TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Conservative Republicans advanced a proposal Tuesday that would ban transgender students from girl’s and women’s sports in Kansas schools and colleges, and supporters are increasingly confident of success.

The state Senate Education Committee approved&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb208/" target="_blank">the bill&nbsp;</a>on a voice vote after a brief debate, sending it to the full Senate, where GOP leaders have identified the measure&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-topeka-kansas-wichita-coronavirus-pandemic-e174bf500007ef461f0caa58666558d0">as a priority.</a>

Freshman Rep. Stephanie Byers, a Wichita Democrat and the first transgender state lawmaker elected in Kansas, said the committee’s vote tells transgender students that they can’t just be themselves.

“What we just witnessed was the intentional attack on a small group of people that are part of a marginalized community,” Byers said.

Republicans in Congress and more than 20 state legislatures are pushing for similar bans, though supporters largely&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawmakers-unable-to-cite-local-trans-girls-sports-914a982545e943ecc1e265e8c41042e7">haven’t been able to cite&nbsp;</a>examples of transgender students’ participation causing problems.

The state association that oversees middle and high school activities in Kansas has said it knows of only five transgender students currently active in K-12 activities, and there’s no record of any transgender school sports champions. But supporters argue that a ban would promote fairness in girls’ and women’s sports and repeatedly point to the 15 championships won between 2017 and 2019 by two transgender high school runners in Connecticut, which prompted a federal lawsuit.

“If we have five, then that’s a threat to every girl’s opportunity, and there’s plenty of other opportunities for biological boys to compete,” said Brittany Jones, advocacy director for the conservative Family Policy Alliance of Kansas. “It doesn’t have to be a very large number to have a huge impact.”

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly hasn’t said publicly whether she would veto the measure, but she has advocated for LGBTQ rights. She signed an executive order on her second day in office banning discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in state hiring and employment decisions.

Jones said she’s confident that the measure has enough support to overcome a potential veto by Kelly. Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers, and the 2020 elections made the Legislature more conservative.

She and other supporters of the bill say they are defending hard-won opportunities for women in sports and other activities made possible by federal civil rights laws starting in the 1970s.

“This bill is about ensuring that girls have a fair opportunity,” Jones said.

Many conservatives in Congress and across the nation are responding to an executive order by Democratic President Joe Biden that bans discrimination based on gender identity in school sports and elsewhere, which he signed the day he took office.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boise-lawsuits-politics-gender-identity-courts-89b70fd5f82812c9368f985e389c485d">Idaho enacted&nbsp;</a>a ban on transgender athletes in girl’s and women’s sports last year, and in Mississippi, GOP Gov. Tate Reeves&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-mississippi-discrimination-gender-identity-tate-reeves-9dfa2829f12e5f7efbb1653aaf468941">signed a measure</a>&nbsp;into law last week.

Kansas LGBTQ-rights advocates have warned lawmakers that pursuing this year’s measure&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-legislature-discrimination-kansas-bullying-576f42af35ef03f81dd930b487797a8b">would lead to increased bullying</a>&nbsp;of already vulnerable transgender children. Byers said the bill’s supporters are telling some students that they are “not enough girl,” just as female students are sometimes told they are not tall or thin enough.

The two Democrats on the nine-member Senate committee voted against the bill, as did moderate GOP Sen. Brenda Dietrich, of Topeka, a former school superintendent. The state’s school activities association has had policies for allowing transgender students’ participation for about a decade.

“This doesn’t really seem to be an issue in Kansas at this point in time,” Dietrich said. “I want to choose compassion and local control today.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614129442761.png" alt="Freshman Rep. Stephanie Byers, a Wichita Democrat and the first transgender state lawmaker elected in Kansas, said the committee’s vote tells transgender students that they can’t just be themselves." />
 <figcaption>Freshman Rep. Stephanie Byers, a Wichita Democrat and the first transgender state lawmaker elected in Kansas, said the committee’s vote tells transgender students that they can’t just be themselves.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Conservative Republicans advanced a proposal Tuesday that would ban transgender students from girl’s and women’s sports in Kansas schools and colleges, and supporters are increasingly confident of success.The state Senate Education Committee approved&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb208/" target="_blank">the bill&nbsp;</a>on a voice vote after a brief debate, sending it to the full Senate, where GOP leaders have identified the measure&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-topeka-kansas-wichita-coronavirus-pandemic-e174bf500007ef461f0caa58666558d0">as a priority.</a><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">SB 208 - Kansas’ anti trans girls in sports bill is now moved to our Senate. On a vote of 5 - 3 trans girls aren’t “enough”. Like so many girls before who’ve been told they aren’t pretty enough, skinny enough, their skin isn’t light enough, trans girls aren’t girl enough.&mdash; Stephanie Byers (@ByersForKansas) <a href="https://twitter.com/ByersForKansas/status/1371903890728349701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Freshman Rep. Stephanie Byers, a Wichita Democrat and the first transgender state lawmaker elected in Kansas, said the committee’s vote tells transgender students that they can’t just be themselves.“What we just witnessed was the intentional attack on a small group of people that are part of a marginalized community,” Byers said.Republicans in Congress and more than 20 state legislatures are pushing for similar bans, though supporters largely&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawmakers-unable-to-cite-local-trans-girls-sports-914a982545e943ecc1e265e8c41042e7">haven’t been able to cite&nbsp;</a>examples of transgender students’ participation causing problems.The state association that oversees middle and high school activities in Kansas has said it knows of only five transgender students currently active in K-12 activities, and there’s no record of any transgender school sports champions. But supporters argue that a ban would promote fairness in girls’ and women’s sports and repeatedly point to the 15 championships won between 2017 and 2019 by two transgender high school runners in Connecticut, which prompted a federal lawsuit.“If we have five, then that’s a threat to every girl’s opportunity, and there’s plenty of other opportunities for biological boys to compete,” said Brittany Jones, advocacy director for the conservative Family Policy Alliance of Kansas. “It doesn’t have to be a very large number to have a huge impact.”Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly hasn’t said publicly whether she would veto the measure, but she has advocated for LGBTQ rights. She signed an executive order on her second day in office banning discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in state hiring and employment decisions.Jones said she’s confident that the measure has enough support to overcome a potential veto by Kelly. Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers, and the 2020 elections made the Legislature more conservative.She and other supporters of the bill say they are defending hard-won opportunities for women in sports and other activities made possible by federal civil rights laws starting in the 1970s.“This bill is about ensuring that girls have a fair opportunity,” Jones said.Many conservatives in Congress and across the nation are responding to an executive order by Democratic President Joe Biden that bans discrimination based on gender identity in school sports and elsewhere, which he signed the day he took office.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boise-lawsuits-politics-gender-identity-courts-89b70fd5f82812c9368f985e389c485d">Idaho enacted&nbsp;</a>a ban on transgender athletes in girl’s and women’s sports last year, and in Mississippi, GOP Gov. Tate Reeves&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-mississippi-discrimination-gender-identity-tate-reeves-9dfa2829f12e5f7efbb1653aaf468941">signed a measure</a>&nbsp;into law last week.Kansas LGBTQ-rights advocates have warned lawmakers that pursuing this year’s measure&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-legislature-discrimination-kansas-bullying-576f42af35ef03f81dd930b487797a8b">would lead to increased bullying</a>&nbsp;of already vulnerable transgender children. Byers said the bill’s supporters are telling some students that they are “not enough girl,” just as female students are sometimes told they are not tall or thin enough.The two Democrats on the nine-member Senate committee voted against the bill, as did moderate GOP Sen. Brenda Dietrich, of Topeka, a former school superintendent. The state’s school activities association has had policies for allowing transgender students’ participation for about a decade.“This doesn’t really seem to be an issue in Kansas at this point in time,” Dietrich said. “I want to choose compassion and local control today.”

Proposal would ban transgender athletes in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A judge on Tuesday ordered the release of a Kansas Senate leader from jail in Topeka, finding there was not enough evidence to support his arrest hours earlier on suspicion of driving under the influence and attempting to flee from a law enforcement officer.

Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop was booked into the Shawnee County jail just before 4 a.m., following his arrest by the Capitol Police, a division of the Kansas Highway Patrol. Online booking records show that the Wichita Republican also was arrested on suspicion of speeding and crossing a divided highway.

The Kansas Highway Patrol said Suellentrop’s vehicle was traveling the wrong way in the westbound lanes of Interstate 70 before it was stopped near downtown Topeka.

But Shawnee County District Judge Penny Moylan said during a 40-second first court appearance for Suellentrop that a police report did not contain “pertinent information,” but she was not more specific. Suellentrop appeared by video conference from jail, and it was not clear whether he had hired an attorney.

“At this time, I do not find probable cause to support your arrest,” Moylan told Suellentrop.

Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, and Vice President Rick Wilborn, a McPherson Republican, issued a joint statement Tuesday evening calling the incident “serious and very unfortunate.” The statement came as senators debated budget legislation.

“We will continue to pray for Gene and his family as we gather more information,” they said. “The Senate continues to do our work on behalf of the people of Kansas.”

