HUTCHINSON — Authorities are working to determine the cause of a Sunday morning house fire in Hutchinson.

Just after 5:30a.m., the Hutchinson Fire Department was dispatched for a report of structure fire at 409 West 6th Avenue, according to Fire Chief Steve Beer. The first on scene units reported flames coming out from a window and a door on the front of the home.

Crews were informed that two dogs and a female victim were unaccounted for. Crews performed an aggressive fire attack along with search and rescue efforts in order to quickly locate a potential victim. Fire crews were able to rescue the two dogs; however, the primary search revealed no people inside of the structure.

Fire crews were able to bring the fire under control quickly, but not before it did extensive damage to the structure.&nbsp; The fire remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583066190390.jpeg" alt="Sunday morning fire in Hutchinson photo Hutchinson Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>Sunday morning fire in Hutchinson photo Hutchinson Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON — Authorities are working to determine the cause of a Sunday morning house fire in Hutchinson.Just after 5:30a.m., the Hutchinson Fire Department was dispatched for a report of structure fire at 409 West 6th Avenue, according to Fire Chief Steve Beer. The first on scene units reported flames coming out from a window and a door on the front of the home.Crews were informed that two dogs and a female victim were unaccounted for. Crews performed an aggressive fire attack along with search and rescue efforts in order to quickly locate a potential victim. Fire crews were able to rescue the two dogs; however, the primary search revealed no people inside of the structure.Fire crews were able to bring the fire under control quickly, but not before it did extensive damage to the structure.&nbsp; The fire remains under investigation.

Fire does extensive damage to Kansas home; 2 dogs rescued

By NOMIN UJIYEDIIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/number-incarcerated-women-kansas-climbs-putting-stress-lone-prison#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA — From 2000 to 2019, the women’s 
prison population in Kansas rose by 60%. Over the same time period, the 
men’s population rose by only 14%.

That outpaces national trends over the past two decades, according to a new <a href="https://www.usccr.gov/pubs/briefing-reports/2020-02-26-Women-in-Prison.php">report</a> from the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

“Women
 really remain an afterthought when it comes to corrections,” said 
Lauren-Brooke Eisen of the New York-based Brennan Center for Justice. 
“And we see that in all different forms.”

Nationwide, training 
and rehabilitation programs are generally geared toward male prisoners. 
And policy changes intended to reduce the number of people in prison 
likely have had different effects on men and women. But it’s hard to 
definitively say why Kansas’ population grew more than other states.

Gloria
 Geither is the warden of the Topeka Correctional Facility, the state’s 
only women’s prison. As of Feb. 26, it held 909 inmates, six over its 
capacity. Geither said the prison is trying to manage overcrowding and 
improve the lives of the women inside.

“We also struggle with space and resources here and we’re trying to address that,” she said.

While men in Kansas’ <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-may-build-specialty-prisons-deal-elderly-inmates-and-drug-problems#stream/0" target="_blank">overcrowded prison system</a>
 can be moved between facilities, there’s little recourse for dealing 
with the packed women’s prison, according to George Ebo Brown, a senior 
research analyst at the <a href="https://sentencing.ks.gov/" target="_blank">Kansas Sentencing Commission</a>.

“For the women,” said Brown, who’s also a doctoral student in sociology at Kansas State University, “it’s almost more pressing.”

<a href="https://www.sentencing.ks.gov/docs/default-source/annual-reports/fy2018annualreport.pdf?sfvrsn=5f8bfd3f_6" target="_blank">Last year</a>,
 77% of women who entered Kansas prisons last year did so because they 
violated probation or parole, compared to 65% of men who went to prison.
 According to an unpublished paper co-authored by Brown using data from 
the Sentencing Commission, the number of women prisoners spiked from 739
 to 833 a year after a 2013 law that reformed probation in the state.

That
 law introduced “graduated sanctions” for people on probation in Kansas.
 Instead of using personal discretion, judges now have a prescribed 
flowchart for sanctioning violators. The punishments could be as short 
as two days in jail, or as long as the full sentence for the person’s 
original crime.

Brown said judges can no longer choose to make 
exceptions for circumstances like a single mother who needed to take 
care of her children.

“It changed practice for everyone,” he said. “But how it was applied on the bench greatly impacted women.”

Keaira
 Brown has been incarcerated at the Topeka Correctional Facility since 
2011. She’s watched it become more crowded over the years, partially due
 to people who violated probation and are using drugs, she told the 
Kansas News Service in an email.

“They’re here for such short sentences when the drugs are barely out of their systems, if at all,” Brown said.

Across
 the country, the population of women in state prisons rose by 26% from 
2000 to 2016, while the men’s population rose by 8%.

According to
 data from the Kansas Sentencing Commission, women are more likely to be
 incarcerated for drug-related and nonviolent crimes than men are. In 
2018, 47% of women’s crimes were related to drugs compared to 35% of 
men’s crimes.

Women in Kansas are also more likely to be 
convicted of forgery and theft, according to Sentencing Commission data.
 Nora Demleitner, a law professor at Washington and Lee University in 
Virginia, noted that nationally, women are also more likely to be 
convicted of crimes related to sex work.

Prison sentences impact 
women and men differently, she added. Women are more likely to be 
written up by guards for misbehavior, which can affect whether they’re 
released early. And because most women in prison are caregivers for 
children, they’re more likely to struggle with the repercussions of 
being separated from family.

Plus, because there are fewer 
women’s prisons, it’s less likely that an incarcerated woman will be 
close enough so her family can visit.

“Incarceration retraumatizes women worse than it retraumatizes men,” Demleitner said.

Already,
 women are more likely to show up with trauma or addiction in the first 
place. And judges often put women in prison in an attempt to treat them,
 she said.

Diversion programs intended to keep people out of 
prison are often geared toward men, as are programs that prepare people 
for life after release.

“The opportunities that are available to 
men don't exist for women,” Demleitner said. “Women end up in state 
prisons for virtually the same violation just because there’s no other 
opportunity for them.”

In the Topeka women’s 
prison, a few inmates are staying in a dayroom that’s supposed to be 
reserved for recreation only. Others spend weeks in the initial intake 
unit while they wait for another place to stay.

“It’s a short-term solution for the growth,” Geither, the warden, said. “We just don't have anywhere to put the women.”

Inmates
 can work in maintenance, the kitchen and the yard, among other options,
 Geither said, but noted that many jobs were lost after the laundry 
building was destroyed in a fire a year ago.

She said the prison 
offers more programs to lower-security inmates because it wants to 
prioritize learning for women who are more likely to get out soon.Those 
women have the opportunity to work outside the prison or for private 
companies that contract with the Department of Corrections.

“That population that's going to be re-entering into the community,” she said, “the efforts are most targeted towards them.”

Brown,
 incarcerated at the prison, said there just aren’t enough training and 
rehabilitation programs to serve all the inmates who need them. Most are
 available in the minimum and low-medium custody Central Unit, where 
more than half of the women reside, but not to other parts of the 
prison, which house high-medium and maximum custody units.

“If 
your custody or time doesn’t allow you to make it on that side,” she 
said, “you’re subject to no real programming or treatment.”

Brown
 also doesn’t think there isn’t enough to help inmates when they return 
to outside life and the situations that led them to prison in the first 
place.

“The belief is, once you return to the same areas or 
circumstances, you end up in the same illegal activities. Women are 
struggling trying to stay afloat,” she said. “If you don’t have solid 
family support, the odds are stacked against you.”

