TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers in Kansas&nbsp;pushed a proposed anti-abortion amendment to the state constitution through the state Senate on Wednesday even as abortion rights advocates argued that it would lead to a ban on most abortions like a measure being pursued in Tennessee.

The Kansas proposal, aimed at overturning a state Supreme Court decision last year protecting abortion rights, is modeled on a change that Tennessee voters approved in their state's constitution in 2014. Like Tennessee's amendment, the Kansas proposal would declare that the state constitution does not “secure” a right to abortion and that legislators decide how it is regulated.

The Senate's 28-12 voteWednesday evening gave the measure's backers one vote more than the two-thirds majority needed for passage, even with only Republicans voting yes. The measure goes next to the House, where the measure also needs a two-thirds majority before the question could go on the ballot for potential approval by a simple majority of voters in the state's August primary.

Abortion opponents pitch the proposed amendment as an attempt to restore state lawmakers' long-assumed authority to regulate abortion, not ban it.

“I don't think anything radical is going to happen,” said Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican who led anti-abortion lawmakers during a debate that lasted nearly five hours.

But the Kansas votecame five days after Tennessee's Republican governor, Bill Lee, announced he would introduce legislation to ban abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected. That can occur about six weeks into pregnancy and before many women know they're pregnant.

“We are the canary in the mine, so Kansas can just look at us,” said Francie Hunt, executive director of Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood. “It has everything to do with outlawing access to safe, legal abortion altogether."

In Kansas, Democrats failed twice to add language to the proposed amendment to ensure lawmakers couldn't ban abortion in cases of rape, incest or when a woman's life is endangered by continuing a pregnancy. Wagle argued that such language could block health and safety standards for women in those situations.

But Julie Burkhart, CEO of the Trust Women Foundation, which operates a clinic providing abortions in Wichita, called the measure “a vehicle to take away the rights of Kansas women.”

Kansas elected abortion-rights Democrat Laura Kelly governor in 2018 but the GOP-controlled Legislature has had solid anti-abortion majorities in both chambers for more than two decades. It's not clear that abortion opponents have a two-thirds majority for the proposed amendment in the House.

Kansas abortion opponents for years have avoided pursuing laws representing a direct challenge to the U.S. Supreme Court's historic Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, which legalized abortion nationwide. They've instead concentrated on enacting a raft of restrictions expected to withstand court challenges.

Wagle called the argument that the new Kansas measure could lead to an abortion ban a “scare tactic.”

The Kansas proposal differs from Tennessee's constitutional provision by saying legislators' ability to regulate abortion would be “to the extent permitted” by the U.S. Constitution.

The Kansas Supreme Court ruled last year that the state's Bill of Rights makes access to abortion is a “fundamental right," meaning state courts could invalidate restrictions upheld by the federal courts. Abortion opponents fear the loss of long - standing policies, such as parental notification when most minors seek abortions.

Wagle predicted that without a constitutional change, Kansas will have “unlimited abortion” because the Kansas Supreme court set “an impossible standard” for preserving restrictions.

“It is in essence writing the Legislature out of the equation,” said Republican Sen. Eric Rucker, of Topeka, an attorney.

Anti-abortion groups are insisting that the measure be placed on the primary election ballot. They argue that the question is less likely to get lost than in November, when President Donald Trump's election is on the ballot.

The smaller primary electorate generally skews more conservative, and some abortion rights advocates have said they believe the proposed amendment would fail on the November ballot.

Kansans for Life, the state's most influential anti-abortion group, urged its members in an email last week to push lawmakers not to change the election date and called any proposal to put the question on the November ballot “a poison pill.” And the Senate voted 27-13 against changing the vote to November.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580383334165.png" alt="Kansas Senate debate Wednesday evening on the anti-abortion amendment" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Senate debate Wednesday evening on the anti-abortion amendment</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA, AP&nbsp;Political WriterTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers in Kansas&nbsp;pushed a proposed anti-abortion amendment to the state constitution through the state Senate on Wednesday even as abortion rights advocates argued that it would lead to a ban on most abortions like a measure being pursued in Tennessee.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Please tune in to the Senate chamber live feed this afternoon to watch the important debate on the Value Them Both Amendment. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a> <a href="https://t.co/SikDxtErIN">https://t.co/SikDxtErIN</a>&mdash; Susan Wagle (@SenatorWagle) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorWagle/status/1222621089140035585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Kansas proposal, aimed at overturning a state Supreme Court decision last year protecting abortion rights, is modeled on a change that Tennessee voters approved in their state's constitution in 2014. Like Tennessee's amendment, the Kansas proposal would declare that the state constitution does not “secure” a right to abortion and that legislators decide how it is regulated.The Senate's 28-12 voteWednesday evening gave the measure's backers one vote more than the two-thirds majority needed for passage, even with only Republicans voting yes. The measure goes next to the House, where the measure also needs a two-thirds majority before the question could go on the ballot for potential approval by a simple majority of voters in the state's August primary.Abortion opponents pitch the proposed amendment as an attempt to restore state lawmakers' long-assumed authority to regulate abortion, not ban it.“I don't think anything radical is going to happen,” said Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican who led anti-abortion lawmakers during a debate that lasted nearly five hours.But the Kansas votecame five days after Tennessee's Republican governor, Bill Lee, announced he would introduce legislation to ban abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected. That can occur about six weeks into pregnancy and before many women know they're pregnant.“We are the canary in the mine, so Kansas can just look at us,” said Francie Hunt, executive director of Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood. “It has everything to do with outlawing access to safe, legal abortion altogether."In Kansas, Democrats failed twice to add language to the proposed amendment to ensure lawmakers couldn't ban abortion in cases of rape, incest or when a woman's life is endangered by continuing a pregnancy. Wagle argued that such language could block health and safety standards for women in those situations.But Julie Burkhart, CEO of the Trust Women Foundation, which operates a clinic providing abortions in Wichita, called the measure “a vehicle to take away the rights of Kansas women.”Kansas elected abortion-rights Democrat Laura Kelly governor in 2018 but the GOP-controlled Legislature has had solid anti-abortion majorities in both chambers for more than two decades. It's not clear that abortion opponents have a two-thirds majority for the proposed amendment in the House.Kansas abortion opponents for years have avoided pursuing laws representing a direct challenge to the U.S. Supreme Court's historic Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, which legalized abortion nationwide. They've instead concentrated on enacting a raft of restrictions expected to withstand court challenges.Wagle called the argument that the new Kansas measure could lead to an abortion ban a “scare tactic.”The Kansas proposal differs from Tennessee's constitutional provision by saying legislators' ability to regulate abortion would be “to the extent permitted” by the U.S. Constitution.The Kansas Supreme Court ruled last year that the state's Bill of Rights makes access to abortion is a “fundamental right," meaning state courts could invalidate restrictions upheld by the federal courts. Abortion opponents fear the loss of long - standing policies, such as parental notification when most minors seek abortions.Wagle predicted that without a constitutional change, Kansas will have “unlimited abortion” because the Kansas Supreme court set “an impossible standard” for preserving restrictions.“It is in essence writing the Legislature out of the equation,” said Republican Sen. Eric Rucker, of Topeka, an attorney.Anti-abortion groups are insisting that the measure be placed on the primary election ballot. They argue that the question is less likely to get lost than in November, when President Donald Trump's election is on the ballot.The smaller primary electorate generally skews more conservative, and some abortion rights advocates have said they believe the proposed amendment would fail on the November ballot.Kansans for Life, the state's most influential anti-abortion group, urged its members in an email last week to push lawmakers not to change the election date and called any proposal to put the question on the November ballot “a poison pill.” And the Senate voted 27-13 against changing the vote to November.___

🎥  Kan. Senate advances proposed anti-abortion amendment 

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple charges after a tip from the public.

On January 16, police were dispatched to a residence in the 800 block of North Seventh Street in Arkansas City for a reported burglary, according to a media release from police.&nbsp; The department subsequently posted surveillance video showing a suspect approaching the garage and driving a dark-colored Dodge Journey.

