceased a short time later.SE 6th Ave. between SE Madison Street and SE Jefferson Street were temporarily closed to traffic during the investigation, according Spiker.----------TOPEKA– Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatality crash Monday morning involving one vehicle.Just after 6:30 a.m., police were dispatched to the Ramada Hotel and Convention Center, 420 SE 6th Avenue in Topeka on a report of a vehicle that crashed and came to rest on the front lawn of the business, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.Preliminary information indicates the vehicle was traveling westbound on SE 6th Avenue prior to the crash.Upon arrival, officers located the single occupant of the vehicle, an unresponsive adult man.&nbsp; Medical personnel responded to the scene and pronounced the man deceased a short time later.SE 6th Ave. between SE Madison Street and SE Jefferson Street were closed to traffic during the investigation, according Spiker.

Police ID Kan. man who died after crash onto front lawn of hotel

PRATT COUNTY –&nbsp;The Pratt Police Department reported that 68-year-old Kenneth Gatlin was located deceased on Monday.

Just after 12:30p.m. Monday, Mr. Gatlin was discovered&nbsp; in rural Pratt County, northwest of Pratt, according to a media release from the KBI.

 He was found when a landowner contacted the Pratt County Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp; There was no indication of foul play, but an autopsy will be conducted.

PRATT COUNTY – On April 8, the Pratt Police Department requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a man missing from Pratt.&nbsp;

The whereabouts of 68-year-old Kenneth E. Gatlin are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.

On Saturday, police in Pratt asked that everyone check the immediate property where they live and any land they may have. Pratt Police Department police officers have been working around the clock looking for Mr. Gatlin by both foot and car. Officers have checked park trails, walked railroad tracks, walked the drainage ditches, walked and driven alleys and everything in between. Police also had the help of the Pratt County Sheriffs Office, Kansas Highway Patrol and the KBI.

Gatlin was last seen at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 8, when it is believed he walked away from his care facility in Pratt. He was wearing a red and white jacket, khaki pants, cowboy boots, and a red hat.

Gatlin is a white male, approximately 5 ft.10 in. tall, weighing 190 lbs. He has blue eyes and red hair. Gatlin suffers from dementia and has difficulty communicating with others.

If you see Kenneth Gatlin, or know his whereabouts, please immediately contact the Pratt Police Department at 620-672-5551.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617924268602.png" alt="Gatlin -photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Gatlin -photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>PRATT COUNTY –&nbsp;The Pratt Police Department reported that 68-year-old Kenneth Gatlin was located deceased on Monday.Just after 12:30p.m. Monday, Mr. Gatlin was discovered&nbsp; in rural Pratt County, northwest of Pratt, according to a media release from the KBI. He was found when a landowner contacted the Pratt County Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp; There was no indication of foul play, but an autopsy will be conducted.--------PRATT COUNTY – On April 8, the Pratt Police Department requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a man missing from Pratt.&nbsp;The whereabouts of 68-year-old Kenneth E. Gatlin are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.On Saturday, police in Pratt asked that everyone check the immediate property where they live and any land they may have. Pratt Police Department police officers have been working around the clock looking for Mr. Gatlin by both foot and car. Officers have checked park trails, walked railroad tracks, walked the drainage ditches, walked and driven alleys and everything in between. Police also had the help of the Pratt County Sheriffs Office, Kansas Highway Patrol and the KBI.Gatlin was last seen at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 8, when it is believed he walked away from his care facility in Pratt. He was wearing a red and white jacket, khaki pants, cowboy boots, and a red hat.Gatlin is a white male, approximately 5 ft.10 in. tall, weighing 190 lbs. He has blue eyes and red hair. Gatlin suffers from dementia and has difficulty communicating with others.If you see Kenneth Gatlin, or know his whereabouts, please immediately contact the Pratt Police Department at 620-672-5551.

KBI: Silver Alert canceled for missing Kan. man 

BOSTON (AP) — U.S. colleges hoping for a return to normalcy next fall are weighing how far they should go in urging students to get the COVID-19 vaccine, including whether they should — or legally can — require it.

Universities including Rutgers, Brown, Cornell and Northeastern recently told students they must get vaccinated before returning to campus next fall. They hope to achieve herd immunity on campus, which they say would allow them to loosen spacing restrictions in classrooms and dorms.

But some colleges are leaving the decision to students, and others believe they can’t legally require vaccinations. At Virginia Tech, officials determined that they can’t because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has only allowed the emergency use of the vaccines and hasn’t given them its full approval.

The question looms large as more colleges plan to shift back from remote to in-person instruction. Many schools have launched vaccination blitzes to get students immunized before they leave for the summer. At some schools, the added requirement is meant to encourage holdouts and to build confidence that students and faculty will be safe on campus.

