SHAWNEE COUNTY —The Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal is investigating a fatal fire in a detached garage converted to a living space in Topeka and have identified the victim as&nbsp;Jennifer G. Bowers, 56, of Meriden.&nbsp;

Just after 2a.m. Thursday, fire crews were dispatched to a fire at in a detached garage behind a home at 1435 NW Jackson Street in Topeka, according to city spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.&nbsp;

Crews found heavy fire and smoke coming from the garage and while&nbsp;performing an offensive fire attack, found an adult victim inside the garage who was deceased.

 The fire was quickly contained and no other structures were damaged.

The garage was converted into a make shift residence and Bowers was living in the space.&nbsp; The cause of the fire is still under investigation, according to Topeka Fire Department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677152894823.png" alt="The garage was converted into a make shift residence and the victim was living in the space.-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>The garage was converted into a make shift residence and the victim was living in the space.-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —The Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal is investigating a fatal fire in a detached garage converted to a living space in Topeka and have identified the victim as&nbsp;Jennifer G. Bowers, 56, of Meriden.&nbsp;Just after 2a.m. Thursday, fire crews were dispatched to a fire at in a detached garage behind a home at 1435 NW Jackson Street in Topeka, according to city spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.&nbsp;Crews found heavy fire and smoke coming from the garage and while&nbsp;performing an offensive fire attack, found an adult victim inside the garage who was deceased. The fire was quickly contained and no other structures were damaged.The garage was converted into a make shift residence and Bowers was living in the space.&nbsp; The cause of the fire is still under investigation, according to Topeka Fire Department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

Kan. woman living in garage apartment identified as fire victim

By JOHN HANNA (via Associated Press)

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas' GOP-controlled Legislature showed Thursday that it's likely to pass a bill eliminating the three extra days state voters get to return mail-in ballots after an election, highlighting the influence election conspiracy theories still hold over Republicans' thinking.

But the vote totals in the Kansas House and Senate strongly suggested conspiracy theory backers don't have the clout to overcome Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's possible opposition. Each chamber approved its own, separate version of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/hb2056_01_0000.pdf">the bill</a>&nbsp;but each fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to override any possible veto.

GOP lawmakers voted unanimously in 2017 to create the three-day grace period. That came amid concerns a restructuring of the U.S. Postal Service's mail-sorting operations had slowed the delivery of ballots.

On Thursday, 34 of the 44 Republicans still serving in either the House or the Senate voted to eliminate the grace period, including House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson, both Wichita-area Republicans.

Even though Kansas election officials have reported no potential fraud involving the grace period, many Republicans argue that eliminating it will restore public confidence in the state’s elections.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-politics-donald-trump-arizona-9b675ed2223da37a90e5b53cfb6cf9b8">Baseless election conspiries</a>&nbsp;have floated widely within the GOP since 2020, with former President Donald Trump repeatedly making false claims about his loss.

“All you’ve got to do is read the papers and what you guys say,” Hawkins told reporters before the House vote. “I mean, people do question the fraud all the time. Is there fraud? I think actually we’re a fairly good state but we can always make things better."

The vote in the House was&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20230223095247_185792/">77-45,</a>&nbsp;and with two Republicans absent, supporters were at least six votes short of the 84 needed to override a veto in the 125-member chamber. In the 40-member Senate, the vote was&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20230223113556_302137/">23-17,</a>&nbsp;leaving the backers of its separate bill four votes short.

Either one chamber will have to pass the other's bill to send it to Kelly, or the House and Senate will negotiate a version for both to approve. A version of the proposal is expected to clear the Legislature by early April.

Supporters of eliminating the grace period also suggested that Kansas is out of step with most other states. Thirty-one states require a mail ballot to arrive by Election Day to be counted,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/table-11-receipt-and-postmark-deadlines-for-absentee-mail-ballots">according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.</a>&nbsp;Kansas, Massachusetts and Virginia have three-day grace periods.

“There's nothing magical about it,” state Rep. Paul Waggoner, a Republican from south-central Kansas, said during a debate Wednesday.

While Kelly hasn't said publicly that she would veto such a measure, her office said she is worried that the bill would prevent some voters serving in the military from having their ballots counted, disenfranchising them.

A few Republicans who want to keep the grace period in place made the same argument. Others, like many Democrats, contend that U.S. mail service has gotten only slower in the intervening six years.

"We should always err on the side of the voter and do everything to accommodate and count legal ballots,” Republican state Rep. Jesse Borjon, of Topeka, said in a statement read by a House clerk. Borjon formerly worked in the Kansas secretary of state's office.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-kansas-state-government-6b1315110a7cc5c09055793581ee4ac2">Republicans also are split</a>&nbsp;over whether the state should eliminate remote ballot drop boxes. The Senate approving&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_sb208_02_0000.pdf">a bill to do that</a>&nbsp;Thursday on a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20230223113528_904679/">21-19 vote,</a>&nbsp;while the House has a bill to keep them but allow Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a vocal promoter of drop boxes, to set standard rules for counties governing their use.

But one sign that election conspiracies still influence Republicans came earlier this month when the GOP state committee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-kansas-state-government-ba265d04c9ac03870352ce4399b99755">narrowly elected</a>&nbsp;conspiracy promoter Mike Brown to serve as the party's state chair through the 2024 elections. Brown also ran for secretary of state last year, losing the GOP primary to Schwab.

“This idea that people have lost confidence in elections is because we have a bunch of loonies running around,” House Democratic Leader Vic Miller, of Topeka, said during Wednesday's debate. “Yes, if you repeat an incorrect statement often enough, unfortunately, some people begin to believe it.”

By JOHN HANNA (via Associated Press)TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas' GOP-controlled Legislature showed Thursday that it's likely to pass a bill eliminating the three extra days state voters get to return mail-in ballots after an election, highlighting the influence election conspiracy theories still hold over Republicans' thinking.But the vote totals in the Kansas House and Senate strongly suggested conspiracy theory backers don't have the clout to overcome Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's possible opposition. Each chamber approved its own, separate version of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/hb2056_01_0000.pdf">the bill</a>&nbsp;but each fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to override any possible veto.GOP lawmakers voted unanimously in 2017 to create the three-day grace period. That came amid concerns a restructuring of the U.S. Postal Service's mail-sorting operations had slowed the delivery of ballots.On Thursday, 34 of the 44 Republicans still serving in either the House or the Senate voted to eliminate the grace period, including House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson, both Wichita-area Republicans.Even though Kansas election officials have reported no potential fraud involving the grace period, many Republicans argue that eliminating it will restore public confidence in the state’s elections.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-politics-donald-trump-arizona-9b675ed2223da37a90e5b53cfb6cf9b8">Baseless election conspiries</a>&nbsp;have floated widely within the GOP since 2020, with former President Donald Trump repeatedly making false claims about his loss.“All you’ve got to do is read the papers and what you guys say,” Hawkins told reporters before the House vote. “I mean, people do question the fraud all the time. Is there fraud? I think actually we’re a fairly good state but we can always make things better."The vote in the House was&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20230223095247_185792/">77-45,</a>&nbsp;and with two Republicans absent, supporters were at least six votes short of the 84 needed to override a veto in the 125-member chamber. In the 40-member Senate, the vote was&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20230223113556_302137/">23-17,</a>&nbsp;leaving the backers of its separate bill four votes short.Either one chamber will have to pass the other's bill to send it to Kelly, or the House and Senate will negotiate a version for both to approve. A version of the proposal is expected to clear the Legislature by early April.Supporters of eliminating the grace period also suggested that Kansas is out of step with most other states. Thirty-one states require a mail ballot to arrive by Election Day to be counted,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/table-11-receipt-and-postmark-deadlines-for-absentee-mail-ballots">according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.</a>&nbsp;Kansas, Massachusetts and Virginia have three-day grace periods.“There's nothing magical about it,” state Rep. Paul Waggoner, a Republican from south-central Kansas, said during a debate Wednesday.While Kelly hasn't said publicly that she would veto such a measure, her office said she is worried that the bill would prevent some voters serving in the military from having their ballots counted, disenfranchising them.A few Republicans who want to keep the grace period in place made the same argument. Others, like many Democrats, contend that U.S. mail service has gotten only slower in the intervening six years."We should always err on the side of the voter and do everything to accommodate and count legal ballots,” Republican state Rep. Jesse Borjon, of Topeka, said in a statement read by a House clerk. Borjon formerly worked in the Kansas secretary of state's office.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-kansas-state-government-6b1315110a7cc5c09055793581ee4ac2">Republicans also are split</a>&nbsp;over whether the state should eliminate remote ballot drop boxes. The Senate approving&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_sb208_02_0000.pdf">a bill to do that</a>&nbsp;Thursday on a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20230223113528_904679/">21-19 vote,</a>&nbsp;while the House has a bill to keep them but allow Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a vocal promoter of drop boxes, to set standard rules for counties governing their use.But one sign that election conspiracies still influence Republicans came earlier this month when the GOP state committee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-kansas-state-government-ba265d04c9ac03870352ce4399b99755">narrowly elected</a>&nbsp;conspiracy promoter Mike Brown to serve as the party's state chair through the 2024 elections. Brown also ran for secretary of state last year, losing the GOP primary to Schwab.“This idea that people have lost confidence in elections is because we have a bunch of loonies running around,” House Democratic Leader Vic Miller, of Topeka, said during Wednesday's debate. “Yes, if you repeat an incorrect statement often enough, unfortunately, some people begin to believe it.”

Conspiracies fuel GOP switch on Kansas' ballot grace period

RUSSELL COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple charges after a traffic stop in Russell County.

Just after 7 a.m. Thursday, Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents and investigators executed search warrants at two properties in Russell, Kansas, and on a vehicle that KHP stopped along I-70, around 3 miles east of Dorrance, according to a media release from the KBI.