Suellentrop did not respond to cellphone and email messages seeking comment. Messages left for the judge and the local district attorney also weren’t immediately returned.

Suellentrop, a 69-year-old business owner, has served in the Legislature since 2009. After eight years in the House, he won a Senate seat in 2016 and was reelected in 2020. Fellow GOP senators elected them as the chamber’s majority leader in December.

The Capitol Police said Suellentrop’s arrest occurred on Interstate 70 near an exit near downtown.

Highway Patrol Lt. Candice Breshears said in an email to The Associated Press that Suellentrop’s SUV was traveling eastbound in I-70′s westbound lanes when a Capitol Police officer intially tried but failed to stop it.

“A short pursuit followed,” Breshears said but added that later that the SUV “came to a stop.”

Suellentrop’s vehicle traveled on I-70 for at least eight minutes before law enforcement was aware of it citing police radio traffic.&nbsp; Suellentrop’s vehicle stopped moving just before 1 a.m. Tuesday.

Authorities blocked the westbound lanes of I-70 to block the vehicle, and part of the highway was shut down while law enforcement removed the SUV.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A judge has ordered the release of a Kansas Senate leader from jail in Topeka after finding that there was not enough evidence to support his arrest hours earlier on suspicion of driving under the influence and attempting to flee from a law enforcement officer. 

Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop was booked into the Shawnee County jail just before 4 a.m. Tuesday following his arrest on Interstate 70 by the Capitol Police. 

But Shawnee County District Judge Penny Moylan ruled only hours later that a Capitol Police officer’s report did not include “pertinent information” about the arrest and ordered Suellentrop's release.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas Senate leader was arrested Tuesday morning in Topeka on suspicion of driving under the influence and attempting to flee from a law enforcement officer, local jail records show.

Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop was booked into the Shawnee County jail just before 4 a.m., following his arrest by the Capitol Police. Online booking records show that the Wichita Republican also was arrested on suspicion of speeding and crossing a divided highway.

Suellentrop remained in the jail Tuesday morning. Senate President Ty Masterson’s office confirmed the arrest and said it was gathering information about the incident. It was not immediately clear whether Suellentrop had an attorney.

A report on Suellentrop’s arrest wasn’t immediately available. However, the Capitol Police said it occurred on Interstate 70 near an exit north of downtown and that Suellentrop was traveling in the wrong direction in the westbound lanes of the highway.

Suellentrop is a 68-year-old business owner who served in the House for seven years before being elected to the Senate in 2016. He won re-election last year, and fellow GOP senators chose him as the chamber’s No. 2 leader in December.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615906870531.png" alt="Suellentrop photo Shawnee County Detention Center" />
 <figcaption>Suellentrop photo Shawnee County Detention Center</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A judge on Tuesday ordered the release of a Kansas Senate leader from jail in Topeka, finding there was not enough evidence to support his arrest hours earlier on suspicion of driving under the influence and attempting to flee from a law enforcement officer.Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop was booked into the Shawnee County jail just before 4 a.m., following his arrest by the Capitol Police, a division of the Kansas Highway Patrol. Online booking records show that the Wichita Republican also was arrested on suspicion of speeding and crossing a divided highway.The Kansas Highway Patrol said Suellentrop’s vehicle was traveling the wrong way in the westbound lanes of Interstate 70 before it was stopped near downtown Topeka.But Shawnee County District Judge Penny Moylan said during a 40-second first court appearance for Suellentrop that a police report did not contain “pertinent information,” but she was not more specific. Suellentrop appeared by video conference from jail, and it was not clear whether he had hired an attorney.“At this time, I do not find probable cause to support your arrest,” Moylan told Suellentrop.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I’m a Black man tweeting about circumstances, so I guess I’ll start trouble and retire after this, but let’s see if any of us lead the Highway Patrol on a pursuit on the wrong way down a highway, manage not to get shot, and then get charges dismissed the same night... Come on KS. <a href="https://t.co/en5U8z4YpN">https://t.co/en5U8z4YpN</a>&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1372007559163445248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, and Vice President Rick Wilborn, a McPherson Republican, issued a joint statement Tuesday evening calling the incident “serious and very unfortunate.” The statement came as senators debated budget legislation.“We will continue to pray for Gene and his family as we gather more information,” they said. “The Senate continues to do our work on behalf of the people of Kansas.”Suellentrop did not respond to cellphone and email messages seeking comment. Messages left for the judge and the local district attorney also weren’t immediately returned.Suellentrop, a 69-year-old business owner, has served in the Legislature since 2009. After eight years in the House, he won a Senate seat in 2016 and was reelected in 2020. Fellow GOP senators elected them as the chamber’s majority leader in December.The Capitol Police said Suellentrop’s arrest occurred on Interstate 70 near an exit near downtown.Highway Patrol Lt. Candice Breshears said in an email to The Associated Press that Suellentrop’s SUV was traveling eastbound in I-70′s westbound lanes when a Capitol Police officer intially tried but failed to stop it.“A short pursuit followed,” Breshears said but added that later that the SUV “came to a stop.”Suellentrop’s vehicle traveled on I-70 for at least eight minutes before law enforcement was aware of it citing police radio traffic.&nbsp; Suellentrop’s vehicle stopped moving just before 1 a.m. Tuesday.Authorities blocked the westbound lanes of I-70 to block the vehicle, and part of the highway was shut down while law enforcement removed the SUV.--------------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A judge has ordered the release of a Kansas Senate leader from jail in Topeka after finding that there was not enough evidence to support his arrest hours earlier on suspicion of driving under the influence and attempting to flee from a law enforcement officer. Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop was booked into the Shawnee County jail just before 4 a.m. Tuesday following his arrest on Interstate 70 by the Capitol Police. But Shawnee County District Judge Penny Moylan ruled only hours later that a Capitol Police officer’s report did not include “pertinent information” about the arrest and ordered Suellentrop's release.---------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas Senate leader was arrested Tuesday morning in Topeka on suspicion of driving under the influence and attempting to flee from a law enforcement officer, local jail records show.Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop was booked into the Shawnee County jail just before 4 a.m., following his arrest by the Capitol Police. Online booking records show that the Wichita Republican also was arrested on suspicion of speeding and crossing a divided highway.Suellentrop remained in the jail Tuesday morning. Senate President Ty Masterson’s office confirmed the arrest and said it was gathering information about the incident. It was not immediately clear whether Suellentrop had an attorney.A report on Suellentrop’s arrest wasn’t immediately available. However, the Capitol Police said it occurred on Interstate 70 near an exit north of downtown and that Suellentrop was traveling in the wrong direction in the westbound lanes of the highway.Suellentrop is a 68-year-old business owner who served in the House for seven years before being elected to the Senate in 2016. He won re-election last year, and fellow GOP senators chose him as the chamber’s No. 2 leader in December.

Authorities release details on Kan. Senate Majority leader's arrest

By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/without-energy-plan-kansas-could-get-left-behind-move-greener-economy">Kansas News Service</a>

OVERLAND PARK, Kansas — Nearly 70 years ago in a 
newly formed suburb of Kansas City, Kansas City Power &amp; Light Co. 
built what it thought was a vision of the future — an all-electric home 
full of the latest technology.

“It was advertised as the lazy man’s paradise,” said Johnson County Museum curator Andrew Gustafson.

The <a href="https://www.jcprd.com/933/1950s-All-Electric-House" target="_blank">house was a showpiece meant to sell electricity and the prospect of an all-electric future</a>.
 It had outlets every few feet, buttons in the bedroom could turn on and
 off lights throughout the house, and it even had a fireplace, fake of 
course, powered by an electrical motor that simulated the sights and 
sounds of a crackling fire.

“So flick of the switch and your television appears,” Gustafson said.
 “It’s not hooked up now, but it originally would have turned on, as 
well, after that painting goes back.”

The TV behind the painting 
gimmick feels dated now, but another, less sexy feature of the home is 
even more relevant today: An electric heat pump.

At the time, 
heat pumps were basically unheard of. Today, they’re seen as a way to 
eliminate the need for natural gas and the climate warming emissions 
that come with it.

In many ways, Kansas has been a leader in 
clean energy development since that time. Most obviously, it’s harvested
 the low-hanging fruit — wind. The open plains also make massive solar 
energy farms a real possibility.

But other states are catching up and <a href="https://www.nrdc.org/resources/race-100-clean" target="_blank">Kansas is one of only a handful of states without an energy plan</a>. Some people think that’s a big mistake.

“There
 are opportunities there, but if they’re going to compete with 
neighboring states that have similar endowments — similar wind quality, 
similar solar quality, maybe a little bit closer to the cities — they’re
 going to have to probably take proactive steps to be as attractive as 
possible,” said Jesse Jenkins,&nbsp; a researcher at the Andlinger Center for
 Energy and Environment at Princeton University.

He recently helped craft <a href="https://environmenthalfcentury.princeton.edu/research/2020/big-affordable-effort-needed-america-reach-net-zero-emissions-2050-princeton-study" target="_blank">some guidelines for getting the U.S. to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050</a>.

The models don’t predict what will happen, but they offer potential pathways the country could follow to hit that target.