“It takes away any ambiguity about whether individuals should be vaccinated,” said Kenneth Henderson, the chancellor of Northeastern University in Boston. “It also provides a level of confidence for the entire community that we are taking all appropriate measures.”

Northeastern and other colleges requiring shots believe they’re on solid legal ground. It’s not unusual for colleges to require students to be vaccinated for other types of diseases, and a California court last year upheld a flu shot requirement at the University of California system.

But legal scholars say the COVID-19 vaccines’ emergency use status moves the issue to a legal gray area that’s likely to be challenged in court, and some colleges may take a more cautious approach to avoid litigation.

Harvard Law professor Glenn Cohen, who teaches health law and bioethics, said there’s no legal reason colleges wouldn’t be allowed to require COVID-19 vaccinations. It makes no difference that the shots haven’t been given full approval, he said, noting that many colleges already require students to take coronavirus tests that are approved under the same FDA emergency authorization. But there’s also no federal guidance explicitly permitting vaccination mandates.

The biggest clashes could come in states taking a stance against vaccination requirements, he said.

In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis this month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fort-myers-miami-orlando-fort-lauderdale-florida-d2f3bc41dd70f812bdd5becea2bcfbbd">banned all businesses</a>&nbsp;from requiring customers to show proof of vaccination. The order raises questions about Nova Southeastern University’s plan to require students and staff to get vaccinated. The college’s president said he’s still confident in the plan, but he also promised to “respect the laws of our state and all federal directives.”

The governor of Texas, the country’s second-largest state,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-health-state-governments-coronavirus-pandemic-greg-abbott-texas-23258aae7f8bd7df98a4b93834d62d88">issued a similar order.</a>

There’s a parallel debate about whether to require vaccination for faculty and staff, an issue that employers across the nation are grappling with. At the University of Notre Dame, one of the latest schools to require student vaccinations, shots are still optional for workers. Northeastern is considering whether to extend its mandate to employees.

Even at schools making shots mandatory, there are exemptions. Federal law requires colleges to provide accommodations to students who refuse a vaccine for medical reasons, and most schools are also offering exemptions for religious reasons.

At Brown, students who forgo shots and have no valid exemption must file a petition to study remotely or take a leave of absence next fall, the school’s president, Christina Paxson, told students in a letter last week.

But enforcing vaccine mandates will bring its own challenges. Cornell and Northeastern say students will be asked to show proof of vaccination, but there is no widely accepted vaccine credential. Cornell told students they can provide the card given out at their vaccination site, but card formats vary and generally seem like they would be easy to forge.

At Northeastern, officials are still deciding whether students will have to provide a medical record proving they were vaccinated or whether they will be allowed to attest to having been immunized — essentially taking their word for it.

“We would expect students to be honest and forthright about any attestation they make to the university,” Henderson said.

Northeastern student Tyler Lee said he thinks requiring vaccinations is the right move because it will help stop the virus’ spread and protect the community around the downtown Boston campus. There has been some pushback from parents, but little from students, he said.

“It’s Northeastern’s decision,” said Lee, a senior who is awaiting his second shot. “If I didn’t like it, I would transfer. And that’s what most students feel.”

Ariana Palomo, an incoming freshman at Brown, said the university’s mandate sends the message that it’s serious about keeping students safe. She was “happy and relieved” when she heard about it, she said.

“I know that I’m going to feel so much safer on campus,” said Palomo, 18. “This is the next step in protecting one another and preventing more lives from being lost.”

Schools expect some pushback, and Republican student groups on some campuses have opposed mandates, saying it should be a choice.

Colleges are also grappling with what to expect of international students, who may not have access to vaccines in their home countries or who may get shots that are not used in the United States. Some colleges say they’re planning to develop arrangements to make shots available for international students when they arrive.

Other colleges are using a lighter touch to promote shots, including at Dickinson State University in North Dakota, which is exempting students from a campus mask mandate two weeks after they are fully vaccinated.

Many others are hoping a word of encouragement will be enough. Campus officials at Bowdoin College in Maine said it’s their “hope and expectation” that all students will get shots. Harvard University officials “strongly recommend” that students get vaccinated but have stopped short of a mandate.

Some, including Dartmouth College, are waiting for shots to become more widely available before making a decision. Diana Lawrence, a spokesperson for Dartmouth, said officials “cannot make a determination regarding required vaccination until vaccines are accessible for all students.”