The vehicle was occupied by Richard Kerns, 63, of Russell, and Beverly Driscoll, 65, of Russell.

During the searches, law enforcement located over 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine, and approximately 15 firearms.

Kerns and Driscoll were arrested on requested charges that include distribution of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with the intent to distribute on or within 1,000 feet of a school, and several weapons violations. They were booked into the Russell County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677252690910.png" alt="Driscoll-photo Russell County" />
 <figcaption>Driscoll-photo Russell County</figcaption>
 </figure>RUSSELL COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple charges after a traffic stop in Russell County.Just after 7 a.m. Thursday, Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents and investigators executed search warrants at two properties in Russell, Kansas, and on a vehicle that KHP stopped along I-70, around 3 miles east of Dorrance, according to a media release from the KBI.The vehicle was occupied by Richard Kerns, 63, of Russell, and Beverly Driscoll, 65, of Russell.During the searches, law enforcement located over 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine, and approximately 15 firearms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677252661427.png" alt="Kerns-photo Russell County" />
 <figcaption>Kerns-photo Russell County</figcaption>
 </figure>Kerns and Driscoll were arrested on requested charges that include distribution of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with the intent to distribute on or within 1,000 feet of a school, and several weapons violations. They were booked into the Russell County Jail.

KBI finds meth, 15 firearms after investigation 

WASHINGTON —Feb. 24, 2023, marks the first anniversary of Russia's latest invasion of Ukraine that has killed thousands, forced millions of people from their homes, destroyed infrastructure, and upended international norms, world economy and alliances.

Russia's invasion was a test of Ukraine’s commitment to freedom, and a test for America and the world.&nbsp;Putin sought to subjugate Ukraine, but the free people of Ukraine stood strong—bravely defending their sovereignty and democracy. The United States, alongside allies and partners, did not hesitate to stand with them.&nbsp;

Over the last year, the United States has provided critical support to the people of Ukraine, working in close coordination with the government of Ukraine to get them what they need. President Biden has spoken regularly with President Zelenskyy, hosting him at the White House and visiting Kyiv to send powerful messages of the United States’ unwavering support. We have led the world in providing security assistance—from the Javelins that halted the Russian tanks assaulting Kyiv, to the air defense systems that have intercepted Russian strikes against Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, to the armored vehicles that Ukraine needs for the next phase of this conflict. We also stepped up to provide financial and humanitarian assistance—helping Ukrainians maintain access to fundamental services, like healthcare and heat, as they fight for their liberty and sovereignty.

The United States has not acted alone. Since first exposing Russia’s plans to launch this invasion, we ensured that Ukraine’s resilience has been matched with global resolve. We rallied the international community to speak out and stand against Russia’s brutal war, including at the United Nations, where the world has repeatedly and overwhelmingly voted to condemn Russia’s aggression. We have led unprecedented efforts to isolate and impose costs on Russia—including the largest coordinated sanctions and export control actions taken against a major economy. In response to the global economic disruptions caused by the Kremlin, we have launched initiatives that have stabilized energy markets and food supplies. And we supported our partners as they opened their homes and communities to millions of Ukrainians seeking refuge.

One year ago, Putin thought he could quickly topple Ukraine. He thought he could divide our allies and partners. He was wrong. Ukraine still stands. The international coalition in support of Ukraine is stronger and more united than ever. And President Biden’s visit to Kyiv yesterday sent a clear and powerful message to the world: we remain committed to standing with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes.

According to a statement from the White House, actions the United States has taken to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable over the last year include:

The&nbsp;United States&nbsp;has disbursed $13 billion in&nbsp;grant financing&nbsp;for&nbsp;budget support&nbsp;for Ukraine&nbsp;—and will soon begin disbursing&nbsp;another&nbsp;$9.9 billion&nbsp;that Congress recently approved — to&nbsp;ensure the Ukrainian government can&nbsp;continue to&nbsp;meet&nbsp;the critical needs of its citizens&nbsp;and provide basic services&nbsp;as it&nbsp;confronts&nbsp;Russia’s&nbsp;continued&nbsp;aggression. Through the World Bank’s Public Expenditures for Administrative Capacity Endurance mechanism, the United States has used it to provide budget support on a reimbursement basis — ensuring funding is disbursed to Ukraine only after expenses have been verified.

In its leadership role in international financial institutions, the United States has also worked closely with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank Group, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to support Ukraine — including to strengthen energy security, food security, and support for vulnerable populations and internally displaced persons across the country. Together with the G7, we have launched the Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform for Ukraine, to enhance our coordination of economic support for Ukraine’s immediate financing needs and future economic recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Over the past year, the United States and our allies and partners provided critical security assistance that made a real difference on the battlefield, and helped the people of Ukraine defend their country from Russian attacks and advances.

At the start of the war, the anti-armor and anti-air systems we provided—like the 8,000 Javelin and 1,600 Stingers—enabled Ukraine to win the Battle for Kyiv. The artillery and ammunition we have sent—such as the 160 howitzers and 38 High Mobility Artillery Rocket systems—enhanced Ukraine’s ability to defend its territory in the Donbas region and launch successful counteroffensives in Kharkiv and Kherson, reclaiming hundreds of kilometers of territory and liberating towns and villages subjected to unimaginable Russian brutality. The air defense systems and counter-drone capabilities that we provided help Ukraine protect its people and infrastructure against continued Russian attacks.&nbsp; The armored capabilities we are sending—including 109 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and tanks—will prepare Ukraine for future counteroffensives and help Ukraine adapt to changing conditions on the ground and defend against future Russian assaults.

We have provided more than one million rounds of artillery ammunition; more than 100,000 rounds of 125mm tank ammunition; and 100,000 rounds of small arms ammunition. We have provided helicopters; Unmanned Coastal Defense Vessels, and counter-UAV systems and equipment. And the Departments of Defense and State have released a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.state.gov/u-s-plan-to-counter-illicit-diversion-of-certain-advanced-conventional-weapons-in-eastern-europe/">plan</a>&nbsp;to prevent and counter the potential of illicit diversion of weapons and equipment.

Working with European partners and Ukraine, the United States also launched the Ukraine Defense Contact Group—a coalition of 50 partner nations that has enhanced our coordination of security assistance deliveries to help the people of Ukraine as they continue to defend themselves against Russia’s unjust and unprovoked assault. Together, members of this group already committed $50 billion security assistance, including nearly 700&nbsp;tanks and&nbsp;thousands of&nbsp;other armored vehicles, more than 1000 artillery systems, more than two million rounds of artillery ammunition, more than 50 advanced multiple rocket launch systems, and anti-ship and air defense systems.&nbsp;

A comprehensive list of security assistance is available&nbsp;<a href="https://media.defense.gov/2023/Feb/20/2003164184/-1/-1/0/UKRAINE-FACT-SHEET-PDA-32.PDF">here</a>.

When Russia launched its invasion, the United States responded quickly to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine—providing more than $1.9 billion to Ukrainians in need of assistance, including more than 13 million people forced to flee their homes.

We brought together partners across the United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations to address Ukrainian’s critical needs—including food, safe drinking water, shelter, and emergency health care. When winter approached and Putin turned his assault to critical infrastructure, a U.S.-led coalition provided supplies to restore emergency power and heat across the country. In addition to welcoming over 267,000 Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homes to the United States and creating the&nbsp;Uniting for Ukraine&nbsp;program, we have provided $340 million in refugee assistance to our European partners who continue to host millions of Ukrainians, representing the largest population outflow in Europe since World War II.

A comprehensive list of humanitarian assistance is available&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usaid.gov/news-information/fact-sheets/feb-2023-one-year-later-helping-ukraine-win-war-and-build-lasting-peace">here</a>.

Democracy, Human Rights, and Anti-Corruption Assistance

To defend human rights in Ukraine and its neighbors, President Biden launched the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/03/24/fact-sheet-the-biden-administration-announces-new-humanitarian-development-and-democracy-assistance-to-ukraine-and-the-surrounding-region/">European Democratic Resilience Initiative (EDRI)</a>&nbsp;in March 2022. Through EDRI, we have provided nearly $220 million for Ukraine to support media freedom and enable Ukrainian media outlets to continue operating during the war,&nbsp;to counter disinformation, increase the safety and security of activists and vulnerable groups, strengthen democratic and anti-corruption institutions, and support accountability for human rights abuses and violations of international law.&nbsp;

Justice and accountability are central pillars of the United States’ policy on Ukraine.&nbsp; Russia chose this war, and the United States and our partners are holding it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.state.gov/supporting-justice-and-accountability-in-ukraine/">accountable</a>&nbsp;for its attacks and atrocities against the people of Ukraine — ensuring that perpetrators, human rights violators, and war criminals are brought to justice.

Based on a careful analysis of the law and available facts, the Secretary of State recently determined that members of Russia’s forces and other Russian officials have committed crimes against humanity in Ukraine.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Working with partners, we have supported Ukrainian domestic authorities, international efforts, and strategic litigation to ensure that Russia’s crimes do not go unpunished. Along with many of our allies and partners, we imposed new sanctions on those engaged in human rights abuses and exercising illegitimate authority in occupied areas of Ukraine, including proxy authorities, military units, and those involved in the forced deportation of children.

The United States has also imposed expansive visa restrictions on members of the Russian military and others committing human rights abuses related to Russia’s war.&nbsp; The United States continues to support a range of international accountability mechanisms—including the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Moscow Mechanism, and the Joint Investigative Team on Ukraine.&nbsp;

The United States and over 30 allies and partners developed the largest set of sanctions and export control actions ever imposed on a major economy. These actions are disrupting Russia from accessing critical inputs and advanced technologies — undercutting its ability to fund and fight its unjust war.

