WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden delivered a defiant argument for a second term in his State of the Union speech Thursday night, lacing into GOP front-runner Donald Trump for espousing “resentment, revenge and retribution" and for jeopardizing freedom at home and abroad.

(Click below to watch a replay of the address)

Reveling in the political moment, Biden fired multiple broadsides at “my predecessor” without ever mentioning Trump by name — 13 times in all — raising his voice repeatedly as he worked to quell voter concerns about his age and job performance while sharpening the contrast with his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-tuesday-trump-biden-rematch-primaries-2024-e36971a222a2b50d35cb0a2c603ce4d5">all-but-certain</a>&nbsp;November rival.

The scrappy tone from Biden was a sharp break from his often humdrum daily appearances and was intended to banish&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-state-of-union-mental-capacity-trump-reelection-66d8784586d21f30885d8153f949510c">doubts</a>&nbsp;about whether the 81-year-old president, the country's oldest ever, is still up to the job.

For 68 minutes in the House chamber, Biden goaded Republicans over their policies on immigration, taxes and more, invited call-and-response banter with fellow Democrats and seemed to relish the fight.

“I know I may not look like it, but I’ve been around a while," Biden deadpanned. “And when you get to my age certain things become clearer than ever before.”

Noting he was born during World War II and came of political age during the upheaval of the 1960s, Biden declared: “My lifetime has taught me to embrace freedom and democracy. A future based on the core values that have defined America: honesty, decency, dignity, equality. To respect everyone. To give everyone a fair shot. To give hate no safe harbor. Now some other people my age see a different story: an American story of resentment, revenge, and retribution. That’s not me.”

The president linked Trump's praise for those who overran the Capitol in an attempt to subvert the 2020 election with antidemocratic threats abroad.

“Freedom and democracy are under attack both at home and overseas at the very same time,” Biden said as he appealed for Congress to support Ukraine's efforts to defend itself against Russia's two-year-old invasion. “History is watching.”

Biden directly referenced the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol, calling out those who have played it down.

“My predecessor — and some of you here — seek to bury the truth about Jan. 6 — I will not do that," Biden said. “This is a moment to speak the truth and to bury the lies. Here’s a simple truth. You can’t love your country only when you win.”

The State of the Union address is the marquee night on the White House calendar, offering presidents a direct line to a captive audience of lawmakers and dignitaries in the House chamber and tens of millions of viewers at home — almost certain to be Biden’s largest audience of the year. Biden knew he would be watched not just for his message, but for whether he could deliver it with vigor and command.

Aides said Biden was aiming to prove his doubters wrong by flashing his combative side and trying to needle Republicans over positions he believes are out of step with the country, particularly on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/roe-biden-abortion-reproductive-rights-election-3d184285cc6edbe733311b26445db2a0">access to abortion</a>, but also tax policy and healthcare.

Taking a victory lap in selling his legislative accomplishments, including funding to bolster manufacturing of computer chips nationwide, Biden veered from his prepared script to take a dig at Republicans who voted against such policies but nonetheless take credit for them back home.

“If any of you don’t want that money in your districts,” Biden said, “just let me know.”

The president was speaking before a historically ineffective Congress. In the GOP-led House, Speaker Mike Johnson took power five months ago after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-ousted-mccarthy-3fccfca11fe61c36fe399880f2679f12">chaotic ouster</a>&nbsp;of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Legislators are still struggling to approve funding bills for the current year and have been deadlocked for months on foreign assistance bills to help Ukraine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-2-years-what-to-know-d0f1c1bd57f7ebbe5f7335738acbc6b4">stave off Russia’s invasion</a>&nbsp;and to support&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel’s fight against Hamas</a>.

Johnson urged Republicans in a private meeting Wednesday to show “decorum” during the speech, but he appeared to have limited success. A number of House Republicans began to stand up and leave the chamber as Biden discussed raising taxes on billionaires and corporations. Others remained in their chairs and shook their heads, while Johnson didn't disguise his emotions, raising his eyebrows and occasionally rolling his eyes.

Biden engaged in a loud call and response with lawmakers as he rhetorically questioned whether the tax code was fair and whether billionaires and corporations need “another $2 trillion in tax breaks,” as he charged Republicans want.

Biden also highlighted his efforts to fight “shrinkflation” — companies putting fewer pretzels in the jar and less yogurt in sealed cups — and so-called “junk fees” on services. Neither is a prime driver of inflation, but the White House hoped to show consumers that Biden is fighting for them.

Congressional Republican leaders showcased one of their newest lawmakers through the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/katie-britt-state-of-union-40cd6634bb0343d8c3c7d70dbd9524d1">State of the Union rebuttal</a>, hoping to make a generational contrast with Biden. Alabama Sen. Katie Britt, the youngest Republican woman elected to the Senate, painted a picture of a nation that “seems to be slipping away” and one where “our families are hurting.”

“Right now, our commander-in-chief is not in command. The free world deserves better than a dithering and diminished leader,” Britt said, speaking deliberately in an address from her home kitchen. “America deserves leaders who recognize that secure borders, stable prices, safe streets, and a strong defense are the cornerstones of a great nation.”

Biden, by contrast, insisted the state of the union was “strong and getting stronger.”

Trump responded to the speech in real time on his Truth Social site, defending himself and blasting Biden for what he said “may be the Angriest, Least Compassionate, and Worst State of the Union Speech ever made. It was an Embarrassment to our Country!”

This year, Biden faced heightened emotions — particularly among his base supporters — over his staunch backing for Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. Biden had initially hoped a short-term cease-fire would be in place by the speech to allow for the release of more hostages and surge sorely needed aid into the territory. The White House blames Hamas for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-03-05-2024-a13c5fa6e23fedbda42e3028a96ca14e">not yet accepting a deal</a>&nbsp;brokered by the U.S. and its allies.

“Israel must allow more aid into Gaza and ensure that humanitarian workers aren’t caught in the crossfire,” Biden said, delivering a warning that Israel should not use aid as a “bargaining chip” with Hamas, even as he reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself from attacks by the militant group.

As Biden ran through the endorsements by conservative groups of the legislation, some in the audience appeared to yell and interject, and Biden shot back, “I know you know how to read.”

A slew of Democrats and Republicans wore pins and stickers in honor of the Israeli hostages still being held captive in Gaza. Meanwhile, several House progressives wore Palestinian keffiyehs, the black and white checkered scarfs that have come to symbolize Palestinian solidarity. Heading to the address, Biden’s motorcade took a circuitous route to the Capitol, as hundreds of pro-cease-fire demonstrators tried to disrupt its path from the White House.

Immigration was another flashpoint during the night.

The GOP-controlled House has refused to act on a Senate-passed version of the aid legislation, insisting on new stiffer measures to limit migration at the U.S.-Mexico border, after Trump used his influence to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-aid-border-security-386dcc54b29a5491f8bd87b727a284f8">help sink a bipartisan compromise</a>&nbsp;that would have done just that.

As Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, wearing pro-Trump paraphernalia, continued to shout at Biden, the president held up a white button that the Georgia Republican had handed him earlier bearing the name of the slain Laken Riley. Authorities say the Georgia nursing student was killed by a Venezuelan national who unlawfully crossed into the U.S. in September 2022.

“Laken Riley,” Biden said, calling her an “innocent young woman who was killed by an illegal.” He expressed condolences to her family, saying his heart goes out to them.

Access to abortion and fertility treatments was also a key component of Biden’s speech, especially in light of a controversial ruling from Alabama’s Supreme Court that has upended access to in vitro fertilization treatment in the state.

"To my friends across the aisle, don’t keep families waiting any longer," Biden said, recognizing Latorya Beasley, a guest of first lady Jill Biden’s whose IVF treatments were cancelled after the Alabama ruling. “Guarantee the right to IVF nationwide!”