BOSTON (AP) — U.S. colleges hoping for a return to normalcy next fall are weighing how far they should go in urging students to get the COVID-19 vaccine, including whether they should — or legally can — require it.Universities including Rutgers, Brown, Cornell and Northeastern recently told students they must get vaccinated before returning to campus next fall. They hope to achieve herd immunity on campus, which they say would allow them to loosen spacing restrictions in classrooms and dorms.But some colleges are leaving the decision to students, and others believe they can’t legally require vaccinations. At Virginia Tech, officials determined that they can’t because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has only allowed the emergency use of the vaccines and hasn’t given them its full approval.The question looms large as more colleges plan to shift back from remote to in-person instruction. Many schools have launched vaccination blitzes to get students immunized before they leave for the summer. At some schools, the added requirement is meant to encourage holdouts and to build confidence that students and faculty will be safe on campus.“It takes away any ambiguity about whether individuals should be vaccinated,” said Kenneth Henderson, the chancellor of Northeastern University in Boston. “It also provides a level of confidence for the entire community that we are taking all appropriate measures.”Northeastern and other colleges requiring shots believe they’re on solid legal ground. It’s not unusual for colleges to require students to be vaccinated for other types of diseases, and a California court last year upheld a flu shot requirement at the University of California system.But legal scholars say the COVID-19 vaccines’ emergency use status moves the issue to a legal gray area that’s likely to be challenged in court, and some colleges may take a more cautious approach to avoid litigation.Harvard Law professor Glenn Cohen, who teaches health law and bioethics, said there’s no legal reason colleges wouldn’t be allowed to require COVID-19 vaccinations. It makes no difference that the shots haven’t been given full approval, he said, noting that many colleges already require students to take coronavirus tests that are approved under the same FDA emergency authorization. But there’s also no federal guidance explicitly permitting vaccination mandates.The biggest clashes could come in states taking a stance against vaccination requirements, he said.In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis this month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fort-myers-miami-orlando-fort-lauderdale-florida-d2f3bc41dd70f812bdd5becea2bcfbbd">banned all businesses</a>&nbsp;from requiring customers to show proof of vaccination. The order raises questions about Nova Southeastern University’s plan to require students and staff to get vaccinated. The college’s president said he’s still confident in the plan, but he also promised to “respect the laws of our state and all federal directives.”The governor of Texas, the country’s second-largest state,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-health-state-governments-coronavirus-pandemic-greg-abbott-texas-23258aae7f8bd7df98a4b93834d62d88">issued a similar order.</a>There’s a parallel debate about whether to require vaccination for faculty and staff, an issue that employers across the nation are grappling with. At the University of Notre Dame, one of the latest schools to require student vaccinations, shots are still optional for workers. Northeastern is considering whether to extend its mandate to employees.Even at schools making shots mandatory, there are exemptions. Federal law requires colleges to provide accommodations to students who refuse a vaccine for medical reasons, and most schools are also offering exemptions for religious reasons.At Brown, students who forgo shots and have no valid exemption must file a petition to study remotely or take a leave of absence next fall, the school’s president, Christina Paxson, told students in a letter last week.But enforcing vaccine mandates will bring its own challenges. Cornell and Northeastern say students will be asked to show proof of vaccination, but there is no widely accepted vaccine credential. Cornell told students they can provide the card given out at their vaccination site, but card formats vary and generally seem like they would be easy to forge.At Northeastern, officials are still deciding whether students will have to provide a medical record proving they were vaccinated or whether they will be allowed to attest to having been immunized — essentially taking their word for it.“We would expect students to be honest and forthright about any attestation they make to the university,” Henderson said.Northeastern student Tyler Lee said he thinks requiring vaccinations is the right move because it will help stop the virus’ spread and protect the community around the downtown Boston campus. There has been some pushback from parents, but little from students, he said.“It’s Northeastern’s decision,” said Lee, a senior who is awaiting his second shot. “If I didn’t like it, I would transfer. And that’s what most students feel.”Ariana Palomo, an incoming freshman at Brown, said the university’s mandate sends the message that it’s serious about keeping students safe. She was “happy and relieved” when she heard about it, she said.“I know that I’m going to feel so much safer on campus,” said Palomo, 18. “This is the next step in protecting one another and preventing more lives from being lost.”Schools expect some pushback, and Republican student groups on some campuses have opposed mandates, saying it should be a choice.Colleges are also grappling with what to expect of international students, who may not have access to vaccines in their home countries or who may get shots that are not used in the United States. Some colleges say they’re planning to develop arrangements to make shots available for international students when they arrive.Other colleges are using a lighter touch to promote shots, including at Dickinson State University in North Dakota, which is exempting students from a campus mask mandate two weeks after they are fully vaccinated.Many others are hoping a word of encouragement will be enough. Campus officials at Bowdoin College in Maine said it’s their “hope and expectation” that all students will get shots. Harvard University officials “strongly recommend” that students get vaccinated but have stopped short of a mandate.Some, including Dartmouth College, are waiting for shots to become more widely available before making a decision. Diana Lawrence, a spokesperson for Dartmouth, said officials “cannot make a determination regarding required vaccination until vaccines are accessible for all students.”

U.S. colleges divided over requiring student vaccinations

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden White House is amplifying the push for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-coronavirus-pandemic-pittsburgh-jen-psaki-8865ffc8f5ad3142155a5bd3c3a3e6d3">its $2.3 trillion infrastructure package</a>&nbsp;with the release of state-by-state breakdowns that show the dire shape of roads, bridges, the power grid and housing affordability.