The United States has implemented or expanded more than 2,000 sanctions listings and more than 375 export control Entity Listings, including major state-owned enterprises and third-country actors supporting Russia’s war machine. We imposed sanctions on Russia’s largest financial institutions and imposed increasingly expansive restrictions on military and industrial goods that could support Russia’s defense industrial base. As a result, Russia has been forced to turn to rogue regimes to try to source weapons and equipment because of their inability to make enough parts to resupply Putin’s war at home. Additionally, Congress has revoked Russia’s permanent normal trade relations status — removing Russia’s privileges in international trade and increasing tariffs on hundreds of Russia products imported into the United States.

These sanctions and export controls will cut even deeper into Russia’s economy as time progresses. And at the same time, our economic measures have been specifically designed to shield low- and middle-income countries from their impact — including protecting the exports of food, allowing the provision of humanitarian assistance, and carving out agriculture, medicine, and energy payments from our sanctions.

When Russia attacked Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, trying to use winter as a weapon against the Ukrainian people, the United States and its allies and partners provided energy assistance: restoring power, heating homes, and enabling the people of Ukraine to focus on the defense of their sovereignty.

Together with our allies and partners, we provided critical electricity equipment to help Ukraine make emergency repairs to its power system and strengthen the stability of Ukraine’s grid in the face of Russia’s targeted attacks. We also worked with Ukraine to advance its energy transition and build a system decoupled from Russian energy. And we worked to stabilize global energy markets, limit Russia’s revenue, and blunt the impacts of Russia’s war on energy security. Through the U.S.-EU Task Force on Energy Security, we ensured Europe had enough gas for the winter. The United States also released 180 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, ensured international energy payments continue to flow under our sanctions, and implemented a G7+ price cap on seaborne Russian oil and petroleum products.

We also took steps to reduce nuclear risks posed by Russia’s reckless actions at and around Ukraine’s nuclear power plants to support energy infrastructure, including through training for emergency responders, radiation sensor monitoring, and the provision of emergency diesel fuel and other nuclear safety supplies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676890890511.png" alt="-Monday in Kyiv, President Biden announced a new delivery of critical equipment for Ukraine.This half-billion dollar package includes artillery ammunition, anti-armor systems, and air surveillance radars to help protect the Ukrainian people from aerial bombardments.-photo Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>-Monday in Kyiv, President Biden announced a new delivery of critical equipment for Ukraine.This half-billion dollar package includes artillery ammunition, anti-armor systems, and air surveillance radars to help protect the Ukrainian people from aerial bombardments.-photo Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Feb. 24, 2023, marks the first anniversary of Russia's latest invasion of Ukraine that has killed thousands, forced millions of people from their homes, destroyed infrastructure, and upended international norms, world economy and alliances.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">When Russia attacked Ukraine, America and our Allies stood strong. For sovereignty. For democracy. For freedom. I visited Kyiv to declare we will continue to stand united. No matter what. <a href="https://t.co/FHUXMOHXVp">pic.twitter.com/FHUXMOHXVp</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1628844700026249217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Russia's invasion was a test of Ukraine’s commitment to freedom, and a test for America and the world.&nbsp;Putin sought to subjugate Ukraine, but the free people of Ukraine stood strong—bravely defending their sovereignty and democracy. The United States, alongside allies and partners, did not hesitate to stand with them.&nbsp;Over the last year, the United States has provided critical support to the people of Ukraine, working in close coordination with the government of Ukraine to get them what they need. President Biden has spoken regularly with President Zelenskyy, hosting him at the White House and visiting Kyiv to send powerful messages of the United States’ unwavering support. We have led the world in providing security assistance—from the Javelins that halted the Russian tanks assaulting Kyiv, to the air defense systems that have intercepted Russian strikes against Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, to the armored vehicles that Ukraine needs for the next phase of this conflict. We also stepped up to provide financial and humanitarian assistance—helping Ukrainians maintain access to fundamental services, like healthcare and heat, as they fight for their liberty and sovereignty.The United States has not acted alone. Since first exposing Russia’s plans to launch this invasion, we ensured that Ukraine’s resilience has been matched with global resolve. We rallied the international community to speak out and stand against Russia’s brutal war, including at the United Nations, where the world has repeatedly and overwhelmingly voted to condemn Russia’s aggression. We have led unprecedented efforts to isolate and impose costs on Russia—including the largest coordinated sanctions and export control actions taken against a major economy. In response to the global economic disruptions caused by the Kremlin, we have launched initiatives that have stabilized energy markets and food supplies. And we supported our partners as they opened their homes and communities to millions of Ukrainians seeking refuge.One year ago, Putin thought he could quickly topple Ukraine. He thought he could divide our allies and partners. He was wrong. Ukraine still stands. The international coalition in support of Ukraine is stronger and more united than ever. And President Biden’s visit to Kyiv yesterday sent a clear and powerful message to the world: we remain committed to standing with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes.According to a statement from the White House, actions the United States has taken to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable over the last year include:Economic AssistanceThe&nbsp;United States&nbsp;has disbursed $13 billion in&nbsp;grant financing&nbsp;for&nbsp;budget support&nbsp;for Ukraine&nbsp;—and will soon begin disbursing&nbsp;another&nbsp;$9.9 billion&nbsp;that Congress recently approved — to&nbsp;ensure the Ukrainian government can&nbsp;continue to&nbsp;meet&nbsp;the critical needs of its citizens&nbsp;and provide basic services&nbsp;as it&nbsp;confronts&nbsp;Russia’s&nbsp;continued&nbsp;aggression. Through the World Bank’s Public Expenditures for Administrative Capacity Endurance mechanism, the United States has used it to provide budget support on a reimbursement basis — ensuring funding is disbursed to Ukraine only after expenses have been verified.In its leadership role in international financial institutions, the United States has also worked closely with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank Group, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to support Ukraine — including to strengthen energy security, food security, and support for vulnerable populations and internally displaced persons across the country. Together with the G7, we have launched the Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform for Ukraine, to enhance our coordination of economic support for Ukraine’s immediate financing needs and future economic recovery and reconstruction efforts.Security Assistance&nbsp;Over the past year, the United States and our allies and partners provided critical security assistance that made a real difference on the battlefield, and helped the people of Ukraine defend their country from Russian attacks and advances.At the start of the war, the anti-armor and anti-air systems we provided—like the 8,000 Javelin and 1,600 Stingers—enabled Ukraine to win the Battle for Kyiv. The artillery and ammunition we have sent—such as the 160 howitzers and 38 High Mobility Artillery Rocket systems—enhanced Ukraine’s ability to defend its territory in the Donbas region and launch successful counteroffensives in Kharkiv and Kherson, reclaiming hundreds of kilometers of territory and liberating towns and villages subjected to unimaginable Russian brutality. The air defense systems and counter-drone capabilities that we provided help Ukraine protect its people and infrastructure against continued Russian attacks.&nbsp; The armored capabilities we are sending—including 109 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and tanks—will prepare Ukraine for future counteroffensives and help Ukraine adapt to changing conditions on the ground and defend against future Russian assaults.We have provided more than one million rounds of artillery ammunition; more than 100,000 rounds of 125mm tank ammunition; and 100,000 rounds of small arms ammunition. We have provided helicopters; Unmanned Coastal Defense Vessels, and counter-UAV systems and equipment. And the Departments of Defense and State have released a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.state.gov/u-s-plan-to-counter-illicit-diversion-of-certain-advanced-conventional-weapons-in-eastern-europe/">plan</a>&nbsp;to prevent and counter the potential of illicit diversion of weapons and equipment.Working with European partners and Ukraine, the United States also launched the Ukraine Defense Contact Group—a coalition of 50 partner nations that has enhanced our coordination of security assistance deliveries to help the people of Ukraine as they continue to defend themselves against Russia’s unjust and unprovoked assault. Together, members of this group already committed $50 billion security assistance, including nearly 700&nbsp;tanks and&nbsp;thousands of&nbsp;other armored vehicles, more than 1000 artillery systems, more than two million rounds of artillery ammunition, more than 50 advanced multiple rocket launch systems, and anti-ship and air defense systems.&nbsp;A comprehensive list of security assistance is available&nbsp;<a href="https://media.defense.gov/2023/Feb/20/2003164184/-1/-1/0/UKRAINE-FACT-SHEET-PDA-32.PDF">here</a>.Humanitarian AssistanceWhen Russia launched its invasion, the United States responded quickly to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine—providing more than $1.9 billion to Ukrainians in need of assistance, including more than 13 million people forced to flee their homes.We brought together partners across the United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations to address Ukrainian’s critical needs—including food, safe drinking water, shelter, and emergency health care. When winter approached and Putin turned his assault to critical infrastructure, a U.S.-led coalition provided supplies to restore emergency power and heat across the country. In addition to welcoming over 267,000 Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homes to the United States and creating the&nbsp;Uniting for Ukraine&nbsp;program, we have provided $340 million in refugee assistance to our European partners who continue to host millions of Ukrainians, representing the largest population outflow in Europe since World War II.A comprehensive list of humanitarian assistance is available&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usaid.gov/news-information/fact-sheets/feb-2023-one-year-later-helping-ukraine-win-war-and-build-lasting-peace">here</a>.Democracy, Human Rights, and Anti-Corruption AssistanceTo defend human rights in Ukraine and its neighbors, President Biden launched the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/03/24/fact-sheet-the-biden-administration-announces-new-humanitarian-development-and-democracy-assistance-to-ukraine-and-the-surrounding-region/">European Democratic Resilience Initiative (EDRI)</a>&nbsp;in March 2022. Through EDRI, we have provided nearly $220 million for Ukraine to support media freedom and enable Ukrainian media outlets to continue operating during the war,&nbsp;to counter disinformation, increase the safety and security of activists and vulnerable groups, strengthen democratic and anti-corruption institutions, and support accountability for human rights abuses and violations of international law.&nbsp;Holding Russia AccountableJustice and accountability are central pillars of the United States’ policy on Ukraine.&nbsp; Russia chose this war, and the United States and our partners are holding it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.state.gov/supporting-justice-and-accountability-in-ukraine/">accountable</a>&nbsp;for its attacks and atrocities against the people of Ukraine — ensuring that perpetrators, human rights violators, and war criminals are brought to justice.Based on a careful analysis of the law and available facts, the Secretary of State recently determined that members of Russia’s forces and other Russian officials have committed crimes against humanity in Ukraine.&nbsp;&nbsp;Working with partners, we have supported Ukrainian domestic authorities, international efforts, and strategic litigation to ensure that Russia’s crimes do not go unpunished. Along with many of our allies and partners, we imposed new sanctions on those engaged in human rights abuses and exercising illegitimate authority in occupied areas of Ukraine, including proxy authorities, military units, and those involved in the forced deportation of children.The United States has also imposed expansive visa restrictions on members of the Russian military and others committing human rights abuses related to Russia’s war.&nbsp; The United States continues to support a range of international accountability mechanisms—including the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Moscow Mechanism, and the Joint Investigative Team on Ukraine.&nbsp;Economic Measures Against RussiaThe United States and over 30 allies and partners developed the largest set of sanctions and export control actions ever imposed on a major economy. These actions are disrupting Russia from accessing critical inputs and advanced technologies — undercutting its ability to fund and fight its unjust war.The United States has implemented or expanded more than 2,000 sanctions listings and more than 375 export control Entity Listings, including major state-owned enterprises and third-country actors supporting Russia’s war machine. We imposed sanctions on Russia’s largest financial institutions and imposed increasingly expansive restrictions on military and industrial goods that could support Russia’s defense industrial base. As a result, Russia has been forced to turn to rogue regimes to try to source weapons and equipment because of their inability to make enough parts to resupply Putin’s war at home. Additionally, Congress has revoked Russia’s permanent normal trade relations status — removing Russia’s privileges in international trade and increasing tariffs on hundreds of Russia products imported into the United States.These sanctions and export controls will cut even deeper into Russia’s economy as time progresses. And at the same time, our economic measures have been specifically designed to shield low- and middle-income countries from their impact — including protecting the exports of food, allowing the provision of humanitarian assistance, and carving out agriculture, medicine, and energy payments from our sanctions.Energy Assistance and SecurityWhen Russia attacked Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, trying to use winter as a weapon against the Ukrainian people, the United States and its allies and partners provided energy assistance: restoring power, heating homes, and enabling the people of Ukraine to focus on the defense of their sovereignty.Together with our allies and partners, we provided critical electricity equipment to help Ukraine make emergency repairs to its power system and strengthen the stability of Ukraine’s grid in the face of Russia’s targeted attacks. We also worked with Ukraine to advance its energy transition and build a system decoupled from Russian energy. And we worked to stabilize global energy markets, limit Russia’s revenue, and blunt the impacts of Russia’s war on energy security. Through the U.S.-EU Task Force on Energy Security, we ensured Europe had enough gas for the winter. The United States also released 180 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, ensured international energy payments continue to flow under our sanctions, and implemented a G7+ price cap on seaborne Russian oil and petroleum products.We also took steps to reduce nuclear risks posed by Russia’s reckless actions at and around Ukraine’s nuclear power plants to support energy infrastructure, including through training for emergency responders, radiation sensor monitoring, and the provision of emergency diesel fuel and other nuclear safety supplies.