Nomin 
Ujiyediin reports on criminal justice and social welfare for KCUR and 
the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/nominuj" target="_blank">@NominUJ</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582841644461.jpeg" alt=" As of Feb. 26, the Topeka Correctional Facility, the only women's prison in Kansas, is over capacity by six people. Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> As of Feb. 26, the Topeka Correctional Facility, the only women's prison in Kansas, is over capacity by six people. Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOMIN UJIYEDIIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/number-incarcerated-women-kansas-climbs-putting-stress-lone-prison#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA — From 2000 to 2019, the women’s 
prison population in Kansas rose by 60%. Over the same time period, the 
men’s population rose by only 14%.That outpaces national trends over the past two decades, according to a new <a href="https://www.usccr.gov/pubs/briefing-reports/2020-02-26-Women-in-Prison.php">report</a> from the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.“Women
 really remain an afterthought when it comes to corrections,” said 
Lauren-Brooke Eisen of the New York-based Brennan Center for Justice. 
“And we see that in all different forms.”Nationwide, training 
and rehabilitation programs are generally geared toward male prisoners. 
And policy changes intended to reduce the number of people in prison 
likely have had different effects on men and women. But it’s hard to 
definitively say why Kansas’ population grew more than other states.Gloria
 Geither is the warden of the Topeka Correctional Facility, the state’s 
only women’s prison. As of Feb. 26, it held 909 inmates, six over its 
capacity. Geither said the prison is trying to manage overcrowding and 
improve the lives of the women inside.“We also struggle with space and resources here and we’re trying to address that,” she said.While men in Kansas’ <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-may-build-specialty-prisons-deal-elderly-inmates-and-drug-problems#stream/0" target="_blank">overcrowded prison system</a>
 can be moved between facilities, there’s little recourse for dealing 
with the packed women’s prison, according to George Ebo Brown, a senior 
research analyst at the <a href="https://sentencing.ks.gov/" target="_blank">Kansas Sentencing Commission</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582841702287.jpeg" alt=" Women at the Topeka Correctional Facility can work in maintenance, the kitchen, the yard and other assignments. Credit Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Women at the Topeka Correctional Facility can work in maintenance, the kitchen, the yard and other assignments. Credit Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>“For the women,” said Brown, who’s also a doctoral student in sociology at Kansas State University, “it’s almost more pressing.”<a href="https://www.sentencing.ks.gov/docs/default-source/annual-reports/fy2018annualreport.pdf?sfvrsn=5f8bfd3f_6" target="_blank">Last year</a>,
 77% of women who entered Kansas prisons last year did so because they 
violated probation or parole, compared to 65% of men who went to prison.
 According to an unpublished paper co-authored by Brown using data from 
the Sentencing Commission, the number of women prisoners spiked from 739
 to 833 a year after a 2013 law that reformed probation in the state.That
 law introduced “graduated sanctions” for people on probation in Kansas.
 Instead of using personal discretion, judges now have a prescribed 
flowchart for sanctioning violators. The punishments could be as short 
as two days in jail, or as long as the full sentence for the person’s 
original crime.Brown said judges can no longer choose to make 
exceptions for circumstances like a single mother who needed to take 
care of her children.“It changed practice for everyone,” he said. “But how it was applied on the bench greatly impacted women.”Keaira
 Brown has been incarcerated at the Topeka Correctional Facility since 
2011. She’s watched it become more crowded over the years, partially due
 to people who violated probation and are using drugs, she told the 
Kansas News Service in an email.“They’re here for such short sentences when the drugs are barely out of their systems, if at all,” Brown said.<h2>Gendered treatment</h2>Across
 the country, the population of women in state prisons rose by 26% from 
2000 to 2016, while the men’s population rose by 8%.According to
 data from the Kansas Sentencing Commission, women are more likely to be
 incarcerated for drug-related and nonviolent crimes than men are. In 
2018, 47% of women’s crimes were related to drugs compared to 35% of 
men’s crimes.Women in Kansas are also more likely to be 
convicted of forgery and theft, according to Sentencing Commission data.
 Nora Demleitner, a law professor at Washington and Lee University in 
Virginia, noted that nationally, women are also more likely to be 
convicted of crimes related to sex work.Prison sentences impact 
women and men differently, she added. Women are more likely to be 
written up by guards for misbehavior, which can affect whether they’re 
released early. And because most women in prison are caregivers for 
children, they’re more likely to struggle with the repercussions of 
being separated from family.Plus, because there are fewer 
women’s prisons, it’s less likely that an incarcerated woman will be 
close enough so her family can visit.“Incarceration retraumatizes women worse than it retraumatizes men,” Demleitner said.Already,
 women are more likely to show up with trauma or addiction in the first 
place. And judges often put women in prison in an attempt to treat them,
 she said.Diversion programs intended to keep people out of 
prison are often geared toward men, as are programs that prepare people 
for life after release.“The opportunities that are available to 
men don't exist for women,” Demleitner said. “Women end up in state 
prisons for virtually the same violation just because there’s no other 
opportunity for them.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582841732942.jpeg" alt="A building at the Topeka Correctional Facility. More educational and job training programs are available to minimum and low-medium custody inmates than to high-medium and maximum custody inmates. Credit Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>A building at the Topeka Correctional Facility. More educational and job training programs are available to minimum and low-medium custody inmates than to high-medium and maximum custody inmates. Credit Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Kansas’ women’s prison</h2>In the Topeka women’s 
prison, a few inmates are staying in a dayroom that’s supposed to be 
reserved for recreation only. Others spend weeks in the initial intake 
unit while they wait for another place to stay.“It’s a short-term solution for the growth,” Geither, the warden, said. “We just don't have anywhere to put the women.”Inmates
 can work in maintenance, the kitchen and the yard, among other options,
 Geither said, but noted that many jobs were lost after the laundry 
building was destroyed in a fire a year ago.She said the prison 
offers more programs to lower-security inmates because it wants to 
prioritize learning for women who are more likely to get out soon.Those 
women have the opportunity to work outside the prison or for private 
companies that contract with the Department of Corrections.“That population that's going to be re-entering into the community,” she said, “the efforts are most targeted towards them.”Brown,
 incarcerated at the prison, said there just aren’t enough training and 
rehabilitation programs to serve all the inmates who need them. Most are
 available in the minimum and low-medium custody Central Unit, where 
more than half of the women reside, but not to other parts of the 
prison, which house high-medium and maximum custody units.“If 
your custody or time doesn’t allow you to make it on that side,” she 
said, “you’re subject to no real programming or treatment.”Brown
 also doesn’t think there isn’t enough to help inmates when they return 
to outside life and the situations that led them to prison in the first 
place.“The belief is, once you return to the same areas or 
circumstances, you end up in the same illegal activities. Women are 
struggling trying to stay afloat,” she said. “If you don’t have solid 
family support, the odds are stacked against you.”Nomin 
Ujiyediin reports on criminal justice and social welfare for KCUR and 
the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/nominuj" target="_blank">@NominUJ</a>.

Number of incarcerated women in Kan. puts stress on lone prison 

HUTCHINSON - The Hutchinson-based&nbsp;<a href="http://www.climateandenergy.org/">Climate + Energy Project</a> (CEP, along with partnering community organizations and businesses from across the state, returned to the statehouse to host the annual day of environmental advocacy and education.

On February 10, 2020, WEALTH Day convened organizations, advocates, and legislators to connect on Water, Energy, Air, Land, Transportation, and Health. 

This year over 400 Kansans and 43 organizations and businesses convened at the Kansas statehouse.

WEALTH Day attendees participated in making history at the Comprehensive Climate Hearing that brought together a bipartisan, bi-chamber committee with experts from
 the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA, the Land Institute, the&nbsp;National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP, Kansas Interfaith Action, and the Climate + Energy Project. Discussions included the science of climate
 change, the impact on our agriculture, the economy, human health and environment, as well as solutions and strategies for resilience. The Climate Hearing was video recorded by Loud Light, it can be viewed online (link:
<a href="http://em.networkforgood.com/ls/click?upn=VAGGw4zHikj3d-2F5242H3ZpoZlZ4e922a8pKdNcdE-2F2T3gRXXjJx8IUaLxz-2FfmpWWMN5P_hnwZc2KLmru8dsOkeuIQ-2FEiK9TFD-2BUMiC-2BMsXOyLaeQSnXeV2-2BzdYIHhsuw-2BI-2Bq1LgTwPw-2FZIkhIrO7jxOA6n-2FNjGtosgu-2BonxY5ai0Hn65JoaZsIx-2BjknZ-2F2QGEWNtiJ-2B3swCKrBP8Q1AoSNisr3YRyiDBoEu9lqyA6CCEDqDLYF06ja6auNqsYTYdntt-2FJNqqRxH8eNZfmKS3ZuKLFqHiTgrJAA4WRflIJCBZs6D5xG2c5YFsUdGf8y9jBjLdmyj0JJre0BMc-2Blk4xUBy6AeFET33lAcqxc-2BFkS-2BN9eNKQVXEsP8uLC-2FaocCz5BqdlDOqK73CE6M3FlZyOarUnO5Fn5kiWc7zIWhwwvS2QiUg-3D" target="_blank">
https://youtu.be/nQbOHt3YtHg</a>).&nbsp;


Following the hearing, participants heard from Senator Tom Hawk; Climate + Energy Project’s Executive Director, Dorothy Barnett; and Sierra Club lobbyist, Zack Pistora at the Climate Rally.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WEALTH attendees had the opportunity to hear about new ideas in the Solutions Showcase which featured the event’s sponsors, and had the opportunity to meet with
 legislators to discuss climate issues in scheduled meetings throughout the day and over the local foods luncheon.


Dorothy Barnett, CEP Executive Director, said, "the number of attendees at this year’s WEALTH Day reflects Kansans growing concern about climate change. Attendees called upon policy makers to take bold, comprehensive
 action to reduce emissions and build resilience, which will reduce risks of climate disruption and safeguard the future of our state."


WEALTH Partners(*) and sponsors include: Climate + Energy Project*, Friends of the Kaw*, Kansas Rural Center*, Kansas City Kansas Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)*,
 Metropolitan Energy Center*, Kansas Interfaith Action*, Grassland Heritage Foundation*, Kansas Natural Resources Council*,&nbsp;Heartland Renewable Energy Society,&nbsp; Johnson County Community College Sustainable
 Agriculture,&nbsp; Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams, Kansas Appleseed, Kansas Permaculture Institute,&nbsp; Kansas Sierra Club, King Solar, Lawrence Ecology Teams United in Sustainability, League of Women Voters of Kansas, Lutherans
 Restoring Creation, Monarch Watch, National Nurses United, Oread Friends Meeting (Quaker, Pittsburg State University, Cromwell Environmental Inc., Good Energy Solutions, Green Factor Insulation Inc., Prosoco, Shawnee County Democrats, The Merc Co+op, Green
 Tech Academy, Native Lands LLC, The Bowersock Mills and Power Company, Mad Hatter Compost Tea, Southwind Sierra Club, Kansas Land Trust, Natural Grocers, Kansas Forest Service - KSU, Compost Collective KC, Loud Light, Flint Hills Renewable Energy &amp;
Efficiency Cooperative, Sunrise Movement - Lawrence KS, Environmental Sustainability Rotarian Action Group, NSF FEWtures Project, Organic Crop Improvement Association, and RideshareKC.