The figures in the state summaries, obtained by The Associated Press, paint a decidedly bleak outlook for the world’s largest economy after years of repairs being deferred and delayed. They suggest that too much infrastructure is unsafe for vehicles at any speed, while highlighting the costs of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/weather">extreme weather events</a>&nbsp;that have become more frequent with climate change as well as dead spots for broadband and a dearth of child care options.

President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet Monday afternoon with Republican and Democratic lawmakers and can use the state summaries to show that his plan would help meet the needs of their constituents.

Drawn from an array of private and public data, the reports show there are 7,300 miles of highway in Michigan alone that are in poor condition. Damaged streets in North Carolina impose an average yearly cost of $500 on motorists. Iowa has 4,571 bridges in need of repair. There is a roughly 4-in-10 chance that a public transit vehicle in Indiana might be ready for the scrap yard. Pennsylvania’s schools are short $1.4 billion for maintenance and upgrades.

The reports give some data to back up their argument that more money should be spent on roads and bridges. Biden’s plan would modernize 20,000 miles worth of roadways, but California by itself has 14,220 miles of highway in poor condition.

“This is a massive social welfare spending program combined with a massive tax increase on small-business job creators,” Sen Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday. “I can’t think of a worse thing to do.”

Yet the state-by-state reports make clear that many of the people Wicker represents could benefit from the package, an aspect of the Biden effort to engender the backing of voters across party lines.

Wicker was among four Republicans on the White House guest list for Biden’s Monday meeting, along with Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska and Reps. Garret Graves of Louisiana and Don Young of Alaska. Democrats on the list were Sens. Maria Cantwell of Washington and Alex Padilla of California and Reps. Donald Payne Jr. of New Jersey and David Price of North Carolina.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden White House is amplifying the push for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-coronavirus-pandemic-pittsburgh-jen-psaki-8865ffc8f5ad3142155a5bd3c3a3e6d3">its $2.3 trillion infrastructure package</a>&nbsp;with the release of state-by-state breakdowns that show the dire shape of roads, bridges, the power grid and housing affordability.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618251319025.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The figures in the state summaries, obtained by The Associated Press, paint a decidedly bleak outlook for the world’s largest economy after years of repairs being deferred and delayed. They suggest that too much infrastructure is unsafe for vehicles at any speed, while highlighting the costs of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/weather">extreme weather events</a>&nbsp;that have become more frequent with climate change as well as dead spots for broadband and a dearth of child care options.President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet Monday afternoon with Republican and Democratic lawmakers and can use the state summaries to show that his plan would help meet the needs of their constituents.Drawn from an array of private and public data, the reports show there are 7,300 miles of highway in Michigan alone that are in poor condition. Damaged streets in North Carolina impose an average yearly cost of $500 on motorists. Iowa has 4,571 bridges in need of repair. There is a roughly 4-in-10 chance that a public transit vehicle in Indiana might be ready for the scrap yard. Pennsylvania’s schools are short $1.4 billion for maintenance and upgrades.The administration is banking that the data will confirm the everyday experiences of Americans as they bump over potholes, get trapped in traffic jams and wait for buses that almost never correspond to published schedules. There is already a receptive audience to the sales pitch, and the strategy is that public support can overcome any congressional misgivings.“We don’t have a lot of work to do to persuade the American people that U.S. infrastructure needs major improvement,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-buttigieg-transportation-secretary-infrastructure-bb883b4af7b9c700d0ef2b7c29d7a5b0">Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg</a>&nbsp;said on Fox News Channel’s “Fox News Sunday” ahead of the reports’ release. “The American people already know it.”Republican lawmakers have been quick to reject the infrastructure proposal from Biden. They say just a fraction of the spending goes to traditional infrastructure, as $400 billion would expand Medicaid support for caregivers and substantial portions would fund electric vehicle charging stations and address the racial injustice of highways that were built in ways that destroyed Black neighborhoods.The reports give some data to back up their argument that more money should be spent on roads and bridges. Biden’s plan would modernize 20,000 miles worth of roadways, but California by itself has 14,220 miles of highway in poor condition.Republican lawmakers also object to funding the package by increasing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/corporate-taxes">the corporate tax rate</a>&nbsp;from 21% to 28% and increasing the global minimum tax, among other tax changes including stepped-up IRS enforcement being proposed by the Biden administration.“This is a massive social welfare spending program combined with a massive tax increase on small-business job creators,” Sen Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday. “I can’t think of a worse thing to do.”Yet the state-by-state reports make clear that many of the people Wicker represents could benefit from the package, an aspect of the Biden effort to engender the backing of voters across party lines.Wicker was among four Republicans on the White House guest list for Biden’s Monday meeting, along with Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska and Reps. Garret Graves of Louisiana and Don Young of Alaska. Democrats on the list were Sens. Maria Cantwell of Washington and Alex Padilla of California and Reps. Donald Payne Jr. of New Jersey and David Price of North Carolina.Mississippi needs $4.8 billion for drinking water and $289 million for schools. Nearly a quarter of households lack an internet subscription, and a similar percentage lives in areas without broadband. Mississippians who use public transportation have to devote an extra 87.7% of their time to commuting.___

White House issues reports on states' infrastructure needs

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 483 to a total of 304,719, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

Total coronavirus deaths were reported at 4930- no increase.

