The relationship between real estate agents and those selling or buying a home will change dramatically this weekend.&nbsp; &nbsp;The change that begins Saturday should make it easier for buyers and sellers.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-association-of-realtors-agent-commissions-lawsuits-d62a66cb80639be3c4c3b429053a22c5">Earlier this year</a>, the National Association of Realtors and several major real estate brokerages agreed to pay over $950 million to settle federal lawsuits claiming they forced homeowners to pay inflated commissions to sell their homes.

The industry also agreed to policy changes aimed at creating more transparency around how brokers and agents are paid for their services.

Real estate brokerage Re/Max last year agreed to pay $55 million to settle litigation over agent compensation. President Amy Lessinger spoke with The Associated Press about what homebuyers and sellers can expect from the industry rule changes taking effect this month.

Q: What changes will the new rules have in store for homebuyers and sellers?

A: As it pertains to the settlement, there are just two changes. The first is that offers of compensation can no longer take place on the MLS. And buyers working with an MLS purchase have to sign a written buyer’s agreement. It’s already required in roughly 20 states.

Q: Should a buyer expect that agents will ask for a specific commission or other type of fee structure?

A: Per the settlement terms, it will be spelled out. As far as exactly how that agent is compensated, that is between the buyer and the agent. It could be a flat fee model. It could be that a buyer directs their agent and says, ‘I would like you to negotiate the fee with the seller as part of the contract and if the seller will not offer that, then I may not opt to buy the house.’ But the buyer has to be in control of how the directive is given. And then, obviously, they need to come to terms in an agreement about what happens if the seller isn’t willing to offer compensation. How will that agent be paid and in what way?

Q: Sellers can still opt to make an offer of compensation to a buyer’s agent, even if they can’t include it in their listing on the MLS. Do you expect many will decline to do so?

A: By and large, I have not heard of a wave of ‘we’re not offering compensation’ among the sellers. I think it’s a discussion between the agent and the seller as to the benefit of why they would want to offer it or may not want to offer it. And ultimately, commissions are negotiable, and it is up to the seller as to what they desire in that situation.

Q: Are we likely to see lower commissions?

A: That remains to be seen. I think people just need to largely decide what the value is of having a trusted professional represent my best interests, negotiate on my behalf, provide me with their local expertise and walk me through the process?

Q: How do you expect these rule changes to affect real estate agents in the long-term?

A: For educated professionals in this business, such as our agents, this is an industry shift that they will navigate with professionalism and diligence. Agents who perhaps are very, very part-time or haven’t sold a lot of houses over the course of their career, it may be a challenge for them.

The relationship between real estate agents and those selling or buying a home will change dramatically this weekend.&nbsp; &nbsp;The change that begins Saturday should make it easier for buyers and sellers.BY ALEX VEIGALOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-association-of-realtors-agent-commissions-lawsuits-d62a66cb80639be3c4c3b429053a22c5">Earlier this year</a>, the National Association of Realtors and several major real estate brokerages agreed to pay over $950 million to settle federal lawsuits claiming they forced homeowners to pay inflated commissions to sell their homes.The industry also agreed to policy changes aimed at creating more transparency around how brokers and agents are paid for their services.Real estate brokerage Re/Max last year agreed to pay $55 million to settle litigation over agent compensation. President Amy Lessinger spoke with The Associated Press about what homebuyers and sellers can expect from the industry rule changes taking effect this month.<h2>Q: What changes will the new rules have in store for homebuyers and sellers?</h2>A: As it pertains to the settlement, there are just two changes. The first is that offers of compensation can no longer take place on the MLS. And buyers working with an MLS purchase have to sign a written buyer’s agreement. It’s already required in roughly 20 states.<h2>Q: Should a buyer expect that agents will ask for a specific commission or other type of fee structure?</h2>A: Per the settlement terms, it will be spelled out. As far as exactly how that agent is compensated, that is between the buyer and the agent. It could be a flat fee model. It could be that a buyer directs their agent and says, ‘I would like you to negotiate the fee with the seller as part of the contract and if the seller will not offer that, then I may not opt to buy the house.’ But the buyer has to be in control of how the directive is given. And then, obviously, they need to come to terms in an agreement about what happens if the seller isn’t willing to offer compensation. How will that agent be paid and in what way?<h2>Q: Sellers can still opt to make an offer of compensation to a buyer’s agent, even if they can’t include it in their listing on the MLS. Do you expect many will decline to do so?</h2>A: By and large, I have not heard of a wave of ‘we’re not offering compensation’ among the sellers. I think it’s a discussion between the agent and the seller as to the benefit of why they would want to offer it or may not want to offer it. And ultimately, commissions are negotiable, and it is up to the seller as to what they desire in that situation.<h2>Q: Are we likely to see lower commissions?</h2>A: That remains to be seen. I think people just need to largely decide what the value is of having a trusted professional represent my best interests, negotiate on my behalf, provide me with their local expertise and walk me through the process?<h2>Q: How do you expect these rule changes to affect real estate agents in the long-term?</h2>A: For educated professionals in this business, such as our agents, this is an industry shift that they will navigate with professionalism and diligence. Agents who perhaps are very, very part-time or haven’t sold a lot of houses over the course of their career, it may be a challenge for them.

New real estate commission rules begin this weekend

WASHINGTON —On Monday night, a rare public conversation between former President Donald Trump and X owner Elon Musk spanned more than two hours and was overwhelmingly friendly and reached a billion combined views, according to Musk.

On Thursday, the Kamala Harris campaign decided to release a video conversation with her running mate Tim Walz.