Another guest was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-texas-court-kate-cox-complications-3e24f473b0eab907993ddcad189e8115">Kate Cox</a>, who sued Texas, and ultimately left her home state, to obtain an emergency abortion after a severe fetal anomaly was detected, in a case that drew national attention.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709869258044.png" alt="Images courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Images courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden delivered a defiant argument for a second term in his State of the Union speech Thursday night, lacing into GOP front-runner Donald Trump for espousing “resentment, revenge and retribution" and for jeopardizing freedom at home and abroad.(Click below to watch a replay of the address)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFVUPAEF-sw?si=bkuuCuoGXlEccYQu&amp;start=2399" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Reveling in the political moment, Biden fired multiple broadsides at “my predecessor” without ever mentioning Trump by name — 13 times in all — raising his voice repeatedly as he worked to quell voter concerns about his age and job performance while sharpening the contrast with his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-tuesday-trump-biden-rematch-primaries-2024-e36971a222a2b50d35cb0a2c603ce4d5">all-but-certain</a>&nbsp;November rival.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709867018724.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The scrappy tone from Biden was a sharp break from his often humdrum daily appearances and was intended to banish&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-state-of-union-mental-capacity-trump-reelection-66d8784586d21f30885d8153f949510c">doubts</a>&nbsp;about whether the 81-year-old president, the country's oldest ever, is still up to the job.For 68 minutes in the House chamber, Biden goaded Republicans over their policies on immigration, taxes and more, invited call-and-response banter with fellow Democrats and seemed to relish the fight.“I know I may not look like it, but I’ve been around a while," Biden deadpanned. “And when you get to my age certain things become clearer than ever before.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709869340712.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Noting he was born during World War II and came of political age during the upheaval of the 1960s, Biden declared: “My lifetime has taught me to embrace freedom and democracy. A future based on the core values that have defined America: honesty, decency, dignity, equality. To respect everyone. To give everyone a fair shot. To give hate no safe harbor. Now some other people my age see a different story: an American story of resentment, revenge, and retribution. That’s not me.”The president linked Trump's praise for those who overran the Capitol in an attempt to subvert the 2020 election with antidemocratic threats abroad.“Freedom and democracy are under attack both at home and overseas at the very same time,” Biden said as he appealed for Congress to support Ukraine's efforts to defend itself against Russia's two-year-old invasion. “History is watching.”Biden directly referenced the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol, calling out those who have played it down.“My predecessor — and some of you here — seek to bury the truth about Jan. 6 — I will not do that," Biden said. “This is a moment to speak the truth and to bury the lies. Here’s a simple truth. You can’t love your country only when you win.”The State of the Union address is the marquee night on the White House calendar, offering presidents a direct line to a captive audience of lawmakers and dignitaries in the House chamber and tens of millions of viewers at home — almost certain to be Biden’s largest audience of the year. Biden knew he would be watched not just for his message, but for whether he could deliver it with vigor and command.Aides said Biden was aiming to prove his doubters wrong by flashing his combative side and trying to needle Republicans over positions he believes are out of step with the country, particularly on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/roe-biden-abortion-reproductive-rights-election-3d184285cc6edbe733311b26445db2a0">access to abortion</a>, but also tax policy and healthcare.Taking a victory lap in selling his legislative accomplishments, including funding to bolster manufacturing of computer chips nationwide, Biden veered from his prepared script to take a dig at Republicans who voted against such policies but nonetheless take credit for them back home.“If any of you don’t want that money in your districts,” Biden said, “just let me know.”The president was speaking before a historically ineffective Congress. In the GOP-led House, Speaker Mike Johnson took power five months ago after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-ousted-mccarthy-3fccfca11fe61c36fe399880f2679f12">chaotic ouster</a>&nbsp;of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Legislators are still struggling to approve funding bills for the current year and have been deadlocked for months on foreign assistance bills to help Ukraine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-2-years-what-to-know-d0f1c1bd57f7ebbe5f7335738acbc6b4">stave off Russia’s invasion</a>&nbsp;and to support&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel’s fight against Hamas</a>.Johnson urged Republicans in a private meeting Wednesday to show “decorum” during the speech, but he appeared to have limited success. A number of House Republicans began to stand up and leave the chamber as Biden discussed raising taxes on billionaires and corporations. Others remained in their chairs and shook their heads, while Johnson didn't disguise his emotions, raising his eyebrows and occasionally rolling his eyes.Biden engaged in a loud call and response with lawmakers as he rhetorically questioned whether the tax code was fair and whether billionaires and corporations need “another $2 trillion in tax breaks,” as he charged Republicans want.Biden also highlighted his efforts to fight “shrinkflation” — companies putting fewer pretzels in the jar and less yogurt in sealed cups — and so-called “junk fees” on services. Neither is a prime driver of inflation, but the White House hoped to show consumers that Biden is fighting for them.Congressional Republican leaders showcased one of their newest lawmakers through the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/katie-britt-state-of-union-40cd6634bb0343d8c3c7d70dbd9524d1">State of the Union rebuttal</a>, hoping to make a generational contrast with Biden. Alabama Sen. Katie Britt, the youngest Republican woman elected to the Senate, painted a picture of a nation that “seems to be slipping away” and one where “our families are hurting.”“Right now, our commander-in-chief is not in command. The free world deserves better than a dithering and diminished leader,” Britt said, speaking deliberately in an address from her home kitchen. “America deserves leaders who recognize that secure borders, stable prices, safe streets, and a strong defense are the cornerstones of a great nation.”Biden, by contrast, insisted the state of the union was “strong and getting stronger.”Trump responded to the speech in real time on his Truth Social site, defending himself and blasting Biden for what he said “may be the Angriest, Least Compassionate, and Worst State of the Union Speech ever made. It was an Embarrassment to our Country!”This year, Biden faced heightened emotions — particularly among his base supporters — over his staunch backing for Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. Biden had initially hoped a short-term cease-fire would be in place by the speech to allow for the release of more hostages and surge sorely needed aid into the territory. The White House blames Hamas for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-03-05-2024-a13c5fa6e23fedbda42e3028a96ca14e">not yet accepting a deal</a>&nbsp;brokered by the U.S. and its allies.“Israel must allow more aid into Gaza and ensure that humanitarian workers aren’t caught in the crossfire,” Biden said, delivering a warning that Israel should not use aid as a “bargaining chip” with Hamas, even as he reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself from attacks by the militant group.As Biden ran through the endorsements by conservative groups of the legislation, some in the audience appeared to yell and interject, and Biden shot back, “I know you know how to read.”A slew of Democrats and Republicans wore pins and stickers in honor of the Israeli hostages still being held captive in Gaza. Meanwhile, several House progressives wore Palestinian keffiyehs, the black and white checkered scarfs that have come to symbolize Palestinian solidarity. Heading to the address, Biden’s motorcade took a circuitous route to the Capitol, as hundreds of pro-cease-fire demonstrators tried to disrupt its path from the White House.Immigration was another flashpoint during the night.The GOP-controlled House has refused to act on a Senate-passed version of the aid legislation, insisting on new stiffer measures to limit migration at the U.S.-Mexico border, after Trump used his influence to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-aid-border-security-386dcc54b29a5491f8bd87b727a284f8">help sink a bipartisan compromise</a>&nbsp;that would have done just that.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709864540792.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, wearing pro-Trump paraphernalia, continued to shout at Biden, the president held up a white button that the Georgia Republican had handed him earlier bearing the name of the slain Laken Riley. Authorities say the Georgia nursing student was killed by a Venezuelan national who unlawfully crossed into the U.S. in September 2022.“Laken Riley,” Biden said, calling her an “innocent young woman who was killed by an illegal.” He expressed condolences to her family, saying his heart goes out to them.Access to abortion and fertility treatments was also a key component of Biden’s speech, especially in light of a controversial ruling from Alabama’s Supreme Court that has upended access to in vitro fertilization treatment in the state."To my friends across the aisle, don’t keep families waiting any longer," Biden said, recognizing Latorya Beasley, a guest of first lady Jill Biden’s whose IVF treatments were cancelled after the Alabama ruling. “Guarantee the right to IVF nationwide!”Another guest was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-texas-court-kate-cox-complications-3e24f473b0eab907993ddcad189e8115">Kate Cox</a>, who sued Texas, and ultimately left her home state, to obtain an emergency abortion after a severe fetal anomaly was detected, in a case that drew national attention.--------

🎥 Biden uses feisty State of the Union to sell voters on a second term

PULASKI COUNTY —A Missouri teen died in an accident just after 6p.m. Thursday in Pulaski County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1994 Chevy 2500 driven by a 16-year-old Richland boy was southbound on Rawlins Road one mile west of Highway T.&nbsp;

The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The pickup traveled off the right side of the road and struck a tree. The boy was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Waynsville Memorial.&nbsp; He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

PULASKI COUNTY —A Missouri teen died in an accident just after 6p.m. Thursday in Pulaski County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1994 Chevy 2500 driven by a 16-year-old Richland boy was southbound on Rawlins Road one mile west of Highway T.&nbsp;The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The pickup traveled off the right side of the road and struck a tree. The boy was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Waynsville Memorial.&nbsp; He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen dies after pickup struck a tree

NEW YORK (AP) — Steve Lawrence, a singer and top stage act who as a solo performer and in tandem with his wife Eydie Gorme kept Tin Pan Alley alive during the rock era, died Thursday. He was 88.

Lawrence, whose hits included "Go Away Little Girl,” died from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease, said Susan DuBow, a spokesperson for the family.

Lawrence and Gorme — or Steve &amp; Eydie — were known for their frequent appearances on talk shows, in night clubs and on the stages of Las Vegas. The duo took inspiration from George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern and other songwriters.

Soon after Elvis Presley and other rock music pioneers began to dominate radio and records, Lawrence and his wife were approached about changing their style.

"We had a chance to get in on the ground floor of rock ‘n’ roll," he recalled in a 1989 interview. "It was 1957 and everything was changing, but I wanted to be Sinatra, not Rick Nelson.

"Our audience knows we're not going to load up on heavy metal or set fire to the drummer — although on some nights we've talked about it," he joked.

Although Lawrence and Gorme were best known as a team, both also had huge solo hits just months apart in the early 1960s.

Dionne Warwick, a longtime friend, said in a statement that Lawrence was “resting with comfort in the arms of the Heavenly Father. My heartfelt condolences go out.” Carol Burnett, in a statement, called Lawrence one of her favorite guests on her variety show. “He was also my very close friend,” she said. “He will always be in my heart.”