White House: A review after 1 year of supporting Ukraine

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of burglaries and made an arrest.

Just after 12:15a.m. Feb. 21, a vigilant citizen observed a white 2013 Kia Optima driving through a neighborhood in the 5000 block of NW Sterling Chase Drive in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

The two men inside the vehicle were wearing masks and continuously turning the vehicle lights on and off. Deputies responded to the area and located the vehicle in the 4200 block of NW Dondee Lane. The vehicle had a tag that was reported stolen through the City of Topeka.

Deputies took the two men into custody on scene.

Ashton L. Huffstutler, 20, and Parker L. Larson, 19, both of Topeka, were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Huffstutler was held on requested charges of burglary, theft, criminal damage to property, possession of stolen property, no vehicle liability insurance and improper turn. Larson was booked on requested charges that include multiple counts of burglary, theft and possession of stolen property.

During the investigation, information was gathered regarding multiple vehicle burglaries that occurred on NW 52nd Terrace, NW 53rd Terrace, NW Sterling Chase Drive, NW Geronimo Trail and NW Kendall Drive.

The suspects are no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677249154546.png" alt="Larson-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Larson-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of burglaries and made an arrest.Just after 12:15a.m. Feb. 21, a vigilant citizen observed a white 2013 Kia Optima driving through a neighborhood in the 5000 block of NW Sterling Chase Drive in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.The two men inside the vehicle were wearing masks and continuously turning the vehicle lights on and off. Deputies responded to the area and located the vehicle in the 4200 block of NW Dondee Lane. The vehicle had a tag that was reported stolen through the City of Topeka.Deputies took the two men into custody on scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677249104679.png" alt="Huffstutler-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Huffstutler-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Ashton L. Huffstutler, 20, and Parker L. Larson, 19, both of Topeka, were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Huffstutler was held on requested charges of burglary, theft, criminal damage to property, possession of stolen property, no vehicle liability insurance and improper turn. Larson was booked on requested charges that include multiple counts of burglary, theft and possession of stolen property.During the investigation, information was gathered regarding multiple vehicle burglaries that occurred on NW 52nd Terrace, NW 53rd Terrace, NW Sterling Chase Drive, NW Geronimo Trail and NW Kendall Drive.The suspects are no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Deputies catch two wanted for series of Kansas burglaries

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities including the FBI are investigating a bank robbery have made an arrest.

Just before 4:30p.m.&nbsp; Thursday, the Chase Bank branch at 4700 W 119th Street was robbed, according to a media release from Leawood Police.

Within two hours, police took the suspect into custody. Police have not released the suspect's name or possible charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677205076740.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/crime/fbi-leawood-police-respond-to-robbery-at-chase-bank">photo courtesy KSHB TV</a>" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/crime/fbi-leawood-police-respond-to-robbery-at-chase-bank">photo courtesy KSHB TV</a></figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities including the FBI are investigating a bank robbery have made an arrest.Just before 4:30p.m.&nbsp; Thursday, the Chase Bank branch at 4700 W 119th Street was robbed, according to a media release from Leawood Police.Within two hours, police took the suspect into custody. Police have not released the suspect's name or possible charges.

Police make arrest 2 hours after Kansas bank robbery

WASHINGTON (AP) —Cosori is recalling more than 2 million air fryers sold in the U.S., Canada and Mexico because their wire connections can overheat and cause a fire risk.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall Thursday. The agency said consumers should stop using the air fryers immediately.

The recall involves multiple model numbers in 3.7-quart and 5.8-quart sizes. All of the units have the Cosori brand name on the front.

The air fryers were sold between June 2018 and December 2022 in Best Buy, Target and Home Depot stores and online at Amazon, Walmart and other retailers. They cost between $70 and $130.

Consumers should contact Cosori at&nbsp;<a href="https://recall.cosori.com/country-sel">recall.cosori.com</a>&nbsp;to receive a free replacement air fryer or another product. Consumers must provide their contact information and a photo of their recalled unit. Receipts aren’t needed.

The Cosori brand is owned by Vesync, a company based in Shenzen, China. Vesync has received 205 reports of air fryers catching fire, burning, melting, overheating or smoking. There have been 10 reports of minor burns and 23 reports of minor property damage, the agency said.

WASHINGTON (AP) —Cosori is recalling more than 2 million air fryers sold in the U.S., Canada and Mexico because their wire connections can overheat and cause a fire risk.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Recall?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Recall</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/CosoriCooks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CosoriCooks</a> 2 Million COSORI® Air Fryers Recalled by Atekcity. A wire connection in the air fryers can overheat. 205 reports air fryers catching fire, burning, melting, overheating, and smoking. Get replacement. Full notice: <a href="https://t.co/MJi5cAcJv5">https://t.co/MJi5cAcJv5</a> <a href="https://t.co/HxehxQj5sc">pic.twitter.com/HxehxQj5sc</a>&mdash; US Consumer Product Safety Commission (@USCPSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/USCPSC/status/1628788506804854785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall Thursday. The agency said consumers should stop using the air fryers immediately.The recall involves multiple model numbers in 3.7-quart and 5.8-quart sizes. All of the units have the Cosori brand name on the front.The air fryers were sold between June 2018 and December 2022 in Best Buy, Target and Home Depot stores and online at Amazon, Walmart and other retailers. They cost between $70 and $130.Consumers should contact Cosori at&nbsp;<a href="https://recall.cosori.com/country-sel">recall.cosori.com</a>&nbsp;to receive a free replacement air fryer or another product. Consumers must provide their contact information and a photo of their recalled unit. Receipts aren’t needed.The Cosori brand is owned by Vesync, a company based in Shenzen, China. Vesync has received 205 reports of air fryers catching fire, burning, melting, overheating or smoking. There have been 10 reports of minor burns and 23 reports of minor property damage, the agency said.

Two million air fryers recalled due to fire risk

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — One year into Russia's war against Ukraine, China is offering a 12-point proposal to end the fighting.

