SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after an arrest.

Just after 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, police went to an address in the 2100 block of SW Huntoon Street in Topeka to try and locate a wanted person stemming from an aggravated battery investigation,&nbsp;according to Lt. Edward Stanley.

 Officers observed the subject identified as 19-year-old Michael O. Bennett II enter into a residence but he refused to come out of the home. 

The Topeka Police Department Response Team and Crisis Negotiations Team were summoned to the scene, and the subject was subsequently arrested without incident.

&nbsp;Bennett was booked in to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Robbery and Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677758608956.png" alt="Bennett-photo Shawnee o." />
 <figcaption>Bennett-photo Shawnee o.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after an arrest.Just after 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, police went to an address in the 2100 block of SW Huntoon Street in Topeka to try and locate a wanted person stemming from an aggravated battery investigation,&nbsp;according to Lt. Edward Stanley. Officers observed the subject identified as 19-year-old Michael O. Bennett II enter into a residence but he refused to come out of the home. The Topeka Police Department Response Team and Crisis Negotiations Team were summoned to the scene, and the subject was subsequently arrested without incident.&nbsp;Bennett was booked in to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Robbery and Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer.

Police: Robbery suspect arrested after standoff at Kansas home

In its 39th year, the 2023 Salina Spring Poetry Series features a lineup of socially minded poets who will read in downtown Salina. 

In-person readings are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesdays in April at Ad Astra Books &amp; Coffee House, 135 N. Santa Fe Avenue.

The series is sponsored by Salina Arts &amp; Humanities and was curated by Huascar Medina, Kansas Poet Laureate Emeritus. Medina selected poets with a broad range of perspectives featuring the perspectives of a migrant farm worker, an award-winning spoken word poet, a poet whose work is centered on comics and graphic novels, and the current Kansas Poet Laureate. Admission to each reading will be $5 at the door and free for students with ID.

"Thank you, Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, for spotlighting poetry. What a gift it is to see poets shine,” said Medina. “The Salina Spring Poetry Series continues to be a poetic lighthouse across Kansas, and this year will be one of the most radiant to date.”

The lineup of poets for the 2023 Salina Poetry Series is as follows.

Traci Brimhall is the author of four poetry collections: Come the Slumberless from the Land of Nod (Copper Canyon); Saudade (Copper Canyon); Our Lady of the Ruins (W.W. Norton), winner of the Barnard Women Poets Prize; and Rookery (Southern Illinois University Press), winner of the Crab Orchard Series in Poetry First Book Award. Her poems have appeared in The New Yorker, Poetry, The Believer, The New Republic, Orion, New York Times Magazine, and Best American Poetry. She’s received fellowships from the Wisconsin Institute for Creative Writing and the National Endowment for the Arts. She currently serves as Poet Laureate of Kansas. Brimhall is scheduled to perform April 4.

Born and raised in Topeka, Gary Jackson is the author of the poetry collections origin story (University of New Mexico Press, 2021) and Missing You, Metropolis (Graywolf Press, 2010), which received the 2009 Cave Canem Poetry Prize. He’s also the co-editor of The Future of Black: Afrofuturism, Black Comics, and Superhero Poetry (Blair Publishing, 2021). His poems have appeared in numerous journals including Callaloo, The Sun, Los Angeles Review of Books, and Copper Nickel. He’s received fellowships and residencies from Cave Canem, Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, and Art Omi. He’s published work in Shattered: The Asian American Comics Anthology and was featured in the 2013 New American Poetry Series by the Poetry Society of America. He’s an associate professor in English and creative writing at the College of Charleston where he’s currently the Director of Undergraduate Creative Writing and teaches in the MFA program and serves as the Poetry editor of swamp pink. Jackson is scheduled to perform April 11.

Miguel M. Morales grew up in Texas working as a migrant and seasonal farmworker. He is a Lambda Literary Fellow and an alum of VONA/Voices and of the Macondo Writers Workshop. Morales’ work appears in Imaniman: Poets Writing in the Anzaldúan Borderlands, Primera Página: Poetry from the Latino Heartland, Cuentos del Centro: Stories from the Latino Heartland, From Macho to Mariposa: New Gay Latino Fiction, The (Other) F Word: A Celebration of the Fat &amp; Fierce, in Duende Journal, Acentos Review, Green Mountains Review, Texas Poetry Review, Hawai’i Review, and World Literature Today among others. Morales is the co-editor of Pulse/Pulso: In Remembrance of Orlando and of Fat &amp; Queer: An Anthology of Queer and Trans Bodies and Lives, which was named the 2021 Book of the Year by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). Morales has earned several awards, including the Society of Professional Journalists First Amendment Award. He is currently co-editing a portfolio of farmworker writing for The Common Magazine’s Fall 2023 print edition. Morales is schedule to perform April 18.

Sheri Purpose Hall is an award-winning spoken word artist, author, radio personality, actress, educator, and minister who uses her work to provide perspective and engage conversational empathy. She has four books: a book of poetry, epistles, and essays titled Black Girl Shattered (2017); two poetry chapbooks Mélange du Femme Noir (2019) and Chosen for Both (2015); and a workbook/workshop Writing Wrongs: Writing to Heal (2016) which won an award from Bike for the Brain, a non-profit organization that works to reduce mental health stigma. She is the founder of Arsyn Spit Fire, East of Red ArtHouse, and PenFire Publishing; executive director of poetry for Personal Power. Hall is scheduled to perform April 25.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677721455901.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy Salina Arts &amp; Humanities" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Salina Arts &amp; Humanities</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Arts &amp; HumanitiesIn its 39th year, the 2023 Salina Spring Poetry Series features a lineup of socially minded poets who will read in downtown Salina. In-person readings are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesdays in April at Ad Astra Books &amp; Coffee House, 135 N. Santa Fe Avenue.The series is sponsored by Salina Arts &amp; Humanities and was curated by Huascar Medina, Kansas Poet Laureate Emeritus. Medina selected poets with a broad range of perspectives featuring the perspectives of a migrant farm worker, an award-winning spoken word poet, a poet whose work is centered on comics and graphic novels, and the current Kansas Poet Laureate. Admission to each reading will be $5 at the door and free for students with ID."Thank you, Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, for spotlighting poetry. What a gift it is to see poets shine,” said Medina. “The Salina Spring Poetry Series continues to be a poetic lighthouse across Kansas, and this year will be one of the most radiant to date.”The lineup of poets for the 2023 Salina Poetry Series is as follows.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677721960267.png" alt="Traci Brimhall. Photos courtesy Salina Arts &amp; Humanities unless otherwise noted" />
 <figcaption>Traci Brimhall. Photos courtesy Salina Arts &amp; Humanities unless otherwise noted</figcaption>
 </figure>Traci Brimhall is the author of four poetry collections: Come the Slumberless from the Land of Nod (Copper Canyon); Saudade (Copper Canyon); Our Lady of the Ruins (W.W. Norton), winner of the Barnard Women Poets Prize; and Rookery (Southern Illinois University Press), winner of the Crab Orchard Series in Poetry First Book Award. Her poems have appeared in The New Yorker, Poetry, The Believer, The New Republic, Orion, New York Times Magazine, and Best American Poetry. She’s received fellowships from the Wisconsin Institute for Creative Writing and the National Endowment for the Arts. She currently serves as Poet Laureate of Kansas. Brimhall is scheduled to perform April 4.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677722019088.png" alt="Gary Jackson. Photo by Sebastian Stuertz" />
 <figcaption>Gary Jackson. Photo by Sebastian Stuertz</figcaption>
 </figure>Born and raised in Topeka, Gary Jackson is the author of the poetry collections origin story (University of New Mexico Press, 2021) and Missing You, Metropolis (Graywolf Press, 2010), which received the 2009 Cave Canem Poetry Prize. He’s also the co-editor of The Future of Black: Afrofuturism, Black Comics, and Superhero Poetry (Blair Publishing, 2021). His poems have appeared in numerous journals including Callaloo, The Sun, Los Angeles Review of Books, and Copper Nickel. He’s received fellowships and residencies from Cave Canem, Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, and Art Omi. He’s published work in Shattered: The Asian American Comics Anthology and was featured in the 2013 New American Poetry Series by the Poetry Society of America. He’s an associate professor in English and creative writing at the College of Charleston where he’s currently the Director of Undergraduate Creative Writing and teaches in the MFA program and serves as the Poetry editor of swamp pink. Jackson is scheduled to perform April 11.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677722060645.png" alt="Miguel M. Morales" />
 <figcaption>Miguel M. Morales</figcaption>
 </figure>Miguel M. Morales grew up in Texas working as a migrant and seasonal farmworker. He is a Lambda Literary Fellow and an alum of VONA/Voices and of the Macondo Writers Workshop. Morales’ work appears in Imaniman: Poets Writing in the Anzaldúan Borderlands, Primera Página: Poetry from the Latino Heartland, Cuentos del Centro: Stories from the Latino Heartland, From Macho to Mariposa: New Gay Latino Fiction, The (Other) F Word: A Celebration of the Fat &amp; Fierce, in Duende Journal, Acentos Review, Green Mountains Review, Texas Poetry Review, Hawai’i Review, and World Literature Today among others. Morales is the co-editor of Pulse/Pulso: In Remembrance of Orlando and of Fat &amp; Queer: An Anthology of Queer and Trans Bodies and Lives, which was named the 2021 Book of the Year by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). Morales has earned several awards, including the Society of Professional Journalists First Amendment Award. He is currently co-editing a portfolio of farmworker writing for The Common Magazine’s Fall 2023 print edition. Morales is schedule to perform April 18.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677722096852.png" alt="Sheri Purpose Hall" />
 <figcaption>Sheri Purpose Hall</figcaption>
 </figure>Sheri Purpose Hall is an award-winning spoken word artist, author, radio personality, actress, educator, and minister who uses her work to provide perspective and engage conversational empathy. She has four books: a book of poetry, epistles, and essays titled Black Girl Shattered (2017); two poetry chapbooks Mélange du Femme Noir (2019) and Chosen for Both (2015); and a workbook/workshop Writing Wrongs: Writing to Heal (2016) which won an award from Bike for the Brain, a non-profit organization that works to reduce mental health stigma. She is the founder of Arsyn Spit Fire, East of Red ArtHouse, and PenFire Publishing; executive director of poetry for Personal Power. Hall is scheduled to perform April 25.