The
 suggestions focus on plans for generating energy where it’s cheapest. 
Wind from the Great Plains, solar energy from the Southwest and so on. 
In several scenarios, Kansas lags behind states like Missouri and Iowa 
which are closer to energy hungry population centers.

But Jenkins
 said that’s where state policies, goals and incentives come in. Kansas,
 with its abundant wind, solar and agricultural resources, could play a larger role and retool itself for the new energy economy.

Except … Kansas doesn’t have any plan. And it far exceeded the only goal it ever had — 20% renewable energy by 2020.

“A plan can show people outside the state that, ‘Hey, we’re serious about this,’” State <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/members/rep_schreiber_mark_1/" target="_blank">Rep. Mark Schreiber</a>, a Republican from Emporia, said. “We want to be part of this transition.”

Schreiber <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2381/" target="_blank">introduced a bill this year</a>
 that would have demanded the state create a state energy plan. The bill
 died. A year earlier, the Legislature killed Gov. Laura Kelly’s plans 
to remake the state’s energy office.

“There’s some fear out there
 that this is going to be some new expensive ‘Green New Deal’ kind of 
thing and the stop arm comes up,” he said.

In the past, the Legislature tried to <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb279/" target="_blank">limit the growth of wind farms</a>. This year, it’s considering a bill that would <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb24/" target="_blank">tell local governments they can’t ban natural gas hookups in new buildings</a>. That’s generated criticism from environmentalists.

“We
 need to be talking about how to, A: get Kansas fully integrated into 
the clean energy economy that is upon us and, B: how do we deal with 
climate changes that are happening in Kansas,” said Rabbi Moti Rieber, a
 climate activist and executive director of Kansas Interfaith Action. 
“Claiming that climate change isn’t real and tilting against wind 
turbines is not going to get us there.”

Without state guidance, 
major corporations end up dictating climate and energy policy in Kansas.
 For now, that’s led to a lot of wind energy (Kansas has the fourth most
 installed wind in the country). But it’s also fostered long-running 
battles that have slowed solar energy development.

Even without state intervention, Evergy, the state’s largest electric utility, <a href="https://www.evergy.com/smart-energy/environmental-impact/clean-energy-commitment#:~:text=WE'RE%20COMMITTED%20TO%20CLEAN,reduce%20carbon%20output%20by%2080%25.&amp;text=Power%20is%20part%20of%20our,like%20air%2C%20water%20and%20land." target="_blank">does have an emissions goal</a>.
 It wants to reduce its total emissions 80% by 2050, a far lower goal 
than the growing list of states with 100% clean energy pledges. Evergy 
also has zero public plans to close any of its coal or natural gas power
 plants in the state.

Rieber said if Kansas continues to be 
dragged into the clean energy economy rather than seeking it out, it’s 
going to lose business to other states.

“Every moment that we 
don’t do that is a wasted opportunity,” he said. “Both for our economic 
development and actually for the well-being of our citizens.”

Brian
 Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and natural resources for 
KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on 
Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en">@briangrimmett</a> or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615900404893.png" alt=" A wind farm in Ellsworth County, Kansas. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> A wind farm in Ellsworth County, Kansas. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/without-energy-plan-kansas-could-get-left-behind-move-greener-economy">Kansas News Service</a>OVERLAND PARK, Kansas — Nearly 70 years ago in a 
newly formed suburb of Kansas City, Kansas City Power &amp; Light Co. 
built what it thought was a vision of the future — an all-electric home 
full of the latest technology.“It was advertised as the lazy man’s paradise,” said Johnson County Museum curator Andrew Gustafson.The <a href="https://www.jcprd.com/933/1950s-All-Electric-House" target="_blank">house was a showpiece meant to sell electricity and the prospect of an all-electric future</a>.
 It had outlets every few feet, buttons in the bedroom could turn on and
 off lights throughout the house, and it even had a fireplace, fake of 
course, powered by an electrical motor that simulated the sights and 
sounds of a crackling fire.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615900459714.png" alt=" A photo of the heat pump being installed in the all-electric house. Credit Evergy" />
 <figcaption> A photo of the heat pump being installed in the all-electric house. Credit Evergy</figcaption>
 </figure>“So flick of the switch and your television appears,” Gustafson said.
 “It’s not hooked up now, but it originally would have turned on, as 
well, after that painting goes back.”The TV behind the painting 
gimmick feels dated now, but another, less sexy feature of the home is 
even more relevant today: An electric heat pump.At the time, 
heat pumps were basically unheard of. Today, they’re seen as a way to 
eliminate the need for natural gas and the climate warming emissions 
that come with it.In many ways, Kansas has been a leader in 
clean energy development since that time. Most obviously, it’s harvested
 the low-hanging fruit — wind. The open plains also make massive solar 
energy farms a real possibility.But other states are catching up and <a href="https://www.nrdc.org/resources/race-100-clean" target="_blank">Kansas is one of only a handful of states without an energy plan</a>. Some people think that’s a big mistake.“There
 are opportunities there, but if they’re going to compete with 
neighboring states that have similar endowments — similar wind quality, 
similar solar quality, maybe a little bit closer to the cities — they’re
 going to have to probably take proactive steps to be as attractive as 
possible,” said Jesse Jenkins,&nbsp; a researcher at the Andlinger Center for
 Energy and Environment at Princeton University.He recently helped craft <a href="https://environmenthalfcentury.princeton.edu/research/2020/big-affordable-effort-needed-america-reach-net-zero-emissions-2050-princeton-study" target="_blank">some guidelines for getting the U.S. to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050</a>.The models don’t predict what will happen, but they offer potential pathways the country could follow to hit that target.The
 suggestions focus on plans for generating energy where it’s cheapest. 
Wind from the Great Plains, solar energy from the Southwest and so on. 
In several scenarios, Kansas lags behind states like Missouri and Iowa 
which are closer to energy hungry population centers.But Jenkins
 said that’s where state policies, goals and incentives come in. Kansas,
 with its abundant wind, solar and agricultural resources, could play a larger role and retool itself for the new energy economy.Except … Kansas doesn’t have any plan. And it far exceeded the only goal it ever had — 20% renewable energy by 2020.“A plan can show people outside the state that, ‘Hey, we’re serious about this,’” State <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/members/rep_schreiber_mark_1/" target="_blank">Rep. Mark Schreiber</a>, a Republican from Emporia, said. “We want to be part of this transition.”Schreiber <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2381/" target="_blank">introduced a bill this year</a>
 that would have demanded the state create a state energy plan. The bill
 died. A year earlier, the Legislature killed Gov. Laura Kelly’s plans 
to remake the state’s energy office.“There’s some fear out there
 that this is going to be some new expensive ‘Green New Deal’ kind of 
thing and the stop arm comes up,” he said.In the past, the Legislature tried to <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb279/" target="_blank">limit the growth of wind farms</a>. This year, it’s considering a bill that would <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb24/" target="_blank">tell local governments they can’t ban natural gas hookups in new buildings</a>. That’s generated criticism from environmentalists.“We
 need to be talking about how to, A: get Kansas fully integrated into 
the clean energy economy that is upon us and, B: how do we deal with 
climate changes that are happening in Kansas,” said Rabbi Moti Rieber, a
 climate activist and executive director of Kansas Interfaith Action. 
“Claiming that climate change isn’t real and tilting against wind 
turbines is not going to get us there.”Without state guidance, 
major corporations end up dictating climate and energy policy in Kansas.
 For now, that’s led to a lot of wind energy (Kansas has the fourth most
 installed wind in the country). But it’s also fostered long-running 
battles that have slowed solar energy development.Even without state intervention, Evergy, the state’s largest electric utility, <a href="https://www.evergy.com/smart-energy/environmental-impact/clean-energy-commitment#:~:text=WE'RE%20COMMITTED%20TO%20CLEAN,reduce%20carbon%20output%20by%2080%25.&amp;text=Power%20is%20part%20of%20our,like%20air%2C%20water%20and%20land." target="_blank">does have an emissions goal</a>.
 It wants to reduce its total emissions 80% by 2050, a far lower goal 
than the growing list of states with 100% clean energy pledges. Evergy 
also has zero public plans to close any of its coal or natural gas power
 plants in the state.Rieber said if Kansas continues to be 
dragged into the clean energy economy rather than seeking it out, it’s 
going to lose business to other states.“Every moment that we 
don’t do that is a wasted opportunity,” he said. “Both for our economic 
development and actually for the well-being of our citizens.”Brian
 Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and natural resources for 
KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on 
Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en">@briangrimmett</a> or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

Without a plan, Kan. could get left behind in move to greener economy 

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug charges after an arrest.

Just before 10a.m. Tuesday, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2005 Honda Accord at NW 75 Highway and NW 46th Street, according to deputy Abigail Christian. A K9 unit with the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted. During the investigation, the K9 was deployed and illegal narcotics were located.

Deputies arrested 44-year-old Bobbie J. Vandiver of Topeka and booked her into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615976425765.png" alt="Vandiver remains jailed in Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Vandiver remains jailed in Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug charges after an arrest.Just before 10a.m. Tuesday, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2005 Honda Accord at NW 75 Highway and NW 46th Street, according to deputy Abigail Christian. A K9 unit with the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted. During the investigation, the K9 was deployed and illegal narcotics were located.Deputies arrested 44-year-old Bobbie J. Vandiver of Topeka and booked her into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and interference with law enforcement.