The Climate + Energy Project seeks to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions in America’s Heartland through the ambitious deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy, in policy and practice.

 Connect
 with the Climate + Energy Project on Facebook, &nbsp;Twitter and Instagram.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582818818329.png" alt="WEALTH Day attendees receiving advocacy training and getting up to date on environmental policies at the policy briefing. (Photo by Jerry Jost, Kansas Land Trust)" />
 <figcaption>WEALTH Day attendees receiving advocacy training and getting up to date on environmental policies at the policy briefing. (Photo by Jerry Jost, Kansas Land Trust)</figcaption>
 </figure>CEPHUTCHINSON - The Hutchinson-based&nbsp;<a href="http://www.climateandenergy.org/">Climate + Energy Project</a> (CEP, along with partnering community organizations and businesses from across the state, returned to the statehouse to host the annual day of environmental advocacy and education. On February 10, 2020, WEALTH Day convened organizations, advocates, and legislators to connect on Water, Energy, Air, Land, Transportation, and Health. This year over 400 Kansans and 43 organizations and businesses convened at the Kansas statehouse.WEALTH Day attendees participated in making history at the Comprehensive Climate Hearing that brought together a bipartisan, bi-chamber committee with experts from
 the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA, the Land Institute, the&nbsp;National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP, Kansas Interfaith Action, and the Climate + Energy Project. Discussions included the science of climate
 change, the impact on our agriculture, the economy, human health and environment, as well as solutions and strategies for resilience. The Climate Hearing was video recorded by Loud Light, it can be viewed online (link:
<a href="http://em.networkforgood.com/ls/click?upn=VAGGw4zHikj3d-2F5242H3ZpoZlZ4e922a8pKdNcdE-2F2T3gRXXjJx8IUaLxz-2FfmpWWMN5P_hnwZc2KLmru8dsOkeuIQ-2FEiK9TFD-2BUMiC-2BMsXOyLaeQSnXeV2-2BzdYIHhsuw-2BI-2Bq1LgTwPw-2FZIkhIrO7jxOA6n-2FNjGtosgu-2BonxY5ai0Hn65JoaZsIx-2BjknZ-2F2QGEWNtiJ-2B3swCKrBP8Q1AoSNisr3YRyiDBoEu9lqyA6CCEDqDLYF06ja6auNqsYTYdntt-2FJNqqRxH8eNZfmKS3ZuKLFqHiTgrJAA4WRflIJCBZs6D5xG2c5YFsUdGf8y9jBjLdmyj0JJre0BMc-2Blk4xUBy6AeFET33lAcqxc-2BFkS-2BN9eNKQVXEsP8uLC-2FaocCz5BqdlDOqK73CE6M3FlZyOarUnO5Fn5kiWc7zIWhwwvS2QiUg-3D" target="_blank">
https://youtu.be/nQbOHt3YtHg</a>).&nbsp;
Following the hearing, participants heard from Senator Tom Hawk; Climate + Energy Project’s Executive Director, Dorothy Barnett; and Sierra Club lobbyist, Zack Pistora at the Climate Rally.&nbsp;&nbsp;WEALTH attendees had the opportunity to hear about new ideas in the Solutions Showcase which featured the event’s sponsors, and had the opportunity to meet with
 legislators to discuss climate issues in scheduled meetings throughout the day and over the local foods luncheon.
Dorothy Barnett, CEP Executive Director, said, "the number of attendees at this year’s WEALTH Day reflects Kansans growing concern about climate change. Attendees called upon policy makers to take bold, comprehensive
 action to reduce emissions and build resilience, which will reduce risks of climate disruption and safeguard the future of our state."
WEALTH Partners(*) and sponsors include: Climate + Energy Project*, Friends of the Kaw*, Kansas Rural Center*, Kansas City Kansas Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)*,
 Metropolitan Energy Center*, Kansas Interfaith Action*, Grassland Heritage Foundation*, Kansas Natural Resources Council*,&nbsp;Heartland Renewable Energy Society,&nbsp; Johnson County Community College Sustainable
 Agriculture,&nbsp; Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams, Kansas Appleseed, Kansas Permaculture Institute,&nbsp; Kansas Sierra Club, King Solar, Lawrence Ecology Teams United in Sustainability, League of Women Voters of Kansas, Lutherans
 Restoring Creation, Monarch Watch, National Nurses United, Oread Friends Meeting (Quaker, Pittsburg State University, Cromwell Environmental Inc., Good Energy Solutions, Green Factor Insulation Inc., Prosoco, Shawnee County Democrats, The Merc Co+op, Green
 Tech Academy, Native Lands LLC, The Bowersock Mills and Power Company, Mad Hatter Compost Tea, Southwind Sierra Club, Kansas Land Trust, Natural Grocers, Kansas Forest Service - KSU, Compost Collective KC, Loud Light, Flint Hills Renewable Energy &amp;
Efficiency Cooperative, Sunrise Movement - Lawrence KS, Environmental Sustainability Rotarian Action Group, NSF FEWtures Project, Organic Crop Improvement Association, and RideshareKC.
The Climate + Energy Project seeks to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions in America’s Heartland through the ambitious deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy, in policy and practice. Connect
 with the Climate + Energy Project on Facebook, &nbsp;Twitter and Instagram.

Kansas WEALTH Day of environmental advocacy and education at the capitol

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Joe Biden scored a convincing victory in South Carolina’s Democratic primary on Saturday, riding a wave of African American support and ending progressive rival Bernie Sanders' winning streak.

The victory came at a a crucial moment in Biden's 2020 bid as the moderate Democrat bounced back from underwhelming performances in the first three contests. The race now quickly shifts toward next week's “Super Tuesday,” when voters in 14 states award one third of the total number of presidential delegates.

Biden hopes the South Carolina victory will be enough to establish him as the clear alternative to Sanders as the race moves into a new phase. Standing in Biden's way is former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, one of the world’s richest men, who has spent more than half a billion dollars courting voters in dozens of states yet to vote.

The South Carolina primary was the first major test of the candidates' appeal among black voters. And while it gave the 77-year-old Biden a win when he most needed it, he must still prove that he has the financial and organizational resources to dramatically expand his campaign in the next 72 hours. He will also be under pressure to rely on his decades-long relationships with party leaders to create a new sense of inevitability around his candidacy.

Even before news of Biden's win was declared, Bloomberg announced his own plan to deliver a three-minute prime-time address Sunday night on two television networks. He didn't say how much he paid for the air time, which is unprecedented in recent decades.

And Sanders was already peeking ahead to Super Tuesday, betting he can amass an insurmountable delegate lead at that point. After two consecutive victories and a tie for the lead in Iowa, the 78-year-old Vermont senator's confidence is surging.

Sanders was spending the lead-up to Super Tuesday campaigning in the home states of two major Democratic rivals, betting he can score a double knockout blow — or at least limit the size of their victories.

In a power play, Sanders hosted a midday rally Saturday in downtown Boston, campaigning in the heart of liberal ally Elizabeth Warren's political turf. Addressing a crowd of thousands on the Boston Common, Sanders said his success in the Democratic primary means “the establishment is getting very nervous” — but he never predicted victory in South Carolina.

On the eve of Super Tuesday, Sanders will host a concert in Minnesota, where home-state Sen. Amy Klobuchar is looking for her first win.

Sanders' senior adviser Jeff Weaver was among the staffers dispatched to California on Saturday. He said Sanders is aggressively hunting for delegates, noting that their campaign's experience during the 2016 primary against Hillary Clinton taught them that any candidate who finishes Super Tuesday with a significant delegate advantage will be difficult to catch.

“I’m confident we’re going to do very, very well across the country," Weaver said of the coming days. He also sought to downplay the importance of South Carolina, where “Biden is expected to win.”

“For the vice president, he needs an extraordinarily large win in South Carolina in order to convince folks he’s going to be able to go the distance,” he said.

Yet the Democrats' 2020 primary election is far from a two-person race.

In South Carolina, billionaire activist Tom Steyer has spent more than $19 million on television advertising — more than all the other candidates combined — in his quest for his first top finish in four contests. At his state campaign headquarters on Saturday, Steyer said he felt optimistic going into the vote and was looking ahead to trips to Alabama and Texas, two Super Tuesday states.

Not ceding anything, Pete Buttigieg is fighting to prove he can build a multiracial coalition. And with the help of super PACs, Warren and Klobuchar have vowed to keep pushing forward no matter how they finish on Saturday.

Still, Saturday was all about Biden and whether he might convince anxious establishment Democrats rally behind him at last.

Elected officials inclined to embrace his moderate politics had been reluctant to support him after bad finishes in Iowa and New Hampshire and a distant second place in Nevada last week. Yet fearing Sanders' polarizing progressive priorities, they're still searching for an alternative who's viewed as a safer bet to defeat Trump in November.

Senior Biden adviser Symone Sanders shifted away from calling South Carolina Biden’s “firewall” and instead called it a “springboard,” on par with how the state boosted the presidential aspirations of Barack Obama in 2008 and Clinton in 2016.

That sentiment was echoed by former senior Obama adviser David Axelrod, who said a big Biden win in South Carolina could give him a Super Tuesday boost that might force several candidates to quickly consider whether to proceed, including Bloomberg.