Lawrence scored first in 1962 with the achingly romantic ballad "Go Away Little Girl," written by the Brill Building songwriting team of Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Gorme matched his success the following year with "Blame It on the Bossa Nova," a bouncy tune about a dance craze of the time that was written by Brill hitmakers Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.

By the 1970s, Lawrence and his wife were a top draw in Las Vegas casinos and nightclubs across the country. They also appeared regularly on television, making specials and guesting on various shows.

In the 1980s, when Vegas cut down on headline acts and nightclubs became scarcer, the pair switched to auditoriums and drew large audiences.

"People come with a general idea of what they're going to get with us," Lawrence said in 1989. "It's like a product. They buy a certain cereal and they know what to expect from that package."

Lawrence launched his professional singing career at age 15. After two failed auditions for “Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts” TV show, he was accepted on the third try, going on to win the competition and the prize of appearing on Godfrey's popular daytime radio show for a week.

King Records, impressed by the teenager's strong, two-octave voice, signed him to a contract. His first record, "Poinciana," sold more than 100,000 copies, and his high school allowed him to skip classes to promote it with out-of-town singing dates.

After several guest appearances on Steve Allen's television show, Lawrence was hired as a regular. When the program became NBC's "Tonight" in 1954, he went with it, singing and exchanging quips with Allen. The series set the pattern for the long-running "The Tonight Show."

"I think Steve Allen was the biggest thing that happened to me," said Lawrence, who stayed with the show's host for five years, honing his comedic skills and attracting a wide audience with his singing. "Every night I was called upon to do something different. In its own way it was better than vaudeville."

Early in the series' run, a young singer named Eydie Gorme joined the cast. After singing together for four years, she and Lawrence were married in 1957.

Until Gorme’s death, in 2013, they remained popular, whether working together in concert or making separate TV appearances.

His reasoning: "If we did television together all the time, why should anyone go see us in a club?"

He appeared in such shows as "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Gilmore Girls," "Diagnosis Murder" and "The Nanny."

He and his wife did star together in "The Steve Lawrence-Eydie Gorme Show" in 1958 and Lawrence had his own series, "The Steve Lawrence Show," in 1965.

He also made stage appearances without Gorme, including a starring role in a 1962 summer stock version of "Pal Joey." He made it to Broadway in 1964 — and earned a Tony Award nomination — in the musical "What Makes Sammy Run?" based on Budd Schulberg's classic novel about a New York hustler who claws his way to the top of the entertainment world.

Critics praised Lawrence but gave the play bad reviews. Still, it turned a profit, and insiders attributed its success to his performance.

Lawrence also had a few character roles in movies, most notably "Stand Up and Be Counted," "Blues Brothers 2000," "The Lonely Guy" and "The Yards."

Native-born New Yorkers, Lawrence and Gorme lived in a Manhattan apartment during their early years together. When the center of TV entertainment shifted to Hollywood, they moved to Beverly Hills.

Born Sidney Liebowitz in New York City's borough of Brooklyn, Lawrence was the son of a Jewish cantor who worked as a house painter. He began singing in his father's synagogue choir at 8, moving on to bars and clubs by his mid-teens. He took his name from the first names of two nephews.

He and Gorme had two sons, David, a composer, and Michael. Long troubled with heart problems, Michael died of heart failure in 1986 at age 23.

“My dad was an inspiration to so many people,” his son David said in a statement. “But, to me, he was just this charming, handsome, hysterically funny guy who sang a lot. Sometimes alone and sometimes with his insanely talented wife. I am so lucky to have had him as a father and so proud to be his son.”

This report contains biographical material compiled by former AP reporter Bob Thomas

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709861417063.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Steve Lawrence, a singer and top stage act who as a solo performer and in tandem with his wife Eydie Gorme kept Tin Pan Alley alive during the rock era, died Thursday. He was 88.Lawrence, whose hits included "Go Away Little Girl,” died from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease, said Susan DuBow, a spokesperson for the family.Lawrence and Gorme — or Steve &amp; Eydie — were known for their frequent appearances on talk shows, in night clubs and on the stages of Las Vegas. The duo took inspiration from George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern and other songwriters.Soon after Elvis Presley and other rock music pioneers began to dominate radio and records, Lawrence and his wife were approached about changing their style."We had a chance to get in on the ground floor of rock ‘n’ roll," he recalled in a 1989 interview. "It was 1957 and everything was changing, but I wanted to be Sinatra, not Rick Nelson."Our audience knows we're not going to load up on heavy metal or set fire to the drummer — although on some nights we've talked about it," he joked.Although Lawrence and Gorme were best known as a team, both also had huge solo hits just months apart in the early 1960s.Dionne Warwick, a longtime friend, said in a statement that Lawrence was “resting with comfort in the arms of the Heavenly Father. My heartfelt condolences go out.” Carol Burnett, in a statement, called Lawrence one of her favorite guests on her variety show. “He was also my very close friend,” she said. “He will always be in my heart.”Lawrence scored first in 1962 with the achingly romantic ballad "Go Away Little Girl," written by the Brill Building songwriting team of Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Gorme matched his success the following year with "Blame It on the Bossa Nova," a bouncy tune about a dance craze of the time that was written by Brill hitmakers Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.By the 1970s, Lawrence and his wife were a top draw in Las Vegas casinos and nightclubs across the country. They also appeared regularly on television, making specials and guesting on various shows.In the 1980s, when Vegas cut down on headline acts and nightclubs became scarcer, the pair switched to auditoriums and drew large audiences."People come with a general idea of what they're going to get with us," Lawrence said in 1989. "It's like a product. They buy a certain cereal and they know what to expect from that package."Lawrence launched his professional singing career at age 15. After two failed auditions for “Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts” TV show, he was accepted on the third try, going on to win the competition and the prize of appearing on Godfrey's popular daytime radio show for a week.King Records, impressed by the teenager's strong, two-octave voice, signed him to a contract. His first record, "Poinciana," sold more than 100,000 copies, and his high school allowed him to skip classes to promote it with out-of-town singing dates.After several guest appearances on Steve Allen's television show, Lawrence was hired as a regular. When the program became NBC's "Tonight" in 1954, he went with it, singing and exchanging quips with Allen. The series set the pattern for the long-running "The Tonight Show.""I think Steve Allen was the biggest thing that happened to me," said Lawrence, who stayed with the show's host for five years, honing his comedic skills and attracting a wide audience with his singing. "Every night I was called upon to do something different. In its own way it was better than vaudeville."Early in the series' run, a young singer named Eydie Gorme joined the cast. After singing together for four years, she and Lawrence were married in 1957.Until Gorme’s death, in 2013, they remained popular, whether working together in concert or making separate TV appearances.His reasoning: "If we did television together all the time, why should anyone go see us in a club?"He appeared in such shows as "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Gilmore Girls," "Diagnosis Murder" and "The Nanny."He and his wife did star together in "The Steve Lawrence-Eydie Gorme Show" in 1958 and Lawrence had his own series, "The Steve Lawrence Show," in 1965.He also made stage appearances without Gorme, including a starring role in a 1962 summer stock version of "Pal Joey." He made it to Broadway in 1964 — and earned a Tony Award nomination — in the musical "What Makes Sammy Run?" based on Budd Schulberg's classic novel about a New York hustler who claws his way to the top of the entertainment world.Critics praised Lawrence but gave the play bad reviews. Still, it turned a profit, and insiders attributed its success to his performance.Lawrence also had a few character roles in movies, most notably "Stand Up and Be Counted," "Blues Brothers 2000," "The Lonely Guy" and "The Yards."Native-born New Yorkers, Lawrence and Gorme lived in a Manhattan apartment during their early years together. When the center of TV entertainment shifted to Hollywood, they moved to Beverly Hills.Born Sidney Liebowitz in New York City's borough of Brooklyn, Lawrence was the son of a Jewish cantor who worked as a house painter. He began singing in his father's synagogue choir at 8, moving on to bars and clubs by his mid-teens. He took his name from the first names of two nephews.He and Gorme had two sons, David, a composer, and Michael. Long troubled with heart problems, Michael died of heart failure in 1986 at age 23.“My dad was an inspiration to so many people,” his son David said in a statement. “But, to me, he was just this charming, handsome, hysterically funny guy who sang a lot. Sometimes alone and sometimes with his insanely talented wife. I am so lucky to have had him as a father and so proud to be his son.”___This report contains biographical material compiled by former AP reporter Bob Thomas

Steve Lawrence, Grammy winning singer and entertainer, has died

MEADE—Law enforcement authorities continue investigating a case that led them to seize 170 pounds of methamphetamine, according to a social media report from the Meade County Sheriff.

The sheriff's office reported this as "a true testament of teamwork with Kansas Highway Patrol and Meade County Kansas Sheriff's Office."