<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 483 to a total of 304,719, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Total coronavirus deaths were reported at 4930- no increase.<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/2021/4/1618247348913.png" alt="Monday April 12, 2021 -KDHE Image" />
 <figcaption>Monday April 12, 2021 -KDHE Image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman shot by police in Wichita was released from the hospital and is <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=123228">now in jail.</a>

Deputies booked <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=123228">35-year-old Jennifer Miller</a> into the Sedgwick County Jail just after 7p.m. Friday, according to <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=123228">online jail records.</a>

On March 31, two police officers were proactively checking the Red Roof Inn, 7335 East Kellogg and Sky Palace, 7321 East Kellogg after numerous calls and complaints over several months involving assaults, burglaries, drugs, stolen cars, underage parties and other things that would constitute a nuisance to the neighborhood and the businesses.

While checking the businesses, the officers saw a stolen Subaru Legacy behind the Red Roof Inn. The car had been reported stolen on March 30. As officers approached the car, they saw Miller enter the car's trunk, grab items and walk toward her room at the Sky Palace.

One officer approached Miller. A second officer arrived to assist and asked Miller for identification. Miller reached into her purse, pulled out a black handgun and pointed it at both officers, according to Wichita Police Captain Stephens.

One officer pulled his handgun and fired one shot striking Miller in the neck. The officers began life saving measures and called EMS.&nbsp; She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

Miller is being held on requested charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of stolen property, auto theft and felon in possession of a firearm, according to Stephens.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer shooting and have identified the suspect as 35-year-old Jennifer Miller of Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.

CAUTION: Graphic video of Wednesday's officer-involved shooting in Wichita.&nbsp;

Just before 9a.m. Wednesday, two police officers were proactively checking the Red Roof Inn, 7335 East Kellogg and Sky Palace, 7321 East Kellogg after numerous calls and complaints over several months involving assaults, burglaries, drugs, stolen cars, underage parties and other things that would constitute a nuisance to the neighborhood and the businesses.

While checking the businesses, the officers saw a stolen Subaru Legacy behind the Red Roof Inn. The car had been reported stolen on Tuesday. As they approached the car, they saw Miller enter the car's trunk, grab items and walk toward her room at the Sky Palace.

One officer approached Miller. A second officer arrived to assist and asked Miller for identification. Miller reached into her purse, pulled out a black handgun and pointed it at both officers, according to Stephens.

When she is released from the hospital in a couple of days she will be booked on requested charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of stolen property, auto theft and felon in possession of a firearm, according to Stephens.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618056359501.png" alt="Miller photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Miller photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman shot by police in Wichita was released from the hospital and is <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=123228">now in jail.</a>Deputies booked <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=123228">35-year-old Jennifer Miller</a> into the Sedgwick County Jail just after 7p.m. Friday, according to <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=123228">online jail records.</a>On March 31, two police officers were proactively checking the Red Roof Inn, 7335 East Kellogg and Sky Palace, 7321 East Kellogg after numerous calls and complaints over several months involving assaults, burglaries, drugs, stolen cars, underage parties and other things that would constitute a nuisance to the neighborhood and the businesses.While checking the businesses, the officers saw a stolen Subaru Legacy behind the Red Roof Inn. The car had been reported stolen on March 30. As officers approached the car, they saw Miller enter the car's trunk, grab items and walk toward her room at the Sky Palace.One officer approached Miller. A second officer arrived to assist and asked Miller for identification. Miller reached into her purse, pulled out a black handgun and pointed it at both officers, according to Wichita Police Captain Stephens.One officer pulled his handgun and fired one shot striking Miller in the neck. The officers began life saving measures and called EMS.&nbsp; She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;Miller is being held on requested charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of stolen property, auto theft and felon in possession of a firearm, according to Stephens.-----SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer shooting and have identified the suspect as 35-year-old Jennifer Miller of Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617291763952.png" alt="Photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>CAUTION: Graphic video of Wednesday's officer-involved shooting in Wichita.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWichitaPolice%2Fvideos%2F293964315460951%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>Just before 9a.m. Wednesday, two police officers were proactively checking the Red Roof Inn, 7335 East Kellogg and Sky Palace, 7321 East Kellogg after numerous calls and complaints over several months involving assaults, burglaries, drugs, stolen cars, underage parties and other things that would constitute a nuisance to the neighborhood and the businesses.While checking the businesses, the officers saw a stolen Subaru Legacy behind the Red Roof Inn. The car had been reported stolen on Tuesday. As they approached the car, they saw Miller enter the car's trunk, grab items and walk toward her room at the Sky Palace.One officer approached Miller. A second officer arrived to assist and asked Miller for identification. Miller reached into her purse, pulled out a black handgun and pointed it at both officers, according to Stephens.One officer pulled his handgun and fired one shot striking Miller in the neck. The officers began life saving measures and called EMS.&nbsp; She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617293757915.png" alt="Miller has previous convictions that include ID theft, forgery, theft and flee and elude, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Sedgwick County&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Miller has previous convictions that include ID theft, forgery, theft and flee and elude, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Sedgwick County&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>When she is released from the hospital in a couple of days she will be booked on requested charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of stolen property, auto theft and felon in possession of a firearm, according to Stephens.