“If Biden wins by a big margin, it will translate into a bigger day for him on Tuesday," Axelrod said. “And if he beats Bloomberg by a significant margin on Tuesday, Bloomberg is going to have to consider what he’s doing here.”

Indeed, South Carolina represents much more than the fourth state on the Democrats' months-long primary calendar.

It serves as the first major test of the candidates' strength with African American voters, who will be critical both in the general election and the rest of the primary season.

African American voters in South Carolina backed Biden over any other candidate by a significant margin, according to AP VoteCast, a wide-ranging survey of the electorate. Close to half of black voters supported him, compared with 2 in 10 supporting Sanders and about the same for businessman Tom Steyer.

There was also evidence that Biden’s status as former President Barack Obama’s two-term vice president helped him win over African Americans.

VoteCast found that about 4 in 10 voters in South Carolina wanted to return to the politics of the past, compared to about a third in Iowa and New Hampshire. That includes the roughly 50% of African American voters who said they want a Democratic presidential nominee who would emulate the Obama’s presidency.

By comparison, roughly two-thirds of white voters wanted a presidential candidate who would bring fundamental change to Washington.

While voting technology was a concern in two of the last three primary contests, South Carolina uses a wide array of voting technology that presents unique challenges.

Saturday's election in South Carolina marks the first statewide test of its new fleet of electronic voting machines, a $50 million upgrade from an old and vulnerable system that lacked any paper record of individual votes. The new machines produce a paper record that can be verified by the voter and checked after the election to detect any malfunction or manipulation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1583026070328.png" alt="Biden celebrating with supporters in South Carolina. Image courtesy Biden for President" />
 <figcaption>Biden celebrating with supporters in South Carolina. Image courtesy Biden for President</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Joe Biden scored a convincing victory in South Carolina’s Democratic primary on Saturday, riding a wave of African American support and ending progressive rival Bernie Sanders' winning streak.The victory came at a a crucial moment in Biden's 2020 bid as the moderate Democrat bounced back from underwhelming performances in the first three contests. The race now quickly shifts toward next week's “Super Tuesday,” when voters in 14 states award one third of the total number of presidential delegates.Biden hopes the South Carolina victory will be enough to establish him as the clear alternative to Sanders as the race moves into a new phase. Standing in Biden's way is former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, one of the world’s richest men, who has spent more than half a billion dollars courting voters in dozens of states yet to vote.The South Carolina primary was the first major test of the candidates' appeal among black voters. And while it gave the 77-year-old Biden a win when he most needed it, he must still prove that he has the financial and organizational resources to dramatically expand his campaign in the next 72 hours. He will also be under pressure to rely on his decades-long relationships with party leaders to create a new sense of inevitability around his candidacy.Even before news of Biden's win was declared, Bloomberg announced his own plan to deliver a three-minute prime-time address Sunday night on two television networks. He didn't say how much he paid for the air time, which is unprecedented in recent decades.And Sanders was already peeking ahead to Super Tuesday, betting he can amass an insurmountable delegate lead at that point. After two consecutive victories and a tie for the lead in Iowa, the 78-year-old Vermont senator's confidence is surging.Sanders was spending the lead-up to Super Tuesday campaigning in the home states of two major Democratic rivals, betting he can score a double knockout blow — or at least limit the size of their victories.In a power play, Sanders hosted a midday rally Saturday in downtown Boston, campaigning in the heart of liberal ally Elizabeth Warren's political turf. Addressing a crowd of thousands on the Boston Common, Sanders said his success in the Democratic primary means “the establishment is getting very nervous” — but he never predicted victory in South Carolina.On the eve of Super Tuesday, Sanders will host a concert in Minnesota, where home-state Sen. Amy Klobuchar is looking for her first win.Sanders' senior adviser Jeff Weaver was among the staffers dispatched to California on Saturday. He said Sanders is aggressively hunting for delegates, noting that their campaign's experience during the 2016 primary against Hillary Clinton taught them that any candidate who finishes Super Tuesday with a significant delegate advantage will be difficult to catch.“I’m confident we’re going to do very, very well across the country," Weaver said of the coming days. He also sought to downplay the importance of South Carolina, where “Biden is expected to win.”“For the vice president, he needs an extraordinarily large win in South Carolina in order to convince folks he’s going to be able to go the distance,” he said.Yet the Democrats' 2020 primary election is far from a two-person race.In South Carolina, billionaire activist Tom Steyer has spent more than $19 million on television advertising — more than all the other candidates combined — in his quest for his first top finish in four contests. At his state campaign headquarters on Saturday, Steyer said he felt optimistic going into the vote and was looking ahead to trips to Alabama and Texas, two Super Tuesday states.Not ceding anything, Pete Buttigieg is fighting to prove he can build a multiracial coalition. And with the help of super PACs, Warren and Klobuchar have vowed to keep pushing forward no matter how they finish on Saturday.Still, Saturday was all about Biden and whether he might convince anxious establishment Democrats rally behind him at last.Elected officials inclined to embrace his moderate politics had been reluctant to support him after bad finishes in Iowa and New Hampshire and a distant second place in Nevada last week. Yet fearing Sanders' polarizing progressive priorities, they're still searching for an alternative who's viewed as a safer bet to defeat Trump in November.Senior Biden adviser Symone Sanders shifted away from calling South Carolina Biden’s “firewall” and instead called it a “springboard,” on par with how the state boosted the presidential aspirations of Barack Obama in 2008 and Clinton in 2016.That sentiment was echoed by former senior Obama adviser David Axelrod, who said a big Biden win in South Carolina could give him a Super Tuesday boost that might force several candidates to quickly consider whether to proceed, including Bloomberg.“If Biden wins by a big margin, it will translate into a bigger day for him on Tuesday," Axelrod said. “And if he beats Bloomberg by a significant margin on Tuesday, Bloomberg is going to have to consider what he’s doing here.”Indeed, South Carolina represents much more than the fourth state on the Democrats' months-long primary calendar.It serves as the first major test of the candidates' strength with African American voters, who will be critical both in the general election and the rest of the primary season.African American voters in South Carolina backed Biden over any other candidate by a significant margin, according to AP VoteCast, a wide-ranging survey of the electorate. Close to half of black voters supported him, compared with 2 in 10 supporting Sanders and about the same for businessman Tom Steyer.There was also evidence that Biden’s status as former President Barack Obama’s two-term vice president helped him win over African Americans.VoteCast found that about 4 in 10 voters in South Carolina wanted to return to the politics of the past, compared to about a third in Iowa and New Hampshire. That includes the roughly 50% of African American voters who said they want a Democratic presidential nominee who would emulate the Obama’s presidency.By comparison, roughly two-thirds of white voters wanted a presidential candidate who would bring fundamental change to Washington.While voting technology was a concern in two of the last three primary contests, South Carolina uses a wide array of voting technology that presents unique challenges.Saturday's election in South Carolina marks the first statewide test of its new fleet of electronic voting machines, a $50 million upgrade from an old and vulnerable system that lacked any paper record of individual votes. The new machines produce a paper record that can be verified by the voter and checked after the election to detect any malfunction or manipulation.___

Biden wins South Carolina, hopes for Super Tuesday momentum

JACKSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 10p.m. Friday in Jackson County.

Just after 10 pm, the Jackson County Sheriff's officer received a call from&nbsp; reporting a pickup truck that was hanging off the roadway and teetering next to a culvert at K116 Highway and V. Road approximately four miles east of Holton, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.

A nearby resident attempted to pull the 2006 Dodge 3500 pickup out when the truck rolled over and into the deep ditch and into the water.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The driver's head was entrapped beneath the water, according to Morse.&nbsp; A Jackson County deputy, the Holton Fire Department and Jackson County EMS arrived, freed the man later identified as&nbsp; Larry D. Hladky, 59, Holton from the vehicle, found him not breathing and began performing CPR.

Lifestar Air Ambulance landed at the Holton hospital where the Hladky had been transported by Jackson County EMS and he was pronounced dead. A woman passenger of the truck had been freed from the vehicle prior to first responder's arrival.

The accident remains under investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

JACKSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident Friday night in Jackson County.

The sheriff's office received a 911 call at 10:06 pm from a caller reporting a pickup truck that was hanging off the roadway and teetering next to a culvert at K116 Highway and V. Road approximately four miles east of Holton, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.

&nbsp;The driver's head was entrapped beneath the water, according to Morse.&nbsp; A Jackson County deputy, the Holton Fire Department and Jackson County EMS arrived, freed the man from the vehicle, found him not breathing and began performing CPR.

Lifestar Air Ambulance landed at the Holton hospital where the man had been transported by Jackson County EMS and was pronounced dead. A woman passenger of the truck had been freed from the vehicle prior to first responder's arrival.