<a href="https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/wjdt_665385/2649_665393/202302/t20230224_11030713.html">Click here to read</a> the proposal

The proposal follows China's recent announcement that it is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-politics-united-states-government-qin-gang-dc73aa6268321fa5722db4eb067b4209">trying to act as mediator</a>&nbsp;in the war that has re-energized Western alliances viewed by Beijing and Moscow as rivals. China's top diplomat indicated that the plan was coming at a security conference this week in Munich, Germany.

With its release, President Xi Jinping's government is reiterating China's claim to being neutral, despite blocking efforts at the United Nations to condemn the invasion. The document echoes Russian claims that Western governments are to blame for the Feb. 24, 2022 invasion and criticizes sanctions on Russia.

At the Munich meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed skepticism about Beijing's position before the plan's release. He said China has provided non-lethal assistance that supports Russian President Vladimir Putin's war effort and said the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-politics-antony-blinken-xi-jinping-4501b49359d73b6efbac87b2af54f189">has intelligence</a>&nbsp;that Beijing is “considering providing lethal support.” China has called the allegation a “smear” and said it lacks evidence.

China’s proposal calls for a cease-fire and peace talks, and an end to sanctions against Russia.

China placed responsibility for sanctions on other “relevant countries” without naming them. These countries, it says, “should stop abusing unilateral sanctions” and “do their share in de-escalating the Ukraine crisis.”

Many of the 12 points were very general and did not contain specific proposals.

Without mentioning either Russia or Ukraine, it says sovereignty of all countries should be upheld. It didn't specify what that would look like for Ukraine, and the land taken from it since Russia seized Crimea in 2014.

The proposal also condemns a “Cold War mentality,” a term that often refers to the United States and the U.S.-European military alliance NATO. “The security of a region should not be achieved by strengthening or expanding military blocs,” the proposal says. Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded a promise that Ukraine will not join the bloc before the invasion.

Other points call for a cease-fire, peace talks, protection for prisoners of war and stopping attacks on civilians, without elaborating, as well as keeping nuclear power plants safe and facilitating grain exports.

“The basic tone and the fundamental message in the policy is quite pro-Russia,” said Li Mingjiang, a professor of Chinese foreign policy and international security at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University.

DOES CHINA BACK RUSSIA IN ITS WAR ON UKRAINE?

China has offered contradictory statements regarding its stance. It says Russia was provoked into taking action by NATO’s eastward expansion, but has also claimed neutrality on the war.

Ahead of Russia's attack, Xi and Putin attended the opening of last year's Winter Olympics in Beijing and issued a statement that their governments had a “no limits” friendship. China has since ignored Western criticism and reaffirmed that pledge.

Putin has said he expects Xi to visit Russia in the next few months. China has yet to confirm that.

China is “trying to have it both ways,” Blinken said Sunday on NBC.

“Publicly, they present themselves as a country striving for peace in Ukraine, but privately, as I said, we’ve seen already over these past months the provision of non-lethal assistance that does go directly to aiding and abetting Russia’s war effort.”

China’s support for Russia has been largely rhetorical and political. Beijing has helped to prevent efforts to condemn Moscow at the United Nations. There is no public evidence it is currently supplying arms to Russia, but the U.S. has said China is providing non-lethal support already and may do more.

Blinken, at the Munich conference, said the United States has long been concerned that China would provide weapons to Russia. “We have information that gives us concern that they are considering providing lethal support to Russia,” he said.

Blinken said he expressed to the Chinese envoy to the meeting, Wang Yi, that “this would be a serious problem.”

NATO's chief said Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-politics-jens-stoltenberg-e8874580698b31cdfac96a60f13eef5b">he had seen some signs that</a>&nbsp;China may be ready to provide arms and warned that would be it would be supporting a violation of international law.

Russian and Chinese forces have held joint drills since the invasion, most recently with the South African navy in a shipping lane off the South African coast.

Ukraine’s defense minister Oleksii Reznikov expressed doubt about China's willingness to send lethal aid to Russia.

“I think that if China will help them … it will not (be) weaponry. It will (be) some kinds of like clothes,” Reznikov said in Kyiv Monday.

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. General Assembly approved a nonbinding resolution Thursday that calls for Russia to end hostilities in Ukraine and withdraw its forces, sending a strong message on the eve of the first anniversary of the invasion that Moscow's aggression must stop.

The resolution, drafted by Ukraine in consultation with its allies, passed 141-7, with 32 abstentions.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said the vote was more evidence that not only the West backs his country.

“This vote defies the argument that the global south does not stand on Ukraine’s side," Kuleba said. "Many countries representing Latin America, Africa, Asia voted in favor.”

The General Assembly has become the most important U.N. body dealing with Ukraine because the Security Council, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security, is paralyzed by Russia’s veto power. General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, unlike Security Council resolutions, but serve as a barometer of world opinion.

The seven countries voting against Thursday's resolution were Belarus, Nicaragua, Russia, Syria, North Korea, Eritrea and Mali, which has developed close military ties with Russia. Amendments proposed by Belarus would have weakened or stripped much of the language but were resoundingly defeated.

The vote was slightly below the highest total for the five previous resolutions approved by the 193-member world body since Russia sent troops and tanks across the border into its smaller neighbor on Feb. 24, 2022. That tally, in an October resolution against Russia’s illegal annexations, won approval by 143 countries.

Foreign ministers and diplomats from more than 75 countries addressed the assembly during two days of debate, with many urging support for the resolution that upholds Ukraine’s territorial integrity, a basic principle of the U.N. Charter that all countries must subscribe to when they join the world organization.

The war has killed tens of thousands on both sides and has reduced entire Ukrainian cities to ruins and its impact has been felt worldwide in higher food and fuel costs and rising inflation.

Venezuela’s deputy ambassador addressed the council on behalf of 16 countries that either voted against or abstained on almost all of five previous resolutions on Ukraine: Belarus, Bolivia, Cambodia, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Laos, Mali, Nicaragua, North Korea, St. Vincent, Syria, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.

While other countries focused on Russia’s actions, Venezuelan Deputy Ambassador Joaquín Pérez Ayestarán said Wednesday that all countries without exception “must stringently comply with the United Nations Charter,” a barely veiled dig at an international order long dominated by the U.S. and Europe, and at what some call violations of the charter.

Ayestarán said the countries in his group were against what he called divisive action in the General Assembly, and for “a spirit of compromise.”

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told reporters that the aggressor and the victim can’t be put on equal footing.

“Russia has not sent any positive signal of any minimum willingness to work for a peace,” Borrell said. Instead, Russia is intensifying attacks, firing 50,000 rounds every day, and has put 300,000 soldiers on the front lines, double the 150,000 it massed before the invasion, he said.

Facing this reality, Borrell said, the EU and the West have to support Ukraine militarily, impose sanctions on Russia, and try to isolate Moscow diplomatically which is what Kyiv’s supporters are trying to do at the United Nations this week.

China’s deputy U.N. ambassador, Dai Bing, told the assembly Thursday: “We support Russia and Ukraine in moving towards each other. ... The international community should make joint efforts to facilitate peace talks.”

China says it is neutral in the conflict and an advocate of peace talks, but has not criticized the invasion or described it as such. Beijing has condemned the U.S. and its allies over sanctions on Moscow and military assistance to Ukraine. China and Russia have increasingly aligned their foreign policies to oppose the U.S.-led international order.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed the strength of those ties when he met Russian leader Vladimir Putin during a visit to Moscow this week.

More broadly, Russia and Ukraine have been trying to win support from around the world.

The head of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s presidential office, Andriy Yermak, spoke Tuesday about the U.N. resolution with India's national security adviser because “Ukraine is interested in the broadest possible support for the resolution, in particular from the countries of the global south,” a statement from Zelenskyy’s office said.

India had a Cold War dependence on the Soviet Union and has abstained several times from voting on U.N. Security Council resolutions demanding that Russia cease its invasion.

Less-powerful countries, including many in Africa, also have been caught up in the diplomatic wrangling.

“We were colonized, and we forgive those who colonized us. Now the colonizers are asking us to be enemies with Russia, who never colonized us; is that fair?” Uganda’s foreign minister, Abubaker Jeje Odongo, told the Sputnik news agency this month.

Russia is Africa’s top arms supplier and Odongo also noted that most of his country’s military equipment is Russian-made.