KHP K9 unit helps make arrest of Kansas drug suspect

TOPEKA&nbsp;– On Tuesday, Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard announced revised recommendations for nursing facilities to expand visitation in response to significant reductions in COVID-19 infections and transmission resulting from ongoing infection control practices, and high vaccination rates in the nursing home population.

“This updated guidance is great news for Kansans with loved ones in long-term care facilities and proof that our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 are working,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly. “While this is another step towards our return to normalcy, I encourage all Kansans to follow the guidance, continue to mask up, and receive the vaccine when it is their turn.”

According to Memorandum&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.pFTGLkk6zEHg7EfL8vjOMQYmCjmS3-FMkD9oEz6617o/s/1303160919/br/100115121344-l" target="_blank">QSO-20-39-NH-Revised</a>&nbsp;issued March 10, 2021 by the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and effective immediately, “… vaccines have received Emergency Use Authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. Millions of vaccinations have since been administered to nursing home residents and staff, and these vaccines have been shown to help prevent symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection (i.e., COVID-19). Therefore, CMS, in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is updating its visitation guidance accordingly, but emphasizing the importance of maintaining infection prevention practices, given the continued risk of COVID-19 transmission.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

CMS directs that visitation can be conducted through different means based on a facility’s structure and residents’ needs, such as in resident rooms, dedicated visitation spaces, outdoors, and for circumstances beyond compassionate care situations. Regardless of how visits are conducted,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.3ghEdKQHHgfOrk38xi6CvcVA2BHq9LUq0FeK8koVmmU/s/1303160919/br/100115121344-l" target="_blank">QSO-20-39-NH-Revised</a>&nbsp; outlines certain core principles and best practices consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for nursing homes that reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and should still be adhered to at all times.

“Our Survey, Certification and Credentialing Commission has been acutely aware of the need to keep residents and workers in faculties healthy and safe during this pandemic by conducting inspections and investigations and at the same time they have worked very hard to offer and help implement programs that have allowed residents and their loved ones to communicate during the visitation restrictions using technology and other alternative methods,”&nbsp;KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “This new guidance is welcome news because we all recognize the emotional and physical toll being separated has on our seniors.”

Key revisions outlined in the new CMS memorandum include, but are not limited to:

KDADS recognizes there are other long-term care settings in Kansas not subject to the guidance issued by CMS for certified nursing facilities. Using federal guidelines as a road map, KDADS has issued its&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMTYuMzcxMDY4MjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2djYzAyLnNhZmVsaW5rcy5wcm90ZWN0aW9uLm91dGxvb2suY29tLz91cmw9aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZrZGFkcy5rcy5nb3YlMkZkb2NzJTJGZGVmYXVsdC1zb3VyY2UlMkZjb3ZpZC0xOSUyRmFjaC1kYXRhJTJGdmlzaXRhdGlvbiUyRmxvbmctdGVybS1jYXJlLXZpc2l0YXRpb24tZ3VpZGFuY2UtdXBkYXRlLTMtMTUtMjEucGRmJTNGc2Z2cnNuJTNEODQzNjBlZWVfMCZkYXRhPTA0JTdDMDElN0NSZWV2ZXMuT3lzdGVyJTQwa3MuZ292JTdDNGI1MTUzNWJhZWVhNDIzODg3OTYwOGQ4ZThhOWEwMWElN0NkY2FlODEwMWM5MmQ0ODBjYmM0M2M2NzYxY2NjY2M1YSU3QzAlN0MwJTdDNjM3NTE1MTYyNTI5NjA1MjU3JTdDVW5rbm93biU3Q1RXRnBiR1pzYjNkOGV5SldJam9pTUM0d0xqQXdNREFpTENKUUlqb2lWMmx1TXpJaUxDSkJUaUk2SWsxaGFXd2lMQ0pYVkNJNk1uMCUzRCU3QzEwMDAmc2RhdGE9ZXZHVExwc3pWdmdKUDlTJTJCaGFkbnM1MkRKWWgxMUpSelBGa1IxSzY2V3hrJTNEJnJlc2VydmVkPTAifQ.kdg08ZRuY0g-x2jlpZUCYgkrJauJQb6cMckJWq3Y1eE/s/1303160919/br/100115121344-l" target="_blank">Visitation Guidance for Long Term Care Settings</a>&nbsp;for those facilities throughout the state.

To view a graphic detailing updated CMS guidance, please click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMTYuMzcxMDY4MjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjEvMDMvTnVyc2luZy1Ib21lLVZpc2l0LU1BUkNIMTEtNTA4LmpwZyJ9.HcS6dOiXQfOw0Tmona8Gmr_QgBxMozpZHCCdRJi4pKw/s/1303160919/br/100115121344-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

Gov. expands visitation rules for nursing homes in Kansas

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A judge has granted a new trial for a man serving a 12-year sentence in a rape case, finding that his trial attorney failed to review hundreds of text messages from his accuser whom he met at at popular bar near the University of Kansas campus.

Judge Sally Pokorny said Tuesday that she will soon order Albert Wilson transferred from a prison in Hutchinson back to the Douglas County Jail for a new bond hearing and the setting of a new trial.

He was convicted of rape in 2019 after his accuser testified that he assaulted her at the bar in 2016 when he was a 20-year-old University of Kansas student and she was a drunk 17-year-old. She said he then walked her to his house a couple of blocks away and raped her before walking her back to the bar.

Pokorny said the text messages are directly related to the credibility of that testimony. The prosecution described the messages as indicating that the girl had more experience with alcohol and mental-health treatment than she revealed to the forensic psychologist who evaluated her.

“It is my firm belief that if a jury knew of the information contained in the 2,000 text messages taken from the victim’s phone, there is a substantial likelihood the outcome of this case would have been different,” Pokorny said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615914127131.png" alt="Wilson photo Douglas County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Wilson photo Douglas County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A judge has granted a new trial for a man serving a 12-year sentence in a rape case, finding that his trial attorney failed to review hundreds of text messages from his accuser whom he met at at popular bar near the University of Kansas campus.Judge Sally Pokorny said Tuesday that she will soon order Albert Wilson transferred from a prison in Hutchinson back to the Douglas County Jail for a new bond hearing and the setting of a new trial.He was convicted of rape in 2019 after his accuser testified that he assaulted her at the bar in 2016 when he was a 20-year-old University of Kansas student and she was a drunk 17-year-old. She said he then walked her to his house a couple of blocks away and raped her before walking her back to the bar.Pokorny said the text messages are directly related to the credibility of that testimony. The prosecution described the messages as indicating that the girl had more experience with alcohol and mental-health treatment than she revealed to the forensic psychologist who evaluated her.“It is my firm belief that if a jury knew of the information contained in the 2,000 text messages taken from the victim’s phone, there is a substantial likelihood the outcome of this case would have been different,” Pokorny said.

New trial ordered for Kan. man in prison for rape

JOHNSON COUNTY —The National Weather Service&nbsp; survey crew determined Monday's tornado in Johnson County as an EF-0, according to the National Weather Service in Kansas.

Max wind speed was reported at 85mph with a maximum path width of 100 yards.&nbsp;

The tornado touched down near 199th Street and Switzer Road in rural southeast Johnson County south of Overland Park, Kansas. 

Homes in the path of the storm had roofing and siding damage.

JOHNSON COUNTY —The National Weather Service&nbsp; survey crew determined Monday's tornado in Johnson County as an EF-0, according to the National Weather Service in Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615852798200.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Max wind speed was reported at 85mph with a maximum path width of 100 yards.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615928061647.png" alt="Path of Monday's tornado -image NWS Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Path of Monday's tornado -image NWS Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>The tornado touched down near 199th Street and Switzer Road in rural southeast Johnson County south of Overland Park, Kansas. Homes in the path of the storm had roofing and siding damage.

NWS: Tornado in NE Kansas rated as EF-0

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A third victim has died after a fender bender crash earlier this month in Kansas City ended in gunfire.

Police announced Tuesday in a news release that 41-year-old Gregory Harper died Monday.

He was wounded after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-shootings-police-8463405db4131b75716f82503d65ec01">March 6</a>&nbsp;crash led to a disturbance. Two others were declared dead at the scene — 64-year-old Joseph Smith and 33-year-old Curtis Thompkins.

Police are asking anyone with information on the shooting to contact homicide detectives or a tips hotline. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Two men died and a third man was critically wounded after a shooting in Kansas City.

Police spokesman Sgt. Jake Becchina said the shooting was reported around 8:45 p.m. Saturday after a fender bender crash. Becchina said a large disturbance after the crash led to the gunfire.

Officers from the Kansas City Police Department found two men who had been shot unresponsive in front of a home near East 51st Street and Agnes Avenue. A third man was found with gunshot wounds just north of the two men who died. The third man was taken to a hospital in critical condition.

Becchina said investigators are working to determine what led to the shooting and to identify the victims.