The accident remains under investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;The name of the victim is not yet being released pending the notification of family.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582982133428.png" alt="Friday night crash scene photo Jackson County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Friday night crash scene photo Jackson County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 10p.m. Friday in Jackson County.Just after 10 pm, the Jackson County Sheriff's officer received a call from&nbsp; reporting a pickup truck that was hanging off the roadway and teetering next to a culvert at K116 Highway and V. Road approximately four miles east of Holton, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.A nearby resident attempted to pull the 2006 Dodge 3500 pickup out when the truck rolled over and into the deep ditch and into the water.&nbsp;&nbsp;The driver's head was entrapped beneath the water, according to Morse.&nbsp; A Jackson County deputy, the Holton Fire Department and Jackson County EMS arrived, freed the man later identified as&nbsp; Larry D. Hladky, 59, Holton from the vehicle, found him not breathing and began performing CPR.Lifestar Air Ambulance landed at the Holton hospital where the Hladky had been transported by Jackson County EMS and he was pronounced dead. A woman passenger of the truck had been freed from the vehicle prior to first responder's arrival.The accident remains under investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;------------JACKSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident Friday night in Jackson County.The sheriff's office received a 911 call at 10:06 pm from a caller reporting a pickup truck that was hanging off the roadway and teetering next to a culvert at K116 Highway and V. Road approximately four miles east of Holton, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.A nearby resident attempted to pull the 2006 Dodge 3500 pickup out when the truck rolled over and into the deep ditch and into the water.&nbsp;&nbsp;The driver's head was entrapped beneath the water, according to Morse.&nbsp; A Jackson County deputy, the Holton Fire Department and Jackson County EMS arrived, freed the man from the vehicle, found him not breathing and began performing CPR.Lifestar Air Ambulance landed at the Holton hospital where the man had been transported by Jackson County EMS and was pronounced dead. A woman passenger of the truck had been freed from the vehicle prior to first responder's arrival.The accident remains under investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;The name of the victim is not yet being released pending the notification of family.

Sheriff identifies Kan. man who died after pickup rolls into water

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man after an early morning robbery and police chase.

Just after 1:30a.m. Friday police responded to a theft call at a convenience store in the 2800 Block of East Douglas in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

A 21-year-old female employee told police a suspect later identified as 33-year-old&nbsp;Zachary Vrana of Wichita, entered the store and said he wanted to purchase beer. Since it was after hours, she was unable to sell him beer.

Vrana than attempted to forcibly steal a package of cigarettes by grabbing her hand. She was able to retain the cigarettes but Vrana stole the beer from the counter and fled the business in a red Toyota Corolla.

The employee followed Vrana out of the business and he picked up a landscaping rock and acted as if he was going to throw it at her, according to Davidson. The employee was able to provide 911 with the vehicle description and tag number.

Police in the area quickly located the vehicle and Vrana led them on a brief chase. During the pursuit, Vrana struck a parked vehicle in the 200 Block of South Holyoke. He then fled the car on foot.&nbsp;

After an officer used a Taser, police arrested him.&nbsp; The employee and officer were not injured.

Vrana is being held on requested charges of robbery, battery, felony flee and elude, obstruct, DUI and other traffic violation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582912398044.png" alt="Vrana -photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Vrana -photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man after an early morning robbery and police chase.Just after 1:30a.m. Friday police responded to a theft call at a convenience store in the 2800 Block of East Douglas in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.A 21-year-old female employee told police a suspect later identified as 33-year-old&nbsp;Zachary Vrana of Wichita, entered the store and said he wanted to purchase beer. Since it was after hours, she was unable to sell him beer.Vrana than attempted to forcibly steal a package of cigarettes by grabbing her hand. She was able to retain the cigarettes but Vrana stole the beer from the counter and fled the business in a red Toyota Corolla.The employee followed Vrana out of the business and he picked up a landscaping rock and acted as if he was going to throw it at her, according to Davidson. The employee was able to provide 911 with the vehicle description and tag number.Police in the area quickly located the vehicle and Vrana led them on a brief chase. During the pursuit, Vrana struck a parked vehicle in the 200 Block of South Holyoke. He then fled the car on foot.&nbsp;After an officer used a Taser, police arrested him.&nbsp; The employee and officer were not injured.Vrana is being held on requested charges of robbery, battery, felony flee and elude, obstruct, DUI and other traffic violation.

Kansas man stole beer and was arrested after chase, crash

WICHITA— Five men in Kansas are charged in a superseding indictment with trafficking methamphetamine, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

The defendants include:&nbsp;Jeremy J. Snyder, 38, Dighton, Kan., possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (count 4).

Alvaro Dieguez Jr.,&nbsp;29, Wichita, Kan., possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (count 2).

Keith A. Goodman, 47, Arkansas City, Kan., possession of methamphetamine (count 3).

Felipe D. Luna, 26, Wichita, Kan., possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (counts 1 and 6, distribution of methamphetamine (count 5, unlawful possession of a firearm by a user of controlled substances (count 7, unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (count 8, using a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (count 9).

Obed A. Paz-Moreno, 23, Garden City, Kan., possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (count 4).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Counts 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6: Not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Count 3: Up to a year in prison and a fine of not less than $1,000.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Count 7: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Counts 8 and 9: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Wichita Police Department investigated.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582831187304.png" alt="Snyder is being held in Butler County" />
 <figcaption>Snyder is being held in Butler County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA— Five men in Kansas are charged in a superseding indictment with trafficking methamphetamine, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The defendants include:&nbsp;Jeremy J. Snyder, 38, Dighton, Kan., possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (count 4).Alvaro Dieguez Jr.,&nbsp;29, Wichita, Kan., possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (count 2).Keith A. Goodman, 47, Arkansas City, Kan., possession of methamphetamine (count 3).Felipe D. Luna, 26, Wichita, Kan., possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (counts 1 and 6, distribution of methamphetamine (count 5, unlawful possession of a firearm by a user of controlled substances (count 7, unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (count 8, using a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (count 9).Obed A. Paz-Moreno, 23, Garden City, Kan., possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (count 4).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Counts 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6: Not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Count 3: Up to a year in prison and a fine of not less than $1,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Count 7: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Counts 8 and 9: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Wichita Police Department investigated.&nbsp;

U.S. Attorney charged 5 Kansas men with meth trafficking 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is banning travel to Iran in response to the outbreak of the new coronavirus and elevating travel warnings to regions of Italy and South Korea.

Vice President Mike Pence announced the new restrictions and warnings as President Donald Trump said 22 people in the U.S. have been stricken by the new coronavirus and that additional cases are “likely.”

“We want to lower the amount of travel to and from the most impacted areas,” said Alex Azar, the secretary of health and human Services. “This is a basic containment strategy.”

Trump provided an update on the virus after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dispatch.com/news/20200229/washington-officials-report-first-us-coronavirus-related-death">the first reported U.S. death Saturday</a>, of a woman he described as being in her late 50s and having a high medical risk. He said healthy Americans should be able to recover if they contract the new virus.

The virus threat has spooked global markets and the public at large. On Friday, health officials confirmed a second case of coronavirus in the U.S. in a person who didn’t travel internationally or have close contact with anyone who had the virus. The U.S. has a total of about 60 confirmed cases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1583005850308.png" alt="President Trump during Saturday's announcement -White House image" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during Saturday's announcement -White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is banning travel to Iran in response to the outbreak of the new coronavirus and elevating travel warnings to regions of Italy and South Korea.Vice President Mike Pence announced the new restrictions and warnings as President Donald Trump said 22 people in the U.S. have been stricken by the new coronavirus and that additional cases are “likely.”“We want to lower the amount of travel to and from the most impacted areas,” said Alex Azar, the secretary of health and human Services. “This is a basic containment strategy.”Trump provided an update on the virus after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dispatch.com/news/20200229/washington-officials-report-first-us-coronavirus-related-death">the first reported U.S. death Saturday</a>, of a woman he described as being in her late 50s and having a high medical risk. He said healthy Americans should be able to recover if they contract the new virus.The virus threat has spooked global markets and the public at large. On Friday, health officials confirmed a second case of coronavirus in the U.S. in a person who didn’t travel internationally or have close contact with anyone who had the virus. The U.S. has a total of about 60 confirmed cases.WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is banning travel to Iran in response to the outbreak of the new coronavirus and elevating travel warnings to regions of Italy and South Korea.Vice President Mike Pence announced the new restrictions and warnings as President Donald Trump said 22 people in the U.S. have been stricken by the new coronavirus and that additional cases are “likely.”“We want to lower the amount of travel to and from the most impacted areas,” said Alex Azar, the secretary of health and human Services. “This is a basic containment strategy.”Trump provided an update on the virus after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dispatch.com/news/20200229/washington-officials-report-first-us-coronavirus-related-death">the first reported U.S. death Saturday</a>, of a woman he described as being in her late 50s and having a high medical risk. He said healthy Americans should be able to recover if they contract the new virus.The virus threat has spooked global markets and the public at large. On Friday, health officials confirmed a second case of coronavirus in the U.S. in a person who didn’t travel internationally or have close contact with anyone who had the virus. The U.S. has a total of about 60 confirmed cases.

US ups travel restrictions as Trump says more cases 'likely

BY DAN MARGOLIES, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-city-kansas-ruling-allows-millions-join-lawsuit-over-high-cost-epipens#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>

In
 a major victory for consumers, a federal judge in Kansas City, Kansas, 
is allowing a lawsuit over EpiPen price hikes to move ahead as a 
nationwide class action under the federal racketeering statute.

U.S. District Judge Daniel Crabtree also is allowing consumers to sue for damages under state antitrust laws.

The
 ruling was a setback for the main defendants in the case, Mylan NV and 
Pfizer Inc., which respectively sell and make the potentially 
life-saving auto-injector device.