Salina Arts & Humanities announces Spring Poetry Series lineup

Today is Thursday, March 2, the 61st day of 2023. There are 304 days left in the year.

On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors in a game against the New York Knicks, an NBA record that still stands. Philadelphia won the game, 169-147.

In 1861, the state of Texas, having seceded from the Union, was admitted to the Confederacy.

In 1877, Republican Rutherford B. Hayes was declared the winner of the 1876 presidential election over Democrat Samuel J. Tilden, even though Tilden had won the popular vote.

In 1917, actor, producer, director and bandleader Desi Arnaz was born in Santiago de Cuba.

In 1932, the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, which moved the date of the presidential inauguration from March 4 to Jan. 20, was passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification.

In 1939, John Ford's classic Western "Stagecoach," starring Claire Trevor and John Wayne, opened in New York.

In 1943, the three-day Battle of the Bismarck Sea began in the southwest Pacific during World War II; U.S. and Australian warplanes were able to inflict heavy damage on an Imperial Japanese convoy.

In 1955, nine months before Rosa Parks' famous act of defiance, Claudette Colvin, a Black high school student in Montgomery, Alabama, was arrested after refusing to give up her seat on a public bus to a white passenger.

In 1985, the government approved a screening test for AIDS that detected antibodies to the virus, allowing possibly contaminated blood to be excluded from the blood supply.

In 1989, representatives from the 12 European Community nations agreed to ban all production of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), the synthetic compounds blamed for destroying the Earth's ozone layer, by the end of the 20th century.

In 1990, more than 6,000 drivers went on strike against Greyhound Lines Inc. (The company, later declaring an impasse in negotiations, fired the strikers.)

In 1995, the Internet search engine website Yahoo! was incorporated by founders Jerry Yang and David Filo.

In 2011, the Supreme Court ruled, 8-1, that a grieving father's pain over mocking protests at his Marine son's funeral had to yield to First Amendment protections for free speech in a decision favoring the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas.

In 2012, Some 40 people were killed by tornadoes that struck Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.

Ten years ago: The day after $85 billion in across-the-board federal spending cuts went into effect, President Barack Obama and congressional Republicans refused to concede any culpability for failing to stave off the sequester. Alaska's 41st Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race kicked off with a festive ceremonial start in Anchorage.

Five years ago: At a funeral before an invitation-only crowd of approximately 2,000 in Charlotte, North Carolina, the children of the Rev. Billy Graham remembered "America's Pastor" as a man devoted to spreading the Gospel, and one who lived his life at home as he preached it in stadiums. A nor'easter pounded the Atlantic coast with hurricane-force winds and sideways rain and snow, grounding flights and leaving more than 2 million homes and businesses without power from North Carolina to Maine.

One year ago: Russian forces laid siege to two strategic Ukrainian seaports and pressed their bombardment of the country's second-biggest city, while the huge armored column threatening Kyiv appeared to be stalled outside the capital. Moscow's isolation deepened as most of the world lines up against it at the United Nations. Autherine Lucy Foster, the first Black student to enroll at the University of Alabama, died at age 92.

Today's birthdays: Actor John Cullum is 93. Actor Barbara Luna is 84. Author John Irving is 81. Actor Cassie Yates is 72. Actor and comedian Laraine Newman (Saturday Night Live) is 71. Former Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., is 70. Former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is 68. Singer Jay Osmond is 68. Pop musician John Cowsill (The Cowsills) is 67. Former tennis player Kevin Curren is 65. Country singer Larry Stewart (Restless Heart) is 64. Rock singer Jon Bon Jovi is 61. Blues singer-musician Alvin Youngblood Hart is 60. Actor Daniel Craig is 55. Actor Richard Ruccolo is 51. Rock singer Chris Martin (Coldplay) is 46. Actor Heather McComb is 46. Actor Rebel Wilson is 43. Actor Bryce Dallas Howard is 42. Former NFL quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is 41. Actor Robert Iler is 38. Actor Nathalie Emmanuel is 34. Country singer Luke Combs is 33. Singer-rapper-actor Becky G is 26.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Thursday, March 2, the 61st day of 2023. There are 304 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors in a game against the New York Knicks, an NBA record that still stands. Philadelphia won the game, 169-147.On this date:In 1861, the state of Texas, having seceded from the Union, was admitted to the Confederacy.In 1877, Republican Rutherford B. Hayes was declared the winner of the 1876 presidential election over Democrat Samuel J. Tilden, even though Tilden had won the popular vote.In 1917, actor, producer, director and bandleader Desi Arnaz was born in Santiago de Cuba.In 1932, the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, which moved the date of the presidential inauguration from March 4 to Jan. 20, was passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification.In 1939, John Ford's classic Western "Stagecoach," starring Claire Trevor and John Wayne, opened in New York.In 1943, the three-day Battle of the Bismarck Sea began in the southwest Pacific during World War II; U.S. and Australian warplanes were able to inflict heavy damage on an Imperial Japanese convoy.In 1955, nine months before Rosa Parks' famous act of defiance, Claudette Colvin, a Black high school student in Montgomery, Alabama, was arrested after refusing to give up her seat on a public bus to a white passenger.In 1985, the government approved a screening test for AIDS that detected antibodies to the virus, allowing possibly contaminated blood to be excluded from the blood supply.In 1989, representatives from the 12 European Community nations agreed to ban all production of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), the synthetic compounds blamed for destroying the Earth's ozone layer, by the end of the 20th century.In 1990, more than 6,000 drivers went on strike against Greyhound Lines Inc. (The company, later declaring an impasse in negotiations, fired the strikers.)In 1995, the Internet search engine website Yahoo! was incorporated by founders Jerry Yang and David Filo.In 2011, the Supreme Court ruled, 8-1, that a grieving father's pain over mocking protests at his Marine son's funeral had to yield to First Amendment protections for free speech in a decision favoring the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas.In 2012, Some 40 people were killed by tornadoes that struck Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.Ten years ago: The day after $85 billion in across-the-board federal spending cuts went into effect, President Barack Obama and congressional Republicans refused to concede any culpability for failing to stave off the sequester. Alaska's 41st Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race kicked off with a festive ceremonial start in Anchorage.Five years ago: At a funeral before an invitation-only crowd of approximately 2,000 in Charlotte, North Carolina, the children of the Rev. Billy Graham remembered "America's Pastor" as a man devoted to spreading the Gospel, and one who lived his life at home as he preached it in stadiums. A nor'easter pounded the Atlantic coast with hurricane-force winds and sideways rain and snow, grounding flights and leaving more than 2 million homes and businesses without power from North Carolina to Maine.One year ago: Russian forces laid siege to two strategic Ukrainian seaports and pressed their bombardment of the country's second-biggest city, while the huge armored column threatening Kyiv appeared to be stalled outside the capital. Moscow's isolation deepened as most of the world lines up against it at the United Nations. Autherine Lucy Foster, the first Black student to enroll at the University of Alabama, died at age 92.Today's birthdays: Actor John Cullum is 93. Actor Barbara Luna is 84. Author John Irving is 81. Actor Cassie Yates is 72. Actor and comedian Laraine Newman (Saturday Night Live) is 71. Former Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., is 70. Former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is 68. Singer Jay Osmond is 68. Pop musician John Cowsill (The Cowsills) is 67. Former tennis player Kevin Curren is 65. Country singer Larry Stewart (Restless Heart) is 64. Rock singer Jon Bon Jovi is 61. Blues singer-musician Alvin Youngblood Hart is 60. Actor Daniel Craig is 55. Actor Richard Ruccolo is 51. Rock singer Chris Martin (Coldplay) is 46. Actor Heather McComb is 46. Actor Rebel Wilson is 43. Actor Bryce Dallas Howard is 42. Former NFL quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is 41. Actor Robert Iler is 38. Actor Nathalie Emmanuel is 34. Country singer Luke Combs is 33. Singer-rapper-actor Becky G is 26.

Today in History - March 2

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri lawmakers argued Wednesday over a bill that would ban most LGBTQ education subjects for all grades in the state's public schools.

The proposal is modeled after a Florida education law passed last year, touted by supporters as protecting “parent's rights” and dubbed by opponents as a “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-lifestyle-education-florida-ron-desantis-322e0a40da909f48954b8b1bd9190750">Don't Say Gay</a>&nbsp;” law.

The Missouri bill debated in a state House committee hearing would ban K-12 public school staff from teaching about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-missouri-state-government-sex-education-florida-mike-moon-5f0a24af8e7428e63e59f19560a74d50">gender identity and sexual orientation</a>.

The Florida law only prohibits teaching those subjects from kindergarten through third grade, although any lessons on those topics for students of any grade are also banned if they are not age-appropriate.

“Exposure to such topics is inappropriate for children, creating confusion which may then cause doubt in their identities,” said Rep. Ann Kelley, a former teacher and the Republican sponsor of the Missouri bill. "It is not the place of the school to indoctrinate our children by exposing them to gender and sexual identity curriculums and courses.”

Kelley said her bill will need to be amended so it does not limit teaching for Advanced Placement courses.

In response to a question from a committee member, Kelley said she assumes that under her bill, educators would be banned from explaining the 2015&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-courts-marriage-supreme-court-of-the-united-states-united-states-government-9e1933cd1e1a4e969ab45f5952bbb45f">U.S. Supreme Court ruling</a>&nbsp;in Obergefell v. Hodges that legalized same-sex marriage.

“It seems like the things that you want to prohibit are targeted to one particular group that you find disfavorable," Republican Rep. Phil Christofanelli told Kelley.