The two deaths were the 27th and 28th homicides of the year in Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615202460088.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A third victim has died after a fender bender crash earlier this month in Kansas City ended in gunfire.Police announced Tuesday in a news release that 41-year-old Gregory Harper died Monday.He was wounded after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-shootings-police-8463405db4131b75716f82503d65ec01">March 6</a>&nbsp;crash led to a disturbance. Two others were declared dead at the scene — 64-year-old Joseph Smith and 33-year-old Curtis Thompkins.Police are asking anyone with information on the shooting to contact homicide detectives or a tips hotline. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information.------------KANSAS CITY (AP) — Two men died and a third man was critically wounded after a shooting in Kansas City.Police spokesman Sgt. Jake Becchina said the shooting was reported around 8:45 p.m. Saturday after a fender bender crash. Becchina said a large disturbance after the crash led to the gunfire.Officers from the Kansas City Police Department found two men who had been shot unresponsive in front of a home near East 51st Street and Agnes Avenue. A third man was found with gunshot wounds just north of the two men who died. The third man was taken to a hospital in critical condition.Becchina said investigators are working to determine what led to the shooting and to identify the victims.The two deaths were the 27th and 28th homicides of the year in Kansas City.

3rd victim dies after fender bender crash ends in gunfire

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Gov. Laura Kelly announced Tuesday that the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) launched the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) program on Monday, March 15, providing rent, utility, and internet assistance to individuals and families financially impacted by COVID-19.

“Keeping Kansans in their homes and businesses – and ensuring they have access to the high-speed internet needed for telehealth, telework, and virtual school – has been a top priority for my administration since day one,”&nbsp;Gov. Kelly said. “This program will be critical in ensuring Kansans can stay secure in their homes, stay warm, and maintain access to the internet.”

The program offers tenants up to 12 months of assistance with current or past due rent and past due utility and internet bills, including electric, gas, water, sewer, trash removal, and home energy services. Renters can apply for assistance with all, some, or any one of the services offered.

Both tenant and landlord must apply online. If the applicant meets the eligibility criteria, KHRC will make payments on the tenant’s behalf directly to the landlord or service provider(s).

Last year KHRC administered the Kansas Eviction Prevention Program (KEPP), a nearly $20 million rental assistance initiative to support Kansans financially impacted by COVID. In the roughly 60 days that the program was in statewide operation, it received applications from more than 10,000 tenants and more than 4000 landlords, ultimately serving more than 21,000 Kansans.

“Home has always been a place of shelter, but during the pandemic it’s become so much more,”&nbsp;Ryan Vincent, KHRC’s Executive Director, said.&nbsp;“The outpouring of interest we saw in the KEPP program demonstrated the tremendous need COVID has created across our state. We’re so pleased to offer not just rent, but also utility and internet assistance so we can keep Kansans safely housed and connected when they need it most.”

The KERA program will initially serve Kansans across the state, except those living within the Wichita city limits. Wichita residents may apply for assistance through the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.YPCBzJrKtwKJkzccMhiyDR2rtPpqopdnwuoz8moSCJI/s/1303160919/br/100108803844-l" target="_blank">Wichita Emergency Rental Assistance Program (WERAP).</a>

To learn more and apply for KERA assistance, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.SmHRBALiwmBksIT1qYERME--4Y0-8JSUW-N9lApzaJk/s/1303160919/br/100108803844-l" target="_blank">KHRC website.</a>

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Gov. Laura Kelly announced Tuesday that the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) launched the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) program on Monday, March 15, providing rent, utility, and internet assistance to individuals and families financially impacted by COVID-19.“Keeping Kansans in their homes and businesses – and ensuring they have access to the high-speed internet needed for telehealth, telework, and virtual school – has been a top priority for my administration since day one,”&nbsp;Gov. Kelly said. “This program will be critical in ensuring Kansans can stay secure in their homes, stay warm, and maintain access to the internet.”The program offers tenants up to 12 months of assistance with current or past due rent and past due utility and internet bills, including electric, gas, water, sewer, trash removal, and home energy services. Renters can apply for assistance with all, some, or any one of the services offered.Both tenant and landlord must apply online. If the applicant meets the eligibility criteria, KHRC will make payments on the tenant’s behalf directly to the landlord or service provider(s).Last year KHRC administered the Kansas Eviction Prevention Program (KEPP), a nearly $20 million rental assistance initiative to support Kansans financially impacted by COVID. In the roughly 60 days that the program was in statewide operation, it received applications from more than 10,000 tenants and more than 4000 landlords, ultimately serving more than 21,000 Kansans.“Home has always been a place of shelter, but during the pandemic it’s become so much more,”&nbsp;Ryan Vincent, KHRC’s Executive Director, said.&nbsp;“The outpouring of interest we saw in the KEPP program demonstrated the tremendous need COVID has created across our state. We’re so pleased to offer not just rent, but also utility and internet assistance so we can keep Kansans safely housed and connected when they need it most.”The KERA program will initially serve Kansans across the state, except those living within the Wichita city limits. Wichita residents may apply for assistance through the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.YPCBzJrKtwKJkzccMhiyDR2rtPpqopdnwuoz8moSCJI/s/1303160919/br/100108803844-l" target="_blank">Wichita Emergency Rental Assistance Program (WERAP).</a>To learn more and apply for KERA assistance, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.SmHRBALiwmBksIT1qYERME--4Y0-8JSUW-N9lApzaJk/s/1303160919/br/100108803844-l" target="_blank">KHRC website.</a>

Statewide rental, utility assistance for those affected by COVID

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a detention deputy for alleged domestic violence.

On Saturday, Haysville police arrested Sedgwick County Detention Deputy Jonathan Ramirez, according to sheriff's department spokesman Lt. Benjamin Blick.

He was booked into jail on requested charges of Domestic Violence Battery, Domestic Violence Criminal Damage to Property and Criminal Deprivation of Property. Deputy Ramirez has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office since June 2019. Deputy Ramirez has been suspended without pay.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615852211736.png" alt="Ramirez-photo Sedgwick County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Ramirez-photo Sedgwick County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a detention deputy for alleged domestic violence.On Saturday, Haysville police arrested Sedgwick County Detention Deputy Jonathan Ramirez, according to sheriff's department spokesman Lt. Benjamin Blick.He was booked into jail on requested charges of Domestic Violence Battery, Domestic Violence Criminal Damage to Property and Criminal Deprivation of Property. Deputy Ramirez has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office since June 2019. Deputy Ramirez has been suspended without pay.

Kansas  jail deputy accused of domestic violence

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Black woman has become the face of Missouri's tourism campaign, nearly four years after the NAACP warned travelers that their civil rights may not be respected if they visit the state.

The Missouri Division of Tourism kicked off the campaign Monday, describing the woman the agency dubbed Mo as “a character and tour guide of sorts," the St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/state-and-regional/with-naacp-travel-advisory-still-in-effect-missouri-casts-a-black-woman-as-new-face/article_a212d029-f539-5105-95c4-c565473b4d49.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest">reports</a>. She is featured in a promotional&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitmo.com/thats-my-mo?utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_medium=organicsocial&amp;utm_campaign=character_campaign_fy21&amp;utm_content=main_mo_anthem&amp;utm_term=&amp;fbclid=IwAR2kcvNv4KDZRPTLvMNw654JI5cfg4redYFqjLFPGZbMOF_gxURk7ELdLKs">video&nbsp;</a>hiking, watching a baseball game and riding a roller coaster. Pictures also show her posing as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitmo.com/thats-my-mo/foodie-mo">Foodie Mo</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitmo.com/thats-my-mo/bbq-mo">Barbecue Mo</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitmo.com/thats-my-mo/lake-mo">Lake Mo</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitmo.com/thats-my-mo/history-mo">History Mo&nbsp;</a>and more.

“Mo embodies Missouri and everything we have to offer visitors in our state,” Stephen Foutes, director of the Division of Tourism, said in the release.

But Missouri NAACP President Nimrod Chapel said the group’s travel advisory will remain in effect until Missouri makes “meaningful progress in the systemic abuses affecting people of color.” The state group warned travelers to be careful while in the state in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e505a01882984c9bb236b4dc40acc926">June 2017&nbsp;</a>because of what it described as a danger that civil rights won’t be respected. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/88cbad1851044cbd840859f3f48ed0c8">national NAACP took up the warning a couple of months later.</a>

“I don’t quite understand where they’re going with the campaign, and why put a Black face on it,” Chapel said.

“Missouri is a place that has been marked by violence and Jim Crow,” Chapel said. “It’s good that they’re trying to think inclusively for people they should invite to the state,” but it's also unfortunate when the government “hasn’t done anything to address those risks in a meaningful way.”

Ashley Santana, a St. Louis-based actress, model and soprano, plays Mo. In a statement emailed to the Post-Dispatch, Foutes did not directly answer whether the casting decision was related to the NAACP advisory.

He said Visit Missouri, the tourism website that features Mo, “auditioned over 200 actors and actresses with strong ties to Missouri. As Mo came to life, we wanted to reflect the down-to-earth, easygoing and inviting personality of Missouri. … We’re proud to feature an African American and Missouri native in this campaign to welcome future visitors to Missouri.”