“Countries in Africa have traditionally been attached in the Cold War division to the Soviet Union, having the old nostalgia, but also Russia has good tools, how to motivate them to be on their side,” Slovak Foreign Minister Rastislav Káčer told reporters in New York on Thursday. “And then there are others, like China, who are big powers, and are very carefully following what’s going on, and calculating what’s good for them.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677205747640.png" alt="China abstained Thursday when the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-politics-china-united-nations-6965d19c953c2f6e45f483c1dfe04a7f">U.N. General Assembly</a>&nbsp;approved a nonbinding resolution that calls for Russia to end hostilities in Ukraine and withdraw its forces. It is one of 16 countries that either voted against or abstained on almost all of five previous U.N. resolutions on Ukraine." />
 <figcaption>China abstained Thursday when the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-politics-china-united-nations-6965d19c953c2f6e45f483c1dfe04a7f">U.N. General Assembly</a>&nbsp;approved a nonbinding resolution that calls for Russia to end hostilities in Ukraine and withdraw its forces. It is one of 16 countries that either voted against or abstained on almost all of five previous U.N. resolutions on Ukraine.</figcaption>
 </figure>TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — One year into Russia's war against Ukraine, China is offering a 12-point proposal to end the fighting.<a href="https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/wjdt_665385/2649_665393/202302/t20230224_11030713.html">Click here to read</a> the proposalThe proposal follows China's recent announcement that it is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-politics-united-states-government-qin-gang-dc73aa6268321fa5722db4eb067b4209">trying to act as mediator</a>&nbsp;in the war that has re-energized Western alliances viewed by Beijing and Moscow as rivals. China's top diplomat indicated that the plan was coming at a security conference this week in Munich, Germany.With its release, President Xi Jinping's government is reiterating China's claim to being neutral, despite blocking efforts at the United Nations to condemn the invasion. The document echoes Russian claims that Western governments are to blame for the Feb. 24, 2022 invasion and criticizes sanctions on Russia.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The General Assembly has called for an end to the war in Ukraine and demanded Russia’s immediate withdrawal from the country, in line with the UN Charter. The special <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNGA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNGA</a> session comes one year after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. <a href="https://t.co/HTW3SeutBj">https://t.co/HTW3SeutBj</a> <a href="https://t.co/HGIkLIE0Hq">pic.twitter.com/HGIkLIE0Hq</a>&mdash; United Nations (@UN) <a href="https://twitter.com/UN/status/1628892411345661955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>At the Munich meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed skepticism about Beijing's position before the plan's release. He said China has provided non-lethal assistance that supports Russian President Vladimir Putin's war effort and said the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-politics-antony-blinken-xi-jinping-4501b49359d73b6efbac87b2af54f189">has intelligence</a>&nbsp;that Beijing is “considering providing lethal support.” China has called the allegation a “smear” and said it lacks evidence.WHAT HAS CHINA PROPOSED?China’s proposal calls for a cease-fire and peace talks, and an end to sanctions against Russia.China placed responsibility for sanctions on other “relevant countries” without naming them. These countries, it says, “should stop abusing unilateral sanctions” and “do their share in de-escalating the Ukraine crisis.”Many of the 12 points were very general and did not contain specific proposals.Without mentioning either Russia or Ukraine, it says sovereignty of all countries should be upheld. It didn't specify what that would look like for Ukraine, and the land taken from it since Russia seized Crimea in 2014.The proposal also condemns a “Cold War mentality,” a term that often refers to the United States and the U.S.-European military alliance NATO. “The security of a region should not be achieved by strengthening or expanding military blocs,” the proposal says. Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded a promise that Ukraine will not join the bloc before the invasion.Other points call for a cease-fire, peace talks, protection for prisoners of war and stopping attacks on civilians, without elaborating, as well as keeping nuclear power plants safe and facilitating grain exports.“The basic tone and the fundamental message in the policy is quite pro-Russia,” said Li Mingjiang, a professor of Chinese foreign policy and international security at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University.DOES CHINA BACK RUSSIA IN ITS WAR ON UKRAINE?China has offered contradictory statements regarding its stance. It says Russia was provoked into taking action by NATO’s eastward expansion, but has also claimed neutrality on the war.Ahead of Russia's attack, Xi and Putin attended the opening of last year's Winter Olympics in Beijing and issued a statement that their governments had a “no limits” friendship. China has since ignored Western criticism and reaffirmed that pledge.Putin has said he expects Xi to visit Russia in the next few months. China has yet to confirm that.China is “trying to have it both ways,” Blinken said Sunday on NBC.“Publicly, they present themselves as a country striving for peace in Ukraine, but privately, as I said, we’ve seen already over these past months the provision of non-lethal assistance that does go directly to aiding and abetting Russia’s war effort.”HAS CHINA PROVIDED SUPPORT TO RUSSIA?China’s support for Russia has been largely rhetorical and political. Beijing has helped to prevent efforts to condemn Moscow at the United Nations. There is no public evidence it is currently supplying arms to Russia, but the U.S. has said China is providing non-lethal support already and may do more.Blinken, at the Munich conference, said the United States has long been concerned that China would provide weapons to Russia. “We have information that gives us concern that they are considering providing lethal support to Russia,” he said.Blinken said he expressed to the Chinese envoy to the meeting, Wang Yi, that “this would be a serious problem.”NATO's chief said Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-politics-jens-stoltenberg-e8874580698b31cdfac96a60f13eef5b">he had seen some signs that</a>&nbsp;China may be ready to provide arms and warned that would be it would be supporting a violation of international law.Russian and Chinese forces have held joint drills since the invasion, most recently with the South African navy in a shipping lane off the South African coast.Ukraine’s defense minister Oleksii Reznikov expressed doubt about China's willingness to send lethal aid to Russia.“I think that if China will help them … it will not (be) weaponry. It will (be) some kinds of like clothes,” Reznikov said in Kyiv Monday.----------UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. General Assembly approved a nonbinding resolution Thursday that calls for Russia to end hostilities in Ukraine and withdraw its forces, sending a strong message on the eve of the first anniversary of the invasion that Moscow's aggression must stop.The resolution, drafted by Ukraine in consultation with its allies, passed 141-7, with 32 abstentions.Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said the vote was more evidence that not only the West backs his country.“This vote defies the argument that the global south does not stand on Ukraine’s side," Kuleba said. "Many countries representing Latin America, Africa, Asia voted in favor.”The General Assembly has become the most important U.N. body dealing with Ukraine because the Security Council, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security, is paralyzed by Russia’s veto power. General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, unlike Security Council resolutions, but serve as a barometer of world opinion.The seven countries voting against Thursday's resolution were Belarus, Nicaragua, Russia, Syria, North Korea, Eritrea and Mali, which has developed close military ties with Russia. Amendments proposed by Belarus would have weakened or stripped much of the language but were resoundingly defeated.The vote was slightly below the highest total for the five previous resolutions approved by the 193-member world body since Russia sent troops and tanks across the border into its smaller neighbor on Feb. 24, 2022. That tally, in an October resolution against Russia’s illegal annexations, won approval by 143 countries.Foreign ministers and diplomats from more than 75 countries addressed the assembly during two days of debate, with many urging support for the resolution that upholds Ukraine’s territorial integrity, a basic principle of the U.N. Charter that all countries must subscribe to when they join the world organization.The war has killed tens of thousands on both sides and has reduced entire Ukrainian cities to ruins and its impact has been felt worldwide in higher food and fuel costs and rising inflation.Venezuela’s deputy ambassador addressed the council on behalf of 16 countries that either voted against or abstained on almost all of five previous resolutions on Ukraine: Belarus, Bolivia, Cambodia, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Laos, Mali, Nicaragua, North Korea, St. Vincent, Syria, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.While other countries focused on Russia’s actions, Venezuelan Deputy Ambassador Joaquín Pérez Ayestarán said Wednesday that all countries without exception “must stringently comply with the United Nations Charter,” a barely veiled dig at an international order long dominated by the U.S. and Europe, and at what some call violations of the charter.Ayestarán said the countries in his group were against what he called divisive action in the General Assembly, and for “a spirit of compromise.”European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told reporters that the aggressor and the victim can’t be put on equal footing.“Russia has not sent any positive signal of any minimum willingness to work for a peace,” Borrell said. Instead, Russia is intensifying attacks, firing 50,000 rounds every day, and has put 300,000 soldiers on the front lines, double the 150,000 it massed before the invasion, he said.Facing this reality, Borrell said, the EU and the West have to support Ukraine militarily, impose sanctions on Russia, and try to isolate Moscow diplomatically which is what Kyiv’s supporters are trying to do at the United Nations this week.China’s deputy U.N. ambassador, Dai Bing, told the assembly Thursday: “We support Russia and Ukraine in moving towards each other. ... The international community should make joint efforts to facilitate peace talks.”China says it is neutral in the conflict and an advocate of peace talks, but has not criticized the invasion or described it as such. Beijing has condemned the U.S. and its allies over sanctions on Moscow and military assistance to Ukraine. China and Russia have increasingly aligned their foreign policies to oppose the U.S.-led international order.Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed the strength of those ties when he met Russian leader Vladimir Putin during a visit to Moscow this week.More broadly, Russia and Ukraine have been trying to win support from around the world.The head of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s presidential office, Andriy Yermak, spoke Tuesday about the U.N. resolution with India's national security adviser because “Ukraine is interested in the broadest possible support for the resolution, in particular from the countries of the global south,” a statement from Zelenskyy’s office said.India had a Cold War dependence on the Soviet Union and has abstained several times from voting on U.N. Security Council resolutions demanding that Russia cease its invasion.Less-powerful countries, including many in Africa, also have been caught up in the diplomatic wrangling.“We were colonized, and we forgive those who colonized us. Now the colonizers are asking us to be enemies with Russia, who never colonized us; is that fair?” Uganda’s foreign minister, Abubaker Jeje Odongo, told the Sputnik news agency this month.Russia is Africa’s top arms supplier and Odongo also noted that most of his country’s military equipment is Russian-made.“Countries in Africa have traditionally been attached in the Cold War division to the Soviet Union, having the old nostalgia, but also Russia has good tools, how to motivate them to be on their side,” Slovak Foreign Minister Rastislav Káčer told reporters in New York on Thursday. “And then there are others, like China, who are big powers, and are very carefully following what’s going on, and calculating what’s good for them.”___

China calls for Russia-Ukraine cease-fire; U.S. doubts neutrality

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple allegations after a standoff.

The Coffeyville Police Dept. arrested 38-year-old Timothy Padilla of Coffeyville at a residence in the 1100 block of west 3rd street.

Just after 2a.m. Feb. 18, a police officer attempted to make contact with 38-year-old Timothy Padilla in the 1100 block of west 3rd street in Coffeyville, according to a media release.

 The officer was aware that Padilla had outstanding warrants for felony drug charges. Padilla fled from the officer and ran into a residence in that area. 

Officers formed a perimeter around the residence with the assistance from deputies of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Officers then began making announcements for the suspect to surrender. Other occupants of the residence exited and confirmed Padilla had run into the home.