“On behalf of the nationwide 
class of consumers and third-party payers, we’re grateful that Judge 
Crabtree ruled in favor of holding Big Pharma accountable for illegally 
raising the price on lifesaving drugs like EpiPen,” said Prairie Village
 lawyer Ryan Hudson, whose firm, Sharp Law, represents dozens of 
consumers who purchased EpiPens.

“We look forward to pursuing 
these claims at trial and holding the defendants responsible for their 
conduct in Kansas and nationwide.”

Lawyers said the classes certified by Crabtree could number in the millions of individuals.

Although
 Crabtree issued his ruling in two separate sealed filings, he also 
issued a publicly available order summarizing it. He said he plans to 
unseal the filings after the parties have reviewed them for confidential
 information.

Crabtree’s ruling allows “all persons and entities”
 in the United States who paid or provided reimbursement for EpiPens as 
of Aug. 24, 2011, to sue for damages under the federal Racketeer 
Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act. The law allows plaintiffs to 
recover triple damages.

The ruling also allows “all persons and 
entities” who paid or provided reimbursement for EpiPens as of Jan. 28, 
2013, to sue under the antitrust laws of 17 different states, including 
Kansas, that allow indirect purchasers to pursue antitrust claims.

“It’s
 a great day for the class and consumers everywhere,” said Overland Park
 lawyer Chuck Schimmel, who represents an EpiPen purchaser.

“A 
big hurdle in any class action is obtaining an order from the court 
deeming it appropriate to proceed as a class action and certifying the 
class or classes,” Schimmel said. “And that’s exactly what Judge 
Crabtree has done.”

Elizabeth Pritzker, an attorney in Oakland, 
California, who serves as chair of the plaintiffs' steering committee in
 the massive litigation, said the ruling was cause for celebration by 
consumers.&nbsp;

“It was a nice order to see,”&nbsp;she said.&nbsp;

None of the defendants or their attorneys could immediately be reached for comment.

The
 litigation has been playing out here since 2017, when a judicial panel 
consolidated five separate consumer cases filed in Kansas, New Jersey, 
Illinois and Washington in federal court in Kansas City, Kansas, plus 
another case filed by drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis. The panel ruled that the
 court presented a “geographically central forum for this nationwide 
litigation.”&nbsp;

The consolidated cases allege that Mylan, Pfizer 
and their affiliates engaged in an illegal scheme to monopolize the 
EpiPen market by hiking its price more than 500% and offering rebates 
and discounts to pharmacy benefits managers and insurers in return for 
their pledge not to reimburse competing products.

The consumer 
cases also allege the companies secured overlapping patents on minor 
changes to the EpiPen and then engaged in sham patent litigation to 
forestall competition from generic products.

In addition, they 
charge that Mylan offered public schools free or discounted EpiPens 
conditioned on the schools entering into exclusive contracts with the 
company. Mylan reportedly spent $4 million lobbying Congress to pass the
 School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act, which was enacted in 2013 
and gives federal funding priority to schools that stockpile EpiPens.

EpiPens
 are auto-injector devices containing epinephrine, otherwise known as 
adrenaline, used to counter the effects of severe allergies and 
indicated for people at risk of going into life-threatening anaphylactic
 shock. Anaphylaxis is most commonly caused by food allergens but can 
also be caused by insect bites, medications and other substances.

Mylan
 acquired the right to market and distribute the EpiPen in 2007. Pfizer,
 through two of its subsidiaries, is Mylan’s exclusive supplier.

Since
 the Mylan purchase, the price of EpiPens has shot up, from about $100 
in 2007 to more than $600 in 2016, accounting for more than $1 billion 
in annual sales for the company. Meanwhile the cost of the EpiPen’s dose
 of epinephrine has remained at about $1.

At a hearing in 
September 2016, the late Rep. Elijah Cummings, the ranking Democrat on 
the House Oversight Committee, accused Mylan CEO Heather Bresch, who is 
also a defendant in the litigation, of exploiting an “old cheap drug 
that has virtually no competition” and raising “the price over and over 
and over again as high as you can.”

Bresch, the daughter of 
Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, saw her pay rise during 
the period of 2007 to 2015, when Mylan hiked the price of EpiPens, from 
about $2.5 million to nearly $19 million, a more than seven-fold 
increase. That triggered fury among EpiPen users, many of whom said they
 could no longer afford the device.&nbsp;

In 2017, <a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/mylan-agrees-pay-465-million-resolve-false-claims-act-liability-underpaying-epipen-rebates">Mylan paid the federal government $465 million</a> for misclassifying the EpiPen as a generic drug, allowing it to overcharge Medicaid by $1.27 billion.

And last year, <a href="https://www.sec.gov/news/press-release/2019-194">it paid $30 million to settle a case brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission</a>. The SEC alleged Mylan failed to disclose to investors the government’s probe into whether it overcharged Medicaid.

Other deals entered into by Mylan have come under congressional scrutiny as “pay-for-delay” agreements.

When
 drugmaker Teva Pharmaceutical Industries sought FDA approval in 2008 to
 market a generic EpiPen, Pfizer sued it for infringing its patents. <a href="http://newsroom.mylan.com/press-releases?item=123144">They settled the case in 2012</a>.
 The consumer cases in Kansas City, Kansas, allege that settlement was 
unlawful because it required Teva to delay launching its product for 
three years in return for Pfizer’s agreement to provide significant 
benefits and compensation to Teva.

Crabtree’s decision today is 
the first major ruling he’s issued in the fiercely fought case since 
August 2018, when he largely denied Mylan and Pfizer’s motion to dismiss
 it. His 128-page ruling found that the plaintiffs “plausibly” alleged 
that “Mylan’s anticompetitive conduct harmed the competition.”

He
 also declined to dismiss Sanofi-Aventis’ lawsuit, which charges that 
Mylan used its monopoly power to block the inclusion of Sanofi-Adventis’
 auto-injector device in drug formularies – the list of prescription 
benefits covered by health plans.