“With the assistance of our community, investigators received a tip on the identity of the masked burglar,” said ACPD Capt. Eric Burr. “Patrol officers and detectives were able to link the possible suspect to property removed from the garage.”

On January 26, police&nbsp;officers were in the area of the 1300 block of North Fourth Street when they spotted the potential suspect. After observing the officers, the suspect allegedly ducked into a nearby residence. Officers were able to talk with the suspect, later identified as 32-year-old Bryson Daniel Rhodes and brought him in for questioning. They eventually arrested Rhodes for the January 16 burglary.

An additional case later surfaced in which an Arkansas City man residing in the 1300 block of North Third Street had reported the theft of a weed eater and socket set on Jan. 1.

A search warrant was executed at a home in the 1300 block of North Fourth Street in connection with both cases. Additional charges were added to Rhodes’ booking for the second theft case.

Rhodes is being held in the Cowley County jail on requested charges of&nbsp; burglary of a non-dwelling, two misdemeanor counts of theft, and one misdemeanor count each of possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580247961519.png" alt="Bryson Rhodes photo Cowley County" />
 <figcaption>Bryson Rhodes photo Cowley County</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple charges after a tip from the public.On January 16, police were dispatched to a residence in the 800 block of North Seventh Street in Arkansas City for a reported burglary, according to a media release from police.&nbsp; The department subsequently posted surveillance video showing a suspect approaching the garage and driving a dark-colored Dodge Journey.“With the assistance of our community, investigators received a tip on the identity of the masked burglar,” said ACPD Capt. Eric Burr. “Patrol officers and detectives were able to link the possible suspect to property removed from the garage.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580248060044.png" alt="Security image Arkansas City police" />
 <figcaption>Security image Arkansas City police</figcaption>
 </figure>On January 26, police&nbsp;officers were in the area of the 1300 block of North Fourth Street when they spotted the potential suspect. After observing the officers, the suspect allegedly ducked into a nearby residence. Officers were able to talk with the suspect, later identified as 32-year-old Bryson Daniel Rhodes and brought him in for questioning. They eventually arrested Rhodes for the January 16 burglary.An additional case later surfaced in which an Arkansas City man residing in the 1300 block of North Third Street had reported the theft of a weed eater and socket set on Jan. 1.A search warrant was executed at a home in the 1300 block of North Fourth Street in connection with both cases. Additional charges were added to Rhodes’ booking for the second theft case.Rhodes is being held in the Cowley County jail on requested charges of&nbsp; burglary of a non-dwelling, two misdemeanor counts of theft, and one misdemeanor count each of possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kan. burglary suspect identified on security camera, arrested

GUYMON, Okla. –&nbsp;The Gardner Police Department reported that Wilma Patterson was located in Guymon, Okla. and is now safe. Any further inquiries should be directed to the Gardner Police Department. Thank you for your assistance during the statewide silver alert.

JOHNSON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Gardner Police Department requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Gardner woman.

The whereabouts of Wilma J. Patterson, 82, are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.

Patterson has Alzheimer’s and was last seen Tuesday Jan. 28, at 802 S. Poplar St. in Gardner, Kan. 

Her credit card was last used at a gas station in Meade, Kan. on Jan. 29 at approximately 9 a.m. She is driving a&nbsp;Red Kia Forte, with Kansas plates, VDH 319.

Patterson is 5-foot-3 in. tall and weighs around 130 pounds She has grey hair and brown eyes.

Authorities believe she may be traveling in Southwest Kansas, or may have made it outside the state to Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico, or Texas.&nbsp;

If located, please contact the Gardner Police Department at 913-782-0720, or call 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580334826616.png" alt="Patterson" />
 <figcaption>Patterson</figcaption>
 </figure>GUYMON, Okla. –&nbsp;The Gardner Police Department reported that Wilma Patterson was located in Guymon, Okla. and is now safe. Any further inquiries should be directed to the Gardner Police Department. Thank you for your assistance during the statewide silver alert.-----------JOHNSON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Gardner Police Department requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Gardner woman.The whereabouts of Wilma J. Patterson, 82, are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.Patterson has Alzheimer’s and was last seen Tuesday Jan. 28, at 802 S. Poplar St. in Gardner, Kan. Her credit card was last used at a gas station in Meade, Kan. on Jan. 29 at approximately 9 a.m. She is driving a&nbsp;Red Kia Forte, with Kansas plates, VDH 319.Patterson is 5-foot-3 in. tall and weighs around 130 pounds She has grey hair and brown eyes.Authorities believe she may be traveling in Southwest Kansas, or may have made it outside the state to Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico, or Texas.&nbsp;If located, please contact the Gardner Police Department at 913-782-0720, or call 911.

KBI: Missing Kansas woman found safe

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 10p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a domestic violence disturbance at a home in the&nbsp;1100 block of South Hiram, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; 

Upon arrival, officers learned that a suspect later identified as 36-year-old Samuel Higgins drove his 2000 Tan Ford Taurus into the residence occupied by six individuals, which included four woman ages 9, 12, 32, and 58, as well as a 58-year-old man and a 3-year-old boy.&nbsp; There was damage to the home but no injuries to the occupants, although they were very afraid.

Other officers were sent to the 2600 block of South Larkin for a disturbance with shots fired.&nbsp; Upon arrival, they contacted a 37-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman both family members of Higgins, who were leaving their home to drive back to the 1100 block of South Hiram.&nbsp; 

They reported that Higgins reversed his vehicle towards them at a high rate of speed.&nbsp; The 37-year-old man then fired a handgun multiple times striking Higgins’ vehicle and Higgins fled.&nbsp; No one was injured.

Higgins then returned to the residence in the 1100 block of S. Hiram and rammed a Jeep owned by one of the occupants of the residence, causing damage to the vehicle.

An officer gave instructions for Higgins’ to exit the vehicle.&nbsp; Higgins refused to comply, battered the officer, and reversed the vehicle, dragging the officer.&nbsp; The officer then entered the driver’s side of the vehicle, and Higgins put the car in drive and drove towards a utility pole.&nbsp; 

The officer was able to steer the vehicle away and onto the curb where the vehicle became disabled.&nbsp; Assisting officers arrived, and Higgins was arrested after continuing to physically resist.

No officers were injured.&nbsp; Higgins was evaluated by EMS for minor injuries due to the use of a Taser by an officer.

Higgins is being held on requested charges that include nine counts of aggravated assault, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, criminal damage to property, resisting arrest and DUI.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580317027497.png" alt="Higgins photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Higgins photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and have a suspect in custody.Just after 10p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a domestic violence disturbance at a home in the&nbsp;1100 block of South Hiram, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers learned that a suspect later identified as 36-year-old Samuel Higgins drove his 2000 Tan Ford Taurus into the residence occupied by six individuals, which included four woman ages 9, 12, 32, and 58, as well as a 58-year-old man and a 3-year-old boy.&nbsp; There was damage to the home but no injuries to the occupants, although they were very afraid.Other officers were sent to the 2600 block of South Larkin for a disturbance with shots fired.&nbsp; Upon arrival, they contacted a 37-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman both family members of Higgins, who were leaving their home to drive back to the 1100 block of South Hiram.&nbsp; They reported that Higgins reversed his vehicle towards them at a high rate of speed.&nbsp; The 37-year-old man then fired a handgun multiple times striking Higgins’ vehicle and Higgins fled.&nbsp; No one was injured.Higgins then returned to the residence in the 1100 block of S. Hiram and rammed a Jeep owned by one of the occupants of the residence, causing damage to the vehicle.An officer gave instructions for Higgins’ to exit the vehicle.&nbsp; Higgins refused to comply, battered the officer, and reversed the vehicle, dragging the officer.&nbsp; The officer then entered the driver’s side of the vehicle, and Higgins put the car in drive and drove towards a utility pole.&nbsp; The officer was able to steer the vehicle away and onto the curb where the vehicle became disabled.&nbsp; Assisting officers arrived, and Higgins was arrested after continuing to physically resist.No officers were injured.&nbsp; Higgins was evaluated by EMS for minor injuries due to the use of a Taser by an officer.Higgins is being held on requested charges that include nine counts of aggravated assault, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, criminal damage to property, resisting arrest and DUI.