Democratic Rep. Ian Mackey, a former teacher who is openly gay, asked Kelley if him “being gay in the classroom” and not hiding that from students would be limited under her bill.

“Did you ever inform your students on your beliefs?” Kelley asked Mackey.

“They did know I was gay,” Mackey said. “They would see my wedding ring and they would ask about it, and I would say I have a husband.”

A committee vote on the bill was not scheduled as of Wednesday afternoon.

The White House,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ron-desantis-politics-florida-state-government-36ec16b56ac6e72b9efcce26defdd0d8">Disney</a>, and LGBTQ advocates criticized the passage of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-dont-say-gay-law-signed-56aee61f075a12663f25990c7b31624d">the Florida bill</a>&nbsp;last year. Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the bill was a victory for parents and would prevent “indoctrination."

Some Florida schools have since moved library books and debated changing textbooks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-ron-desantis-gender-identity-49dfb9a4f63b2497846df8e96fd652cc">in response</a>&nbsp;to the new law. Some teachers have worried that family pictures on their desks could get them in trouble.

A federal judge in February again&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-tallahassee-education-lawsuits-c568376af04807379346b23e0e2d7769">dismissed a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;challenging the Florida law's constitutionality. The judge ruled that the students, parents and teachers who filed the lawsuit didn’t have legal standing.

The Missouri Senate is considering a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/teaching-sex-education-missouri-jefferson-city-c265ee7758ea0a718174d1ad625617ca">similar bill</a>&nbsp;requiring public school teachers and staff to tell parents if their children “express discomfort or confusion."

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri lawmakers argued Wednesday over a bill that would ban most LGBTQ education subjects for all grades in the state's public schools.The proposal is modeled after a Florida education law passed last year, touted by supporters as protecting “parent's rights” and dubbed by opponents as a “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-lifestyle-education-florida-ron-desantis-322e0a40da909f48954b8b1bd9190750">Don't Say Gay</a>&nbsp;” law.The Missouri bill debated in a state House committee hearing would ban K-12 public school staff from teaching about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-missouri-state-government-sex-education-florida-mike-moon-5f0a24af8e7428e63e59f19560a74d50">gender identity and sexual orientation</a>.The Florida law only prohibits teaching those subjects from kindergarten through third grade, although any lessons on those topics for students of any grade are also banned if they are not age-appropriate.“Exposure to such topics is inappropriate for children, creating confusion which may then cause doubt in their identities,” said Rep. Ann Kelley, a former teacher and the Republican sponsor of the Missouri bill. "It is not the place of the school to indoctrinate our children by exposing them to gender and sexual identity curriculums and courses.”Kelley said her bill will need to be amended so it does not limit teaching for Advanced Placement courses.In response to a question from a committee member, Kelley said she assumes that under her bill, educators would be banned from explaining the 2015&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-courts-marriage-supreme-court-of-the-united-states-united-states-government-9e1933cd1e1a4e969ab45f5952bbb45f">U.S. Supreme Court ruling</a>&nbsp;in Obergefell v. Hodges that legalized same-sex marriage.“It seems like the things that you want to prohibit are targeted to one particular group that you find disfavorable," Republican Rep. Phil Christofanelli told Kelley.Democratic Rep. Ian Mackey, a former teacher who is openly gay, asked Kelley if him “being gay in the classroom” and not hiding that from students would be limited under her bill.“Did you ever inform your students on your beliefs?” Kelley asked Mackey.“They did know I was gay,” Mackey said. “They would see my wedding ring and they would ask about it, and I would say I have a husband.”A committee vote on the bill was not scheduled as of Wednesday afternoon.The White House,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ron-desantis-politics-florida-state-government-36ec16b56ac6e72b9efcce26defdd0d8">Disney</a>, and LGBTQ advocates criticized the passage of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-dont-say-gay-law-signed-56aee61f075a12663f25990c7b31624d">the Florida bill</a>&nbsp;last year. Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the bill was a victory for parents and would prevent “indoctrination."Some Florida schools have since moved library books and debated changing textbooks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-ron-desantis-gender-identity-49dfb9a4f63b2497846df8e96fd652cc">in response</a>&nbsp;to the new law. Some teachers have worried that family pictures on their desks could get them in trouble.A federal judge in February again&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-tallahassee-education-lawsuits-c568376af04807379346b23e0e2d7769">dismissed a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;challenging the Florida law's constitutionality. The judge ruled that the students, parents and teachers who filed the lawsuit didn’t have legal standing.The Missouri Senate is considering a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/teaching-sex-education-missouri-jefferson-city-c265ee7758ea0a718174d1ad625617ca">similar bill</a>&nbsp;requiring public school teachers and staff to tell parents if their children “express discomfort or confusion."

Missouri debates ban on LGBTQ education for all grades

Today is Wednesday, March 1, the 60th day of 2023. There are 305 days left in the year.

On March 1, 1974, seven people, including former Nixon White House aides H.R. Haldeman and John D. Ehrlichman, former Attorney General John Mitchell and former assistant Attorney General Robert Mardian, were indicted on charges of conspiring to obstruct justice in connection with the Watergate break-in. (These four defendants were convicted in January 1975, though Mardian's conviction was later reversed.)

In 1815, Napoleon, having escaped exile in Elba, arrived in Cannes, France, and headed for Paris to begin his "Hundred Days" rule.

In 1867, Nebraska became the 37th state as President Andrew Johnson signed a proclamation.

In 1893, inventor Nikola Tesla first publicly demonstrated radio during a meeting of the National Electric Light Association in St. Louis by transmitting electromagnetic energy without wires.

In 1932, Charles A. Lindbergh Jr., the 20-month-old son of Charles and Anne Lindbergh, was kidnapped from the family home near Hopewell, New Jersey. (Remains identified as those of the child were found the following May.)

In 1945, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, back from the Yalta Conference, proclaimed the meeting a success as he addressed a joint session of Congress.

In 1954, four Puerto Rican nationalists opened fire from the spectators' gallery of the U.S. House of Representatives, wounding five members of Congress.

In 1966, the Soviet space probe Venera 3 impacted the surface of Venus, becoming the first spacecraft to reach another planet; however, Venera was unable to transmit any data, its communications system having failed.

In 1971, a bomb went off inside a men's room at the U.S. Capitol; the radical group Weather Underground claimed responsibility for the pre-dawn blast.

In 2005, Dennis Rader, the churchgoing family man accused of leading a double life as the BTK serial killer, was charged in Wichita, Kansas, with 10 counts of first-degree murder. (Rader later pleaded guilty and received multiple life sentences.) A closely divided Supreme Court outlawed the death penalty for juvenile criminals.

In 2010, Jay Leno returned as host of NBC's "The Tonight Show."

In 2015, tens of thousands marched through Moscow in honor of slain Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, who had been shot to death on Feb. 27.

In 2020, state officials said New York City had its first confirmed case of the coronavirus, a woman in her late 30s who had contracted the virus while traveling in Iran. Health officials in Washington state, announcing what was believed at the time to be the second U.S. death from the coronavirus, said the virus may have been circulating for weeks undetected in the Seattle area.

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama, still deadlocked with Republican congressional leaders, formally enacted $85 billion in across-the-board spending cuts a few hours before the midnight deadline required by law. In Bangladesh, protesters clashed with police for a second day and the death toll rose to at least 44 from violence triggered by a death sentence given to an Islamic party leader for crimes linked to Bangladesh's 1971 independence war.

Five years ago: President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would impose steep tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, escalating tensions with China and other trading partners and raising the prospect of higher prices for Americans. The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which selects winners of the peace prize, announced that someone using a stolen identity nominated Trump for the award. The committee leader said it appeared the same person was responsible for forging nominations in 2017, as well.

One year ago: Russian forces escalated their attacks on crowded urban areas, bombarding the central square in Ukraine's second-biggest city and Kyiv's main TV tower in what President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called a blatant campaign of terror. In his first State of the Union address, President Joe Biden aimed to rally the American public to bear the costs of supporting Ukraine's fight to stave off the massive Russian invasion. He also outlined his plans to combat soaring inflation.

