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House launches congressional redistricting with four boundary maps

TOPEKA — The Kansas House committee working on redistricting introduced Tuesday four competing maps that would redraw the state’s congressional districts in response to rural-tourban population shifts of the past decade and attempt to lock down partisan advantages in upcoming elections.

Blinken calls for unity over Russia aggression

KYIV, Ukraine – U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Western nations on Wednesday to remain united despite what he called “relentless” Russian aggression against Ukraine and reassured Ukraine’s leader of their support while calling for Ukrainians to stand strong.

Biden to give away 400 million N95 masks

WASHINGTON – The Biden administration will begin making 400 million N95 masks available for free to Americans starting next week, now that federal officials are emphasizing their better protection against the omicron variant of COVID-19 over cloth face coverings.

U. of Michigan reaches settlement

The University of Michigan has agreed to a $490 million settlement with more than 1,000 people who say they were sexually assaulted by a former sports doctor during his nearly four-decade career at the school, the university and those involved in the settlement announced Wednesday.

Earth’s core is rapidly cooling, researchers say

Earth’s interior is cooling faster than previously estimated, according to a recent study, prompting questions about how long people can live on the planet. There’s no timetable on the cooling process, which could eventually turn Earth solid, similar to Mars.

NATION & WORLD WATCH

Biden names major Democratic donors as UK, Brazil envoys WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced his intention to nominate Democratic fundraiser Jane Hartley to serve as ambassador to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland and major donor Alan Leventhal to serve as his envoy to Denmark. It was also announced Biden would nominate longtime diplomat Elizabeth Bagley to serve as ambassador to Brazil and career senior foreign service officer Alexander Laskaris to serve in Chad.