After several hours with no contact from Padilla and due to the nature of the incident and other contributing factors, the Coffeyville Police Special Operations Team was activated. 

&nbsp;After an extensive search, police found Padilla hiding in the attic area of the home.&nbsp; Officers were able to take Padilla into custody without incident on requested charges with felony interference with law enforcement and arrested for the outstanding warrants. According to online jail records, he remains jailed on requested charges of Distribute or possess w/ intent to distribute, Theft of property/services from 3 businesses in 72 hours, Counterfeiting currency; Distribute or possess w/ intent to distribute, Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of opiate opium narcotic or certain stimulant and Possession of stolen property.

Padilla has a previous conviction for aggravated battery in Wyandotte County, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677152728730.png" alt="Padilla-photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Padilla-photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple allegations after a standoff.The Coffeyville Police Dept. arrested 38-year-old Timothy Padilla of Coffeyville at a residence in the 1100 block of west 3rd street.Just after 2a.m. Feb. 18, a police officer attempted to make contact with 38-year-old Timothy Padilla in the 1100 block of west 3rd street in Coffeyville, according to a media release. The officer was aware that Padilla had outstanding warrants for felony drug charges. Padilla fled from the officer and ran into a residence in that area. Officers formed a perimeter around the residence with the assistance from deputies of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Officers then began making announcements for the suspect to surrender. Other occupants of the residence exited and confirmed Padilla had run into the home.After several hours with no contact from Padilla and due to the nature of the incident and other contributing factors, the Coffeyville Police Special Operations Team was activated. &nbsp;After an extensive search, police found Padilla hiding in the attic area of the home.&nbsp; Officers were able to take Padilla into custody without incident on requested charges with felony interference with law enforcement and arrested for the outstanding warrants. According to online jail records, he remains jailed on requested charges of Distribute or possess w/ intent to distribute, Theft of property/services from 3 businesses in 72 hours, Counterfeiting currency; Distribute or possess w/ intent to distribute, Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of opiate opium narcotic or certain stimulant and Possession of stolen property.Padilla has a previous conviction for aggravated battery in Wyandotte County, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Police: Wanted Kansas felon found hiding in attic of home

PAWNEE COUNTY —A semi truck driver accused of drug crimes after an accident avoided a trial this week and changed his plea in Pawnee County.

&nbsp;Javier Rubio Montoya, 45 of Horizon City, Texas, pleaded Guilty to Possession of Methamphetamine and Improper Stopping or Parking on a Roadway, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

In exchange for the plea, the state agreed to dismiss charges of Fleeing and Eluding resulting in an accident and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

In support of the plea, McNett advised the Court that had the matter proceeded to trial the evidence would have shown that at around 3:00 a.m. on February 18, 2022, law enforcement dispatch received a 911 call from a concerned citizen that there was a semi-tractor trailer with its lights on parked in the southbound lane of US Highway 183 in northern Pawnee County. 

A Pawnee County Sheriff’s Deputy was dispatched to the location. Montoya was discovered to be the sole occupant of the semi.

The deputy requested Montoya follow the deputy to a flatter location so that their vehicles could be more easily seen by any oncoming traffic. When the officer pulled over, however, the semi continued southbound. 

The deputy activated his emergency lights and began following the semi. After several miles the semi began weaving erratically, striking guardrails on both sides of the roadway, and ultimately came to rest in the west ditch. No one was injured in the accident. 

The deputy arrested Montoya at the scene without incident. Montoya advised the deputy he had fallen asleep. Law enforcement conducted an inventory search prior to the semi being towed away, and a small quantity of methamphetamine was found in the Montoya’s belongings.

Montoya is scheduled for sentencing on May 18, 2023. He remains free on bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677019482972.png" alt="Montoya-photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Montoya-photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY —A semi truck driver accused of drug crimes after an accident avoided a trial this week and changed his plea in Pawnee County.&nbsp;Javier Rubio Montoya, 45 of Horizon City, Texas, pleaded Guilty to Possession of Methamphetamine and Improper Stopping or Parking on a Roadway, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.In exchange for the plea, the state agreed to dismiss charges of Fleeing and Eluding resulting in an accident and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.In support of the plea, McNett advised the Court that had the matter proceeded to trial the evidence would have shown that at around 3:00 a.m. on February 18, 2022, law enforcement dispatch received a 911 call from a concerned citizen that there was a semi-tractor trailer with its lights on parked in the southbound lane of US Highway 183 in northern Pawnee County. A Pawnee County Sheriff’s Deputy was dispatched to the location. Montoya was discovered to be the sole occupant of the semi.The deputy requested Montoya follow the deputy to a flatter location so that their vehicles could be more easily seen by any oncoming traffic. When the officer pulled over, however, the semi continued southbound. The deputy activated his emergency lights and began following the semi. After several miles the semi began weaving erratically, striking guardrails on both sides of the roadway, and ultimately came to rest in the west ditch. No one was injured in the accident. The deputy arrested Montoya at the scene without incident. Montoya advised the deputy he had fallen asleep. Law enforcement conducted an inventory search prior to the semi being towed away, and a small quantity of methamphetamine was found in the Montoya’s belongings.Montoya is scheduled for sentencing on May 18, 2023. He remains free on bond.

Texas semi driver enters plea in Kansas drug arrest

LINN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a vehicle theft have recovered the vehicle with the help of&nbsp;Kansas Game Wardens.

According to a social media report from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens, " You never know what they may come across when on patrol."&nbsp; Two game wardens found a stolen vehicle on the LaCygne Wildlife Area. 

The wardens used some extra effort to recover the vehicle which was stolen recently in Cass County, Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677180132225.png" alt="photo KDWP Game Wardens" />
 <figcaption>photo KDWP Game Wardens</figcaption>
 </figure>LINN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a vehicle theft have recovered the vehicle with the help of&nbsp;Kansas Game Wardens.According to a social media report from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens, " You never know what they may come across when on patrol."&nbsp; Two game wardens found a stolen vehicle on the LaCygne Wildlife Area. The wardens used some extra effort to recover the vehicle which was stolen recently in Cass County, Missouri.

Kansas game wardens recover vehicle stolen out of state

KANSAS CITY, KS&nbsp;– On Thursday at the Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas, Governor Laura Kelly cashed in on Kansas' first legal sports bet, her September wager on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl. 

According to a media release from her office, Governor Kelly will be donating the $150 she won, in addition to her original $15 bet, to Chiefs quarterback and Super Bowl LVII MVP Patrick Mahomes’ charity, 15 and the Mahomies Foundation. The PENN Entertainment Foundation is donating an additional $1,500 to the charity as well.&nbsp;

“I was thrilled to be in Kansas City today to cash in on our state’s first legal sports bet, and to send my winnings to such a great cause,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly. “I can’t think of a better way to honor the Chiefs and Super Bowl LVII MVP Patrick Mahomes than by giving my wins to his foundation, which is doing so much good for our children. I’m grateful to the PENN Entertainment Foundation for joining me in supporting 15 and the Mahomies with such a generous donation.”

“We are very proud to support Patrick and the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation,"&nbsp;said Amanda Garber, Executive Director of the PENN Entertainment Foundation.&nbsp;"Patrick&nbsp;is a quintessential leader, whether it be at the helm of the Chiefs winning another Super Bowl or caring for the health and wellness of communities in need here in Kansas City and across the country."&nbsp;

Mahomes’ organization, 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, is dedicated to improving the lives of children by enacting initiatives that target health and wellness in communities in need. The foundation’s signature program, 15 for 15, supports 15 initiatives that focus on youth academics, science, the arts, classroom supplies, athletics, children with disabilities, after-school programs, and more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677183879921.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KS&nbsp;– On Thursday at the Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas, Governor Laura Kelly cashed in on Kansas' first legal sports bet, her September wager on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl. According to a media release from her office, Governor Kelly will be donating the $150 she won, in addition to her original $15 bet, to Chiefs quarterback and Super Bowl LVII MVP Patrick Mahomes’ charity, 15 and the Mahomies Foundation. The PENN Entertainment Foundation is donating an additional $1,500 to the charity as well.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677183951487.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“I was thrilled to be in Kansas City today to cash in on our state’s first legal sports bet, and to send my winnings to such a great cause,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly. “I can’t think of a better way to honor the Chiefs and Super Bowl LVII MVP Patrick Mahomes than by giving my wins to his foundation, which is doing so much good for our children. I’m grateful to the PENN Entertainment Foundation for joining me in supporting 15 and the Mahomies with such a generous donation.”“We are very proud to support Patrick and the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation,"&nbsp;said Amanda Garber, Executive Director of the PENN Entertainment Foundation.&nbsp;"Patrick&nbsp;is a quintessential leader, whether it be at the helm of the Chiefs winning another Super Bowl or caring for the health and wellness of communities in need here in Kansas City and across the country."&nbsp;Mahomes’ organization, 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, is dedicated to improving the lives of children by enacting initiatives that target health and wellness in communities in need. The foundation’s signature program, 15 for 15, supports 15 initiatives that focus on youth academics, science, the arts, classroom supplies, athletics, children with disabilities, after-school programs, and more.

Gov. Kelly cashes out her winning  Super Bowl bet

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit-and run involving a motorcycle at a Wichita intersection have identified the victim as 48-year-old Kristine Sheffield from Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20071435">Chase Faimon, 21, Valley Center</a> turned himself in after police released security camera images of the suspect on a motorcycle, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.&nbsp;

Just after 7 p.m. Monday, police responded to the intersection of 11th Street North and Broadway for an injury hit-and-run collision, according to Rebolledo.

First responders located Sheffield in the street unresponsive. EMS transported her to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

During the investigation, officers learned Sheffield was struck by a black dirt bike while crossing the street. After the collision, the driver of the motorcycle left the scene northbound on Broadway.