Today's birthdays: Singer/actor Harry Belafonte is 96. Rock singer Mike D'Abo (Manfred Mann) is 79. Former Sen. John Breaux, D-La., is 79. Rock singer Roger Daltrey is 79. Actor Dirk Benedict is 78. Actor-director Ron Howard is 69. Country singer Janis Oliver (Sweethearts of the Rodeo) is 69. Actor Catherine Bach is 68. Actor Tim Daly is 67. Singer-musician Jon Carroll is 66. Rock musician Bill Leen is 61. Actor Bryan Batt is 60. Actor Maurice Benard is 60. Actor Russell Wong is 60. Actor Chris Eigeman is 58. Actor George Eads is 56. Actor Javier Bardem is 54. Actor Jack Davenport is 50. Rock musician Ryan Peake (Nickelback) is 50. Actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar is 49. Singer Tate Stevens is 48. Actor Jensen Ackles is 45. TV host Donovan Patton is 45. Actor Joe Tippett is 41. Actor Lupita Nyong'o is 40. Pop singer Kesha (formerly Ke$ha) is 36. R&amp;B singer Sammie is 36. Pop singer Justin Bieber is 29.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Wednesday, March 1, the 60th day of 2023. There are 305 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On March 1, 1974, seven people, including former Nixon White House aides H.R. Haldeman and John D. Ehrlichman, former Attorney General John Mitchell and former assistant Attorney General Robert Mardian, were indicted on charges of conspiring to obstruct justice in connection with the Watergate break-in. (These four defendants were convicted in January 1975, though Mardian's conviction was later reversed.)On this date:In 1815, Napoleon, having escaped exile in Elba, arrived in Cannes, France, and headed for Paris to begin his "Hundred Days" rule.In 1867, Nebraska became the 37th state as President Andrew Johnson signed a proclamation.In 1893, inventor Nikola Tesla first publicly demonstrated radio during a meeting of the National Electric Light Association in St. Louis by transmitting electromagnetic energy without wires.In 1932, Charles A. Lindbergh Jr., the 20-month-old son of Charles and Anne Lindbergh, was kidnapped from the family home near Hopewell, New Jersey. (Remains identified as those of the child were found the following May.)In 1945, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, back from the Yalta Conference, proclaimed the meeting a success as he addressed a joint session of Congress.In 1954, four Puerto Rican nationalists opened fire from the spectators' gallery of the U.S. House of Representatives, wounding five members of Congress.In 1966, the Soviet space probe Venera 3 impacted the surface of Venus, becoming the first spacecraft to reach another planet; however, Venera was unable to transmit any data, its communications system having failed.In 1971, a bomb went off inside a men's room at the U.S. Capitol; the radical group Weather Underground claimed responsibility for the pre-dawn blast.In 2005, Dennis Rader, the churchgoing family man accused of leading a double life as the BTK serial killer, was charged in Wichita, Kansas, with 10 counts of first-degree murder. (Rader later pleaded guilty and received multiple life sentences.) A closely divided Supreme Court outlawed the death penalty for juvenile criminals.In 2010, Jay Leno returned as host of NBC's "The Tonight Show."In 2015, tens of thousands marched through Moscow in honor of slain Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, who had been shot to death on Feb. 27.In 2020, state officials said New York City had its first confirmed case of the coronavirus, a woman in her late 30s who had contracted the virus while traveling in Iran. Health officials in Washington state, announcing what was believed at the time to be the second U.S. death from the coronavirus, said the virus may have been circulating for weeks undetected in the Seattle area.Ten years ago: President Barack Obama, still deadlocked with Republican congressional leaders, formally enacted $85 billion in across-the-board spending cuts a few hours before the midnight deadline required by law. In Bangladesh, protesters clashed with police for a second day and the death toll rose to at least 44 from violence triggered by a death sentence given to an Islamic party leader for crimes linked to Bangladesh's 1971 independence war.Five years ago: President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would impose steep tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, escalating tensions with China and other trading partners and raising the prospect of higher prices for Americans. The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which selects winners of the peace prize, announced that someone using a stolen identity nominated Trump for the award. The committee leader said it appeared the same person was responsible for forging nominations in 2017, as well.One year ago: Russian forces escalated their attacks on crowded urban areas, bombarding the central square in Ukraine's second-biggest city and Kyiv's main TV tower in what President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called a blatant campaign of terror. In his first State of the Union address, President Joe Biden aimed to rally the American public to bear the costs of supporting Ukraine's fight to stave off the massive Russian invasion. He also outlined his plans to combat soaring inflation.Today's birthdays: Singer/actor Harry Belafonte is 96. Rock singer Mike D'Abo (Manfred Mann) is 79. Former Sen. John Breaux, D-La., is 79. Rock singer Roger Daltrey is 79. Actor Dirk Benedict is 78. Actor-director Ron Howard is 69. Country singer Janis Oliver (Sweethearts of the Rodeo) is 69. Actor Catherine Bach is 68. Actor Tim Daly is 67. Singer-musician Jon Carroll is 66. Rock musician Bill Leen is 61. Actor Bryan Batt is 60. Actor Maurice Benard is 60. Actor Russell Wong is 60. Actor Chris Eigeman is 58. Actor George Eads is 56. Actor Javier Bardem is 54. Actor Jack Davenport is 50. Rock musician Ryan Peake (Nickelback) is 50. Actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar is 49. Singer Tate Stevens is 48. Actor Jensen Ackles is 45. TV host Donovan Patton is 45. Actor Joe Tippett is 41. Actor Lupita Nyong'o is 40. Pop singer Kesha (formerly Ke$ha) is 36. R&amp;B singer Sammie is 36. Pop singer Justin Bieber is 29.

Today in History - March 1

MONTGOMERY COUNTY – Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) agents, along with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and the Independence Police Department, arrested nine subjects following an investigation, and the execution of a search warrant, according to a media release from the KBI.

Just after 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, law enforcement officers executed the search warrant at 413 S. 11th Street in Independence, Kansas. Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found at the residence. Multiple individuals were present at the time the search warrant was conducted. Authorities arrested 9 on pending requested charges.

&nbsp;Dustin Vaughn, 35, of Independence, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of sale drug paraphernalia, and possession of use paraphernalia. Vaughn also had an outstanding arrest warrant for failure to appear.

Brian Noble, 31, of Independence, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of sale drug paraphernalia and possession of use paraphernalia. Noble had three outstanding arrest warrants for aggravated failure to appear.

Stephen Mills, 44, of Independence, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of sale drug paraphernalia, and possession of use paraphernalia.

Jonathan Wyatt, 31, of Independence, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of sale drug paraphernalia, and possession of use paraphernalia.

Stacie Fine, 51, of Independence, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of sale drug paraphernalia, and possession of use paraphernalia.

Tammy Kinney, 56, of Independence, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of sale drug paraphernalia and possession of use paraphernalia.

Marsha Bolin, 41, of Independence, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of sale drug paraphernalia, and possession of use paraphernalia.

Tyler Slaton, 27, of Independence, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of sale drug paraphernalia, and possession of use paraphernalia.

Stephen Landsaw, 50, of Independence was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of sale drug paraphernalia, and possession of use paraphernalia.

The subjects were booked into the Montgomery County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677627020812.png" alt="Vaughn-photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Vaughn-photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY – Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) agents, along with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and the Independence Police Department, arrested nine subjects following an investigation, and the execution of a search warrant, according to a media release from the KBI.Just after 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, law enforcement officers executed the search warrant at 413 S. 11th Street in Independence, Kansas. Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found at the residence. Multiple individuals were present at the time the search warrant was conducted. Authorities arrested 9 on pending requested charges.&nbsp;Dustin Vaughn, 35, of Independence, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of sale drug paraphernalia, and possession of use paraphernalia. Vaughn also had an outstanding arrest warrant for failure to appear.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677626982227.png" alt="Noble&nbsp;photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Noble&nbsp;photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Brian Noble, 31, of Independence, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of sale drug paraphernalia and possession of use paraphernalia. Noble had three outstanding arrest warrants for aggravated failure to appear.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677627062495.png" alt="Mills-photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Mills-photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Stephen Mills, 44, of Independence, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of sale drug paraphernalia, and possession of use paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677627096729.png" alt="Wyatt-photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Wyatt-photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Jonathan Wyatt, 31, of Independence, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of sale drug paraphernalia, and possession of use paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677626934077.png" alt="Fine" />
 <figcaption>Fine</figcaption>
 </figure>Stacie Fine, 51, of Independence, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of sale drug paraphernalia, and possession of use paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677626878677.png" alt="Kinney-photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Kinney-photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Tammy Kinney, 56, of Independence, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of sale drug paraphernalia and possession of use paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677626821964.png" alt="Bolin-photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Bolin-photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Marsha Bolin, 41, of Independence, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of sale drug paraphernalia, and possession of use paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677627137444.png" alt="Slaton-photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Slaton-photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Tyler Slaton, 27, of Independence, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of sale drug paraphernalia, and possession of use paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677627178859.png" alt="Landsaw&nbsp;photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Landsaw&nbsp;photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Stephen Landsaw, 50, of Independence was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of sale drug paraphernalia, and possession of use paraphernalia.The subjects were booked into the Montgomery County Jail.

KBI makes 9 arrests after large meth bust at Kansas home

WASHINGTON (AP) — A crucial question has eluded governments and health agencies around the world since the COVID-19 pandemic began: Did the virus originate in animals or leak from a Chinese lab?

(Click below to watch: John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council, downplays COVID lab leak report)

Now, the U.S. Department of Energy has assessed with “low confidence” in that it began with a lab leak, according to a person familiar with the report who wasn’t authorized to discuss it. The report has not been made public.

But others in the U.S. intelligence community disagree.

“There is not a consensus right now in the U.S. government about exactly how COVID started,” John Kirby, the spokesman for the National Security Council, said Monday. “There is just not an intelligence community consensus.”

The DOE's conclusion was first reported over the weekend in the Wall Street Journal, which said the classified report was based on new intelligence and noted in an update to a 2021 document. The DOE oversees a national network of labs.

White House officials on Monday declined to confirm press reports about the assessment.

In 2021, officials released an intelligence report summary that said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-coronavirus-pandemic-2570b89545d4332b8a3bd7289982aa22">four members of the U.S. intelligence community believed</a>&nbsp;with low confidence that the virus was first transmitted from an animal to a human, and a fifth believed with moderate confidence that the first human infection was linked to a lab.

While some scientists are open to the lab-leak theory, others continue to believe the virus came from animals, mutated, and jumped into people — as has happened in the past with viruses. Experts say the true origin of the pandemic may not be known for many years — if ever.

The U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment on the report. All 18 offices of the U.S. intelligence community had access to the information the DOE used in reaching its assessment.

Alina Chan, a molecular biologist at the Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, said she isn’t sure what new intelligence the agencies had, but “it’s reasonable to infer” it relates to activities at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China. She said a 2018 research proposal co-authored by scientists there and their U.S. collaborators “essentially described a blueprint for COVID-like viruses.”

“Less than two years later, such a virus was causing an outbreak in the city,” she said.

The Wuhan institute had been studying coronaviruses for years, in part because of widespread concerns — tracing back to SARS — that coronaviruses could be the source of the next pandemic.

No intelligence agency has said they believe the coronavirus that caused COVID-19 was released intentionally. The unclassified 2021 summary was clear on this point, saying: “We judge the virus was not developed as a biological weapon.”

“Lab accidents happen at a surprising frequency. A lot of people don’t really hear about lab accidents because they're not talked about publicly,” said Chan, who co-authored a book about the search for COVID-19 origins. Such accidents "underscore a need to make work with highly dangerous pathogens more transparent and more accountable.”

Last year, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-world-organization-government-and-politics-8662c2bc1784d3dea33f61caa6089ac2">World Health Organization recommended</a>&nbsp;a deeper probe into a possible lab accident. Chan said she hopes the latest report sparks more investigation in the United States.