Kan. woman shot by police moved from hospital to jail

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A woman was was killed inside a Kansas City, Kansas, apartment over the weekend, and a person suspected of killing her later arrested, police said.

Officers were called around 5 p.m. Sunday to the complex located in the city’s Riverview neighborhood, where they found a woman dead inside an apartment, according to a news release from police.

Investigators said a suspect had fled the area on foot and was found and arrested a short time later. Police had not identified the victim or the suspect by Monday morning, and had not given other details about how the woman died.

The woman’s death marked marked the city’s eighth homicide this year.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A woman was was killed inside a Kansas City, Kansas, apartment over the weekend, and a person suspected of killing her later arrested, police said.Officers were called around 5 p.m. Sunday to the complex located in the city’s Riverview neighborhood, where they found a woman dead inside an apartment, according to a news release from police.Investigators said a suspect had fled the area on foot and was found and arrested a short time later. Police had not identified the victim or the suspect by Monday morning, and had not given other details about how the woman died.The woman’s death marked marked the city’s eighth homicide this year.

Police: Kansas woman found dead in her apartment 

WICHITA —The remains of Father Emil Kapaun are set for return to Kansas, according to&nbsp;Ray Kapaun, nephew of Father Emil Kapaun, and the Kapaun family who contacted the Catholic Diocese of Wichita Sunday.

On March 4, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency reported the remains of Father Emil Kapaun were positively identified.&nbsp; 

Kapaun, the Marion County-native, a priest of the Diocese of Wichita, served as an Army Chaplain during WWII and the Korean War, and was taken as a Prisoner of War in 1951. He continued to minister to Americans as a POW before passing away on May 23, 1951.

After engaging in discussions with the diocese, the Kapaun family decided that interring the remains of Fr. Kapaun in a crypt inside the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita would not only provide a safe and secure location for them, but would also allow opportunities for Catholics and many others inspired by Fr. Kapaun’s life to be able to visit and venerate this priest, whose cause for sainthood progresses, according to the Catholic Diocese of Wichita.

"In 1993, Fr. Emil Kapaun was named a “Servant of God”, which signified that his cause for canonization could begin. Fr. Kapaun’s placement in the Cathedral will be a temporary location in the event that the Church recognize him as a saint in the future, in which case a dedicated shrine or chapel might be erected to hold his remains and commemorate his life.

The Catholic Diocese of Wichita is currently working with the family, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting agency (DPAA), and the Congregation for Saints in Rome to decide on a time frame for Fr. Kapaun’s return.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614944899732.png" alt="Father Kapaun photo courtesy office of Senator Moran" />
 <figcaption>Father Kapaun photo courtesy office of Senator Moran</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA —The remains of Father Emil Kapaun are set for return to Kansas, according to&nbsp;Ray Kapaun, nephew of Father Emil Kapaun, and the Kapaun family who contacted the Catholic Diocese of Wichita Sunday.On March 4, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency reported the remains of Father Emil Kapaun were positively identified.&nbsp; Kapaun, the Marion County-native, a priest of the Diocese of Wichita, served as an Army Chaplain during WWII and the Korean War, and was taken as a Prisoner of War in 1951. He continued to minister to Americans as a POW before passing away on May 23, 1951.After engaging in discussions with the diocese, the Kapaun family decided that interring the remains of Fr. Kapaun in a crypt inside the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita would not only provide a safe and secure location for them, but would also allow opportunities for Catholics and many others inspired by Fr. Kapaun’s life to be able to visit and venerate this priest, whose cause for sainthood progresses, according to the Catholic Diocese of Wichita."In 1993, Fr. Emil Kapaun was named a “Servant of God”, which signified that his cause for canonization could begin. Fr. Kapaun’s placement in the Cathedral will be a temporary location in the event that the Church recognize him as a saint in the future, in which case a dedicated shrine or chapel might be erected to hold his remains and commemorate his life.The Catholic Diocese of Wichita is currently working with the family, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting agency (DPAA), and the Congregation for Saints in Rome to decide on a time frame for Fr. Kapaun’s return.&nbsp;

Remains of Kan. priest who died in Korean War coming home

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — A judge dismissed a lawsuit filed against the Blue Valley school district by a Johnson County Commissioner who was denied entry into a district meeting because she refused to wear a mask.