Kansas man dragged officer, rammed vehicle into home

OLATHE, KAN. (AP) — A&nbsp;71-year-old driver who is charged in the death of a 14-year-old girl told police he thought he was stepping on the brakes when he struck her as as she walked home from her suburban Kansas&nbsp;City school, charging documents say.

The documents released Tuesday in the case against Sudhir Gandhi, of Lenexa, Kansas, said that he also he told police that when the car continued to accelerate, he decided to steer it away from other vehicles stopped on the road and drive onto a sidewalk. Gandhi is charged with reckless second-degree murder in the death of Alexandra Rumple, who was hit while walking on the sidewalk. She was an eighth grader at a nearby Overland Park, Kansas, middle school.

Police say the car also narrowly missed hitting three other children, hit a traffic light, struck a speed limit sign and destroyed about 80 feet (26.67 yards) of a wood fence before coming to a stop. Court records say that no brake lights were observed on the vehicle. And a vehicle inspection found no problems with the vehicle's brakes.

Gandhi’s defense attorney Keith Drill described what happened as “a terrible, horrible accident" in a statement. She said Gandhi intends to fight the murder charge in court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579184242284.png" alt="Sudhir Gandhi photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Sudhir Gandhi photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, KAN. (AP) — A&nbsp;71-year-old driver who is charged in the death of a 14-year-old girl told police he thought he was stepping on the brakes when he struck her as as she walked home from her suburban Kansas&nbsp;City school, charging documents say.The documents released Tuesday in the case against Sudhir Gandhi, of Lenexa, Kansas, said that he also he told police that when the car continued to accelerate, he decided to steer it away from other vehicles stopped on the road and drive onto a sidewalk. Gandhi is charged with reckless second-degree murder in the death of Alexandra Rumple, who was hit while walking on the sidewalk. She was an eighth grader at a nearby Overland Park, Kansas, middle school.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579189727525.png" alt="Scene of the fatal crash photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Scene of the fatal crash photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Police say the car also narrowly missed hitting three other children, hit a traffic light, struck a speed limit sign and destroyed about 80 feet (26.67 yards) of a wood fence before coming to a stop. Court records say that no brake lights were observed on the vehicle. And a vehicle inspection found no problems with the vehicle's brakes.Gandhi’s defense attorney Keith Drill described what happened as “a terrible, horrible accident" in a statement. She said Gandhi intends to fight the murder charge in court.

Driver charged with Kan. girl's murder thought he was braking

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The Wichita Police Department (WPD) has arrested a 15-year-old boy&nbsp; for criminal possession of a firearm by a juvenile and possession of a firearm on school grounds.

At approximately 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the WPD School Resource Officer (SRO) at Heights High, 5301 N. Hillside, was contacted by school staff regarding an anonymous tip received of the 15-year-old male having a gun at the school, according to officer Charley Davidson.

The USD 259 security personnel and SRO followed up on the tip, which led to the arrest.&nbsp; A handgun was also recovered.&nbsp; There were no threats made to any students, no threats of violence on school grounds and no disruptions to the school.&nbsp; Furthermore, no one was injured.

The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The Wichita Police Department (WPD) has arrested a 15-year-old boy&nbsp; for criminal possession of a firearm by a juvenile and possession of a firearm on school grounds.At approximately 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the WPD School Resource Officer (SRO) at Heights High, 5301 N. Hillside, was contacted by school staff regarding an anonymous tip received of the 15-year-old male having a gun at the school, according to officer Charley Davidson.The USD 259 security personnel and SRO followed up on the tip, which led to the arrest.&nbsp; A handgun was also recovered.&nbsp; There were no threats made to any students, no threats of violence on school grounds and no disruptions to the school.&nbsp; Furthermore, no one was injured.The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Tip helps police arrest Kan. teen with gun at school

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP)&nbsp;Authorities say a man has been fatally shot at a Pizza Hut in Kansas City, Kansas and identified the victim as 25-year-old Laron Briggs, according to a news release.

He was shot inside the restaurant Tuesday night. Police provided no information about a suspect or motive in the news release. 

KANSAS CITY, KAN. (AP)&nbsp;— Authorities say a man has been fatally shot inside a Pizza Hut in Kansas City, Kansas.

Police said in a news release that officers responded to the shooting around 10:35 p.m. Tuesday.

The name of the victim wasn't immediately released, and police provided no information about a suspect in the news release.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580306500402.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation <a href="https://www.kctv5.com/news/local_news/man-shot-killed-inside-of-pizza-hut-in-kansas-city/article_0e285bae-4287-11ea-a30d-23025b9fa47f.html">photo courtesy KCTV</a>" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation <a href="https://www.kctv5.com/news/local_news/man-shot-killed-inside-of-pizza-hut-in-kansas-city/article_0e285bae-4287-11ea-a30d-23025b9fa47f.html">photo courtesy KCTV</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP)&nbsp;Authorities say a man has been fatally shot at a Pizza Hut in Kansas City, Kansas and identified the victim as 25-year-old Laron Briggs, according to a news release.He was shot inside the restaurant Tuesday night. Police provided no information about a suspect or motive in the news release. --------KANSAS CITY, KAN. (AP)&nbsp;— Authorities say a man has been fatally shot inside a Pizza Hut in Kansas City, Kansas.Police said in a news release that officers responded to the shooting around 10:35 p.m. Tuesday.The name of the victim wasn't immediately released, and police provided no information about a suspect in the news release.

Police ID man fatally shot inside Pizza Hut in KC

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/author/john-hanna/">JOHN HANNA</a>&nbsp;

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Abortion rights advocates are trying to defeat a proposed anti-abortion amendment to the Kansas Constitution by arguing it will lead to a ban on most abortions like a measure being pursued in Tennessee.

The Kansas proposal, aimed at overturning a state Supreme Court decision last year protecting abortion rights, is modeled on a change that Tennessee voters approved in their state’s constitution in 2014. Like the Tennessee amendment, the Kansas proposal would declare that the state constitution does not “secure” a right to abortion and that legislators decide how it is regulated.

The Kansas proposal was up for debate Wednesday in the state Senate, with a final vote expected Thursday. Supporters needed two-thirds majorities in both chambers to ask voters to approve the change in a statewide election and were hoping to get it on the August primary ballot.

The debate in Kansas came less a week after Tennessee’s Republican governor, Bill Lee, announced that he would introduce legislation to ban abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected. That can occur about six weeks into pregnancy and before many women know they’re pregnant.

“We are the canary in the mine, so Kansas can just look at us,” said Francie Hunt, executive director of Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood. “It has everything to do with outlawing access to safe, legal abortion altogether.”

But abortion opponents in Kansas for years have avoided pursuing laws representing a direct challenge to the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, which legalized abortion nationwide. They’ve instead concentrated on enacting a raft of restrictions expected to withstand court challenges.

The Kansas proposal differs from Tennessee’s constitutional provision by saying that legislators’ ability to regulate abortion would be “to the extent permitted” by the U.S. Constitution. Abortion foes said there’s no push for a ban coming, while abortion rights advocates expect it if Roe is overturned.

The Kansas Supreme Court ruled last year that under the state’s Bill of Rights, access to abortion is a “fundamental right,” meaning state courts could invalidate restrictions that the federal courts would uphold. Abortion opponents fear the loss of long standing policies, such as parental notification when most minors seek abortions.

Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican, called the argument that the measure could lead to a ban a “scare tactic.” She was leading anti-abortion senators in Wednesday’s debate. She said the Kansas Supreme Court set an “impossible standard” for preserving restrictions.