China has called the suggestion that COVID-19 came from a Chinese laboratory “ baseless.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-covid-19-083bd75a801f9824e0b9ad7316062a5c">Many scientists believe</a>&nbsp;the animal-to-human theory of the coronavirus remains much more plausible. They theorize it emerged in the wild and jumped from bats to humans, either directly or through another animal.

In a 2021 research paper in the journal Cell, scientists said the COVID-19 virus is the ninth documented coronavirus to infect humans — and all the previous ones originated in animals.

Two studies, published last year by the journal Science, bolstered the animal origin theory. That research found that the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan was likely the early epicenter. Scientists concluded that the virus likely spilled from animals into people two separate times.

“The scientific literature contains essentially nothing but original research articles that support a natural origin of this virus pandemic," said Michael Worobey, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Arizona who has extensively studied COVID-19's origins.

He said the fact that others in the intelligence community looked at the same information as the DOE and “it apparently didn't move the needle speaks volumes.” He said he takes such intelligence assessments with a grain of salt because he doesn't think the people making them “have the scientific expertise ... to really understand the most important evidence that they need to understand.”

The U.S. should be more transparent and release the new intelligence that apparently swayed the DOE, Worobey said.

The DOE conclusion comes to light as House Republicans have been using their new majority power to investigate all aspects of the pandemic, including the origin, as well as what they contend were officials’ efforts to conceal the fact that it leaked from a lab in Wuhan. Earlier this month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-us-republican-party-brad-wenstrup-james-comer-anthony-fauci-5fdee072d1d60ae097e7044c73a5d3ca">Republicans sent letters</a>&nbsp;to Dr. Anthony Fauci, National Intelligence Director Avril Haines, Health Secretary Xavier Beccera and others as part of their investigative efforts.

The now retired Fauci, who served as the country’s top infectious disease expert under both Republican and Democratic presidents, has called the GOP criticism nonsense.

Rep. Mike McCaul, R-Texas, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has asked the Biden administration to provide Congress with “a full and thorough” briefing on the report and the evidence behind it.

Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman, emphasized that President Joe Biden believes it's important to know what happened "so we can better prevent future pandemics” but that such research “must be done in a safe and secure manner and as transparent as possible to the rest of the world.”

ASSOCIATED PRESSWASHINGTON (AP) — A crucial question has eluded governments and health agencies around the world since the COVID-19 pandemic began: Did the virus originate in animals or leak from a Chinese lab?(Click below to watch: John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council, downplays COVID lab leak report)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F161756043333991%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=576" 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>Now, the U.S. Department of Energy has assessed with “low confidence” in that it began with a lab leak, according to a person familiar with the report who wasn’t authorized to discuss it. The report has not been made public.But others in the U.S. intelligence community disagree.“There is not a consensus right now in the U.S. government about exactly how COVID started,” John Kirby, the spokesman for the National Security Council, said Monday. “There is just not an intelligence community consensus.”The DOE's conclusion was first reported over the weekend in the Wall Street Journal, which said the classified report was based on new intelligence and noted in an update to a 2021 document. The DOE oversees a national network of labs.White House officials on Monday declined to confirm press reports about the assessment.In 2021, officials released an intelligence report summary that said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-coronavirus-pandemic-2570b89545d4332b8a3bd7289982aa22">four members of the U.S. intelligence community believed</a>&nbsp;with low confidence that the virus was first transmitted from an animal to a human, and a fifth believed with moderate confidence that the first human infection was linked to a lab.While some scientists are open to the lab-leak theory, others continue to believe the virus came from animals, mutated, and jumped into people — as has happened in the past with viruses. Experts say the true origin of the pandemic may not be known for many years — if ever.CALLS FOR MORE INVESTIGATIONThe U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment on the report. All 18 offices of the U.S. intelligence community had access to the information the DOE used in reaching its assessment.Alina Chan, a molecular biologist at the Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, said she isn’t sure what new intelligence the agencies had, but “it’s reasonable to infer” it relates to activities at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China. She said a 2018 research proposal co-authored by scientists there and their U.S. collaborators “essentially described a blueprint for COVID-like viruses.”“Less than two years later, such a virus was causing an outbreak in the city,” she said.The Wuhan institute had been studying coronaviruses for years, in part because of widespread concerns — tracing back to SARS — that coronaviruses could be the source of the next pandemic.No intelligence agency has said they believe the coronavirus that caused COVID-19 was released intentionally. The unclassified 2021 summary was clear on this point, saying: “We judge the virus was not developed as a biological weapon.”“Lab accidents happen at a surprising frequency. A lot of people don’t really hear about lab accidents because they're not talked about publicly,” said Chan, who co-authored a book about the search for COVID-19 origins. Such accidents "underscore a need to make work with highly dangerous pathogens more transparent and more accountable.”Last year, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-world-organization-government-and-politics-8662c2bc1784d3dea33f61caa6089ac2">World Health Organization recommended</a>&nbsp;a deeper probe into a possible lab accident. Chan said she hopes the latest report sparks more investigation in the United States.China has called the suggestion that COVID-19 came from a Chinese laboratory “ baseless.”SUPPORT FOR ANIMAL THEORY<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-covid-19-083bd75a801f9824e0b9ad7316062a5c">Many scientists believe</a>&nbsp;the animal-to-human theory of the coronavirus remains much more plausible. They theorize it emerged in the wild and jumped from bats to humans, either directly or through another animal.In a 2021 research paper in the journal Cell, scientists said the COVID-19 virus is the ninth documented coronavirus to infect humans — and all the previous ones originated in animals.Two studies, published last year by the journal Science, bolstered the animal origin theory. That research found that the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan was likely the early epicenter. Scientists concluded that the virus likely spilled from animals into people two separate times.“The scientific literature contains essentially nothing but original research articles that support a natural origin of this virus pandemic," said Michael Worobey, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Arizona who has extensively studied COVID-19's origins.He said the fact that others in the intelligence community looked at the same information as the DOE and “it apparently didn't move the needle speaks volumes.” He said he takes such intelligence assessments with a grain of salt because he doesn't think the people making them “have the scientific expertise ... to really understand the most important evidence that they need to understand.”The U.S. should be more transparent and release the new intelligence that apparently swayed the DOE, Worobey said.REACTION TO THE REPORTThe DOE conclusion comes to light as House Republicans have been using their new majority power to investigate all aspects of the pandemic, including the origin, as well as what they contend were officials’ efforts to conceal the fact that it leaked from a lab in Wuhan. Earlier this month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-us-republican-party-brad-wenstrup-james-comer-anthony-fauci-5fdee072d1d60ae097e7044c73a5d3ca">Republicans sent letters</a>&nbsp;to Dr. Anthony Fauci, National Intelligence Director Avril Haines, Health Secretary Xavier Beccera and others as part of their investigative efforts.The now retired Fauci, who served as the country’s top infectious disease expert under both Republican and Democratic presidents, has called the GOP criticism nonsense.Rep. Mike McCaul, R-Texas, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has asked the Biden administration to provide Congress with “a full and thorough” briefing on the report and the evidence behind it.Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman, emphasized that President Joe Biden believes it's important to know what happened "so we can better prevent future pandemics” but that such research “must be done in a safe and secure manner and as transparent as possible to the rest of the world.”___

🎥Coronavirus origins still a mystery 3 years into pandemic

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have captured a man wanted for alleged murder.

According to online jail records, police booked 43-year-old Larry Powell into custody Monday evening on requested charges second degree murder and criminal use of weapons. 

On February 21, police were dispatched to a shooting at a motel in the 5700 block of West Kellogg Drive in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

First responders located a 50-year-old man unconscious and not breathing with a gunshot wound to his upper body. Officers began providing life-saving efforts until EMS arrived. 

The victim, from Santa Cruz, California, was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.&nbsp;

The investigation revealed that the victim had a verbal altercation with Powell. That argument turned physical at which point the Powell allegedly started shooting and striking the victim once.

On Feb. 22, police asked the public for help to find Powell in connection with the incident. Police have not released details on the arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677588367656.png" alt="Powell-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Powell-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have captured a man wanted for alleged murder.According to online jail records, police booked 43-year-old Larry Powell into custody Monday evening on requested charges second degree murder and criminal use of weapons. On February 21, police were dispatched to a shooting at a motel in the 5700 block of West Kellogg Drive in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.First responders located a 50-year-old man unconscious and not breathing with a gunshot wound to his upper body. Officers began providing life-saving efforts until EMS arrived. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677085113323.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The victim, from Santa Cruz, California, was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.&nbsp;The investigation revealed that the victim had a verbal altercation with Powell. That argument turned physical at which point the Powell allegedly started shooting and striking the victim once.On Feb. 22, police asked the public for help to find Powell in connection with the incident. Police have not released details on the arrest.

Police capture suspect wanted for Kansas motel killing 

Today is Tuesday, Feb. 28, the 59th day of 2023. There are 306 days left in the year.

On Feb. 28, 1993, a gun battle erupted at a religious compound near Waco, Texas, when Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents tried to arrest Branch Davidian leader David Koresh on weapons charges; four agents and six Davidians were killed as a 51-day standoff began.

In 1844, a 12-inch gun aboard the USS Princeton exploded as the ship was sailing on the Potomac River, killing Secretary of State Abel P. Upshur, Navy Secretary Thomas W. Gilmer and several others.

In 1849, the California gold rush began in earnest as regular steamship service started bringing gold-seekers to San Francisco.

In 1911, President William Howard Taft nominated William H. Lewis to be the first Black Assistant Attorney General of the United States.

In 1953, scientists James D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick announced they had discovered the double-helix structure of DNA.

In 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai issued the Shanghai Communique, which called for normalizing relations between their countries, at the conclusion of Nixon's historic visit to China.

In 1975, 42 people were killed in London's Underground when a train smashed into the end of a tunnel.