Johnson County District Judge Robert Wonnell ruled Friday that Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara had no standing to file the lawsuit under a state law passed last month that details how people can object to COVID-19 restrictions.

O’Hara said she has a medical condition that exempts her from wearing a mask, and she was told unless she could show proof of the exemption she could not attend a Tuesday hearing on the mask mandate.

In a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, Blue Valley officials argued O’Hara was not harmed by the district’s enforcement of the mask rule. The hearing was postponed after another person refused to wear a mask, and it was held virtually on Wednesday.

The district also argued O’Hara doesn’t have standing to challenge the law because she is not an employee, student, parent or guardian of district student. She does have grandchildren in the district.

District officials announced on Thursday that Blue Valley will keep its mask requirement until the end of the school year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618228074978.png" alt="In January Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara was sworn in and wrote, "I stand here masked, a price extracted for an in-person swearing in to office, even though I fall into a category exempt from masks as I suffer from tinnitus. Those who are hearing impaired are exempt from the mask mandate as are those speaking to them. My choice was to be sworn in virtually or wear the mask, capitulate and pay the entry fee to be sworn in in person. I have chosen the later."" />
 <figcaption>In January Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara was sworn in and wrote, "I stand here masked, a price extracted for an in-person swearing in to office, even though I fall into a category exempt from masks as I suffer from tinnitus. Those who are hearing impaired are exempt from the mask mandate as are those speaking to them. My choice was to be sworn in virtually or wear the mask, capitulate and pay the entry fee to be sworn in in person. I have chosen the later."</figcaption>
 </figure>OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — A judge dismissed a lawsuit filed against the Blue Valley school district by a Johnson County Commissioner who was denied entry into a district meeting because she refused to wear a mask.Johnson County District Judge Robert Wonnell ruled Friday that Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara had no standing to file the lawsuit under a state law passed last month that details how people can object to COVID-19 restrictions.O’Hara said she has a medical condition that exempts her from wearing a mask, and she was told unless she could show proof of the exemption she could not attend a Tuesday hearing on the mask mandate.In a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, Blue Valley officials argued O’Hara was not harmed by the district’s enforcement of the mask rule. The hearing was postponed after another person refused to wear a mask, and it was held virtually on Wednesday.The district also argued O’Hara doesn’t have standing to challenge the law because she is not an employee, student, parent or guardian of district student. She does have grandchildren in the district.District officials announced on Thursday that Blue Valley will keep its mask requirement until the end of the school year.

Lawsuit against Kan. school district over masks dismissed

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden released a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/20611847-biden-administration-budget-request" target="_blank">$1.5 trillion wish list</a>&nbsp;for his first federal budget, asking for substantial gains for Democratic priorities including education, health care, housing and environmental protection.

The request by the White House budget office Friday for an 8.4% increase in agency operating budgets spells out Biden’s top priorities as Congress weighs its spending plans for next year. It’s the first financial outline of the Democrats’ broader ambitions since the expiration of a 2011 law that capped congressional spending.

“I’m hoping it’ll have some bipartisan support across the board,” Biden said before an Oval Office meeting with his economics team, though prominent Senate Republicans immediately complained the plan would shortchange the military and national security in boosting domestic programs.

Bipartisanship in 2011 also restricted Democrats’ ambitions, a problem they’re now trying to address. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the administration was “inheriting a legacy of chronic underinvestment” because of the caps.

“The president is focused on reversing this trend and reinvesting in the foundations of our strength,” she told reporters at a briefing.

At stake is “discretionary spending,” roughly one-third of the huge federal budget that is passed by Congress each year, funding the military, domestic Cabinet department operations, foreign policy and homeland security. The rest of the budget involves so-called mandatory programs with locked-in spending, chiefly Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

The Biden request provides a significantly smaller 1.6% increase for the $700 billion-plus Pentagon budget than for domestic accounts. Homeland security accounts would basically be frozen, reflecting opposition among Democratic progressives to immigration security forces.

Senate Republicans were quick to criticize the modest proposed increase for defense, with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Oklahoma’s Jim Inhofe, Florida’s Marco Rubio, South Carolina’s Lindsey Graham and Alabama’s Richard Shelby releasing a joint statement.