“We believe the restrictions we have on abortion are working. We think they protect women. They protect children,” she said. “Our laws our reasonable. We have to bring the question to the people of Kansas.”

Anti-abortion groups are insisting that the measure be placed on the primary election ballot. They argue that the question is less likely to get lost than in November, when President Donald Trump’s election is on the ballot.

Kansans for Life, the state’s most influential anti-abortion group, urged its members in an email last week to push lawmakers not to change the election date and called any proposal to put the question on the November ballot “a poison pill.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580325326895.png" alt="Hundreds attended a Pro-Life rally Jan. 22 in the State Capitol -photo courtesy Kansans for Life" />
 <figcaption>Hundreds attended a Pro-Life rally Jan. 22 in the State Capitol -photo courtesy Kansans for Life</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/author/john-hanna/">JOHN HANNA</a>&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Abortion rights advocates are trying to defeat a proposed anti-abortion amendment to the Kansas Constitution by arguing it will lead to a ban on most abortions like a measure being pursued in Tennessee.The Kansas proposal, aimed at overturning a state Supreme Court decision last year protecting abortion rights, is modeled on a change that Tennessee voters approved in their state’s constitution in 2014. Like the Tennessee amendment, the Kansas proposal would declare that the state constitution does not “secure” a right to abortion and that legislators decide how it is regulated.The Kansas proposal was up for debate Wednesday in the state Senate, with a final vote expected Thursday. Supporters needed two-thirds majorities in both chambers to ask voters to approve the change in a statewide election and were hoping to get it on the August primary ballot.The debate in Kansas came less a week after Tennessee’s Republican governor, Bill Lee, announced that he would introduce legislation to ban abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected. That can occur about six weeks into pregnancy and before many women know they’re pregnant.“We are the canary in the mine, so Kansas can just look at us,” said Francie Hunt, executive director of Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood. “It has everything to do with outlawing access to safe, legal abortion altogether.”But abortion opponents in Kansas for years have avoided pursuing laws representing a direct challenge to the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, which legalized abortion nationwide. They’ve instead concentrated on enacting a raft of restrictions expected to withstand court challenges.The Kansas proposal differs from Tennessee’s constitutional provision by saying that legislators’ ability to regulate abortion would be “to the extent permitted” by the U.S. Constitution. Abortion foes said there’s no push for a ban coming, while abortion rights advocates expect it if Roe is overturned.The Kansas Supreme Court ruled last year that under the state’s Bill of Rights, access to abortion is a “fundamental right,” meaning state courts could invalidate restrictions that the federal courts would uphold. Abortion opponents fear the loss of long standing policies, such as parental notification when most minors seek abortions.Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican, called the argument that the measure could lead to a ban a “scare tactic.” She was leading anti-abortion senators in Wednesday’s debate. She said the Kansas Supreme Court set an “impossible standard” for preserving restrictions.“We believe the restrictions we have on abortion are working. We think they protect women. They protect children,” she said. “Our laws our reasonable. We have to bring the question to the people of Kansas.”Anti-abortion groups are insisting that the measure be placed on the primary election ballot. They argue that the question is less likely to get lost than in November, when President Donald Trump’s election is on the ballot.Kansans for Life, the state’s most influential anti-abortion group, urged its members in an email last week to push lawmakers not to change the election date and called any proposal to put the question on the November ballot “a poison pill.”The smaller primary electorate generally skews more conservative, and some abortion rights advocates have said they believe the proposed amendment would fail on the November ballot.___

Abortion right: Tennessee a warning for Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and are asking the public for help with information.

Just before 4a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a report of shots fired in the 1700 Block of South El Pico in Wichita,&nbsp;according to Captain Brent Allred.

Police located a 2002 Ford Expedition engulfed in flames in a grassy area. Fire crews responded and extinguished the fire and found the body of an individual in the SUV.

Investigators are working to determine the person's identity and the circumstances surround the fire, according to Allred.&nbsp; Police believe this is a homicide, based on their initial investigation. 

Police have talked with the owner of the vehicle but are working to determine who had the vehicle, according to Allred.&nbsp; It was not a stolen vehicle.

Fire department arson investigators are also assisting police to determine if there was an accelerant on or inside the SUV.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580308248333.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation early Wednesday photo <a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/WPD-investigating-burned-vehicle-in-SE-Wichita-567387361.html">courtesy KWCH</a>" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation early Wednesday photo <a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/WPD-investigating-burned-vehicle-in-SE-Wichita-567387361.html">courtesy KWCH</a></figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and are asking the public for help with information.Just before 4a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a report of shots fired in the 1700 Block of South El Pico in Wichita,&nbsp;according to Captain Brent Allred.Police located a 2002 Ford Expedition engulfed in flames in a grassy area. Fire crews responded and extinguished the fire and found the body of an individual in the SUV.Investigators are working to determine the person's identity and the circumstances surround the fire, according to Allred.&nbsp; Police believe this is a homicide, based on their initial investigation. Police have talked with the owner of the vehicle but are working to determine who had the vehicle, according to Allred.&nbsp; It was not a stolen vehicle.Fire department arson investigators are also assisting police to determine if there was an accelerant on or inside the SUV.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kan. homicide investigation: Body found in burning SUV 

WASHINGTON (AP) — With opening arguments wrapped up in President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial, senators will now get a chance to ask questions. But the normally loquacious politicians will still have to keep silent, as their questions can only be submitted in writing.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?468632-1/senate-impeachment-trial-day-9">Click here to watch</a> Day 9 of the trial

The question-and-answer session, expected to last two days, will allow the lawyers on both sides to make their final points before the senators vote on whether to hear witnesses and, eventually, on whether to convict the president and remove him from office.

The senators must submit their questions to the presiding officer, Chief Justice John Roberts. He will then read them and request an answer.

Senators must direct their question to either the House impeachment managers or the White House lawyers, not both, and senators cannot ask each other questions. Senators also cannot respond after their questions are answered.

The process keeps the senators silent, like a jury, as they decide whether to vote to convict the president.

When a senator has a question, a Senate page is expected to take the piece of paper from their desk to Roberts’ seat at the head of the Senate. The senator must sign the piece of paper.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday that the questions would alternate between Republicans and Democrats.

Senators on both sides have been coordinating with their leadership to ensure the questions are not duplicative. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said he’d been given a form on which to list his questions. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said he’d given his questions to Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer’s office, just so they could figure out the “sequencing and avoiding duplication.”

Durbin said that when he asked a question during the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton, “it turned out six other people had the same idea. So we all joined in one question, and it was attributed to all of us.”

Senators have up to 16 hours to ask questions, as they did in Clinton’s trial. That should break down into two eight-hour days, with senators taking breaks after every 10 or 12 questions.

There is no official time limit for House impeachment managers or White House lawyers to respond, but both McConnell and Roberts urged brevity.

“During the question period of the Clinton trial, senators were thoughtful and brief with their questions, and the managers and counsel were succinct in their answers,” McConnell said Tuesday. “I hope we can follow both of these examples.”

Roberts asked the two sides to limit their answers to five minutes each. He noted that transcripts from the Clinton trial show that a similar request by Chief Justice William Rehnquist was met with laughter from within the chamber.

“Nonetheless, managers and counsel generally limited their responses accordingly,” Roberts said.

Look for both sides to try to hone their final arguments with help from senators in their party.

Democrats are likely to ask friendly questions of the House impeachment managers, and Republicans to the White House. Those could be points that they felt weren’t covered during the trial or arguments they want to emphasize.

That will be particularly helpful for House Democrats, who went first in the opening arguments and don’t have a chance to rebut the White House’s legal arguments.

Democratic officials working on the impeachment trial have been practicing and are eager to answer questions. They view the question-and-answer period as an opportunity to review the evidence and the facts, which they see as a positive for their side, said one of the officials, who requested anonymity to discuss preparations.

Republican and Democratic senators will also use their questions to poke holes in the others’ arguments.