In 1996, Britain's Princess Diana agreed to divorce Prince Charles. (Their 15-year marriage officially ended in August 1996; Diana died in a car crash in Paris a year after that.)

In 2009, Paul Harvey, the news commentator and talk-radio pioneer whose staccato style made him one of the nation's most familiar voices, died in Phoenix at age 90.

In 2014, delivering a blunt warning to Moscow, President Barack Obama expressed deep concern over reported military activity inside Ukraine by Russia and warned "there will be costs" for any intervention.

In 2018, Walmart announced that it would no longer sell firearms and ammunition to people younger than 21 and would remove items resembling assault-style rifles from its website. Dick's Sporting Goods said it would stop selling assault-style rifles and ban the sale of all guns to anyone under 21.

In 2020, the number of countries touched by the coronavirus climbed to nearly 60. The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished the week 12.4% lower in the market's worst weekly performance since the 2008 financial crisis.

Ten years ago: In 2013, Benedict XVI became the first pope in 600 years to resign, ending an eight-year pontificate. (Benedict was succeeded the following month by Pope Francis.) Chelsea Manning, the Army private arrested in the biggest leak of classified information in U.S. history, pleaded guilty at Fort Meade, Maryland, to 10 charges involving illegal possession or distribution of classified material. (Manning was sentenced to up to 35 years in prison after being convicted of additional charges in a court-martial, but had her sentence commuted in 2017 by President Barack Obama.)

Five years ago: Students and teachers returned under police guard to Florida's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School as classes resumed for the first time since a shooting that killed 17 people. President Donald Trump called for substantial changes to the nation's gun laws, criticizing lawmakers for being fearful of the National Rifle Association. Political leaders paid tribute to the Rev. Billy Graham as his casket rested in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.

One year ago: Russian forces shelled Ukraine's second-largest city, rocking a residential neighborhood, and closed in on the capital, Kyiv, in a 17-mile convoy of hundreds of tanks and other vehicles. Talks aimed at stopping the fighting yielded only an agreement to keep talking. A Texas man charged with storming the U.S. Capitol with a holstered handgun on his waist became the first Jan. 6 defendant to go on trial.

Today's birthdays: Architect Frank Gehry is 94. Singer Sam the Sham is 86. Actor-director-dancer Tommy Tune is 84. Hall of Fame auto racer Mario Andretti is 83. Actor Kelly Bishop is 79. Actor Stephanie Beacham is 76. Writer-director Mike Figgis is 75. Actor Mercedes Ruehl is 75. Actor Bernadette Peters is 75. Former Energy Secretary Steven Chu is 75. Actor Ilene Graff is 74. Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman is 70. Basketball Hall of Famer Adrian Dantley is 68. Actor John Turturro is 66. Rock singer Cindy Wilson is 66. Actor Rae Dawn Chong is 62. Actor Maxine Bahns is 54. Actor Robert Sean Leonard is 54. Rock singer Pat Monahan is 54. Author Daniel Handler (aka "Lemony Snicket") is 53. Actor Tasha Smith is 52. Actor Rory Cochrane is 51. Actor Ali Larter is 47. Country singer Jason Aldean is 46. Actor Geoffrey Arend is 45. Actor Melanie Chandra (TV: "Code Black") is 39. Actor Michelle Horn is 36. MLB relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman is 35. Actor True O'Brien is 29. Actor Madisen Beaty is 28. Actor Quinn Shephard is 28. Actor Bobb'e J. Thompson is 27.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Tuesday, Feb. 28, the 59th day of 2023. There are 306 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Feb. 28, 1993, a gun battle erupted at a religious compound near Waco, Texas, when Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents tried to arrest Branch Davidian leader David Koresh on weapons charges; four agents and six Davidians were killed as a 51-day standoff began.On this date:In 1844, a 12-inch gun aboard the USS Princeton exploded as the ship was sailing on the Potomac River, killing Secretary of State Abel P. Upshur, Navy Secretary Thomas W. Gilmer and several others.In 1849, the California gold rush began in earnest as regular steamship service started bringing gold-seekers to San Francisco.In 1911, President William Howard Taft nominated William H. Lewis to be the first Black Assistant Attorney General of the United States.In 1953, scientists James D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick announced they had discovered the double-helix structure of DNA.In 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai issued the Shanghai Communique, which called for normalizing relations between their countries, at the conclusion of Nixon's historic visit to China.In 1975, 42 people were killed in London's Underground when a train smashed into the end of a tunnel.In 1996, Britain's Princess Diana agreed to divorce Prince Charles. (Their 15-year marriage officially ended in August 1996; Diana died in a car crash in Paris a year after that.)In 2009, Paul Harvey, the news commentator and talk-radio pioneer whose staccato style made him one of the nation's most familiar voices, died in Phoenix at age 90.In 2014, delivering a blunt warning to Moscow, President Barack Obama expressed deep concern over reported military activity inside Ukraine by Russia and warned "there will be costs" for any intervention.In 2018, Walmart announced that it would no longer sell firearms and ammunition to people younger than 21 and would remove items resembling assault-style rifles from its website. Dick's Sporting Goods said it would stop selling assault-style rifles and ban the sale of all guns to anyone under 21.In 2020, the number of countries touched by the coronavirus climbed to nearly 60. The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished the week 12.4% lower in the market's worst weekly performance since the 2008 financial crisis.Ten years ago: In 2013, Benedict XVI became the first pope in 600 years to resign, ending an eight-year pontificate. (Benedict was succeeded the following month by Pope Francis.) Chelsea Manning, the Army private arrested in the biggest leak of classified information in U.S. history, pleaded guilty at Fort Meade, Maryland, to 10 charges involving illegal possession or distribution of classified material. (Manning was sentenced to up to 35 years in prison after being convicted of additional charges in a court-martial, but had her sentence commuted in 2017 by President Barack Obama.)Five years ago: Students and teachers returned under police guard to Florida's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School as classes resumed for the first time since a shooting that killed 17 people. President Donald Trump called for substantial changes to the nation's gun laws, criticizing lawmakers for being fearful of the National Rifle Association. Political leaders paid tribute to the Rev. Billy Graham as his casket rested in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.One year ago: Russian forces shelled Ukraine's second-largest city, rocking a residential neighborhood, and closed in on the capital, Kyiv, in a 17-mile convoy of hundreds of tanks and other vehicles. Talks aimed at stopping the fighting yielded only an agreement to keep talking. A Texas man charged with storming the U.S. Capitol with a holstered handgun on his waist became the first Jan. 6 defendant to go on trial.Today's birthdays: Architect Frank Gehry is 94. Singer Sam the Sham is 86. Actor-director-dancer Tommy Tune is 84. Hall of Fame auto racer Mario Andretti is 83. Actor Kelly Bishop is 79. Actor Stephanie Beacham is 76. Writer-director Mike Figgis is 75. Actor Mercedes Ruehl is 75. Actor Bernadette Peters is 75. Former Energy Secretary Steven Chu is 75. Actor Ilene Graff is 74. Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman is 70. Basketball Hall of Famer Adrian Dantley is 68. Actor John Turturro is 66. Rock singer Cindy Wilson is 66. Actor Rae Dawn Chong is 62. Actor Maxine Bahns is 54. Actor Robert Sean Leonard is 54. Rock singer Pat Monahan is 54. Author Daniel Handler (aka "Lemony Snicket") is 53. Actor Tasha Smith is 52. Actor Rory Cochrane is 51. Actor Ali Larter is 47. Country singer Jason Aldean is 46. Actor Geoffrey Arend is 45. Actor Melanie Chandra (TV: "Code Black") is 39. Actor Michelle Horn is 36. MLB relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman is 35. Actor True O'Brien is 29. Actor Madisen Beaty is 28. Actor Quinn Shephard is 28. Actor Bobb'e J. Thompson is 27.

Today in History - Feb. 28

Today is Monday, Feb. 27, the 58th day of 2023. There are 307 days left in the year.

On Feb. 27, 1922, the Supreme Court, in Leser v. Garnett, unanimously upheld the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which guaranteed the right of women to vote.

In 1807, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was born in Portland, Maine.

In 1933, Germany's parliament building, the Reichstag, was gutted by fire; Chancellor Adolf Hitler, blaming the Communists, used the fire to justify suspending civil liberties.

In 1939, the Supreme Court, in National Labor Relations Board v. Fansteel Metallurgical Corp., effectively outlawed sit-down strikes.

In 1942, the Battle of the Java Sea began during World War II; Imperial Japanese naval forces scored a decisive victory over the Allies.

In 1951, the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, limiting a president to two terms of office, was ratified.

In 1973, members of the American Indian Movement occupied the hamlet of Wounded Knee in South Dakota, the site of the 1890 massacre of Sioux men, women and children. (The occupation lasted until the following May.)

In 1991, Operation Desert Storm came to a conclusion as President George H.W. Bush declared that "Kuwait is liberated, Iraq's army is defeated," and announced that the allies would suspend combat operations at midnight, Eastern time.

In 1997, divorce became legal in Ireland.

In 1998, with the approval of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's House of Lords agreed to end 1,000 years of male preference by giving a monarch's first-born daughter the same claim to the throne as any first-born son.

In 2006, former Newark Eagles co-owner Effa Manley became the first woman elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

In 2010, in Chile, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake and tsunami killed 524 people, caused $30 billion in damage and left more than 200,000 homeless.

In 2020, U.S. stocks posted their worst one-day drop since 2011, as worldwide markets plummeted amid growing anxiety about the coronavirus; the Dow tumbled nearly 1,200 points. President Donald Trump declared that a widespread U.S. outbreak of the virus was not inevitable, even as top health authorities at his side warned that more infections were coming.

In 2021, the U.S. got a third vaccine to prevent COVID-19, as the Food and Drug Administration cleared a Johnson &amp; Johnson shot that worked with just one dose instead of two.