Brian Hall, chief marketing officer for Explore St. Louis, said efforts to position St. Louis and Missouri as warm and welcoming have become especially important since Michael Brown’s death in 2014 focused the nation’s attention on the region’s unresolved racial justice issues.

Though systemic change is still needed, Hall said, the casting of Santana “sends an important signal ... that our state is proud to feature an African American woman as a representative, an ambassadress, for our state.”

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Black woman has become the face of Missouri's tourism campaign, nearly four years after the NAACP warned travelers that their civil rights may not be respected if they visit the state.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l5AiUw82b-s" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The Missouri Division of Tourism kicked off the campaign Monday, describing the woman the agency dubbed Mo as “a character and tour guide of sorts," the St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/state-and-regional/with-naacp-travel-advisory-still-in-effect-missouri-casts-a-black-woman-as-new-face/article_a212d029-f539-5105-95c4-c565473b4d49.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest">reports</a>. She is featured in a promotional&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitmo.com/thats-my-mo?utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_medium=organicsocial&amp;utm_campaign=character_campaign_fy21&amp;utm_content=main_mo_anthem&amp;utm_term=&amp;fbclid=IwAR2kcvNv4KDZRPTLvMNw654JI5cfg4redYFqjLFPGZbMOF_gxURk7ELdLKs">video&nbsp;</a>hiking, watching a baseball game and riding a roller coaster. Pictures also show her posing as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitmo.com/thats-my-mo/foodie-mo">Foodie Mo</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitmo.com/thats-my-mo/bbq-mo">Barbecue Mo</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitmo.com/thats-my-mo/lake-mo">Lake Mo</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitmo.com/thats-my-mo/history-mo">History Mo&nbsp;</a>and more.“Mo embodies Missouri and everything we have to offer visitors in our state,” Stephen Foutes, director of the Division of Tourism, said in the release.But Missouri NAACP President Nimrod Chapel said the group’s travel advisory will remain in effect until Missouri makes “meaningful progress in the systemic abuses affecting people of color.” The state group warned travelers to be careful while in the state in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e505a01882984c9bb236b4dc40acc926">June 2017&nbsp;</a>because of what it described as a danger that civil rights won’t be respected. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/88cbad1851044cbd840859f3f48ed0c8">national NAACP took up the warning a couple of months later.</a>“I don’t quite understand where they’re going with the campaign, and why put a Black face on it,” Chapel said.“Missouri is a place that has been marked by violence and Jim Crow,” Chapel said. “It’s good that they’re trying to think inclusively for people they should invite to the state,” but it's also unfortunate when the government “hasn’t done anything to address those risks in a meaningful way.”Ashley Santana, a St. Louis-based actress, model and soprano, plays Mo. In a statement emailed to the Post-Dispatch, Foutes did not directly answer whether the casting decision was related to the NAACP advisory.He said Visit Missouri, the tourism website that features Mo, “auditioned over 200 actors and actresses with strong ties to Missouri. As Mo came to life, we wanted to reflect the down-to-earth, easygoing and inviting personality of Missouri. … We’re proud to feature an African American and Missouri native in this campaign to welcome future visitors to Missouri.”Brian Hall, chief marketing officer for Explore St. Louis, said efforts to position St. Louis and Missouri as warm and welcoming have become especially important since Michael Brown’s death in 2014 focused the nation’s attention on the region’s unresolved racial justice issues.Though systemic change is still needed, Hall said, the casting of Santana “sends an important signal ... that our state is proud to feature an African American woman as a representative, an ambassadress, for our state.”

🎥 Black woman is face of Missouri following NAACP warning

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Republican proposal to require all Kansas public schools to offer every student full in-person classes by March 26 failed Tuesday in the state House after some lawmakers complained that it would take too much power away from local school boards.

The GOP-controlled House’s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210316111933_856177/" target="_blank">69-55 vote</a>&nbsp;against&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/sb235_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">the measure</a>&nbsp;showed that some Republicans had misgivings about the proposal, which would have overridden a few local school districts’ decisions to wait longer because of the coronavirus pandemic. Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, pushed for the mandate, and his GOP-controlled chamber&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210303112826_035095/" target="_blank">approved it</a>&nbsp;earlier this month with no Democratic support.

The mandate for the state’s 286 local school districts to offer all students full-time in-person classes would have been permanent. Supporters said the state still could grant exceptions when a disaster such as a flood, tornado or fire damages or destroys a school building.

But Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly was skeptical, calling the measure “just something the Legislature didn’t need to be spending any time on.”

“The school districts have done a great job of getting the kids back into the classes as quickly as they feel they safely can,” she said Monday after the House debated the bill.

Many Republican lawmakers continue to criticize Kelly for shutting down all K-12 buildings in mid-March 2020 until the end of that spring semester to check the spread of COVID-19. They argue that many students don’t do as well academically in online classes and suffer emotionally from being isolated from school friends.

“There’s no greater treasure on earth than our children, and these parents are entrusting their greatest treasure to use,” said Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Stilwell Republican. “These local school boards have let these children down.”

GOP legislators also have criticized the governor over other actions she took last spring. Senators and House members agreed Monday night on the final version of legislation to keep decisions about mandating masks or restricting businesses and public gatherings in the hands of county officials.

The measure also would strip appointed county health officers of their power to impose restrictions on their own, requiring county commissions’ approval. The House was to vote first on the measure, followed by the Senate.

State Department of Education data showed that only six of the state’s 286 local districts do not plan to have a majority of their students returning to all in-person classes by March 26. A seventh district, Wichita, the state’s largest, plans to resume in-person classes for all students March 29 but has its spring break next week.

The Baldwin City district near Lawrence has been offering hybrid learning for students between seventh grade and 12th grade since September, school board president Kelley Bethell-Smith said. The school district doesn’t have plans to fully reopen until the fall, she said.

Bethell-Smith said the district’s classrooms aren’t large enough to accommodate full in-person learning and maintain social distancing, she said.

“Right now, if you have 10 kids coming in on A day, 10 kids coming on B day, you can space the desks out enough to have six feet of distance. We can accommodate for lunch, when they are unmasked, and keep them six feet apart,” Bethell-Smith said.

Bethell-Smith also said the school district has a shortage of teaching assistants and wouldn’t be able to comply with special education laws.

The Shawnee Heights district in the Topeka area has decided to keep Wednesdays remote for most students, said school board member Eric Deitcher. He said that gives some teachers extra planning time to accommodate students who choose to attend school remotely five days a week. Keeping Wednesdays remote would also allow the school district to disinfect schools, Deitcher said.

But Ben Wilson, a school board member in Valley Center outside Wichita, said he agrees with the bill. The district plans to return to full-time in-person learning by March 30. He said kids are not “super spreaders” of COVID-19 and the district has seen “very, very, loose, if any” evidence of child-to-teacher transmission.

He added that his own children want to return full-time in-person classes.

“They learn better,” he said. “There’s more rhythm to their lives and there’s a sense of normalcy that we haven’t had for a year.”

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Republican proposal to require all Kansas public schools to offer every student full in-person classes by March 26 failed Tuesday in the state House after some lawmakers complained that it would take too much power away from local school boards.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PDFQV0gvbhE?start=746" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The GOP-controlled House’s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210316111933_856177/" target="_blank">69-55 vote</a>&nbsp;against&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/sb235_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">the measure</a>&nbsp;showed that some Republicans had misgivings about the proposal, which would have overridden a few local school districts’ decisions to wait longer because of the coronavirus pandemic. Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, pushed for the mandate, and his GOP-controlled chamber&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210303112826_035095/" target="_blank">approved it</a>&nbsp;earlier this month with no Democratic support.The mandate for the state’s 286 local school districts to offer all students full-time in-person classes would have been permanent. Supporters said the state still could grant exceptions when a disaster such as a flood, tornado or fire damages or destroys a school building.But Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly was skeptical, calling the measure “just something the Legislature didn’t need to be spending any time on.”“The school districts have done a great job of getting the kids back into the classes as quickly as they feel they safely can,” she said Monday after the House debated the bill.Many Republican lawmakers continue to criticize Kelly for shutting down all K-12 buildings in mid-March 2020 until the end of that spring semester to check the spread of COVID-19. They argue that many students don’t do as well academically in online classes and suffer emotionally from being isolated from school friends.“There’s no greater treasure on earth than our children, and these parents are entrusting their greatest treasure to use,” said Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Stilwell Republican. “These local school boards have let these children down.”GOP legislators also have criticized the governor over other actions she took last spring. Senators and House members agreed Monday night on the final version of legislation to keep decisions about mandating masks or restricting businesses and public gatherings in the hands of county officials.The measure also would strip appointed county health officers of their power to impose restrictions on their own, requiring county commissions’ approval. The House was to vote first on the measure, followed by the Senate.State Department of Education data showed that only six of the state’s 286 local districts do not plan to have a majority of their students returning to all in-person classes by March 26. A seventh district, Wichita, the state’s largest, plans to resume in-person classes for all students March 29 but has its spring break next week.The Baldwin City district near Lawrence has been offering hybrid learning for students between seventh grade and 12th grade since September, school board president Kelley Bethell-Smith said. The school district doesn’t have plans to fully reopen until the fall, she said.Bethell-Smith said the district’s classrooms aren’t large enough to accommodate full in-person learning and maintain social distancing, she said.“Right now, if you have 10 kids coming in on A day, 10 kids coming on B day, you can space the desks out enough to have six feet of distance. We can accommodate for lunch, when they are unmasked, and keep them six feet apart,” Bethell-Smith said.Bethell-Smith also said the school district has a shortage of teaching assistants and wouldn’t be able to comply with special education laws.The Shawnee Heights district in the Topeka area has decided to keep Wednesdays remote for most students, said school board member Eric Deitcher. He said that gives some teachers extra planning time to accommodate students who choose to attend school remotely five days a week. Keeping Wednesdays remote would also allow the school district to disinfect schools, Deitcher said.But Ben Wilson, a school board member in Valley Center outside Wichita, said he agrees with the bill. The district plans to return to full-time in-person learning by March 30. He said kids are not “super spreaders” of COVID-19 and the district has seen “very, very, loose, if any” evidence of child-to-teacher transmission.He added that his own children want to return full-time in-person classes.“They learn better,” he said. “There’s more rhythm to their lives and there’s a sense of normalcy that we haven’t had for a year.”___