Senators of both parties previewed what they might ask.

Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said “an obvious question” is whether a transcript of a July call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelenskiy is a full transcript. That call, in which Trump asks Zelenskiy to investigate Democrats, is at the heart of the House’s impeachment case. The White House released a rough transcript of the call, but didn’t make it clear what had been left out.

Cramer said he wants to ask House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., the lead impeachment manager, why he didn’t subpoena former national security adviser John Bolton. The House called Bolton to testify but never subpoenaed him when he didn’t show up, a point that Republicans have used to argue against Bolton’s testimony in the Senate.

Schiff has said they didn’t subpoena Bolton because he had threatened a lengthy court fight. Bolton has now said he’d testify in the Senate, but most Republicans say they’ve heard enough.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579716204771.png" alt="Chief Justice John Roberts presides over the trial photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Chief Justice John Roberts presides over the trial photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — With opening arguments wrapped up in President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial, senators will now get a chance to ask questions. But the normally loquacious politicians will still have to keep silent, as their questions can only be submitted in writing.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?468632-1/senate-impeachment-trial-day-9">Click here to watch</a> Day 9 of the trialThe question-and-answer session, expected to last two days, will allow the lawyers on both sides to make their final points before the senators vote on whether to hear witnesses and, eventually, on whether to convict the president and remove him from office.A look at the questions and answers:SEEN, NOT HEARDThe senators must submit their questions to the presiding officer, Chief Justice John Roberts. He will then read them and request an answer.Senators must direct their question to either the House impeachment managers or the White House lawyers, not both, and senators cannot ask each other questions. Senators also cannot respond after their questions are answered.The process keeps the senators silent, like a jury, as they decide whether to vote to convict the president.When a senator has a question, a Senate page is expected to take the piece of paper from their desk to Roberts’ seat at the head of the Senate. The senator must sign the piece of paper.BACK AND FORTHSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday that the questions would alternate between Republicans and Democrats.Senators on both sides have been coordinating with their leadership to ensure the questions are not duplicative. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said he’d been given a form on which to list his questions. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said he’d given his questions to Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer’s office, just so they could figure out the “sequencing and avoiding duplication.”Durbin said that when he asked a question during the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton, “it turned out six other people had the same idea. So we all joined in one question, and it was attributed to all of us.”KEEP IT SHORTSenators have up to 16 hours to ask questions, as they did in Clinton’s trial. That should break down into two eight-hour days, with senators taking breaks after every 10 or 12 questions.There is no official time limit for House impeachment managers or White House lawyers to respond, but both McConnell and Roberts urged brevity.“During the question period of the Clinton trial, senators were thoughtful and brief with their questions, and the managers and counsel were succinct in their answers,” McConnell said Tuesday. “I hope we can follow both of these examples.”Roberts asked the two sides to limit their answers to five minutes each. He noted that transcripts from the Clinton trial show that a similar request by Chief Justice William Rehnquist was met with laughter from within the chamber.“Nonetheless, managers and counsel generally limited their responses accordingly,” Roberts said.LAST-DITCH STRATEGYLook for both sides to try to hone their final arguments with help from senators in their party.Democrats are likely to ask friendly questions of the House impeachment managers, and Republicans to the White House. Those could be points that they felt weren’t covered during the trial or arguments they want to emphasize.That will be particularly helpful for House Democrats, who went first in the opening arguments and don’t have a chance to rebut the White House’s legal arguments.Democratic officials working on the impeachment trial have been practicing and are eager to answer questions. They view the question-and-answer period as an opportunity to review the evidence and the facts, which they see as a positive for their side, said one of the officials, who requested anonymity to discuss preparations.Republican and Democratic senators will also use their questions to poke holes in the others’ arguments.QUESTION PREVIEWSSenators of both parties previewed what they might ask.Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said “an obvious question” is whether a transcript of a July call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelenskiy is a full transcript. That call, in which Trump asks Zelenskiy to investigate Democrats, is at the heart of the House’s impeachment case. The White House released a rough transcript of the call, but didn’t make it clear what had been left out.Cramer said he wants to ask House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., the lead impeachment manager, why he didn’t subpoena former national security adviser John Bolton. The House called Bolton to testify but never subpoenaed him when he didn’t show up, a point that Republicans have used to argue against Bolton’s testimony in the Senate.Schiff has said they didn’t subpoena Bolton because he had threatened a lengthy court fight. Bolton has now said he’d testify in the Senate, but most Republicans say they’ve heard enough.

🎥 Question time: Day 9 in Trump's impeachment trial

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed into law a major rewrite of the rules of trade with Canada and Mexico that he said replaces the “nightmare" of a Clinton-era agreement and will keep jobs, wealth and growth in America.

Trump made renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement a priority during his 2016 campaign, although trade experts say the impact of the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement will be modest.

“This is a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art agreement that protects, defends, and serves the great people of our country,” Trump said in an outdoor signing ceremony at the White House, where the invitation list included more than 70 Republican members of Congress but no Democratic legislators. “Together we are building a glorious future that is raised, grown, built and made right here in the glorious U.S.A."

Canada and Mexico already represent the top two export markets for U.S. goods. But the new pact, along with the signing of a “phase one” agreement with China, dials down trade tensions that contributed to slowing economic growth globally.

he leaders of the U.S., Canada and Mexico signed the deal in late 2018. Legislation implementing it received overwhelming, bipartisan support in Congress after several months of behind-the-scenes negotiations between Democratic lawmakers and the Trump administration.

Trump made a point of praising Republican legislators for their work in passing the deal but did not mention the role of Democrats, who said that even if they weren't invited to the signing ceremony, their influence was being felt.

“What the president will be signing is quite different from what the president sent us,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “We were able to make vast improvements. If we weren't, we would not have been able to pass the bill.”

Rep. Richard Neal, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said it only passed Congress because of how the Democrats forced changes in Trump's original proposal. “They voted for it for one reason, is because of how we shaped and altered the president's proposal,” said Neal, D-Mass.

NAFTA, which took effect in 1994 under President Bill Clinton, tore down trade barriers between the three North American countries and commerce between them surged. But Trump and other critics said NAFTA encouraged factories to leave the United States and relocate south of the border to take advantage of low-wage Mexican labor.

Trump threatened to leave NAFTA if he couldn't get a better deal, creating uncertainty over regional trade.

His trade negotiator, Robert Lighthizer, pressed for a revamped pact designed to bring factory jobs back to the United States. The new agreement, for example, requires automakers to get 75% of their production content (up from 62.5% in NAFTA) from within North America to qualify for the pact's duty-free benefits. That means more auto content would have to come from North America, not imported more cheaply from China and elsewhere.

At least 40% of vehicles would also have to originate in places where workers earn at least $16 an hour. That would benefit the United States and Canada — not Mexico, where auto assembly workers are paid a fraction of that amount.

The independent U.S. International Trade Commission last year calculated that the U.S.-Mexico-Canada deal would add 0.35%, or $68 billion, to economic growth and generate 176,000 jobs over six years — not much of a change for a $22 trillion economy with 152 million nonfarm jobs.

“It's a blip,'' said Syracuse University economist Mary Lovely, who studies trade. “The main thing is what it isn't: It isn’t a continuation of uncertainty, and it isn’t a major disruption'' to business.

Critics include environmental groups concerned that the agreement does not address global warming. Some conservatives say the agreement will make cars and other products more expensive for consumers.

The president wasn't wasting any time highlighting the deal in battleground states that will determine who wins this year’s presidential election. He will travel Thursday to Michigan, where some of the state’s auto workers should benefit from a deal that encourages more manufacturing in the United States.

Trump wants to talk up a deal that about 4 in 5 Americans have heard little or nothing about. Indeed, while a third of the public approves of the deal and only 5% disapprove, a solid majority, 61%, have not formed an opinion, according to a recent poll conducted by Monmouth University.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump, eager to show off a big policy win during his impeachment, signed into law a major rewrite of the rules of trade with Canada and Mexico.