Ten years ago: The Senate confirmed Jacob Lew to be Treasury secretary by a vote of 71-26. President Barack Obama unveiled a statue of civil rights icon Rosa Parks at the U.S. Capitol. Van Cliburn, the internationally celebrated pianist whose triumph at a 1958 Moscow competition launched a spectacular career that made him the rare classical musician to enjoy rock star status, died in Fort Worth, Texas, at age 78.

Five years ago: It was revealed that security clearance of White House senior adviser and presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner had been downgraded, significantly reducing his access to classified information. (Kushner's status was restored in May after the completion of his background check.) A five-hour truce ordered by Syria's Russian allies to let civilians flee a besieged rebel-held enclave near Damascus failed to result in aid deliveries or medical evacuations, as deadly airstrikes and shelling continued. President Donald Trump named former digital adviser Brad Parscale as campaign manager for his 2020 re-election bid.

One year ago: President Vladimir Putin dramatically escalated East-West tensions by ordering Russian nuclear forces put on high alert, while Ukraine's embattled leader agreed to talks with Moscow as Putin's troops and tanks drove deeper into the country. Citing "aggressive statements" by NATO, Putin issued a directive to increase the readiness of Russia's nuclear weapons — a step that raised fears that the invasion of Ukraine could boil over into nuclear war. New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that a dramatic drop in coronavirus infections could lead to the lifting of vaccine mandates on restaurants, bars and theaters within days.

Today's birthdays: Actor Joanne Woodward is 93. Consumer advocate Ralph Nader is 89. Actor Barbara Babcock is 86. Actor Debra Monk is 74. Rock singer-musician Neal Schon (Journey) is 69. Rock musician Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden) is 66. Actor Timothy Spall is 66. Rock musician Paul Humphreys (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) is 63. Country singer Johnny Van Zant (Van Zant) is 63. Rock musician Leon Mobley (Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals) is 62. Basketball Hall of Famer James Worthy is 62. Actor Adam Baldwin is 61. Actor Grant Show is 61. Actor Noah Emmerich is 58. Actor Donal Logue is 57. R&amp;B singer Chilli (TLC) is 52. Rock musician Jeremy Dean (Nine Days) is 51. Country-rock musician Shonna Tucker is 45. Chelsea Clinton is 43. Actor Brandon Beemer is 43. Rock musician Cyrus Bolooki (New Found Glory) is 43. Rock musician Jake Clemons (Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band) is 43. R&amp;B singer Bobby V is 43. Singer Josh Groban is 42. Banjoist Noam Pikelny is 42. Rock musician Jared Champion (Cage the Elephant) is 49. Actor Kate Mara is 40. TV personality JWoww (AKA Jenni Farley) is 37. Actor Lindsey Morgan is 33.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Monday, Feb. 27, the 58th day of 2023. There are 307 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Feb. 27, 1922, the Supreme Court, in Leser v. Garnett, unanimously upheld the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which guaranteed the right of women to vote.On this date:In 1807, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was born in Portland, Maine.In 1933, Germany's parliament building, the Reichstag, was gutted by fire; Chancellor Adolf Hitler, blaming the Communists, used the fire to justify suspending civil liberties.In 1939, the Supreme Court, in National Labor Relations Board v. Fansteel Metallurgical Corp., effectively outlawed sit-down strikes.In 1942, the Battle of the Java Sea began during World War II; Imperial Japanese naval forces scored a decisive victory over the Allies.In 1951, the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, limiting a president to two terms of office, was ratified.In 1973, members of the American Indian Movement occupied the hamlet of Wounded Knee in South Dakota, the site of the 1890 massacre of Sioux men, women and children. (The occupation lasted until the following May.)In 1991, Operation Desert Storm came to a conclusion as President George H.W. Bush declared that "Kuwait is liberated, Iraq's army is defeated," and announced that the allies would suspend combat operations at midnight, Eastern time.In 1997, divorce became legal in Ireland.In 1998, with the approval of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's House of Lords agreed to end 1,000 years of male preference by giving a monarch's first-born daughter the same claim to the throne as any first-born son.In 2006, former Newark Eagles co-owner Effa Manley became the first woman elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.In 2010, in Chile, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake and tsunami killed 524 people, caused $30 billion in damage and left more than 200,000 homeless.In 2020, U.S. stocks posted their worst one-day drop since 2011, as worldwide markets plummeted amid growing anxiety about the coronavirus; the Dow tumbled nearly 1,200 points. President Donald Trump declared that a widespread U.S. outbreak of the virus was not inevitable, even as top health authorities at his side warned that more infections were coming.In 2021, the U.S. got a third vaccine to prevent COVID-19, as the Food and Drug Administration cleared a Johnson &amp; Johnson shot that worked with just one dose instead of two.Ten years ago: The Senate confirmed Jacob Lew to be Treasury secretary by a vote of 71-26. President Barack Obama unveiled a statue of civil rights icon Rosa Parks at the U.S. Capitol. Van Cliburn, the internationally celebrated pianist whose triumph at a 1958 Moscow competition launched a spectacular career that made him the rare classical musician to enjoy rock star status, died in Fort Worth, Texas, at age 78.Five years ago: It was revealed that security clearance of White House senior adviser and presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner had been downgraded, significantly reducing his access to classified information. (Kushner's status was restored in May after the completion of his background check.) A five-hour truce ordered by Syria's Russian allies to let civilians flee a besieged rebel-held enclave near Damascus failed to result in aid deliveries or medical evacuations, as deadly airstrikes and shelling continued. President Donald Trump named former digital adviser Brad Parscale as campaign manager for his 2020 re-election bid.One year ago: President Vladimir Putin dramatically escalated East-West tensions by ordering Russian nuclear forces put on high alert, while Ukraine's embattled leader agreed to talks with Moscow as Putin's troops and tanks drove deeper into the country. Citing "aggressive statements" by NATO, Putin issued a directive to increase the readiness of Russia's nuclear weapons — a step that raised fears that the invasion of Ukraine could boil over into nuclear war. New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that a dramatic drop in coronavirus infections could lead to the lifting of vaccine mandates on restaurants, bars and theaters within days.Today's birthdays: Actor Joanne Woodward is 93. Consumer advocate Ralph Nader is 89. Actor Barbara Babcock is 86. Actor Debra Monk is 74. Rock singer-musician Neal Schon (Journey) is 69. Rock musician Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden) is 66. Actor Timothy Spall is 66. Rock musician Paul Humphreys (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) is 63. Country singer Johnny Van Zant (Van Zant) is 63. Rock musician Leon Mobley (Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals) is 62. Basketball Hall of Famer James Worthy is 62. Actor Adam Baldwin is 61. Actor Grant Show is 61. Actor Noah Emmerich is 58. Actor Donal Logue is 57. R&amp;B singer Chilli (TLC) is 52. Rock musician Jeremy Dean (Nine Days) is 51. Country-rock musician Shonna Tucker is 45. Chelsea Clinton is 43. Actor Brandon Beemer is 43. Rock musician Cyrus Bolooki (New Found Glory) is 43. Rock musician Jake Clemons (Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band) is 43. R&amp;B singer Bobby V is 43. Singer Josh Groban is 42. Banjoist Noam Pikelny is 42. Rock musician Jared Champion (Cage the Elephant) is 49. Actor Kate Mara is 40. TV personality JWoww (AKA Jenni Farley) is 37. Actor Lindsey Morgan is 33.

Today in History - Feb. 27

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri and two state library associations are suing over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-entertainment-education-biology-missouri-0fdae848f82c26b67751662801dfe7c9">a new state law</a>&nbsp;that bans sexually explicit material from schools, saying it violates the rights of librarians and students.

The lawsuit filed Thursday contends that the Republican-backed law, which took effect in August, has caused Missouri school districts to remove hundreds of books from their shelves.

The ACLU, the Missouri Association of School Librarians and the Missouri Library Association are asking the Circuit Court in Kansas City to find the law unconstitutional or clarify how and when it applies.

The law was passed as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/book-banning">challenges to the content of library books</a>&nbsp;— both in schools and public libraries — have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/libraries-american-library-association-book-banning-af7c9f312266b572c3dc189b1d109de4">increased across the country over the last two years.</a>

Missouri's Republican secretary of state, Jay Ashcroft, has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-columbia-government-and-politics-libraries-9902e50714e3ba7501829b628a88cc2d">proposed a rule</a>&nbsp;that would block public funding for libraries that make “inappropriate” books available to minors. The proposal has been widely condemned by librarians and free speech advocates.

In the latest lawsuit, the ACLU sued Jean Peters Baker in her role as the Jackson County prosecutor and on behalf of all county prosecutors in Missouri.

Michael Mansur, a spokesman for Baker's office, said Friday that they had not seen the lawsuit and couldn't comment.

Librarians and other school officials face up to a year in jail or a $2,000 fine for violating the policy, which makes it a crime to provide minors with sexually explicit visual material. Exceptions are provided for works of art, science classes and other educational courses.

The lawsuit also contends that librarians and others could violate the law regardless of whether the material is provided inside or outside of a school building or school hours.

As of November, about 300 titles had been banned from school libraries across the state, according to the lawsuit. Many of those books were written by or about minority or LGBTQ individuals, but they also include graphic novels, human anatomy books and Holocaust history books.

The law endangers not only school librarians but public and academic librarians who work with K-12 schools, Joe Kohlburn of the Missouri Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Committee said in a statement.

“Librarians have been undermined politically in this state for long enough, and the fear of prosecution is an ongoing issue for keeping qualified professionals in Missouri, as well as bringing new people into the profession,” he said.

The ACLU argues that the law violates educators' due process rights because it is unconstitutionally vague and allows government overreach. It also argues that the suit violates students' First Amendment rights.

The lawsuit notes that federal and state law already prohibits providing obscene and pornographic materials to minors, and that school boards approve procedures for choosing appropriate library materials.

“Extreme politicians in Jefferson City are using the government-knows-best model for legislation — in this case telling parents what their children can and can’t read at school and, in some cases, at home, while imposing criminal penalties on those who might disagree,” said Gillian Wilcox, deputy director for litigation for the ACLU of Missouri.