🎥  Kan. lawmakers reject requiring in-person classes March 26

By DAVID CRARY and LUIS ANDRES HENAO, Associated Press

The Vatican’s declaration that same-sex unions are a sin the Roman Catholic Church cannot bless was no surprise for LGBTQ Catholics in the United States — yet it stung deeply nonetheless.

Marianne Duddy-Burke, executive director of DignityUSA, said her organization’s membership includes same-sex couples who have been together for decades, persevering in their love for one another in the face of bias and family rejection.

“The fact that our church at its highest levels cannot recognize the grace in that and cannot extend any sort of blessing to these couples is just tragic,” she said.

She was responding to a formal statement Monday from the Vatican’s orthodoxy office, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, saying Roman Catholic clergy may not bless such unions since God “cannot bless sin.” It was approved by Pope Francis.

“Having sin be explicitly included in this statement kind of brings us back to zero,” said Ross Murray, who oversees religious issues for the LGBTQ rights group GLAAD.

He expressed dismay that “the ability for us to live out our lives fully and freely is still seen as an affront to the church or, worse yet, an affront to God, who created us and knows us and loves us.”

Francis DeBernardo, executive director of New Ways Ministry, which advocates for greater LGBTQ acceptance in the church, said that if those priests who have already been blessing same-sex unions now stop doing so, lay Catholics could be moved to take their place.

“If priests and pastoral ministers no longer feel they can perform such a blessing, the Catholic laity will step in and perform their own rituals,” DeBernardo said. “The toothpaste is out of the tube, and it can’t be put back inside.”

The Rev. Bryan Massingale, an openly gay Catholic priest and professor of theology and social ethics at Fordham University, said priests who want to engage in pastoral outreach to the gay and lesbian community “will continue to do so, except that it will be even more under the table ... than it was before.”

For Catholics in same-sex relationships, he said, the Vatican’s new message will hurt.

“Every human being is born with this innate desire to love,” he said. “For those who are oriented toward members of the same sex ... to have it being described as inherently or innately sinful without any qualification, that is crushing.”

Vatican doctrine holds that gays and lesbians should be treated with dignity and respect, but that gay sex is “intrinsically disordered” and that same-sex unions are sinful.

Natalia Imperatori-Lee, a professor of religious studies at Manhattan College, said those teachings, put together, are problematic.

“It boggles the mind that the hierarchy can affirm that LGBTQ+ persons are made in the image of God but that their unions are a sin,” she said via email. “Are they made in God’s image with the exception of their hearts? With the exception of their abilities and inclinations to love?”

Sister Simone Campbell, executive director of the U.S.-based NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice and an advocate for greater LGBTQ inclusion in the church, said she was relieved the Vatican statement wasn’t harsher.

She interpreted it as saying, “You can bless the individuals (in a same-sex union), you just can’t bless the contract.”

“So it’s possible you could have a ritual where the individuals get blessed to be their committed selves.”

The Vatican’s pronouncement was welcomed by some church conservatives, however, such as Bill Donohue, president of the New York-based Catholic League.

“There will be no recognition of homosexual unions or marriage by the Catholic Church. It is non-negotiable. End of story,” he said.

“Pope Francis has been under considerable pressure by gay activists, in and out of the church, to give the green light to gay marriage,” Donohue added, calling Monday’s statement “the most decisive rejection of those efforts ever written.”

Francis has endorsed providing legal protections for same-sex couples, but that is in the civil sphere and not the church.

Juan Carlos Cruz, a Chilean advocate for sex-abuse victims who is gay, reported in 2018 that when he met with Francis, the pope had told him, “God made you like this, and he loves you.”

On Monday, Cruz said the Vatican officials who issued the new statement “are completely in a world of their own, away from people and trying to defend the indefensible.”

He called for a change in the leadership of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, saying it was undermining efforts by Francis to create a more inclusive church.

“If the church and the CDF do not advance with the world ... Catholics will continue to flee.” he said.

In Francis’ homeland of Argentina, LGBTQ activist Esteban Paulon said earlier statements by the pontiff conveying empathy and understanding for gays and lesbians were mere gestures, lacking any official weight.

“They were not institutional pronouncements,” said Paulon, executive director of the Institute of Public Policies LGBT+. “Saying that homosexual practice is a sin takes us back 200 years and promotes hate speech that unfortunately in Latin America and Europe is on the rise.”

Chile’s largest LGBTQ rights group, the Movement for Homosexual Integration and Liberation, condemned the decree as a “homophobic and anti-Christian action” from the Catholic hierarchy.

Spokesman Oscar Rementería contrasted the Vatican’s stern rhetoric against same-sex marriage with the many documented cases of Catholic leaders covering up child sex abuse committed by clergy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615845367722.png" alt="Pope Francis-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Pope Francis-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID CRARY and LUIS ANDRES HENAO, Associated PressThe Vatican’s declaration that same-sex unions are a sin the Roman Catholic Church cannot bless was no surprise for LGBTQ Catholics in the United States — yet it stung deeply nonetheless.Marianne Duddy-Burke, executive director of DignityUSA, said her organization’s membership includes same-sex couples who have been together for decades, persevering in their love for one another in the face of bias and family rejection.“The fact that our church at its highest levels cannot recognize the grace in that and cannot extend any sort of blessing to these couples is just tragic,” she said.She was responding to a formal statement Monday from the Vatican’s orthodoxy office, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, saying Roman Catholic clergy may not bless such unions since God “cannot bless sin.” It was approved by Pope Francis.“Having sin be explicitly included in this statement kind of brings us back to zero,” said Ross Murray, who oversees religious issues for the LGBTQ rights group GLAAD.He expressed dismay that “the ability for us to live out our lives fully and freely is still seen as an affront to the church or, worse yet, an affront to God, who created us and knows us and loves us.”Francis DeBernardo, executive director of New Ways Ministry, which advocates for greater LGBTQ acceptance in the church, said that if those priests who have already been blessing same-sex unions now stop doing so, lay Catholics could be moved to take their place.“If priests and pastoral ministers no longer feel they can perform such a blessing, the Catholic laity will step in and perform their own rituals,” DeBernardo said. “The toothpaste is out of the tube, and it can’t be put back inside.”The Rev. Bryan Massingale, an openly gay Catholic priest and professor of theology and social ethics at Fordham University, said priests who want to engage in pastoral outreach to the gay and lesbian community “will continue to do so, except that it will be even more under the table ... than it was before.”For Catholics in same-sex relationships, he said, the Vatican’s new message will hurt.“Every human being is born with this innate desire to love,” he said. “For those who are oriented toward members of the same sex ... to have it being described as inherently or innately sinful without any qualification, that is crushing.”Vatican doctrine holds that gays and lesbians should be treated with dignity and respect, but that gay sex is “intrinsically disordered” and that same-sex unions are sinful.Natalia Imperatori-Lee, a professor of religious studies at Manhattan College, said those teachings, put together, are problematic.“It boggles the mind that the hierarchy can affirm that LGBTQ+ persons are made in the image of God but that their unions are a sin,” she said via email. “Are they made in God’s image with the exception of their hearts? With the exception of their abilities and inclinations to love?”Sister Simone Campbell, executive director of the U.S.-based NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice and an advocate for greater LGBTQ inclusion in the church, said she was relieved the Vatican statement wasn’t harsher.She interpreted it as saying, “You can bless the individuals (in a same-sex union), you just can’t bless the contract.”“So it’s possible you could have a ritual where the individuals get blessed to be their committed selves.”The Vatican’s pronouncement was welcomed by some church conservatives, however, such as Bill Donohue, president of the New York-based Catholic League.“There will be no recognition of homosexual unions or marriage by the Catholic Church. It is non-negotiable. End of story,” he said.“Pope Francis has been under considerable pressure by gay activists, in and out of the church, to give the green light to gay marriage,” Donohue added, calling Monday’s statement “the most decisive rejection of those efforts ever written.”Francis has endorsed providing legal protections for same-sex couples, but that is in the civil sphere and not the church.Juan Carlos Cruz, a Chilean advocate for sex-abuse victims who is gay, reported in 2018 that when he met with Francis, the pope had told him, “God made you like this, and he loves you.”On Monday, Cruz said the Vatican officials who issued the new statement “are completely in a world of their own, away from people and trying to defend the indefensible.”He called for a change in the leadership of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, saying it was undermining efforts by Francis to create a more inclusive church.“If the church and the CDF do not advance with the world ... Catholics will continue to flee.” he said.In Francis’ homeland of Argentina, LGBTQ activist Esteban Paulon said earlier statements by the pontiff conveying empathy and understanding for gays and lesbians were mere gestures, lacking any official weight.“They were not institutional pronouncements,” said Paulon, executive director of the Institute of Public Policies LGBT+. “Saying that homosexual practice is a sin takes us back 200 years and promotes hate speech that unfortunately in Latin America and Europe is on the rise.”Chile’s largest LGBTQ rights group, the Movement for Homosexual Integration and Liberation, condemned the decree as a “homophobic and anti-Christian action” from the Catholic hierarchy.Spokesman Oscar Rementería contrasted the Vatican’s stern rhetoric against same-sex marriage with the many documented cases of Catholic leaders covering up child sex abuse committed by clergy.___