Trump made renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement a priority during his 2016 campaign, although trade experts say the impact of the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement will be modest. He will sign the bill Wednesday.

Canada and Mexico already represent the top two export markets for U.S. goods. But the pact, along with the signing of a “phase one” agreement with China, dials down trade tensions that contributed to slowing economic growth globally.

The leaders of the three nations signed the new pact in late 2018. Legislation implementing the USMCA received overwhelming, bipartisan support in Congress after several months of behind-the-scenes negotiations between Democratic lawmakers and the Trump administration.

Still, it appeared that prominent Democratic lawmakers were left off the White House guest list for Wednesday’s event. The snub came after the Democratic-led House impeached Trump.

“The White House did not invite House Democrats to their USMCA signing ceremony. But we’ll be well represented in the huge changes to the original USMCA draft that Democrats wrested out of the administration on labor, prescription drugs, environment and enforcement mechanisms,” said Henry Connelly, a spokesman for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Trump showcases the agreement as a “a new model of trade for the 21st century.” Speaking to supporters at a New Jersey rally on Tuesday night, Trump said: “Tomorrow we will replace the NAFTA nightmare, one of the worst trade deals ever in history.”

NAFTA, which took effect in 1994, tore down trade barriers between the three North American countries and commerce between them surged. But Trump and other critics said NAFTA encouraged factories to leave the United States and relocate south of the border to take advantage of low-wage Mexican labor.

Trump threatened to leave NAFTA if he couldn’t get a better deal, creating uncertainty over regional trade.

His trade negotiator, Robert Lighthizer, pressed for a revamped pact designed to bring factory jobs back to the United States. USMCA, for example, requires automakers to get 75% of their production content (up from 62.5% in NAFTA) from within North America to qualify for the pact’s duty-free benefits. That means more auto content would have to come from North America, not imported more cheaply from China and elsewhere.

The independent U.S. International Trade Commission last year calculated that USMCA would add 0.35%, or $68 billion, to economic growth and generate 176,000 jobs over six years — not much of a change for a $22 trillion economy with 152 million nonfarm jobs.

“It’s a blip,″ said Syracuse University economist Mary Lovely, who studies trade. “The main thing is what it isn’t: It isn’t a continuation of uncertainty, and it isn’t a major disruption″ to business.

The president wasn’t wasting any time highlighting the deal in battleground states that will determine who wins this year’s presidential election. He will travel Thursday to Michigan, where some of the state’s auto workers should benefit from a deal that encourages more manufacturing in the United States.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580316723443.png" alt="President Trump during Wednesday's signing ceremony -image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during Wednesday's signing ceremony -image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed into law a major rewrite of the rules of trade with Canada and Mexico that he said replaces the “nightmare" of a Clinton-era agreement and will keep jobs, wealth and growth in America.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Once again, they said it couldn&#39;t be done. President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> got it done. As of today, the NAFTA nightmare is over! Promise Made, Promise Kept 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/gjdta3uBkP">pic.twitter.com/gjdta3uBkP</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1222579172708704258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump made renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement a priority during his 2016 campaign, although trade experts say the impact of the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement will be modest.“This is a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art agreement that protects, defends, and serves the great people of our country,” Trump said in an outdoor signing ceremony at the White House, where the invitation list included more than 70 Republican members of Congress but no Democratic legislators. “Together we are building a glorious future that is raised, grown, built and made right here in the glorious U.S.A."Canada and Mexico already represent the top two export markets for U.S. goods. But the new pact, along with the signing of a “phase one” agreement with China, dials down trade tensions that contributed to slowing economic growth globally.he leaders of the U.S., Canada and Mexico signed the deal in late 2018. Legislation implementing it received overwhelming, bipartisan support in Congress after several months of behind-the-scenes negotiations between Democratic lawmakers and the Trump administration.Trump made a point of praising Republican legislators for their work in passing the deal but did not mention the role of Democrats, who said that even if they weren't invited to the signing ceremony, their influence was being felt.“What the president will be signing is quite different from what the president sent us,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “We were able to make vast improvements. If we weren't, we would not have been able to pass the bill.”Rep. Richard Neal, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said it only passed Congress because of how the Democrats forced changes in Trump's original proposal. “They voted for it for one reason, is because of how we shaped and altered the president's proposal,” said Neal, D-Mass.NAFTA, which took effect in 1994 under President Bill Clinton, tore down trade barriers between the three North American countries and commerce between them surged. But Trump and other critics said NAFTA encouraged factories to leave the United States and relocate south of the border to take advantage of low-wage Mexican labor.Trump threatened to leave NAFTA if he couldn't get a better deal, creating uncertainty over regional trade.His trade negotiator, Robert Lighthizer, pressed for a revamped pact designed to bring factory jobs back to the United States. The new agreement, for example, requires automakers to get 75% of their production content (up from 62.5% in NAFTA) from within North America to qualify for the pact's duty-free benefits. That means more auto content would have to come from North America, not imported more cheaply from China and elsewhere.At least 40% of vehicles would also have to originate in places where workers earn at least $16 an hour. That would benefit the United States and Canada — not Mexico, where auto assembly workers are paid a fraction of that amount.The independent U.S. International Trade Commission last year calculated that the U.S.-Mexico-Canada deal would add 0.35%, or $68 billion, to economic growth and generate 176,000 jobs over six years — not much of a change for a $22 trillion economy with 152 million nonfarm jobs.“It's a blip,'' said Syracuse University economist Mary Lovely, who studies trade. “The main thing is what it isn't: It isn’t a continuation of uncertainty, and it isn’t a major disruption'' to business.Critics include environmental groups concerned that the agreement does not address global warming. Some conservatives say the agreement will make cars and other products more expensive for consumers.The president wasn't wasting any time highlighting the deal in battleground states that will determine who wins this year’s presidential election. He will travel Thursday to Michigan, where some of the state’s auto workers should benefit from a deal that encourages more manufacturing in the United States.Trump wants to talk up a deal that about 4 in 5 Americans have heard little or nothing about. Indeed, while a third of the public approves of the deal and only 5% disapprove, a solid majority, 61%, have not formed an opinion, according to a recent poll conducted by Monmouth University.--------------WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump, eager to show off a big policy win during his impeachment, signed into law a major rewrite of the rules of trade with Canada and Mexico.Trump made renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement a priority during his 2016 campaign, although trade experts say the impact of the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement will be modest. He will sign the bill Wednesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580314411495.png" alt="President Trump during Wednesday's USMCA signing ceremony -White House image" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during Wednesday's USMCA signing ceremony -White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>Canada and Mexico already represent the top two export markets for U.S. goods. But the pact, along with the signing of a “phase one” agreement with China, dials down trade tensions that contributed to slowing economic growth globally.The leaders of the three nations signed the new pact in late 2018. Legislation implementing the USMCA received overwhelming, bipartisan support in Congress after several months of behind-the-scenes negotiations between Democratic lawmakers and the Trump administration.Still, it appeared that prominent Democratic lawmakers were left off the White House guest list for Wednesday’s event. The snub came after the Democratic-led House impeached Trump.“The White House did not invite House Democrats to their USMCA signing ceremony. But we’ll be well represented in the huge changes to the original USMCA draft that Democrats wrested out of the administration on labor, prescription drugs, environment and enforcement mechanisms,” said Henry Connelly, a spokesman for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.Trump showcases the agreement as a “a new model of trade for the 21st century.” Speaking to supporters at a New Jersey rally on Tuesday night, Trump said: “Tomorrow we will replace the NAFTA nightmare, one of the worst trade deals ever in history.”NAFTA, which took effect in 1994, tore down trade barriers between the three North American countries and commerce between them surged. But Trump and other critics said NAFTA encouraged factories to leave the United States and relocate south of the border to take advantage of low-wage Mexican labor.Trump threatened to leave NAFTA if he couldn’t get a better deal, creating uncertainty over regional trade.His trade negotiator, Robert Lighthizer, pressed for a revamped pact designed to bring factory jobs back to the United States. USMCA, for example, requires automakers to get 75% of their production content (up from 62.5% in NAFTA) from within North America to qualify for the pact’s duty-free benefits. That means more auto content would have to come from North America, not imported more cheaply from China and elsewhere.At least 40% of vehicles would also have to originate in places where workers earn at least $16 an hour. That would benefit the United States and Canada — not Mexico, where auto assembly workers are paid a fraction of that amount.The independent U.S. International Trade Commission last year calculated that USMCA would add 0.35%, or $68 billion, to economic growth and generate 176,000 jobs over six years — not much of a change for a $22 trillion economy with 152 million nonfarm jobs.“It’s a blip,″ said Syracuse University economist Mary Lovely, who studies trade. “The main thing is what it isn’t: It isn’t a continuation of uncertainty, and it isn’t a major disruption″ to business.Critics include environmental groups concerned that the agreement does not address global warming. Some conservatives say the agreement will make cars and other products more expensive for consumers.The president wasn’t wasting any time highlighting the deal in battleground states that will determine who wins this year’s presidential election. He will travel Thursday to Michigan, where some of the state’s auto workers should benefit from a deal that encourages more manufacturing in the United States.Trump wants to talk up a deal that about 4 in 5 Americans have heard little or nothing about. Indeed, while a third of the public approves of the deal and only 5% disapprove, a solid majority, 61%, have not formed an opinion, according to a recent poll conducted by Monmouth University.