Dan Margolies is a senior reporter and editor at KCUR. You can reach him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/DanMargolies">@DanMargolies</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582842150507.jpeg" alt=" Mylan CEO Heather Bresch takes her seat on Capitol Hill on Sept. 21, 2016, prior to testifying before a House Oversight Committee on EpiPen price increases. She defended the cost of the life-saving devices, despite a public outcry. Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press" />
 <figcaption> Mylan CEO Heather Bresch takes her seat on Capitol Hill on Sept. 21, 2016, prior to testifying before a House Oversight Committee on EpiPen price increases. She defended the cost of the life-saving devices, despite a public outcry. Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>BY DAN MARGOLIES, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-city-kansas-ruling-allows-millions-join-lawsuit-over-high-cost-epipens#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>In
 a major victory for consumers, a federal judge in Kansas City, Kansas, 
is allowing a lawsuit over EpiPen price hikes to move ahead as a 
nationwide class action under the federal racketeering statute.U.S. District Judge Daniel Crabtree also is allowing consumers to sue for damages under state antitrust laws.The
 ruling was a setback for the main defendants in the case, Mylan NV and 
Pfizer Inc., which respectively sell and make the potentially 
life-saving auto-injector device.“On behalf of the nationwide 
class of consumers and third-party payers, we’re grateful that Judge 
Crabtree ruled in favor of holding Big Pharma accountable for illegally 
raising the price on lifesaving drugs like EpiPen,” said Prairie Village
 lawyer Ryan Hudson, whose firm, Sharp Law, represents dozens of 
consumers who purchased EpiPens.“We look forward to pursuing 
these claims at trial and holding the defendants responsible for their 
conduct in Kansas and nationwide.”Lawyers said the classes certified by Crabtree could number in the millions of individuals.Although
 Crabtree issued his ruling in two separate sealed filings, he also 
issued a publicly available order summarizing it. He said he plans to 
unseal the filings after the parties have reviewed them for confidential
 information.Crabtree’s ruling allows “all persons and entities”
 in the United States who paid or provided reimbursement for EpiPens as 
of Aug. 24, 2011, to sue for damages under the federal Racketeer 
Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act. The law allows plaintiffs to 
recover triple damages.The ruling also allows “all persons and 
entities” who paid or provided reimbursement for EpiPens as of Jan. 28, 
2013, to sue under the antitrust laws of 17 different states, including 
Kansas, that allow indirect purchasers to pursue antitrust claims.“It’s
 a great day for the class and consumers everywhere,” said Overland Park
 lawyer Chuck Schimmel, who represents an EpiPen purchaser.“A 
big hurdle in any class action is obtaining an order from the court 
deeming it appropriate to proceed as a class action and certifying the 
class or classes,” Schimmel said. “And that’s exactly what Judge 
Crabtree has done.”Elizabeth Pritzker, an attorney in Oakland, 
California, who serves as chair of the plaintiffs' steering committee in
 the massive litigation, said the ruling was cause for celebration by 
consumers.&nbsp;“It was a nice order to see,”&nbsp;she said.&nbsp;None of the defendants or their attorneys could immediately be reached for comment.The
 litigation has been playing out here since 2017, when a judicial panel 
consolidated five separate consumer cases filed in Kansas, New Jersey, 
Illinois and Washington in federal court in Kansas City, Kansas, plus 
another case filed by drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis. The panel ruled that the
 court presented a “geographically central forum for this nationwide 
litigation.”&nbsp;The consolidated cases allege that Mylan, Pfizer 
and their affiliates engaged in an illegal scheme to monopolize the 
EpiPen market by hiking its price more than 500% and offering rebates 
and discounts to pharmacy benefits managers and insurers in return for 
their pledge not to reimburse competing products.The consumer 
cases also allege the companies secured overlapping patents on minor 
changes to the EpiPen and then engaged in sham patent litigation to 
forestall competition from generic products.In addition, they 
charge that Mylan offered public schools free or discounted EpiPens 
conditioned on the schools entering into exclusive contracts with the 
company. Mylan reportedly spent $4 million lobbying Congress to pass the
 School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act, which was enacted in 2013 
and gives federal funding priority to schools that stockpile EpiPens.EpiPens
 are auto-injector devices containing epinephrine, otherwise known as 
adrenaline, used to counter the effects of severe allergies and 
indicated for people at risk of going into life-threatening anaphylactic
 shock. Anaphylaxis is most commonly caused by food allergens but can 
also be caused by insect bites, medications and other substances.Mylan
 acquired the right to market and distribute the EpiPen in 2007. Pfizer,
 through two of its subsidiaries, is Mylan’s exclusive supplier.Since
 the Mylan purchase, the price of EpiPens has shot up, from about $100 
in 2007 to more than $600 in 2016, accounting for more than $1 billion 
in annual sales for the company. Meanwhile the cost of the EpiPen’s dose
 of epinephrine has remained at about $1.At a hearing in 
September 2016, the late Rep. Elijah Cummings, the ranking Democrat on 
the House Oversight Committee, accused Mylan CEO Heather Bresch, who is 
also a defendant in the litigation, of exploiting an “old cheap drug 
that has virtually no competition” and raising “the price over and over 
and over again as high as you can.”Bresch, the daughter of 
Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, saw her pay rise during 
the period of 2007 to 2015, when Mylan hiked the price of EpiPens, from 
about $2.5 million to nearly $19 million, a more than seven-fold 
increase. That triggered fury among EpiPen users, many of whom said they
 could no longer afford the device.&nbsp;In 2017, <a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/mylan-agrees-pay-465-million-resolve-false-claims-act-liability-underpaying-epipen-rebates">Mylan paid the federal government $465 million</a> for misclassifying the EpiPen as a generic drug, allowing it to overcharge Medicaid by $1.27 billion.And last year, <a href="https://www.sec.gov/news/press-release/2019-194">it paid $30 million to settle a case brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission</a>. The SEC alleged Mylan failed to disclose to investors the government’s probe into whether it overcharged Medicaid.Other deals entered into by Mylan have come under congressional scrutiny as “pay-for-delay” agreements.When
 drugmaker Teva Pharmaceutical Industries sought FDA approval in 2008 to
 market a generic EpiPen, Pfizer sued it for infringing its patents. <a href="http://newsroom.mylan.com/press-releases?item=123144">They settled the case in 2012</a>.
 The consumer cases in Kansas City, Kansas, allege that settlement was 
unlawful because it required Teva to delay launching its product for 
three years in return for Pfizer’s agreement to provide significant 
benefits and compensation to Teva.Crabtree’s decision today is 
the first major ruling he’s issued in the fiercely fought case since 
August 2018, when he largely denied Mylan and Pfizer’s motion to dismiss
 it. His 128-page ruling found that the plaintiffs “plausibly” alleged 
that “Mylan’s anticompetitive conduct harmed the competition.”He
 also declined to dismiss Sanofi-Aventis’ lawsuit, which charges that 
Mylan used its monopoly power to block the inclusion of Sanofi-Adventis’
 auto-injector device in drug formularies – the list of prescription 
benefits covered by health plans.Dan Margolies is a senior reporter and editor at KCUR. You can reach him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/DanMargolies">@DanMargolies</a>.

KCK ruling allows millions to join suit over high cost of EpiPens 

TOPEKA –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have one person in custody.

Just before 1a.m. Saturday, officers responded to a home in the 1400 block of SW Van Buren in Topeka, regarding a shooting, according to Lt. Steve Roth.

 On arrival, officers located a deceased man. Quick follow up led to police taking of a female person of interest into custody. This investigation is currently underway. The identity will be withheld until notification can be made to the family, according to Roth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582981690243.png" alt="Police on the scene of fatal shooting early Saturday photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of fatal shooting early Saturday photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have one person in custody.Just before 1a.m. Saturday, officers responded to a home in the 1400 block of SW Van Buren in Topeka, regarding a shooting, according to Lt. Steve Roth. On arrival, officers located a deceased man. Quick follow up led to police taking of a female person of interest into custody. This investigation is currently underway. The identity will be withheld until notification can be made to the family, according to Roth.

Police: Man dead after shooting at Kan. home; suspect in custody

MANHATTAN —&nbsp; The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Conservation is pleased to announce the availability of the
FY 2020 Irrigation Technology Initiative. This initiative is designed to promote irrigation efficiency by providing cost-share assistance to landowners for automated soil moisture probes. 

Through the Irrigation Technology Initiative, $132,500 is available in cost-share funds to assist landowners with irrigation efficiency
technology. The funds will be directed toward areas of the state with a significant focus on water conservation: $75,000 of the initiative funds will be designated to applications in the Rattlesnake Creek priority areas, and the remaining initiative funds will
be designated to land located within Water Conservation Areas approved by the KDA Division of Water Resources.&nbsp; 

Applications must be approved prior to the purchase of soil moisture probes, and the cost-share rate will be 70%. Eligible soil
moisture probes can be leased or purchased by the landowner and must be automated and capable of providing data to the landowner. 

Landowners can apply for the FY 2020 Irrigation Technology Initiative cost share through their local conservation districts. You
can find a directory of conservation districts at <a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2FConservationDistricts&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C334e548c01584b9b6fed08d7b6e5f6aa%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637178971597328012&amp;sdata=NnY8jvGdFrpNIbra6E12Kssr54EcL0ru4%2BsDB3GUbHk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/ConservationDistricts</a>.

Applications will be accepted through March 6, 2020. KDA cannot guarantee adequate funds will be available to fund all eligible applications. 

If you have questions regarding the FY 2020 Irrigation Technology Initiative, please contact Dave Jones at 785-564-6623 or <a href="mailto:David.Jones@ks.gov" target="_blank">David.Jones@ks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576098139437.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN —&nbsp; The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Conservation is pleased to announce the availability of the
FY 2020 Irrigation Technology Initiative. This initiative is designed to promote irrigation efficiency by providing cost-share assistance to landowners for automated soil moisture probes. Through the Irrigation Technology Initiative, $132,500 is available in cost-share funds to assist landowners with irrigation efficiency
technology. The funds will be directed toward areas of the state with a significant focus on water conservation: $75,000 of the initiative funds will be designated to applications in the Rattlesnake Creek priority areas, and the remaining initiative funds will
be designated to land located within Water Conservation Areas approved by the KDA Division of Water Resources.&nbsp; Applications must be approved prior to the purchase of soil moisture probes, and the cost-share rate will be 70%. Eligible soil
moisture probes can be leased or purchased by the landowner and must be automated and capable of providing data to the landowner. Landowners can apply for the FY 2020 Irrigation Technology Initiative cost share through their local conservation districts. You
can find a directory of conservation districts at <a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2FConservationDistricts&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C334e548c01584b9b6fed08d7b6e5f6aa%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637178971597328012&amp;sdata=NnY8jvGdFrpNIbra6E12Kssr54EcL0ru4%2BsDB3GUbHk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/ConservationDistricts</a>.
Applications will be accepted through March 6, 2020. KDA cannot guarantee adequate funds will be available to fund all eligible applications. If you have questions regarding the FY 2020 Irrigation Technology Initiative, please contact Dave Jones at 785-564-6623 or <a href="mailto:David.Jones@ks.gov" target="_blank">David.Jones@ks.gov</a>.

KDA announces Irrigation Technology Initiative

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Abortion opponents who’ve become used to giving orders to Kansas lawmakers on the exact wording of new restrictions are stymied now that they face compromising to get a proposed&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/documents/scr1613_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">anti-abortion amendment</a>&nbsp;to the state constitution on the ballot.

After&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a437c260e6c2148f30e65cef0b6fbcf7">falling short in a House vote</a>&nbsp;three weeks ago, abortion opponents have pressured a dozen members who voted no, moderate Republicans and Democrats who are Catholic or who represent relatively conservative or heavily Catholic districts. Those lawmakers have been flooded with emails and mail in their districts, and abortion foes are blocking a bipartisan plan the lawmakers generally favor to expand the state’s Medicaid program.

But those tactics aren’t working yet. The targeted lawmakers appeared as dug-in as ever at the halfway point of the Legislature’s annual session.

Kansans for Life, the state’s most influential anti-abortion group and a GOP power-broker, has for years told lawmakers what proposals to pursue and has watched them&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1df241d24d7e4de2879b3ebf758ce8d8">approve the group’s language&nbsp;</a>and echo its talking points. The group and its allies remain reluctant to cut a deal to get the two-thirds majority needed on the anti-abortion amendment and may not quite know how to close one — having not had to compromise to get other measures through the Republican-controlled Legislature when a simple majority sufficed.

“They’ve never been in this position where they didn’t get exactly what they wanted,” said Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning, a Kansas City-area Republican who supports the amendment and helped draft the Medicaid plan. “It’s something you have to learn on the fly in this business.”