LGBTQ Catholics stung by church rebuff of same-sex unions

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wanted Kansas felon on new charges after a foot chase along the old river bed in central Salina.

On Monday evening, police were sent to the 600 block of South Front Street after report of that a suspect with four outstanding identified as 20-year-old&nbsp; Xavier Murrell was in the area, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.&nbsp; The suspect was also said to be in possession of a handgun.

An officer made contact with Murrell at 614 South Front Street. Murrell fled on foot southbound and jumped a fence at 633 South Front Street. 

The officer yelled for Murrell to stop, but he continued to flee and ran down to the old Smoky Hill River bed area behind the YMCA and then continued eastbound.

A Salina police K-9 tracked Murrell along the creek and officers eventually located him hiding in a trash can at 905 East Prescott Road, according to Forrester. Murrell had a holster but police did not locate a handgun.

In addition to the four warrants, police arrested Murrell on the requested charge of felony interference with law enforcement.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590325588967.jpeg" alt="Murrell has previous convictions for theft and aggravated domestic battery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Murrell has previous convictions for theft and aggravated domestic battery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wanted Kansas felon on new charges after a foot chase along the old river bed in central Salina.On Monday evening, police were sent to the 600 block of South Front Street after report of that a suspect with four outstanding identified as 20-year-old&nbsp; Xavier Murrell was in the area, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.&nbsp; The suspect was also said to be in possession of a handgun.An officer made contact with Murrell at 614 South Front Street. Murrell fled on foot southbound and jumped a fence at 633 South Front Street. The officer yelled for Murrell to stop, but he continued to flee and ran down to the old Smoky Hill River bed area behind the YMCA and then continued eastbound.A Salina police K-9 tracked Murrell along the creek and officers eventually located him hiding in a trash can at 905 East Prescott Road, according to Forrester. Murrell had a holster but police did not locate a handgun.In addition to the four warrants, police arrested Murrell on the requested charge of felony interference with law enforcement.&nbsp;

Police K9 finds wanted Kan. felon hiding in trash can

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas will give COVID-19 vaccinations faster than planned so that all adults with medical conditions can seek shots next week and the state will aim for President Joe Biden’s goal of having inoculations available for all adults May 1, Gov. Laura Kelly announced Monday.

Kelly said the state will launch both the third and the fourth phase of its planned vaccine distribution next week, a week before the expected arrival of 100,000 doses of a single-shot vaccine made by Johnson &amp; Johnson. The combined phase will cover about 600,000 of the state’s 2.9 million residents, after the first two phases covered twice that number.

“I know we are all ready to resume our pre-pandemic lives, and we’re getting close,” Kelly said after touring a mass vaccination site at Topeka’s largest arena and convention center.

Both Kelly and Dr. Lee Norman, head of the state Department of Health and Environment, said the supply of vaccines from the federal government has been the biggest hurdle to moving faster on giving shots. Yet Kelly declared herself “pretty comfortable” that the state can hit its new timetable.

“If something happens and we have to pull back, we will do that, but we’re not anticipating that,” Kelly told reporters.

People aged 16 to 64 with medical conditions, including cancer, diabetes and asthma, that put them at risk of complications or death from COVID-19 will be eligible for shots. Kelly and the state Department of Health and Environment had held some of the state’s counties back from starting inoculations for such residents until all counties had finished vaccinating residents 65 and older during the second phase.

The Democratic governor has faced strong criticism for weeks from Republicans in the GOP controlled Legislature over what they view as a slow distribution effort. They have been especially critical of the state’s refusal to allow counties to go ahead with vaccinating cancer patients under 65.

The state previously had planned to begin phase three, covering people under 65 with the most serious medical risks, by early April and phase four, covering people with less serious medical risks, by mid-May. Kansas residents 16 and older with no medical risks would have had to wait until June to be eligible for their shots.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613693226012.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas will give COVID-19 vaccinations faster than planned so that all adults with medical conditions can seek shots next week and the state will aim for President Joe Biden’s goal of having inoculations available for all adults May 1, Gov. Laura Kelly announced Monday.Kelly said the state will launch both the third and the fourth phase of its planned vaccine distribution next week, a week before the expected arrival of 100,000 doses of a single-shot vaccine made by Johnson &amp; Johnson. The combined phase will cover about 600,000 of the state’s 2.9 million residents, after the first two phases covered twice that number.“I know we are all ready to resume our pre-pandemic lives, and we’re getting close,” Kelly said after touring a mass vaccination site at Topeka’s largest arena and convention center.Both Kelly and Dr. Lee Norman, head of the state Department of Health and Environment, said the supply of vaccines from the federal government has been the biggest hurdle to moving faster on giving shots. Yet Kelly declared herself “pretty comfortable” that the state can hit its new timetable.“If something happens and we have to pull back, we will do that, but we’re not anticipating that,” Kelly told reporters.People aged 16 to 64 with medical conditions, including cancer, diabetes and asthma, that put them at risk of complications or death from COVID-19 will be eligible for shots. Kelly and the state Department of Health and Environment had held some of the state’s counties back from starting inoculations for such residents until all counties had finished vaccinating residents 65 and older during the second phase.The Democratic governor has faced strong criticism for weeks from Republicans in the GOP controlled Legislature over what they view as a slow distribution effort. They have been especially critical of the state’s refusal to allow counties to go ahead with vaccinating cancer patients under 65.The state previously had planned to begin phase three, covering people under 65 with the most serious medical risks, by early April and phase four, covering people with less serious medical risks, by mid-May. Kansas residents 16 and older with no medical risks would have had to wait until June to be eligible for their shots.The governor’s announcement came only hours after Norman told the state Senate health committee that Kansas could distribute five times as many COVID-19 vaccine doses as it is currently receiving from the federal government without “working overly hard at it” and handle as many as 1.5 million shots a week.Biden pledged last week that all American adults would be eligible for shots&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-first-prime-time-speech-next-phase-pandemic-85d1ae52bc61abffd3ae91c324e58308">by May 1.</a>Data released Monday by the state health department showed that the number of COVID-19 vaccines administered in Kansas has accelerated to an average of about 22,300 a day for the seven days ending Monday. But Kansas still reported administering less than 855,000 doses overall.Norman said the state is now receiving between 140,000 and 150,000 vaccine doses a week. Kelly and Norman acknowledged that Kansas can’t be sure that Johnson &amp; Johnson will be able to regularly deliver as many doses at a time after the first 100,000 arrive. Kansas health care providers can operate as many as 1,450 vaccination sites, Norman said.The state health department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data" target="_blank">reported Monday</a>&nbsp;that about 568,000 of the state’s 2.9 million residents or 19.5% had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The department said Kansas sites have administered almost 73% of the 1.17 million doses the state has received.House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, was skeptical of Norman’s assessment that the state could distribute far more vaccine doses.“We don’t see evidence that they could,” Hawkins said.State data Monday showed Kansas averaged 252 new confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases a day for the seven days ending Monday, its lowest seven-day rolling average since late June 2020. The department added only 470 cases since Friday to its total tally for the yearlong pandemic, bringing it to 298,218.The state added 11 additional deaths to its pandemic total since Friday, bringing it to 4,835. Kansas averaged three additional deaths a day for the seven days ending Monday.Meanwhile, the Kansas House gave first-round approval Monday to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/sb235_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;that would require all of the state’s 286 public school districts to offer full, in-person classes to all students by March 26.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210303112826_035095/" target="_blank">The Senate approved</a>&nbsp;the measure earlier this month, and the House plans to take a final vote Tuesday to determine whether it passes and goes to Kelly.State Department of Education data shows that only six districts don’t plan to have most of their students back in all in-person classes by March 26.____