Trump signs USMCA trade deal; a win for farmers

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a Tuesday arrest.

Just after 4a.m., the police responded to a disturbance with a weapons call at a home in the 2000 Block of South Topeka in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

It was reported to police that 42-year-old Lucas Scales of Wichita was experiencing a mental health crisis, according to Davidson. He was reported to be armed and had set a garage on fire.&nbsp; When officers arrived they found scales sitting on the back porch of the residence.

They talked to Scales and arrested him on requested charges of arson and an aggravated weapons violation, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Offices also recovered a knife and several lighters at the scene.

Scales has previous convictions for criminal possession of a weapon, aggravated robbery and aggravated escape from custody.

Fire department crews responded to extinguish the fire. There was minimal damage and no injuries, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Scales is being held on a $50,000 bond, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=5699">according to online jail records.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580236020830.png" alt="Lucas Scales photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Lucas Scales photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a Tuesday arrest.Just after 4a.m., the police responded to a disturbance with a weapons call at a home in the 2000 Block of South Topeka in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.It was reported to police that 42-year-old Lucas Scales of Wichita was experiencing a mental health crisis, according to Davidson. He was reported to be armed and had set a garage on fire.&nbsp; When officers arrived they found scales sitting on the back porch of the residence.They talked to Scales and arrested him on requested charges of arson and an aggravated weapons violation, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Offices also recovered a knife and several lighters at the scene.Scales has previous convictions for criminal possession of a weapon, aggravated robbery and aggravated escape from custody.Fire department crews responded to extinguish the fire. There was minimal damage and no injuries, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Scales is being held on a $50,000 bond, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=5699">according to online jail records.</a>

Police arrest Kansas felon for alleged arson, weapons violation

KANSAS CITY(AP) — One of three men charged in the 2017 shooting death of a 72-year-old Independence man at the victim's home, the Jackson County Prosecutors' office announced Monday.

Xavier Otero, 34, of Kansas City, Kansas, was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and four other counts in the Oct. 30, 2017, death of William Domann, The Kansas City Star reported.

Otero was one of three men charged in Domann's death.

He was found dead in his home after being shot several times. Detectives noticed a trail of blood leading from the house into a nearby woods. The Johnson County Crime Lab notified police in November 2017 that the blood samples matched Otero’s DNA profile.

Nathan Hendricks and Onelio Garcia were also charged in Domann’s death. Hendricks was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Garcia is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 6..

Court records said Domann’s girlfriend asked him to hide a Corvette from Hendricks, who had stolen the vehicle and wanted it back. She said Hendricks had threatened to “rough” up Domann.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580173457759.png" alt="Otero photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Otero photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY(AP) — One of three men charged in the 2017 shooting death of a 72-year-old Independence man at the victim's home, the Jackson County Prosecutors' office announced Monday.Xavier Otero, 34, of Kansas City, Kansas, was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and four other counts in the Oct. 30, 2017, death of William Domann, The Kansas City Star reported.Otero was one of three men charged in Domann's death.He was found dead in his home after being shot several times. Detectives noticed a trail of blood leading from the house into a nearby woods. The Johnson County Crime Lab notified police in November 2017 that the blood samples matched Otero’s DNA profile.Nathan Hendricks and Onelio Garcia were also charged in Domann’s death. Hendricks was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Garcia is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 6..Court records said Domann’s girlfriend asked him to hide a Corvette from Hendricks, who had stolen the vehicle and wanted it back. She said Hendricks had threatened to “rough” up Domann.

Kansas man sentenced for shooting death over stolen Corvette

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - A panel of attorneys has recommended a former Jackson County special prosecutor in Kansas face ethics charges for allegedly misleading jurors who found a man guilty of sex crimes that were later thrown out on appeal.

The lawyers reviewed the Kansas Disciplinary Administrators Office’s investigation of attorney&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/jacqie-spradling/">Jacqie Spradling</a>&nbsp;and concluded there was sufficient evidence to believe she violated the state’s code of conduct in the 2017 convictions against Jacob Ewing for rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, battery, and other charges, The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/topeka-capital/">Topeka Capital</a>-Journal reported.

When the Kansas Court of Appeals reversed the Holton man’s convictions in 2019, it said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/jacqie-spradling/">Spradling</a>’s misstatement of evidence in closing argument of that trial inflamed “passions and prejudices of the jury” and denied Ewing his right to a fair trial.

A public hearing before a separate committee will follow to develop a recommendation for the Kansas Supreme Court about whether or how&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/jacqie-spradling/">Spradling</a>&nbsp;would be sanctioned. Potential penalties include public censure, license suspension or disbarment.

She did not immediately return a phone message left Monday at the Bourbon County attorney’s office.

Spradling also remains under scrutiny by the state disciplinary administrator’s office for her role in the Shawnee County murder trial of Dana Chandler, whose conviction was overturned in 2018.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580156378749.png" alt="Jacob Ewing photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Jacob Ewing photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - A panel of attorneys has recommended a former Jackson County special prosecutor in Kansas face ethics charges for allegedly misleading jurors who found a man guilty of sex crimes that were later thrown out on appeal.The lawyers reviewed the Kansas Disciplinary Administrators Office’s investigation of attorney&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/jacqie-spradling/">Jacqie Spradling</a>&nbsp;and concluded there was sufficient evidence to believe she violated the state’s code of conduct in the 2017 convictions against Jacob Ewing for rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, battery, and other charges, The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/topeka-capital/">Topeka Capital</a>-Journal reported.When the Kansas Court of Appeals reversed the Holton man’s convictions in 2019, it said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/jacqie-spradling/">Spradling</a>’s misstatement of evidence in closing argument of that trial inflamed “passions and prejudices of the jury” and denied Ewing his right to a fair trial.A public hearing before a separate committee will follow to develop a recommendation for the Kansas Supreme Court about whether or how&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/jacqie-spradling/">Spradling</a>&nbsp;would be sanctioned. Potential penalties include public censure, license suspension or disbarment.She did not immediately return a phone message left Monday at the Bourbon County attorney’s office.Spradling also remains under scrutiny by the state disciplinary administrator’s office for her role in the Shawnee County murder trial of Dana Chandler, whose conviction was overturned in 2018.

Panel: Kansas prosecutor misled jurors in sex crimes case

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged forgery and mail theft after a traffic stop.