Melissa Corey, president of the Missouri Association of School Librarians, said one of the group's major concerns is not only removing books currently on the shelves, but the potential for “a chilling effect” on what books are purchased in the future.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674149937229.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri and two state library associations are suing over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-entertainment-education-biology-missouri-0fdae848f82c26b67751662801dfe7c9">a new state law</a>&nbsp;that bans sexually explicit material from schools, saying it violates the rights of librarians and students.The lawsuit filed Thursday contends that the Republican-backed law, which took effect in August, has caused Missouri school districts to remove hundreds of books from their shelves.The ACLU, the Missouri Association of School Librarians and the Missouri Library Association are asking the Circuit Court in Kansas City to find the law unconstitutional or clarify how and when it applies.The law was passed as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/book-banning">challenges to the content of library books</a>&nbsp;— both in schools and public libraries — have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/libraries-american-library-association-book-banning-af7c9f312266b572c3dc189b1d109de4">increased across the country over the last two years.</a>Missouri's Republican secretary of state, Jay Ashcroft, has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-columbia-government-and-politics-libraries-9902e50714e3ba7501829b628a88cc2d">proposed a rule</a>&nbsp;that would block public funding for libraries that make “inappropriate” books available to minors. The proposal has been widely condemned by librarians and free speech advocates.In the latest lawsuit, the ACLU sued Jean Peters Baker in her role as the Jackson County prosecutor and on behalf of all county prosecutors in Missouri.Michael Mansur, a spokesman for Baker's office, said Friday that they had not seen the lawsuit and couldn't comment.Librarians and other school officials face up to a year in jail or a $2,000 fine for violating the policy, which makes it a crime to provide minors with sexually explicit visual material. Exceptions are provided for works of art, science classes and other educational courses.The lawsuit also contends that librarians and others could violate the law regardless of whether the material is provided inside or outside of a school building or school hours.As of November, about 300 titles had been banned from school libraries across the state, according to the lawsuit. Many of those books were written by or about minority or LGBTQ individuals, but they also include graphic novels, human anatomy books and Holocaust history books.The law endangers not only school librarians but public and academic librarians who work with K-12 schools, Joe Kohlburn of the Missouri Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Committee said in a statement.“Librarians have been undermined politically in this state for long enough, and the fear of prosecution is an ongoing issue for keeping qualified professionals in Missouri, as well as bringing new people into the profession,” he said.The ACLU argues that the law violates educators' due process rights because it is unconstitutionally vague and allows government overreach. It also argues that the suit violates students' First Amendment rights.The lawsuit notes that federal and state law already prohibits providing obscene and pornographic materials to minors, and that school boards approve procedures for choosing appropriate library materials.“Extreme politicians in Jefferson City are using the government-knows-best model for legislation — in this case telling parents what their children can and can’t read at school and, in some cases, at home, while imposing criminal penalties on those who might disagree,” said Gillian Wilcox, deputy director for litigation for the ACLU of Missouri.Melissa Corey, president of the Missouri Association of School Librarians, said one of the group's major concerns is not only removing books currently on the shelves, but the potential for “a chilling effect” on what books are purchased in the future.

ACLU, library groups sue over new school book law

From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinapubliclibrary">Salina Public Library Facebook page</a>:

See what's new this week at the Salina Public Library at:

*** <a href="http://wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?fb&amp;p=5578-493&amp;fbclid=IwAR2XORDaeRt6aSXizBHp7O1Kcyh_95SlwCu9SW56wzY0ge5p6Z8rdJuFcc0" target="_blank">http://wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?fb&amp;p=5578-493</a> ***

There are four new bestsellers, eight new movies, one new children's book, and 52 other new books. The new bestsellers this week include "The 23rd Midnight," "Only the Dead," and "Identity." The new movies this week include "Plane," "Missing," and "Star Trek Lower Decks: Season Three."&nbsp;&nbsp;

From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinapubliclibrary">Salina Public Library Facebook page</a>:See what's new this week at the Salina Public Library at:*** <a href="http://wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?fb&amp;p=5578-493&amp;fbclid=IwAR2XORDaeRt6aSXizBHp7O1Kcyh_95SlwCu9SW56wzY0ge5p6Z8rdJuFcc0" target="_blank">http://wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?fb&amp;p=5578-493</a> ***There are four new bestsellers, eight new movies, one new children's book, and 52 other new books. The new bestsellers this week include "The 23rd Midnight," "Only the Dead," and "Identity." The new movies this week include "Plane," "Missing," and "Star Trek Lower Decks: Season Three."&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677421947545.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Check out what's new at Salina Public Library

Today is Sunday, Feb. 26, the 57th day of 2023. There are 308 days left in the year.

On Feb. 26, 1993, a truck bomb built by Islamic extremists exploded in the parking garage of the North Tower of New York's World Trade Center, killing six people and injuring more than 1,000 others. (The bomb failed to topple the North Tower into the South Tower, as the terrorists had hoped; both structures were destroyed in the 9/11 attack eight years later.)

In 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from exile on the Island of Elba and headed back to France in a bid to regain power.

In 1904, the United States and Panama proclaimed a treaty under which the U.S. agreed to undertake efforts to build a ship canal across the Panama isthmus.

In 1942, "How Green Was My Valley" won the Academy Award for Best Picture of 1941, beating out nine other films, including "The Maltese Falcon" and "Citizen Kane."

In 1945, authorities ordered a midnight curfew at nightclubs, bars and other places of entertainment across the nation.

In 1952, Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced that Britain had developed its own atomic bomb.

In 1966, South Korean troops sent to fight in the Vietnam War massacred at least 380 civilians in Go Dai hamlet.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Sunday, Feb. 26, the 57th day of 2023. There are 308 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Feb. 26, 1993, a truck bomb built by Islamic extremists exploded in the parking garage of the North Tower of New York's World Trade Center, killing six people and injuring more than 1,000 others. (The bomb failed to topple the North Tower into the South Tower, as the terrorists had hoped; both structures were destroyed in the 9/11 attack eight years later.)On this date:In 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from exile on the Island of Elba and headed back to France in a bid to regain power.In 1904, the United States and Panama proclaimed a treaty under which the U.S. agreed to undertake efforts to build a ship canal across the Panama isthmus.In 1942, "How Green Was My Valley" won the Academy Award for Best Picture of 1941, beating out nine other films, including "The Maltese Falcon" and "Citizen Kane."In 1945, authorities ordered a midnight curfew at nightclubs, bars and other places of entertainment across the nation.In 1952, Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced that Britain had developed its own atomic bomb.In 1966, South Korean troops sent to fight in the Vietnam War massacred at least 380 civilians in Go Dai hamlet.In 1987, the Tower Commission, which had probed the Iran-Contra affair, issued its report, which rebuked President Ronald Reagan for failing to control his national security staff.In 1998, a jury in Amarillo, Texas, rejected an $11 million lawsuit brought by Texas cattlemen who blamed Oprah Winfrey's talk show for a price fall after a segment on food safety that included a discussion about mad cow disease.In 2005, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak ordered his country's constitution changed to allow presidential challengers in an upcoming fall election.In 2012, Trayvon Martin, 17, was shot to death in Sanford, Florida, during an altercation with neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman, who said he acted in self-defense. (Zimmerman was later acquitted of second-degree murder.)In 2014, Republican Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed a bill pushed by social conservatives that would have allowed people with sincerely held religious beliefs to refuse to serve gays.In 2016, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie stunned the Republican establishment by endorsing Donald Trump for president.In 2017, At the 89th Academy Awards, "Moonlight," an LGBT coming of age drama, won three Oscars, including best picture of 2016 (in a startling gaffe, the musical "La La Land" was mistakenly announced as the best picture winner before the error was corrected).In 2020, the World Health Organization reported that the number of new coronavirus cases outside China had exceeded the number of new infections in China for the first time.Ten years ago: A deeply divided Senate voted, 58-41, to confirm Republican Chuck Hagel to be U.S. defense secretary. A hot air balloon burst into flames during a sunrise flight over the ancient Egyptian city of Luxor and then plummeted 1,000 feet to earth, killing 19 tourists.Five years ago: President Donald Trump, who had been highly critical of the law enforcement response to the Florida school shooting, told a roomful of governors at the White House that if he had been there, he would have rushed in, unarmed. Thousands of people from all walks of life, including former President George W. Bush and his wife, filed slowly past the casket of the Rev. Billy Graham in Charlotte, North Carolina.One year ago: Kyiv residents braced for another night sheltering underground, as Russian troops closed in on Ukraine's capital and skirmishes were reported on the outskirts. Ukraine's leader, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, vowed to continue fighting the Russian assault as he appealed for more outside help. He accused Russia of hitting infrastructure and civilian targets. John Landy, an Australian runner who dueled with Roger Bannister to be the first person to run a four-minute mile, died at age 91.Today's birthdays: Actor-director Bill Duke is 80. Singer Mitch Ryder is 78. Actor Marta Kristen (TV: "Lost in Space") is 78. Rock musician Jonathan Cain (Journey) is 73. Singer Michael Bolton is 70. The president of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is 69. Actor Greg Germann is 65. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., is 65. Bandleader John McDaniel is 62. Actor-martial artist Mark Dacascos is 59. Actor Jennifer Grant is 57. Rock musician Tim Commerford (Audioslave) is 55. Singer Erykah Badu is 52. Actor Maz Jobrani (TV: "Superior Donuts") is 51. R&amp;B singer Rico Wade (Society of Soul) is 51. Olympic gold medal swimmer Jenny Thompson is 50. R&amp;B singer Kyle Norman (Jagged Edge) is 48. Actor Greg Rikaart is 46. Rock musician Chris Culos (O.A.R.) is 44. R&amp;B singer Corinne Bailey Rae is 44. Pop singer Nate Ruess (fun.) is 41. Former tennis player Li Na is 41. Latin singer Natalia Lafourcade is 39. Actor Teresa Palmer is 37.