The sheriff's office wrote, "Great job Troopers, Deputies and K-9 Zero."&nbsp;

Due to the ongoing investigation, the sheriff released no more information on the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709844496323.png" alt="Photo Meade Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Meade Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>MEADE—Law enforcement authorities continue investigating a case that led them to seize 170 pounds of methamphetamine, according to a social media report from the Meade County Sheriff.The sheriff's office reported this as "a true testament of teamwork with Kansas Highway Patrol and Meade County Kansas Sheriff's Office."The sheriff's office wrote, "Great job Troopers, Deputies and K-9 Zero."&nbsp;Due to the ongoing investigation, the sheriff released no more information on the case.

Deputies, KHP seize 170 pounds of methamphetamine

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas moved closer Thursday to requiring abortion providers to ask patients why they want to terminate their pregnancies and report the answers to the state. It would join other states with Republican legislatures that ban most abortions even though Kansas voters have affirmed abortion rights.

(Click below to watch&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas House Health and Human Services Committee Chair Brenda Landwehr, R-Wichita answer questions on the bill)

The House approved, in an&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240307112935_571961/">81-39</a>&nbsp;vote, a bill that would require providers to ask patients 11 questions about their reasons for terminating a pregnancy, including that they can’t afford another child, raising a child would hinder their education or careers, or a spouse or partner wanted her to have an abortion.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2749_01_0000.pdf">The bill</a>&nbsp;goes next to the state Senate, where it also is likely to pass.

At least seven states require similar reporting, but none have had a statewide vote on abortion rights as Kansas did in August 2022. In the first state ballot question on abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Dobbs decision</a>, voters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">decisively protected abortion rights</a>&nbsp;under the state constitution.

Democrats are frustrated because Republicans and anti-abortion groups have pursued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-medication-reversal-kansas-01304fcbe7b014ec46f818633faf28a7">new rules</a>&nbsp;for abortion providers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-politics-united-states-government-kansas-health-c0c8a6cbe211ca4970e3a38b3aa7faf9">aid to anti-abortion counseling centers</a>&nbsp;despite that vote and votes affirming abortion rights in other states, including GOP-led&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-kentucky-abortion-3fa387a4cdc355d50a223f4788aa0ae8">Kentucky</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-abortion-amendment-election-2023-fe3e06747b616507d8ca21ea26485270">Ohio</a>.

“Quite honestly, I don’t understand it, you know, because I think Kansans made it very, very clear how they want Kansas to operate in this arena,” Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, a strong abortion rights supporter, said during a brief Associated Press interview this week. “Why would an elected official who’s facing an election in November go against the wishes of their constituents?”

Both chambers have large anti-abortion majorities and both sides believe there's a strong chance abortion opponents could override a Kelly veto of the reporting bill. Last year, Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-reversal-culture-war-kansas-b4f1ab2b807eaa36fe11756248cc08ea">overrode Kelly's vetoes</a>&nbsp;of other restrictions on providers.

But Republicans are sensitive enough to criticism that their proposals go against the wishes of Kansas voters to argue that their proposals since the August 2022 ballot question have not reduced access to abortion. Kansas allows most abortion up until the 22nd week of pregnancy, and that would not change under the reporting bill.

“This bill has nothing to do with eliminating abortion in Kansas, doesn’t ban it, doesn’t touch on that whatsoever,” said House health Committee Chair Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican. “I’ve respected that vote.”

Backers of the bill argued the state needs more and better data about why women and girls have abortions so lawmakers can create programs to address their concerns.

“If we're looking to protect unborn children and it's a socio-economic reason, then maybe a state can step up," said Ingrid Duran, state legislative director for the National Right to Life Committee.

In Kansas, a doctor who provides an abortion already must report the patient’s age and ethnicity, whether the person was married and the method used to terminate a pregnancy.

States requiring doctors to report the reasons for an abortion include Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Utah. Minnesota’s Democratic-controlled Legislature repealed its similar reporting requirement last year.

The law in Oklahoma, where most abortions are banned, includes a list of more than 30 questions a provider must ask a patient about her motives. Potential reasons include relationship problems and not feeling mature enough to raise a child.

Isabel Guarnieri, a spokesperson for the Guttmacher Institute, which researches abortion issues and supports abortion rights, said such data can be useful in public health. But she said such mandates also should be assessed in the context of lawmakers’ long history of trying to restrict access and stigmatize abortion.

Alesha Doan, a University of Kansas dean and professor who studies policy and gender, called the bill approved by the House “an unnecessary way for the state to continue to surveil people’s health decisions.”

Democrats, particularly female lawmakers, attacked what they saw as the unfairness of requiring women to face detailed questions about their motives for seeking health care when men would not. They started with vasectomies.

Then, Kansas City-area Democratic Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton suggested requiring doctors to ask male patients whether they wanted to treat erectile dysfunction because a spouse wanted that or because it caused the man stress or embarrassment.

“Because I am still fertile right now, I don’t have that right to privacy,” she said after Thursday's vote, summarizing what she sees as the bill's real message. "Why am I less of a person than a post-menopausal woman? Why am I less of a person than a man?”

But that tactic prompted an eye-roll from Landwehr during a post-vote interview. She said Democrats should favor better data collection.

“You know, it amazes me that they don’t support this,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709843062703.png" alt="Kansas House Health and Human Services Committee Chair Brenda Landwehr, left, R-Wichita answered questions on the bill- image from the Kan. legislature YouTube" />
 <figcaption>Kansas House Health and Human Services Committee Chair Brenda Landwehr, left, R-Wichita answered questions on the bill- image from the Kan. legislature YouTube</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas moved closer Thursday to requiring abortion providers to ask patients why they want to terminate their pregnancies and report the answers to the state. It would join other states with Republican legislatures that ban most abortions even though Kansas voters have affirmed abortion rights.(Click below to watch&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas House Health and Human Services Committee Chair Brenda Landwehr, R-Wichita answer questions on the bill)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aiqAPPpvXbk?si=BgejtmXHk_5OuKX2&amp;start=8588" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The House approved, in an&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240307112935_571961/">81-39</a>&nbsp;vote, a bill that would require providers to ask patients 11 questions about their reasons for terminating a pregnancy, including that they can’t afford another child, raising a child would hinder their education or careers, or a spouse or partner wanted her to have an abortion.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2749_01_0000.pdf">The bill</a>&nbsp;goes next to the state Senate, where it also is likely to pass.At least seven states require similar reporting, but none have had a statewide vote on abortion rights as Kansas did in August 2022. In the first state ballot question on abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Dobbs decision</a>, voters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">decisively protected abortion rights</a>&nbsp;under the state constitution.Democrats are frustrated because Republicans and anti-abortion groups have pursued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-medication-reversal-kansas-01304fcbe7b014ec46f818633faf28a7">new rules</a>&nbsp;for abortion providers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-politics-united-states-government-kansas-health-c0c8a6cbe211ca4970e3a38b3aa7faf9">aid to anti-abortion counseling centers</a>&nbsp;despite that vote and votes affirming abortion rights in other states, including GOP-led&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-kentucky-abortion-3fa387a4cdc355d50a223f4788aa0ae8">Kentucky</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-abortion-amendment-election-2023-fe3e06747b616507d8ca21ea26485270">Ohio</a>.“Quite honestly, I don’t understand it, you know, because I think Kansans made it very, very clear how they want Kansas to operate in this arena,” Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, a strong abortion rights supporter, said during a brief Associated Press interview this week. “Why would an elected official who’s facing an election in November go against the wishes of their constituents?”Both chambers have large anti-abortion majorities and both sides believe there's a strong chance abortion opponents could override a Kelly veto of the reporting bill. Last year, Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-reversal-culture-war-kansas-b4f1ab2b807eaa36fe11756248cc08ea">overrode Kelly's vetoes</a>&nbsp;of other restrictions on providers.But Republicans are sensitive enough to criticism that their proposals go against the wishes of Kansas voters to argue that their proposals since the August 2022 ballot question have not reduced access to abortion. Kansas allows most abortion up until the 22nd week of pregnancy, and that would not change under the reporting bill.“This bill has nothing to do with eliminating abortion in Kansas, doesn’t ban it, doesn’t touch on that whatsoever,” said House health Committee Chair Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican. “I’ve respected that vote.”Backers of the bill argued the state needs more and better data about why women and girls have abortions so lawmakers can create programs to address their concerns.“If we're looking to protect unborn children and it's a socio-economic reason, then maybe a state can step up," said Ingrid Duran, state legislative director for the National Right to Life Committee.In Kansas, a doctor who provides an abortion already must report the patient’s age and ethnicity, whether the person was married and the method used to terminate a pregnancy.States requiring doctors to report the reasons for an abortion include Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Utah. Minnesota’s Democratic-controlled Legislature repealed its similar reporting requirement last year.The law in Oklahoma, where most abortions are banned, includes a list of more than 30 questions a provider must ask a patient about her motives. Potential reasons include relationship problems and not feeling mature enough to raise a child.Isabel Guarnieri, a spokesperson for the Guttmacher Institute, which researches abortion issues and supports abortion rights, said such data can be useful in public health. But she said such mandates also should be assessed in the context of lawmakers’ long history of trying to restrict access and stigmatize abortion.Alesha Doan, a University of Kansas dean and professor who studies policy and gender, called the bill approved by the House “an unnecessary way for the state to continue to surveil people’s health decisions.”Democrats, particularly female lawmakers, attacked what they saw as the unfairness of requiring women to face detailed questions about their motives for seeking health care when men would not. They started with vasectomies.Then, Kansas City-area Democratic Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton suggested requiring doctors to ask male patients whether they wanted to treat erectile dysfunction because a spouse wanted that or because it caused the man stress or embarrassment.“Because I am still fertile right now, I don’t have that right to privacy,” she said after Thursday's vote, summarizing what she sees as the bill's real message. "Why am I less of a person than a post-menopausal woman? Why am I less of a person than a man?”But that tactic prompted an eye-roll from Landwehr during a post-vote interview. She said Democrats should favor better data collection.“You know, it amazes me that they don’t support this,” she said.___

🎥 Kansas could make doctors ask patients why they want abortions

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a Tuesday night homicide in Lawrence have captured a suspect.