Just after 9:30a.m. Monday, a Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped a 1992 Buick in the 3300 block of SE West Edge Road for a tag that did not belong to that vehicle, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

The driver, Janna L. Marshno, 33, Mayetta, was arrested&nbsp; for multiple warrants and multiple charges including&nbsp;Felony identity theft out of Shawnee County, Misdemeanor forgery out of Atchison County, Misdemeanor burglary, theft, criminal damage, and forgery out of Doniphan County, Misdemeanor shoplifting out of the city of Topeka

Marshno is also facing charges of driving with an expired driver’s license, forgery, identity theft, mail theft, and possession of methamphetamine. Mail and checks from multiple locations, including Manhattan and Kansas City, were found inside the vehicle.

Marshno is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580248679992.png" alt="Marshno photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Marshno photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged forgery and mail theft after a traffic stop.Just after 9:30a.m. Monday, a Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped a 1992 Buick in the 3300 block of SE West Edge Road for a tag that did not belong to that vehicle, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.The driver, Janna L. Marshno, 33, Mayetta, was arrested&nbsp; for multiple warrants and multiple charges including&nbsp;Felony identity theft out of Shawnee County, Misdemeanor forgery out of Atchison County, Misdemeanor burglary, theft, criminal damage, and forgery out of Doniphan County, Misdemeanor shoplifting out of the city of TopekaMarshno is also facing charges of driving with an expired driver’s license, forgery, identity theft, mail theft, and possession of methamphetamine. Mail and checks from multiple locations, including Manhattan and Kansas City, were found inside the vehicle.Marshno is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

Kansas woman arrested for alleged mail theft, forgery

By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/trees-pose-growing-wildfire-problem-they-take-over-kansas-grassland">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA — Trees improve air quality. They 
keep people and homes cool with shade. They block the breezes that rake 
across the Kansas plains.

New research suggests the trees planted
 by people who filled up Kansas over the last century-plus also made the
 region more susceptible to hard-to-fight fires.

Historically, the Great Plains had very few trees. The few in the region generally grew only near rivers and streams.

But
 modern fire-suppression tactics and the spread of homes and businesses,
 including human-planted windbreaks, nurtured wooded areas.

Preliminary
 research from the University of Nebraska suggests a connection between 
the spread of trees in the Great Plains and an increase in the size and 
frequency of large wildfires.

“Trees promote more extreme 
wildfire behaviors that are much more difficult to suppress,” said 
Victoria Donovan, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of 
Nebraska. “In the Great Plains, in general, if you have woody vegetation
 we see a higher wildfire risk.”

Kansas experienced its largest wildfire ever in 2017. The six largest fires ever have all been recorded in the past 25 years.

Donovan says one of the best ways to control the spread of trees into grasslands is <a href="https://news.unl.edu/newsrooms/today/article/study-shows-wildfires-are-increasing-on-the-great-plains/" target="_blank">through controlled prescribed burns</a>.
 Fire used to be a more natural part of the ecosystem. Reintroducing it 
will help keep the grass healthier and eliminate unwanted trees.

While
 fire departments in the state have decades of experience putting out 
grass fires, they’re rookies at combating increasingly common woodland 
fires.

“There’s definitely a difference in the fire regime once 
you start getting a conversion from natural prairie grass to the brush 
and timber types of fuels,” said Eric Ward, an assistant fire management
 officer at the Kansas Forest Service.

First, Ward said, you 
can’t drive through it. Second, patches of trees like the eastern red 
cedar will often develop a layer of broken branches and needles on the 
ground that’s two to three inches deep.

“When that gets to 
burning, it may just be barely smoldering and you can spray water on it 
and it looks like it’s out,” he said. “But you can have fire several 
inches below the surface just smoldering.”

If the wind picks up,&nbsp; smoldering embers can start more fires.

In
 Manhattan, areas that were open grass pasture two decades ago have 
become overgrown thickets — thicker with fuel for wildfire and tougher 
for crews with hoses to attack.

That’s prompted the state to overhaul its wildfire training with a greater emphasis on wooded areas.

Christopher “Chip” Redmond is a meteorologist at Kansas State University who manages the state’s network of weather stations.

Paradoxically, he said, wetter weather can breed more wildfires.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580152648180.jpeg" alt=" Damage left by the Starbuck fire that burned in south central Kansas in 2017. Elly Sneath / Kansas State University Research and Extension" />
 <figcaption> Damage left by the Starbuck fire that burned in south central Kansas in 2017. Elly Sneath / Kansas State University Research and Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/trees-pose-growing-wildfire-problem-they-take-over-kansas-grassland">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA — Trees improve air quality. They 
keep people and homes cool with shade. They block the breezes that rake 
across the Kansas plains.New research suggests the trees planted
 by people who filled up Kansas over the last century-plus also made the
 region more susceptible to hard-to-fight fires.Historically, the Great Plains had very few trees. The few in the region generally grew only near rivers and streams.But
 modern fire-suppression tactics and the spread of homes and businesses,
 including human-planted windbreaks, nurtured wooded areas.Preliminary
 research from the University of Nebraska suggests a connection between 
the spread of trees in the Great Plains and an increase in the size and 
frequency of large wildfires.“Trees promote more extreme 
wildfire behaviors that are much more difficult to suppress,” said 
Victoria Donovan, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of 
Nebraska. “In the Great Plains, in general, if you have woody vegetation
 we see a higher wildfire risk.”Kansas experienced its largest wildfire ever in 2017. The six largest fires ever have all been recorded in the past 25 years.Donovan says one of the best ways to control the spread of trees into grasslands is <a href="https://news.unl.edu/newsrooms/today/article/study-shows-wildfires-are-increasing-on-the-great-plains/" target="_blank">through controlled prescribed burns</a>.
 Fire used to be a more natural part of the ecosystem. Reintroducing it 
will help keep the grass healthier and eliminate unwanted trees.While
 fire departments in the state have decades of experience putting out 
grass fires, they’re rookies at combating increasingly common woodland 
fires.“There’s definitely a difference in the fire regime once 
you start getting a conversion from natural prairie grass to the brush 
and timber types of fuels,” said Eric Ward, an assistant fire management
 officer at the Kansas Forest Service.First, Ward said, you 
can’t drive through it. Second, patches of trees like the eastern red 
cedar will often develop a layer of broken branches and needles on the 
ground that’s two to three inches deep.“When that gets to 
burning, it may just be barely smoldering and you can spray water on it 
and it looks like it’s out,” he said. “But you can have fire several 
inches below the surface just smoldering.”If the wind picks up,&nbsp; smoldering embers can start more fires.In
 Manhattan, areas that were open grass pasture two decades ago have 
become overgrown thickets — thicker with fuel for wildfire and tougher 
for crews with hoses to attack.That’s prompted the state to overhaul its wildfire training with a greater emphasis on wooded areas.<h2>Fire Forecast</h2>Christopher “Chip” Redmond is a meteorologist at Kansas State University who manages the state’s network of weather stations.Paradoxically, he said, wetter weather can breed more wildfires.“It helped extensive … grass growth,” he said, “which is our primary fuel in Kansas.”Even if winter and spring remain wet, grass can dry out in as little as an hour.“We get a 24- to 36-hour dry period, those grasses will carry fire very well,” he said.One good storm system that brings in dry air and strong winds, he said, could trigger large fires in Kansas this spring.Gov. Laura Kelly signed a proclamation declaring Feb. 3-7 as Wildfire Awareness Week.“While
 some wildland fires can’t be prevented because they spring from 
lightning strikes or other natural causes,” she said, “many are 
avoidable by carefully observing basic precautions when using fires 
outdoors.”In 2019, Kansas fire departments responded to more 
than 2,500 grass or field fires. The fires caused four deaths and burned
 almost 28,000 acres.Brian Grimmett reports on the 
environment, energy and natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and the 
Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en">@briangrimmett</a>&nbsp;or
 email him at grimmett@kmuw.org. The Kansas News Service is a
 collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public
 Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their 
connection to public policy.