“Talk is cheap, but defending our country is not,” they said. “We can’t afford to fail in our constitutional responsibility to provide for the common defense. To keep America strong, we must balance domestic and defense spending priorities.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618062522198.png" alt="President Biden during a Friday meeting in the Oval Office said he wants to increase the Education Department’s budget by a massive 40.8% to $102.8 billion, which includes an additional $20 billion in grants for high-poverty schools-image courtesy White House." />
 <figcaption>President Biden during a Friday meeting in the Oval Office said he wants to increase the Education Department’s budget by a massive 40.8% to $102.8 billion, which includes an additional $20 billion in grants for high-poverty schools-image courtesy White House.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden released a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/20611847-biden-administration-budget-request" target="_blank">$1.5 trillion wish list</a>&nbsp;for his first federal budget, asking for substantial gains for Democratic priorities including education, health care, housing and environmental protection.The request by the White House budget office Friday for an 8.4% increase in agency operating budgets spells out Biden’s top priorities as Congress weighs its spending plans for next year. It’s the first financial outline of the Democrats’ broader ambitions since the expiration of a 2011 law that capped congressional spending.“I’m hoping it’ll have some bipartisan support across the board,” Biden said before an Oval Office meeting with his economics team, though prominent Senate Republicans immediately complained the plan would shortchange the military and national security in boosting domestic programs.Bipartisanship in 2011 also restricted Democrats’ ambitions, a problem they’re now trying to address. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the administration was “inheriting a legacy of chronic underinvestment” because of the caps.“The president is focused on reversing this trend and reinvesting in the foundations of our strength,” she told reporters at a briefing.At stake is “discretionary spending,” roughly one-third of the huge federal budget that is passed by Congress each year, funding the military, domestic Cabinet department operations, foreign policy and homeland security. The rest of the budget involves so-called mandatory programs with locked-in spending, chiefly Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.The Biden request provides a significantly smaller 1.6% increase for the $700 billion-plus Pentagon budget than for domestic accounts. Homeland security accounts would basically be frozen, reflecting opposition among Democratic progressives to immigration security forces.Senate Republicans were quick to criticize the modest proposed increase for defense, with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Oklahoma’s Jim Inhofe, Florida’s Marco Rubio, South Carolina’s Lindsey Graham and Alabama’s Richard Shelby releasing a joint statement.“Talk is cheap, but defending our country is not,” they said. “We can’t afford to fail in our constitutional responsibility to provide for the common defense. To keep America strong, we must balance domestic and defense spending priorities.”The appropriations process was one of the few consistent success stories of former President Donald Trump’s tumultuous four-year tenure in office, but this year’s budget cycle is not governed by the formal spending caps of a broader outline. The lapse of those caps opens the door to more domestic spending favored by Biden and Democrats but invites a battle with Republicans over military accounts.The Biden administration believes the caps, imposed by a long-abandoned 2011 budget deal, caused a decade of severe underinvestment in public services that the president is now trying to turn around with large increases that would mostly bypass national security programs.The administration says the request would bring spending in line with historical averages. It seeks $769 billion in non-defense discretionary funding, about equal to the 30-year average relative to the overall U.S. economy.Biden wants to increase the Education Department’s budget by a massive 40.8% to $102.8 billion, which includes an additional $20 billion in grants for high-poverty schools.The Department of Health and Human Services would get a 23.1% boost to $133.7 billion. There would be additional funds to combat opioid addiction and for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, whose mission took on new urgency during the coronavirus pandemic. The administration is also asking for $6.5 billion to establish a biomedical research agency to address cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and other diseases.Biden is seeking a $14 billion increase across government agencies to address climate change. It’s part of a whole-of-government approach to the climate crisis that includes billions to boost environmental justice for communities near refineries, power plants and other hazardous sites.Housing and Urban Development would get a 15.1% increase to $68.7 billion, primarily to provide housing vouchers for an additional 200,000 families. The administration also seeks more money for civil rights enforcement and addressing gun violence as a public health epidemic.Passing the president’s plan as written through Congress is typically a long shot. Recent history and guaranteed conflicts with Republicans are likely to force lawmakers to put discretionary accounts on autopilot for months after the Sept. 30 expiration of the budget year.The plan also details how the Biden administration will try to deal with the influx of arrivals at the U.S. southern border. It includes $861 million to invest in Central America to address the forces driving people to migrate to the United States. An additional $345 million would go to immigration services to resolve delays in years-long naturalization and asylum cases. The budget for the Executive Office of Immigration Review would jump 21% to $891 million in order to hire 100 new immigration judges and support teams to reduce the existing backlogs.The president seeks modest increases for national security. Defense -- the largest department in the discretionary plan -- would get a 1.6% increase to $715 billion. Homeland Security would edge up 0.2% to $52 billion.But the administration views diplomacy as a way to engage with the wider world. It’s pursuing a 12% increase in funding for the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development, taking their spending to $63.5 billion.Friday’s request does not include plans for tax revenues or mandatory federal spending. Nor does it include the planned spending in Biden’s infrastructure plan. A fuller budget proposal will be released later this spring.