Just after noon Thursday,&nbsp;in partnership with the Topeka Police Department, officers arrested 21-year-old Dawson Paine in connection with the shooting death of 18-year-old Davin Kerr, according to&nbsp;Lawrence Police Chief Rich Lockhart.

 The shooting incident took place in the 2900 block of Crestline about 10:40 Tuesday night. 

 Officers responded and rendered aid until paramedics arrived to take over and transport Kerr to a trauma center in Kansas City.  He later died from his injuries. The search for Paine began and investigators have been tracking multiple leads since that time until the arrest on Thursday afternoon.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and asking the public’s assistance in locating 21-year-old Dawson Edward Paine.

He is suspected in a deadly shooting Tuesday night in the 2900 block of Crestline Drive, according to a media release from Lawrence Police.

Just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a residence where Paine allegedly shot 18-year-old&nbsp; Davin Gregory Kerr of Lawrence.

After the shooting, Paine left the area prior to the arrival of officers. Kerr was transported by ambulance to a Kansas City area trauma center where he was later pronounced dead.

Police ask that anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of Dawson Paine call 911. He should be considered armed and dangerous, and no one should try approach or contact him other than law enforcement.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709737558547.png" alt="Paine-photo Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Paine-photo Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a Tuesday night homicide in Lawrence have captured a suspect.Just after noon Thursday,&nbsp;in partnership with the Topeka Police Department, officers arrested 21-year-old Dawson Paine in connection with the shooting death of 18-year-old Davin Kerr, according to&nbsp;Lawrence Police Chief Rich Lockhart. The shooting incident took place in the 2900 block of Crestline about 10:40 Tuesday night. Officers responded and rendered aid until paramedics arrived to take over and transport Kerr to a trauma center in Kansas City. He later died from his injuries. The search for Paine began and investigators have been tracking multiple leads since that time until the arrest on Thursday afternoon.-------------DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and asking the public’s assistance in locating 21-year-old Dawson Edward Paine.He is suspected in a deadly shooting Tuesday night in the 2900 block of Crestline Drive, according to a media release from Lawrence Police.Just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a residence where Paine allegedly shot 18-year-old&nbsp; Davin Gregory Kerr of Lawrence.After the shooting, Paine left the area prior to the arrival of officers. Kerr was transported by ambulance to a Kansas City area trauma center where he was later pronounced dead.Police ask that anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of Dawson Paine call 911. He should be considered armed and dangerous, and no one should try approach or contact him other than law enforcement.&nbsp;

Police capture armed, dangerous Kan. murder suspect

NEW YORK (AP) —Ground cinnamon sold by U.S. discount retailers is contaminated with high levels of lead and should be discarded,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-alert-concerning-certain-cinnamon-products-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead">federal health officials said Wednesday</a>.

<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-alert-concerning-certain-cinnamon-products-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead">Click here to see</a> all the products included.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said cinnamon sold by stores including the Dollar Tree and Family Dollar contains lead at levels that could be unsafe for people, particularly children, with prolonged exposure to the spice. The agency urged suppliers to recall the products voluntarily.

Cinnamon products included in the agency's safety alert include the La Fiesta brand sold by La Superior and SuperMercados; Marcum brand sold by Save A Lot stores; MK brands sold by SF Supermarket; Swad brand sold by Patel Brothers; El Chilar brand sold by La Joya Morelense; and Supreme Tradition brand sold by Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores.

“Removing the ground cinnamon products in this alert from the market will prevent them from contributing elevated amounts of lead to the diets of children,” the alert said.

Consumers should not buy the products and should throw away any containers they have at home, the agency said.

Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores have removed the cinnamon from their store shelves, a company spokesperson said. Customers can return products to nearby stores for a refund.

FDA officials launched what they called a “targeted survey” of cinnamon products sold in discount stores after an October 2023 recall of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wanabana-apple-cinnamon-lead-poisoning-fruit-pouch-86c32266e010843d0c9ad3340ccae319">lead-tainted cinnamon applesauce pouches</a>&nbsp;that sickened nearly 500 U.S. children.

The ground cinnamon products in Wednesday's notice had lead levels of 2.03 to 3.4 parts per million, far lower than the puree pouches, which contained 2,270 parts per million to 5,110 parts per million of lead.

No illnesses or other health effects have been reported in connection with the new ground cinnamon alert, the FDA said.

There is no safe level of lead exposure for humans. Long-term exposure of lead can cause problems, especially in growing children, including learning disabilities, behavioral difficulties and lower IQ.

The FDA monitors foods for lead levels, but the U.S. government doesn’t broadly limit lead in food products. The agency sent a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/176824/download?attachment">letter</a>&nbsp;to all cinnamon manufacturers, processors, distributors and facility operators in the U.S. reminding them they're required to prevent contamination from chemical hazards in food, including spices.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709767199407.png" alt="FDA image" />
 <figcaption>FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —Ground cinnamon sold by U.S. discount retailers is contaminated with high levels of lead and should be discarded,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-alert-concerning-certain-cinnamon-products-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead">federal health officials said Wednesday</a>.<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-alert-concerning-certain-cinnamon-products-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead">Click here to see</a> all the products included.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said cinnamon sold by stores including the Dollar Tree and Family Dollar contains lead at levels that could be unsafe for people, particularly children, with prolonged exposure to the spice. The agency urged suppliers to recall the products voluntarily.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709767164551.png" alt="FDA image" />
 <figcaption>FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>Cinnamon products included in the agency's safety alert include the La Fiesta brand sold by La Superior and SuperMercados; Marcum brand sold by Save A Lot stores; MK brands sold by SF Supermarket; Swad brand sold by Patel Brothers; El Chilar brand sold by La Joya Morelense; and Supreme Tradition brand sold by Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores.“Removing the ground cinnamon products in this alert from the market will prevent them from contributing elevated amounts of lead to the diets of children,” the alert said.Consumers should not buy the products and should throw away any containers they have at home, the agency said.Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores have removed the cinnamon from their store shelves, a company spokesperson said. Customers can return products to nearby stores for a refund.FDA officials launched what they called a “targeted survey” of cinnamon products sold in discount stores after an October 2023 recall of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wanabana-apple-cinnamon-lead-poisoning-fruit-pouch-86c32266e010843d0c9ad3340ccae319">lead-tainted cinnamon applesauce pouches</a>&nbsp;that sickened nearly 500 U.S. children.The ground cinnamon products in Wednesday's notice had lead levels of 2.03 to 3.4 parts per million, far lower than the puree pouches, which contained 2,270 parts per million to 5,110 parts per million of lead.No illnesses or other health effects have been reported in connection with the new ground cinnamon alert, the FDA said.There is no safe level of lead exposure for humans. Long-term exposure of lead can cause problems, especially in growing children, including learning disabilities, behavioral difficulties and lower IQ.The FDA monitors foods for lead levels, but the U.S. government doesn’t broadly limit lead in food products. The agency sent a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/176824/download?attachment">letter</a>&nbsp;to all cinnamon manufacturers, processors, distributors and facility operators in the U.S. reminding them they're required to prevent contamination from chemical hazards in food, including spices.

FDA: Ground cinnamon sold at discount stores is tainted with lead

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sweden on Thursday formally joined&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nato">NATO</a>&nbsp;as the 32nd member of the transatlantic military alliance, ending decades of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sweden-nato-policy-of-neutrality-nonaligment-74ae8d15b2e27f9467634d7cde414625">post-World War II neutrality</a>&nbsp;and centuries of broader non-alignment with major powers as security concerns in Europe have spiked following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

President Joe Biden congratulated Sweden on its admission and said it was a sign that Russia's intervention in Ukraine had united, rather than divided, the alliance.

“When Putin launched his brutal war of aggression against the people of Ukraine, he thought he could weaken Europe and divide NATO,” Biden said in a statement, which he is expected to echo in his State of the Union address to Congress later Thursday.

“Instead, in May 2022, Sweden and Finland — two of our close partners, with two highly capable militaries — made the historic decision to apply for full NATO membership," Biden said. ”With the addition of Sweden today, NATO stands more united, determined, and dynamic than ever—now 32 nations strong."

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Secretary of State Antony Blinken presided at a ceremony in which Sweden’s “instrument of accession” to the alliance was officially deposited at the State Department.