Anti-abortion groups’ measure would overturn&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">a Kansas Supreme Court decision</a>&nbsp;last year that declared access to abortion a “fundamental” right under the state’s Bill of Rights. They want to put it to a statewide vote in the August primary, when the smaller electorate skews conservative and the measure is more likely to pass.

If supporters can get the two-thirds majorities in both chambers they need to put the proposed amendment on a ballot, approval by a simple majority of voters would change the state constitution. Republicans have that supermajority in both chambers and the measure&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/vote_view/je_20200129202717_560995/" target="_blank">passed the Senate</a>&nbsp;in January.

But in the House, it&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/vote_view/je_20200207160744_542471/" target="_blank">fell four votes shy</a>&nbsp;of the 84 of 125 votes needed. No Democrats supported it, and four Republicans voted no.

The measure would declare that the state constitution does not “secure” a right to abortion and would allow legislators to restrict it even in cases of rape or incest or when a woman’s life is in danger. Critics contend the amendment contend it would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1cbc92109c39bf3c10f624adb68a7ec4">lead to a ban</a>&nbsp;if the U.S. Supreme Court overturned its historic 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion across the nation.

But Brittany Jones, advocacy director for the anti-abortion Family Policy Alliance of Kansas, called the measure “a carefully crafted legal document” to restore legislators’ traditional power to regulate abortion.

“We think we drew that very fine line of crafting very precise language,” she said.

Anti-abortion groups fear that without the amendment, state courts will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7c82d606eaaa44b398c82a11157bc781">overturn a raft of restrictions</a>&nbsp;enacted over the past two decades or even order state funding of elective abortions. They treat the threat as inevitable — and imminent.

They also argue that the proposed amendment would get lost on the November ballot, with the presidential election.

Kansans for Life lobbyist Jeanne Gawdun compared lawmakers’ willingness to defer to her group to their willingness to follow trade groups’ advice on agricultural policy.

“This is the area where we have expertise,” she said. “We are always willing to share that with the legislators, and they trust us.”

State Sen. David Haley, a Kansas City Democrat and vocal abortion rights supporter, said he’s not sure why the amendment’s backers would seek compromise.

“They’re close enough now to feel like it’s within striking range,” he said.

House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., a Kansas City-area Republican, said he is willing to discuss potential changes in the proposed amendment but wants people seeking them to commit to voting yes. Jones said she’s waiting for lawmakers who’ve voted no to come forward with suggestions because, “I’m not going to negotiate with myself.”

But targeted lawmakers said they’re seeing intransigence from the amendment’s supporters.

“They come at you with a very hard line, and that doesn’t lend itself to compromise at all,” said Rep. Jan Kessinger, a Kansas City-area Republican.

Rep. Jeff Pittman, a Kansas City-area Democrat, said he’s been rebuffed in asking that the amendment be revised to guarantee explicitly that lawmakers couldn’t ban abortion in cases of rape or incest or when a woman’s life is in danger.

“There’s a mentality that however they want the language to be is the way it will be,” he said.

And some lawmakers want to put the proposed amendment&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a48dc1842047ec21ceb6e71f67886493">on the ballot in November,&nbsp;</a>when turnout is certain to be higher.

Three Republicans voting no said that is their issue. Democratic Rep. Kathy Wolfe Moore, of Kansas City, said in her area, one of the state’s few Democratic strongholds, there may be no primary races to bring out voters.

“I am fine with it going on the ballot and I’m fine with submitting it to the will of the citizens. I just think it needs to be in an election where people will actually turn out,” she said. “I would be more than happy to vote for a constitutional amendment with some changes.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582905311563.png" alt="Kansas House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., (R-Olathe) worked the phones during a vote on a proposed amendment to the state constitution on abortion Feb. 7.&nbsp; &nbsp; Ryckman was trying to round up the final votes needed to pass a proposed amendment, which overturn a Kansas Supreme Court decision declaring access to abortion a "fundamental" right under the state's Bill of Rights." />
 <figcaption>Kansas House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., (R-Olathe) worked the phones during a vote on a proposed amendment to the state constitution on abortion Feb. 7.&nbsp; &nbsp; Ryckman was trying to round up the final votes needed to pass a proposed amendment, which overturn a Kansas Supreme Court decision declaring access to abortion a "fundamental" right under the state's Bill of Rights.</figcaption>
 </figure>By John HannaTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Abortion opponents who’ve become used to giving orders to Kansas lawmakers on the exact wording of new restrictions are stymied now that they face compromising to get a proposed&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/documents/scr1613_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">anti-abortion amendment</a>&nbsp;to the state constitution on the ballot.After&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a437c260e6c2148f30e65cef0b6fbcf7">falling short in a House vote</a>&nbsp;three weeks ago, abortion opponents have pressured a dozen members who voted no, moderate Republicans and Democrats who are Catholic or who represent relatively conservative or heavily Catholic districts. Those lawmakers have been flooded with emails and mail in their districts, and abortion foes are blocking a bipartisan plan the lawmakers generally favor to expand the state’s Medicaid program.But those tactics aren’t working yet. The targeted lawmakers appeared as dug-in as ever at the halfway point of the Legislature’s annual session.Kansans for Life, the state’s most influential anti-abortion group and a GOP power-broker, has for years told lawmakers what proposals to pursue and has watched them&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1df241d24d7e4de2879b3ebf758ce8d8">approve the group’s language&nbsp;</a>and echo its talking points. The group and its allies remain reluctant to cut a deal to get the two-thirds majority needed on the anti-abortion amendment and may not quite know how to close one — having not had to compromise to get other measures through the Republican-controlled Legislature when a simple majority sufficed.“They’ve never been in this position where they didn’t get exactly what they wanted,” said Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning, a Kansas City-area Republican who supports the amendment and helped draft the Medicaid plan. “It’s something you have to learn on the fly in this business.”Anti-abortion groups’ measure would overturn&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">a Kansas Supreme Court decision</a>&nbsp;last year that declared access to abortion a “fundamental” right under the state’s Bill of Rights. They want to put it to a statewide vote in the August primary, when the smaller electorate skews conservative and the measure is more likely to pass.If supporters can get the two-thirds majorities in both chambers they need to put the proposed amendment on a ballot, approval by a simple majority of voters would change the state constitution. Republicans have that supermajority in both chambers and the measure&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/vote_view/je_20200129202717_560995/" target="_blank">passed the Senate</a>&nbsp;in January.But in the House, it&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/vote_view/je_20200207160744_542471/" target="_blank">fell four votes shy</a>&nbsp;of the 84 of 125 votes needed. No Democrats supported it, and four Republicans voted no.The measure would declare that the state constitution does not “secure” a right to abortion and would allow legislators to restrict it even in cases of rape or incest or when a woman’s life is in danger. Critics contend the amendment contend it would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1cbc92109c39bf3c10f624adb68a7ec4">lead to a ban</a>&nbsp;if the U.S. Supreme Court overturned its historic 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion across the nation.But Brittany Jones, advocacy director for the anti-abortion Family Policy Alliance of Kansas, called the measure “a carefully crafted legal document” to restore legislators’ traditional power to regulate abortion.“We think we drew that very fine line of crafting very precise language,” she said.Anti-abortion groups fear that without the amendment, state courts will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7c82d606eaaa44b398c82a11157bc781">overturn a raft of restrictions</a>&nbsp;enacted over the past two decades or even order state funding of elective abortions. They treat the threat as inevitable — and imminent.They also argue that the proposed amendment would get lost on the November ballot, with the presidential election.Kansans for Life lobbyist Jeanne Gawdun compared lawmakers’ willingness to defer to her group to their willingness to follow trade groups’ advice on agricultural policy.“This is the area where we have expertise,” she said. “We are always willing to share that with the legislators, and they trust us.”State Sen. David Haley, a Kansas City Democrat and vocal abortion rights supporter, said he’s not sure why the amendment’s backers would seek compromise.“They’re close enough now to feel like it’s within striking range,” he said.House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., a Kansas City-area Republican, said he is willing to discuss potential changes in the proposed amendment but wants people seeking them to commit to voting yes. Jones said she’s waiting for lawmakers who’ve voted no to come forward with suggestions because, “I’m not going to negotiate with myself.”But targeted lawmakers said they’re seeing intransigence from the amendment’s supporters.“They come at you with a very hard line, and that doesn’t lend itself to compromise at all,” said Rep. Jan Kessinger, a Kansas City-area Republican.Rep. Jeff Pittman, a Kansas City-area Democrat, said he’s been rebuffed in asking that the amendment be revised to guarantee explicitly that lawmakers couldn’t ban abortion in cases of rape or incest or when a woman’s life is in danger.“There’s a mentality that however they want the language to be is the way it will be,” he said.And some lawmakers want to put the proposed amendment&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a48dc1842047ec21ceb6e71f67886493">on the ballot in November,&nbsp;</a>when turnout is certain to be higher.Three Republicans voting no said that is their issue. Democratic Rep. Kathy Wolfe Moore, of Kansas City, said in her area, one of the state’s few Democratic strongholds, there may be no primary races to bring out voters.“I am fine with it going on the ballot and I’m fine with submitting it to the will of the citizens. I just think it needs to be in an election where people will actually turn out,” she said. “I would be more than happy to vote for a constitutional amendment with some changes.”___