Faimon is being held on requested charges of murder in the 2nd degree, unintentional but reckless, no valid drivers license and failure to stop and an injury accident, according to online jail records.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit-and run involving a motorcycle at a Wichita intersection have identified the victim as 48-year-old Kristine Sheffield from Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677064202271.png" alt="Faimon-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Faimon-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20071435">Chase Faimon, 21, Valley Center</a> turned himself in after police released security camera images of the suspect on a motorcycle, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676999156108.png" alt="photos Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>photos Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 7 p.m. Monday, police responded to the intersection of 11th Street North and Broadway for an injury hit-and-run collision, according to Rebolledo.First responders located Sheffield in the street unresponsive. EMS transported her to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased.During the investigation, officers learned Sheffield was struck by a black dirt bike while crossing the street. After the collision, the driver of the motorcycle left the scene northbound on Broadway.Faimon is being held on requested charges of murder in the 2nd degree, unintentional but reckless, no valid drivers license and failure to stop and an injury accident, according to online jail records.

Police ID Kan. woman who died in hit-and-run motorcycle crash

Limits on doctors treating gender identity also advance

By DYLAN LYSEN and SAMANTHA HORTON <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-02-23/kansas-lawmakers-vote-to-restrict-transgender-athletes-and-doctors-treating-gender-identity">Kansas News Service</a>

The Republican-dominated Kansas Legislature on Thursday approved a 
group of bills targeting transgender people and gender-affirming health 
care.

(Click below to watch Rep. Barb Wasinger's comments on the bill)

The GOP-backed bills will likely be <a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2022-04-16/kansas-gov-laura-kelly-vetoes-transgender-sports-ban-parental-bill-of-rights-touted-by-republicans" target="_blank">vetoed by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly</a>
 should they make it to her desk. That would set up a political fight to
 override her opposition later in the session. In all three votes, the 
lawmakers came close to — but did not not surpass — the two-thirds 
majority needed to override Kelly.

Two bills approved by the Senate would<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb233/" target="_blank"> ban doctors from providing gender-affirming</a> care to children and create <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb180/" target="_blank">the so-called “women’s bill of rights</a>”
 that legally defines a person’s sex as the sex they were assigned at 
birth. The senators voted 26-11 and 26-10, respectively. The bills now 
head to the House for consideration.

Under the first bill, doctors could <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-02-14/some-kansas-lawmakers-want-to-punish-doctors-who-help-transgender-kids-transition" target="_blank">lose their licenses and be subject to lawsuits</a>
 if they provide health care such as prescribing estrogen or 
testosterone to help a young person transition their gender. It could 
effectively stifle the treatments in Kansas.

Republican Sen. Mark 
Steffen likened gender-affirming care for children to “mutilation.” And 
Republican Sen. Mike Thompson argued the bill will protect children from
 doctors who put them on the path to a gender transition that they may 
later regret.

“We cannot bury our heads in the sand and pretend 
it’s not happening,” Thompson said. “The future of this state is at risk
 if we do not protect our progeny.”

But Democratic senators argued
 the bill goes against medical science and would harm children facing 
hardships because they feel a mismatch between their sex and gender 
identity.

Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes said children in 
Kansas deserve the chance to receive health care that would help them 
survive those hardships.

“Let’s stop attacking the transgender 
community, including their support systems, just because we don’t 
understand them,” Sykes said.

In the House, the representatives voted 82-40 to approve a bill that <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2238/" target="_blank">bans transgender girls and women from participating in girls' and women’s sports</a>. The bill now heads to the Senate.

Supporters
 argued men’s biological advantages over women are unfair and that 
women’s locker rooms need protection. Republican Rep. Barb Wasinger said
 allowing transgender women to participate means women’s sports are 
being threatened.

“For all the feminists in this body, let me ask 
you,” Wasinger said, “when did it become politically correct to 
discriminate against women?”

Opponents said the bill does not 
protect fairness in sports, but amounts to extremist and hateful views 
on transgender people. Democratic Rep. Jerry Stogsdill said the bill 
would also be bad for the state’s economy.

“A lot of companies,” 
Stogsdill said, “have policies that would prevent them from locating or 
expanding in a state that promotes prejudice against members of the 
LGBTQ community.”

The Legislature tried and failed to override vetoes of similar bills by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly the past two years. So far, <a href="https://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/sports_participation_bans" target="_blank">18 states have passed</a> similar legislation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677179071703.png" alt="Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Limits on doctors treating gender identity also advance</h2>By DYLAN LYSEN and SAMANTHA HORTON <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-02-23/kansas-lawmakers-vote-to-restrict-transgender-athletes-and-doctors-treating-gender-identity">Kansas News Service</a>The Republican-dominated Kansas Legislature on Thursday approved a 
group of bills targeting transgender people and gender-affirming health 
care.(Click below to watch Rep. Barb Wasinger's comments on the bill)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KGAzsPA9Vqg?start=26325" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The GOP-backed bills will likely be <a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2022-04-16/kansas-gov-laura-kelly-vetoes-transgender-sports-ban-parental-bill-of-rights-touted-by-republicans" target="_blank">vetoed by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly</a>
 should they make it to her desk. That would set up a political fight to
 override her opposition later in the session. In all three votes, the 
lawmakers came close to — but did not not surpass — the two-thirds 
majority needed to override Kelly.Two bills approved by the Senate would<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb233/" target="_blank"> ban doctors from providing gender-affirming</a> care to children and create <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb180/" target="_blank">the so-called “women’s bill of rights</a>”
 that legally defines a person’s sex as the sex they were assigned at 
birth. The senators voted 26-11 and 26-10, respectively. The bills now 
head to the House for consideration.Under the first bill, doctors could <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-02-14/some-kansas-lawmakers-want-to-punish-doctors-who-help-transgender-kids-transition" target="_blank">lose their licenses and be subject to lawsuits</a>
 if they provide health care such as prescribing estrogen or 
testosterone to help a young person transition their gender. It could 
effectively stifle the treatments in Kansas.Republican Sen. Mark 
Steffen likened gender-affirming care for children to “mutilation.” And 
Republican Sen. Mike Thompson argued the bill will protect children from
 doctors who put them on the path to a gender transition that they may 
later regret.“We cannot bury our heads in the sand and pretend 
it’s not happening,” Thompson said. “The future of this state is at risk
 if we do not protect our progeny.”But Democratic senators argued
 the bill goes against medical science and would harm children facing 
hardships because they feel a mismatch between their sex and gender 
identity.Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes said children in 
Kansas deserve the chance to receive health care that would help them 
survive those hardships.“Let’s stop attacking the transgender 
community, including their support systems, just because we don’t 
understand them,” Sykes said.In the House, the representatives voted 82-40 to approve a bill that <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2238/" target="_blank">bans transgender girls and women from participating in girls' and women’s sports</a>. The bill now heads to the Senate.Supporters
 argued men’s biological advantages over women are unfair and that 
women’s locker rooms need protection. Republican Rep. Barb Wasinger said
 allowing transgender women to participate means women’s sports are 
being threatened.“For all the feminists in this body, let me ask 
you,” Wasinger said, “when did it become politically correct to 
discriminate against women?”Opponents said the bill does not 
protect fairness in sports, but amounts to extremist and hateful views 
on transgender people. Democratic Rep. Jerry Stogsdill said the bill 
would also be bad for the state’s economy.“A lot of companies,” 
Stogsdill said, “have policies that would prevent them from locating or 
expanding in a state that promotes prejudice against members of the 
LGBTQ community.”The Legislature tried and failed to override vetoes of similar bills by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly the past two years. So far, <a href="https://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/sports_participation_bans" target="_blank">18 states have passed</a> similar legislation.

🎥Kansas lawmakers vote to restrict transgender athletes

WASHINGTON—The United States has not yet seen China giving lethal aid to Russia in its illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, but the Chinese also haven't taken that aid off the table, according to Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh in a briefing of the media at the Pentagon Wednesday, according to a media release from&nbsp;David Vergun with U.S. Department of Defense.

(Click below to listen to the Pentagon press briefing)

There would&nbsp;be consequences for doing so, she emphasized.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677173692127.png" alt="Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh speaks during an on-camera press briefing at the Pentagon Wednesday." />
 <figcaption>Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh speaks during an on-camera press briefing at the Pentagon Wednesday.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON—The United States has not yet seen China giving lethal aid to Russia in its illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, but the Chinese also haven't taken that aid off the table, according to Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh in a briefing of the media at the Pentagon Wednesday, according to a media release from&nbsp;David Vergun with U.S. Department of Defense.(Click below to listen to the Pentagon press briefing)<div><iframe width='500' height='300' scrolling='no' frameborder='0' style='border: none; overflow: hidden; width: 500px; height: 300px;' allowtransparency='true' src='https://www.dvidshub.net/video/embed/874211'></iframe></div>There would&nbsp;be consequences for doing so, she emphasized.&nbsp;Separately, regarding the U.S.-Russia New START treaty, which Russia just suspended, Singh said: "Well, we certainly think it's unfortunate ... [and] we think it's irresponsible. Any nuclear power has to behave in a responsible manner. And we certainly take our obligations under the New START Treaty seriously."Regarding satellite links for Ukraine, Singh said the U.S. is providing Ukraine with satellite communications and Starlink is still operating over the nation.&nbsp;Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX.About the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Singh said: "Let me just make this very clear. We're not at war with Russia. We're not fighting with Russia. We are supporting the Ukrainians in [the] war that Russia started. So, let's just be clear about that. I think it's important to remember that. Again: Ukraine was invaded by Russia. This administration has been committed to standing with Ukraine for as long as it takes. And that's what we're going to continue to do."