“This is a historic moment for Sweden. It's historic for the alliance. It's historic for the transatlantic relationship,” Blinken said. “Our NATO alliance is now stronger, larger than it’s ever been.”

“Today is truly a historic day,” Kristersson said. “We are humbled, but we are also proud. We will live up to high expectations from all NATO allies. United we stand. Unity and solidarity will be Sweden’s guiding light

Later Thursday. Kristersson was to visit the White House and then be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-union-guest-list-attendance-2024-biden-003c5da894f9fd7af2c8289a267ac7b0">a guest of honor</a>&nbsp;at Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-of-union-biden-gaza-ukraine-israel-1a42ff9d4ef3e0f2753e43ac8d39fc18">State of the Union address</a>.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also described it as “a historic day.”

“Sweden will now take its rightful place at NATO’s table, with an equal say in shaping NATO policies and decisions,” he said in a statement.

The Swedish flag will be raised outside the military organization’s headquarters in Brussels on Monday. Stoltenberg underscored that the Nordic country “now enjoys the protection granted under Article 5, the ultimate guarantee of allies’ freedom and security.”

Article 5 of NATO’s treaty&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-nato-article-5-88883436438dae49ba9cacb6d4cfad0a">obliges all members</a>&nbsp;to come to the aid of an ally whose territory or security is under threat. It has only been activated once – by the U.S. after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks – and is the collective security guarantee that Sweden has sought since Russia invaded Ukraine.

“Sweden’s accession makes NATO stronger, Sweden safer and the whole alliance more secure,” Stoltenberg said. He added that the move “demonstrates that NATO’s door remains open and that every nation has the right to choose its own path.”

Sweden, along with Finland, which joined NATO last year, both abandoned long-standing military neutrality that was a hallmark of the Nordic states’ Cold War foreign policy after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-moscow-kyiv-626a8c5ec22217bacb24ece60fac4fe1">Russia invaded Ukraine</a>&nbsp;in early 2022.

Biden, in his speech to Congress, was expected to use Sweden’s decision to join to step up calls for reluctant Republicans to approve stalled military assistance to Ukraine as the war enters its third year.

Biden and his NATO counterparts have vowed that Ukraine will join one day, too.

Sweden’s membership had been held up due to objections by NATO members Turkey and Hungary. Turkey expressed concern that Sweden was harboring and not taking enough action against Kurdish groups that it regards as terrorists, and Hungary's populist President Viktor Orban has shown pro-Russian sentiment and not shared the alliance’s determination to support Ukraine.

After months of delay, Turkey ratified Sweden’s admission earlier this year, and Hungary did so this week.

Cook reported from Brussels. AP writer Jan M. Olsen contributed from Copenhagen, Denmark.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709831489794.png" alt="<a href="https://www.c-span.org/person/?47231/AntonyTonyJBlinken">Secretary of State Antony Blinken&nbsp;</a>meets with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/person/?136192/UlfKristersson">Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson&nbsp;</a>at the State Department Thursday as Sweden officially joins NATO, making it the 32nd member of the alliance.- image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.c-span.org/person/?47231/AntonyTonyJBlinken">Secretary of State Antony Blinken&nbsp;</a>meets with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/person/?136192/UlfKristersson">Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson&nbsp;</a>at the State Department Thursday as Sweden officially joins NATO, making it the 32nd member of the alliance.- image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Sweden on Thursday formally joined&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nato">NATO</a>&nbsp;as the 32nd member of the transatlantic military alliance, ending decades of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sweden-nato-policy-of-neutrality-nonaligment-74ae8d15b2e27f9467634d7cde414625">post-World War II neutrality</a>&nbsp;and centuries of broader non-alignment with major powers as security concerns in Europe have spiked following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709831140081.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>President Joe Biden congratulated Sweden on its admission and said it was a sign that Russia's intervention in Ukraine had united, rather than divided, the alliance.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, I am honored to welcome Sweden as NATO’s 32nd Ally. 75 years ago when NATO was established, President Truman said the Alliance, “would create a shield against aggression and fear of aggression.” That shield – and transatlantic security – is stronger than ever. <a href="https://t.co/0ySHg8dvQy">pic.twitter.com/0ySHg8dvQy</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1765794052698476561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“When Putin launched his brutal war of aggression against the people of Ukraine, he thought he could weaken Europe and divide NATO,” Biden said in a statement, which he is expected to echo in his State of the Union address to Congress later Thursday.“Instead, in May 2022, Sweden and Finland — two of our close partners, with two highly capable militaries — made the historic decision to apply for full NATO membership," Biden said. ”With the addition of Sweden today, NATO stands more united, determined, and dynamic than ever—now 32 nations strong."Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Secretary of State Antony Blinken presided at a ceremony in which Sweden’s “instrument of accession” to the alliance was officially deposited at the State Department.“This is a historic moment for Sweden. It's historic for the alliance. It's historic for the transatlantic relationship,” Blinken said. “Our NATO alliance is now stronger, larger than it’s ever been.”“Today is truly a historic day,” Kristersson said. “We are humbled, but we are also proud. We will live up to high expectations from all NATO allies. United we stand. Unity and solidarity will be Sweden’s guiding lightLater Thursday. Kristersson was to visit the White House and then be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-union-guest-list-attendance-2024-biden-003c5da894f9fd7af2c8289a267ac7b0">a guest of honor</a>&nbsp;at Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-of-union-biden-gaza-ukraine-israel-1a42ff9d4ef3e0f2753e43ac8d39fc18">State of the Union address</a>.NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also described it as “a historic day.”“Sweden will now take its rightful place at NATO’s table, with an equal say in shaping NATO policies and decisions,” he said in a statement.The Swedish flag will be raised outside the military organization’s headquarters in Brussels on Monday. Stoltenberg underscored that the Nordic country “now enjoys the protection granted under Article 5, the ultimate guarantee of allies’ freedom and security.”Article 5 of NATO’s treaty&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-nato-article-5-88883436438dae49ba9cacb6d4cfad0a">obliges all members</a>&nbsp;to come to the aid of an ally whose territory or security is under threat. It has only been activated once – by the U.S. after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks – and is the collective security guarantee that Sweden has sought since Russia invaded Ukraine.“Sweden’s accession makes NATO stronger, Sweden safer and the whole alliance more secure,” Stoltenberg said. He added that the move “demonstrates that NATO’s door remains open and that every nation has the right to choose its own path.”Sweden, along with Finland, which joined NATO last year, both abandoned long-standing military neutrality that was a hallmark of the Nordic states’ Cold War foreign policy after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-moscow-kyiv-626a8c5ec22217bacb24ece60fac4fe1">Russia invaded Ukraine</a>&nbsp;in early 2022.Biden, in his speech to Congress, was expected to use Sweden’s decision to join to step up calls for reluctant Republicans to approve stalled military assistance to Ukraine as the war enters its third year.Biden and his NATO counterparts have vowed that Ukraine will join one day, too.Sweden’s membership had been held up due to objections by NATO members Turkey and Hungary. Turkey expressed concern that Sweden was harboring and not taking enough action against Kurdish groups that it regards as terrorists, and Hungary's populist President Viktor Orban has shown pro-Russian sentiment and not shared the alliance’s determination to support Ukraine.After months of delay, Turkey ratified Sweden’s admission earlier this year, and Hungary did so this week.___Cook reported from Brussels. AP writer Jan M. Olsen contributed from Copenhagen, Denmark.___

U.S. welcomes 32nd member of NATO as war in Ukraine threatens

By RUDI KELLER,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

The Missouri House overwhelmingly supported Gov. Mike Parson’s plan to send soldiers and state troopers to the Mexican border Thursday by voting 122-12 for the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/parson-seeks-2-2m-to-send-missouri-troopers-soldiers-to-texas-for-border-duty/">money needed to finance it</a>.

Parson is sending 200 Missouri National Guard soldiers and 11 Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers to work with Texas law enforcement at the request of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. There are also about 250 National Guard soldiers from Missouri in Texas operating under federal orders and paid from the federal treasury.

The 11 patrol troopers will be in Texas for 32 days and the 200 guard soldiers will rotate tours of 50 during the 90-day mission, which could be extended.

The bill provides $2.2 million for the deployment, $2 million to cover costs for the National Guard and $206,757 for patrol operations.

Republicans backing the bill said the state must step up because too many people are illegally entering the country.

“When the federal government and its weakness fails to act in the best interest of Missourians, it is the obligation of the state of Missouri to act,” said Rep. Chad Perkins, a Republican from Bowling Green.&nbsp;

During a hearing on the appropriation last week, Col. Eric Olson, superintendent of the patrol, said the agency is 132 troopers short of full strength. Thursday, state Rep. Ingrid Burnett, a Kansas City Democrat, said the troopers going to Texas are needed more at home.

“It’s a reckless move to deplete our service people even more,” Burnett said. “It just doesn’t make good sense to me to be taking this move at this time with our troops.”

Democrats who supported the spending said the extra help at the border will support the men and women from the National Guard already deployed.&nbsp;

“For years we have had Missouri National Guard down on the border at the request of the Biden administration,” said state Rep. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Kansas City Democrat. “These additional troops will just go to support those who have been on that border for quite some time now.”

Nurrenbern also said she’s hopeful Congress will take action. A bipartisan immigration bill negotiated in the U.S. Senate was shelved after&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/05/intense-opposition-to-u-s-senate-immigration-deal-quickly-emerges/">intense opposition from former President Donald Trump</a>, the presumptive Republican nominee for president.

“I hope that Congress will soon pick up the immigration bill,” Nurrenbern said, “to truly secure our border to make a process available to all who want to immigrate to this country legally.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632317779595.png" alt="Photo Rep. Tony Gonzales" />
 <figcaption>Photo Rep. Tony Gonzales</figcaption>
 </figure>By RUDI KELLER,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The Missouri House overwhelmingly supported Gov. Mike Parson’s plan to send soldiers and state troopers to the Mexican border Thursday by voting 122-12 for the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/parson-seeks-2-2m-to-send-missouri-troopers-soldiers-to-texas-for-border-duty/">money needed to finance it</a>.Parson is sending 200 Missouri National Guard soldiers and 11 Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers to work with Texas law enforcement at the request of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. There are also about 250 National Guard soldiers from Missouri in Texas operating under federal orders and paid from the federal treasury.The 11 patrol troopers will be in Texas for 32 days and the 200 guard soldiers will rotate tours of 50 during the 90-day mission, which could be extended.The bill provides $2.2 million for the deployment, $2 million to cover costs for the National Guard and $206,757 for patrol operations.Republicans backing the bill said the state must step up because too many people are illegally entering the country.“When the federal government and its weakness fails to act in the best interest of Missourians, it is the obligation of the state of Missouri to act,” said Rep. Chad Perkins, a Republican from Bowling Green.&nbsp;During a hearing on the appropriation last week, Col. Eric Olson, superintendent of the patrol, said the agency is 132 troopers short of full strength. Thursday, state Rep. Ingrid Burnett, a Kansas City Democrat, said the troopers going to Texas are needed more at home.“It’s a reckless move to deplete our service people even more,” Burnett said. “It just doesn’t make good sense to me to be taking this move at this time with our troops.”Democrats who supported the spending said the extra help at the border will support the men and women from the National Guard already deployed.&nbsp;“For years we have had Missouri National Guard down on the border at the request of the Biden administration,” said state Rep. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Kansas City Democrat. “These additional troops will just go to support those who have been on that border for quite some time now.”Nurrenbern also said she’s hopeful Congress will take action. A bipartisan immigration bill negotiated in the U.S. Senate was shelved after&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/05/intense-opposition-to-u-s-senate-immigration-deal-quickly-emerges/">intense opposition from former President Donald Trump</a>, the presumptive Republican nominee for president.“I hope that Congress will soon pick up the immigration bill,” Nurrenbern said, “to truly secure our border to make a process available to all who want to immigrate to this country legally.”

Mo. House sends bill funding border deployment to the Senate

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall sees a challenge in front of President Joe Biden as he gives his State of the Union speech on Thursday. He spoke on a press conference from Washington Thursday afternoon.

"I think that the challenge before him tonight is to go in front of America and convince them that he's mentally and physically capable of doing this job another four years, does he have the stamina? Does he have any fire in the belly left?"

When Hutch Post pointed out that if former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, is elected again, he would be about the same age at this point in a four-year term as Biden is now, Marshall was quick to cite Senate colleagues who are currently older than Biden who he sees as still sharp.

"I think it's way more than just their age," Marshall said. "Bernie Sanders, a person I've gotten to know really well up here, I'm sure he's at least as old as Joe Biden (Sanders is almost a full year older), mentally is as sharp as anyone I've ever met. Senator Grassley (Chuck Grassley from Iowa) is over 90, he spoke in prayer breakfast this week, physically and mentally, he acts like he's a 60 year old."

The doctor, who was a long time obstetrician in Great Bend, Kansas before entering politics, ultimately said that it is up to the American people who they believe will be the best choice and that's why we have elections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709840865248.jpeg" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall speaks to the media March 7, 2024 via Zoom." />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall speaks to the media March 7, 2024 via Zoom.</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall sees a challenge in front of President Joe Biden as he gives his State of the Union speech on Thursday. He spoke on a press conference from Washington Thursday afternoon."I think that the challenge before him tonight is to go in front of America and convince them that he's mentally and physically capable of doing this job another four years, does he have the stamina? Does he have any fire in the belly left?"When Hutch Post pointed out that if former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, is elected again, he would be about the same age at this point in a four-year term as Biden is now, Marshall was quick to cite Senate colleagues who are currently older than Biden who he sees as still sharp."I think it's way more than just their age," Marshall said. "Bernie Sanders, a person I've gotten to know really well up here, I'm sure he's at least as old as Joe Biden (Sanders is almost a full year older), mentally is as sharp as anyone I've ever met. Senator Grassley (Chuck Grassley from Iowa) is over 90, he spoke in prayer breakfast this week, physically and mentally, he acts like he's a 60 year old."The doctor, who was a long time obstetrician in Great Bend, Kansas before entering politics, ultimately said that it is up to the American people who they believe will be the best choice and that's why we have elections.

Marshall sees challenge before Biden ahead of State of Union address

KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident just after 11p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City.

A Toyota Corolla was eastbound on Southwest Boulevard at Madison at a high rate of speed, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

The driver failed to negotiate the curve in the roadway. The car slid off the roadway to the right and struck a telephone pole. 

The unrestrained driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported three unrestrained passengers to local hospitals with critical injuries. Police did not release names or additional details early Thursday. The accident remains under investigation, according to Gonzalez.

KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident just after 11p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City.A Toyota Corolla was eastbound on Southwest Boulevard at Madison at a high rate of speed, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.The driver failed to negotiate the curve in the roadway. The car slid off the roadway to the right and struck a telephone pole. The unrestrained driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported three unrestrained passengers to local hospitals with critical injuries. Police did not release names or additional details early Thursday. The accident remains under investigation, according to Gonzalez.

KCPD: One dead, 3 injured after car struck telephone pole

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — About 200 Kansans crowded into the second floor of the Statehouse and around the third floor rotunda Wednesday, giving standing ovations as speakers urged lawmakers to hear a Medicaid expansion proposal for the first time in years.

Gov. Laura Kelly, unwilling to let a Medicaid expansion proposal die without a hearing for the fourth year in a row, was one of the speakers whipping up support.

“There are no more valid excuses for not expanding Medicaid,” Kelly said to a cheering crowd. “… Expanding Medicaid is the smartest, sanest way to keep Kansas moving forward.”

The governor toured the state last fall to lobby for Medicaid expansion in advance of the legislative session. House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson have resisted her efforts, characterizing expansion as a move that would broaden the “welfare state” and provide care to able-bodied Kansans instead of the “truly needy.”

Under the Affordable Care Act, the federal government covers 90% of the extra cost of Medicaid services in exchange for expanding eligibility to 138% of the federal poverty rate. Most of the estimated 150,000 Kansans who would benefit from expansion are low-income workers or Kansans suffering from chronic illness. Representatives for the two leaders did not respond to a Kansas Reflector inquiry for this story.

Medicaid expansion would unlock $700 million in annual federal funding and could potentially save 59 rural hospitals on the brink of closing.

Despite widespread support for Medicaid expansion — one statewide poll puts the number at 68% of registered voters in favor of expansion — the Republican-dominated Legislature has been slow to action.

Democrats introduced a Medicaid expansion bill in both chambers in late January. Pressure has increased as the days go by without any movement.

“What do we need to do?” one speaker asked the crowd during Wednesday rally.

“Expand Medicaid,” the crowd chanted back.

The Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, which organized the rally, said the House has not held a public hearing on a Medicaid expansion bill since 2017, while the Senate hasn’t heard any proposals since 2020. Lawmakers last came close to adopting Medicaid expansion in 2020, when former Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning worked out a bipartisan deal with Kelly.

The deal fell apart as Republicans, angered by a Kansas Supreme Court ruling that established a constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy, prioritized placing an anti-abortion constitutional amendment before voters.

At Wednesday’s event, April Holman, executive director of the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, pointed rally attendees toward a table filled with lawmakers’ information, encouraging them to reach out to their legislators.

“We will together overcome the hurdles we are facing,” Holman said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709813771538.png" alt="Photo Rep. Tobias Schlingensiepen" />
 <figcaption>Photo Rep. Tobias Schlingensiepen</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — About 200 Kansans crowded into the second floor of the Statehouse and around the third floor rotunda Wednesday, giving standing ovations as speakers urged lawmakers to hear a Medicaid expansion proposal for the first time in years.Gov. Laura Kelly, unwilling to let a Medicaid expansion proposal die without a hearing for the fourth year in a row, was one of the speakers whipping up support.“There are no more valid excuses for not expanding Medicaid,” Kelly said to a cheering crowd. “… Expanding Medicaid is the smartest, sanest way to keep Kansas moving forward.”The governor toured the state last fall to lobby for Medicaid expansion in advance of the legislative session. House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson have resisted her efforts, characterizing expansion as a move that would broaden the “welfare state” and provide care to able-bodied Kansans instead of the “truly needy.”Under the Affordable Care Act, the federal government covers 90% of the extra cost of Medicaid services in exchange for expanding eligibility to 138% of the federal poverty rate. Most of the estimated 150,000 Kansans who would benefit from expansion are low-income workers or Kansans suffering from chronic illness. Representatives for the two leaders did not respond to a Kansas Reflector inquiry for this story.Medicaid expansion would unlock $700 million in annual federal funding and could potentially save 59 rural hospitals on the brink of closing.Despite widespread support for Medicaid expansion — one statewide poll puts the number at 68% of registered voters in favor of expansion — the Republican-dominated Legislature has been slow to action.Democrats introduced a Medicaid expansion bill in both chambers in late January. Pressure has increased as the days go by without any movement.“What do we need to do?” one speaker asked the crowd during Wednesday rally.“Expand Medicaid,” the crowd chanted back.The Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, which organized the rally, said the House has not held a public hearing on a Medicaid expansion bill since 2017, while the Senate hasn’t heard any proposals since 2020. Lawmakers last came close to adopting Medicaid expansion in 2020, when former Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning worked out a bipartisan deal with Kelly.The deal fell apart as Republicans, angered by a Kansas Supreme Court ruling that established a constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy, prioritized placing an anti-abortion constitutional amendment before voters.At Wednesday’s event, April Holman, executive director of the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, pointed rally attendees toward a table filled with lawmakers’ information, encouraging them to reach out to their legislators.“We will together overcome the hurdles we are facing,” Holman said.

At Statehouse rally, Gov. Kelly takes another swing at Kan. Medicaid expansion

WOODSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and USD 366 Woodson officials are investigating an alleged school threat.

Early Thursday, the school district reported on their social media page they were alerted to a threat that was made to Yates Center High School. 

Due to the serious nature of this threat and to allow law enforcement time to investigate, Woodson USD 366 will not be in session Thursday, March 7.&nbsp; All activities are also cancelled.  School will resume after spring break on Monday, March 18.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697128767642.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WOODSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and USD 366 Woodson officials are investigating an alleged school threat.Early Thursday, the school district reported on their social media page they were alerted to a threat that was made to Yates Center High School. Due to the serious nature of this threat and to allow law enforcement time to investigate, Woodson USD 366 will not be in session Thursday, March 7.&nbsp; All activities are also cancelled. School will resume after spring break on Monday, March 18.&nbsp;

Kan. school district cancels classes due to alleged threat

KANSAS CITY —On Wednesday afternoon, the Independence Police Department received the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesHonorFlag?__cft__[0]=AZUXUk35ZM9pPRgK0SHb5DAGfuTbULv8TF5CloCNAR09Hk2Raz_w5O4KS99EjoIYwsJmuM_c4XCnl7SHc0jx87E-wW6UHdNPgIe6L6jpevEuWhDmRh3-5U9q4Ugiftdpil6j_Hbo0Tz9cAd48gtTJFPXXe3keGOXTaK3cGiSI1coWkr6moqWdzB5zk6lqyLJIjs&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">The United States Honor Flag</a> at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FlyKansasCity?__cft__[0]=AZUXUk35ZM9pPRgK0SHb5DAGfuTbULv8TF5CloCNAR09Hk2Raz_w5O4KS99EjoIYwsJmuM_c4XCnl7SHc0jx87E-wW6UHdNPgIe6L6jpevEuWhDmRh3-5U9q4Ugiftdpil6j_Hbo0Tz9cAd48gtTJFPXXe3keGOXTaK3cGiSI1coWkr6moqWdzB5zk6lqyLJIjs&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas City International Airport</a>.

The Honor Flag travels across the country honoring America's fallen heroes. The flag arrived via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/United?__cft__[0]=AZUXUk35ZM9pPRgK0SHb5DAGfuTbULv8TF5CloCNAR09Hk2Raz_w5O4KS99EjoIYwsJmuM_c4XCnl7SHc0jx87E-wW6UHdNPgIe6L6jpevEuWhDmRh3-5U9q4Ugiftdpil6j_Hbo0Tz9cAd48gtTJFPXXe3keGOXTaK3cGiSI1coWkr6moqWdzB5zk6lqyLJIjs&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">United</a> and was presented to Deputy Chief Michelle Sumstad by the Captain of the arriving flight. The Flag will will be at Officer Cody Allen's side throughout the visitation and funeral service. Allen and&nbsp; 16th Circuit Court process server Drexel Mack were shot and killed Feb. 29, while working at a residence in rural Jackson County.

There will be a public visitation for Officer Allen on Thursday, March 7, from 4:00-8:00 pm at Community of Christ - The Auditorium, 1001 W Walnut Street, Independence, Missouri.

The police department shared a link to the online fundraiser to assist wth the arrangements for Mack.<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-drexel-mack?fbclid=IwAR0GL8QHAOWxe_MmoqToBBDiFI0-AeYItoPLyPNu8ySxO-1qOg-3vKqimiw">&nbsp;Click here</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709258563931.png" alt="Officer Cody Allen courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Officer Cody Allen courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —On Wednesday afternoon, the Independence Police Department received the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesHonorFlag?__cft__[0]=AZUXUk35ZM9pPRgK0SHb5DAGfuTbULv8TF5CloCNAR09Hk2Raz_w5O4KS99EjoIYwsJmuM_c4XCnl7SHc0jx87E-wW6UHdNPgIe6L6jpevEuWhDmRh3-5U9q4Ugiftdpil6j_Hbo0Tz9cAd48gtTJFPXXe3keGOXTaK3cGiSI1coWkr6moqWdzB5zk6lqyLJIjs&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">The United States Honor Flag</a> at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FlyKansasCity?__cft__[0]=AZUXUk35ZM9pPRgK0SHb5DAGfuTbULv8TF5CloCNAR09Hk2Raz_w5O4KS99EjoIYwsJmuM_c4XCnl7SHc0jx87E-wW6UHdNPgIe6L6jpevEuWhDmRh3-5U9q4Ugiftdpil6j_Hbo0Tz9cAd48gtTJFPXXe3keGOXTaK3cGiSI1coWkr6moqWdzB5zk6lqyLJIjs&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas City International Airport</a>.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FIndepMoPolice%2Fvideos%2F346788241016361%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div> The Honor Flag travels across the country honoring America's fallen heroes. The flag arrived via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/United?__cft__[0]=AZUXUk35ZM9pPRgK0SHb5DAGfuTbULv8TF5CloCNAR09Hk2Raz_w5O4KS99EjoIYwsJmuM_c4XCnl7SHc0jx87E-wW6UHdNPgIe6L6jpevEuWhDmRh3-5U9q4Ugiftdpil6j_Hbo0Tz9cAd48gtTJFPXXe3keGOXTaK3cGiSI1coWkr6moqWdzB5zk6lqyLJIjs&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">United</a> and was presented to Deputy Chief Michelle Sumstad by the Captain of the arriving flight. The Flag will will be at Officer Cody Allen's side throughout the visitation and funeral service. Allen and&nbsp; 16th Circuit Court process server Drexel Mack were shot and killed Feb. 29, while working at a residence in rural Jackson County.There will be a public visitation for Officer Allen on Thursday, March 7, from 4:00-8:00 pm at Community of Christ - The Auditorium, 1001 W Walnut Street, Independence, Missouri.The police department shared a link to the online fundraiser to assist wth the arrangements for Mack.<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-drexel-mack?fbclid=IwAR0GL8QHAOWxe_MmoqToBBDiFI0-AeYItoPLyPNu8ySxO-1qOg-3vKqimiw">&nbsp;Click here</a><a href="https://ushf.net/?fbclid=IwAR2Ns_UWVOK9N2Nhb35BKlfPTYzewfHMYyDC4WmE8Vq3ArLQCKh1L690Nxc">Click here for</a> more info on the history of this flag.The funeral service for Officer Allen will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 11:00 am, also at Community of Christ - The Auditorium, 1001 W Walnut Street, Independence, Missouri.All vehicles arriving for the service must enter from the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Walnut Street and will follow parking detail directions from there.A procession to the cemetery for graveside services will follow the funeral on March 8, The procession will leave from The Auditorium, 1001 W Walnut Street, Independence, Missouri and proceed east on Walnut Street to Memorial Drive to Truman Road to Lee’s Summit Road to 39th Street to Little Blue Parkway to I-70 East to Exit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/37a?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVJOZCyf-Z5Umwp_mONSJ5H9D7w3fIF5_GFbWvpiH78UGPI_GhJdWu7jAYe2Ri6LlTEmiVIEfHiIabuIcVdnWXZsUSRlpjj-P5Xhz0y22GGH6rx-6LHbCVkzdV-NQi0_AK_wmhn1c5pWAurj09wG1G5DR5s8bePwcfLhqrKf1YJeQ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#37A</a>&nbsp;where the procession will continue through Odessa to Odessa Cemetery.From there, a parking detail will be onsite to assist. All professional law enforcement honors will take place at the cemetery.The public should expect traffic delays if traveling around the venues listed above and near the procession route on Friday, March 8.