The Vice President and Minnesota governor talk taco recipes, hot peppers, their childhoods, careers, and the rights and freedoms they want to protect.&nbsp;

WASHINGTON —On Monday night, a rare public conversation between former President Donald Trump and X owner Elon Musk spanned more than two hours and was overwhelmingly friendly and reached a billion combined views, according to Musk.On Thursday, the Kamala Harris campaign decided to release a video conversation with her running mate Tim Walz.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WkwZ_A49hb8?si=Temq-pRH4tZ_Ysrw&amp;start=1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The Vice President and Minnesota governor talk taco recipes, hot peppers, their childhoods, careers, and the rights and freedoms they want to protect.&nbsp;

🎥Harris, running mate Walz release a conversation

KANSAS CITY— Law enforcement are investigating a deadly shooting at an apartment building in Kansas City have identified the victim as 22-year-old Terry Adrian, according to KCPD Police Captain Jake Becchins.

Just after 11a.m. Wednesday, the Kansas City Fire Department&nbsp;was responding to a medical call at the&nbsp;Georgian Court Apartment Complex in the 400 block of E. Armour Boulevard in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

While on scene at that location a shooting occurred just outside the lobby of the apartment building.

The fire department crew on scene heard the gunshots and requested Police emergency response and additional resources.

One patient, later identified as Terry, was treated and and transported in critical condition. He died a short time later, according to Kansas City Police.&nbsp; The original medical call was handled by the additional resources ordered, according to Hopkins.

Responding officers located a person of interest near the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;A preliminary investigation led police to believe that there was a confrontation between the victim and the person of interest prior to the shooting. KC Fire crews were not in danger at the time of the shooting, according to Hopkins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723718390903.png" alt="photo by Grace Smith courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>photo by Grace Smith courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— Law enforcement are investigating a deadly shooting at an apartment building in Kansas City have identified the victim as 22-year-old Terry Adrian, according to KCPD Police Captain Jake Becchins.Just after 11a.m. Wednesday, the Kansas City Fire Department&nbsp;was responding to a medical call at the&nbsp;Georgian Court Apartment Complex in the 400 block of E. Armour Boulevard in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.While on scene at that location a shooting occurred just outside the lobby of the apartment building.The fire department crew on scene heard the gunshots and requested Police emergency response and additional resources.One patient, later identified as Terry, was treated and and transported in critical condition. He died a short time later, according to Kansas City Police.&nbsp; The original medical call was handled by the additional resources ordered, according to Hopkins.Responding officers located a person of interest near the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A preliminary investigation led police to believe that there was a confrontation between the victim and the person of interest prior to the shooting. KC Fire crews were not in danger at the time of the shooting, according to Hopkins.

Police ID victim in fatal shooting outside KC apartment building

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas will pay $50,000 to settle a federal anti-discrimination lawsuit filed by a former state Highway Patrol employee who claimed to have been fired for coming out as transgender.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and eight leaders of the Republican-controlled Legislature unanimously approved the settlement during a brief online video conference Thursday. The state attorney general's office pursued the settlement in defending the Highway Patrol, but any agreement it reaches also must be approved by the governor and top lawmakers.

Kelly and the legislators didn't publicly discuss the settlement, and the amount wasn't disclosed until the state released their formal resolution approving the settlement nearly four hours after their meeting. Kelly's office and the offices of Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Dan Hawkins did not respond to emails seeking comment after the meeting.

The former employee's attorney declined to discuss the settlement before state officials met Thursday and did not return a telephone message seeking comment afterward. The lawsuit did not specify the amount sought, but said it was seeking damages for lost wages, suffering, emotional pain and “loss of enjoyment of life.”

The ex-employee was a buildings and grounds manager in the patrol's Topeka headquarters and sued after being fired in June 2022. The patrol said the ex-employee had been accused of sexual harassment and wasn't cooperative enough with an internal investigation. The lawsuit alleged that reason was a pretext for terminating a transgender worker.

The settlement came four months after U.S. District Judge John Broomes rejected the state's request to dismiss the lawsuit before a trial. Broomes ruled there are "genuine issues of material fact” for a jury to settle.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/courts-supreme-courts-mi-state-wire-neil-gorsuch-ap-top-news-ef3c19a79b65c060fd9e82b9dd87a1d9">The U.S. Supreme Court ruled</a>&nbsp;in 2020 that a landmark 1964 federal civil rights law barring sex discrimination in employment also bars anti-LGBTQ+ bias.

Court documents said the former Highway Patrol employee, a Topeka resident sought to socially transition at work from male to female. The ex-employee's last name was listed as Dawes, but court records used a male first name and male pronouns. It wasn't clear Thursday what first name or pronouns Dawes uses now.

In a December 2023 court filing, Dawes' attorney said top patrol leaders met “a couple of months” before Dawes' firing to discuss Dawes being transgender and firing Dawes for that reason.

The patrol acknowledged the meeting occurred but said the leaders decided to get legal advice about the patrol's “responsibilities in accommodating Dawes" in socially transitioning at work, according to a court filing by a state attorney in November 2023.

Court filings said the meeting wasn't documented, something Dawes' attorney called "a serious procedural irregularity.”

The patrol said in its court filings that Dawes' firing was not related to Dawes being transgender.

It said another female employee had complained that in May 2022, Dawes had complimented her looks and told her “how nice it was to see a female really taking care of herself." Dawes also sent her an email in June 2022 that began, “Just a note to tell you that I think you look absolutely amazing today!” The other employee took both as sexual advances, it said.

Dawes acknowledged the interactions, but Dawes' attorney said Dawes hadn't been disciplined for those comments before being fired — and if Dawes had been, the likely punishment would have only been a reprimand.

The patrol said it fired Dawes for refusing the first time an investigator sought to interview him about the other employee's allegations. The patrol said Dawes claimed not to be prepared, while Dawes claimed to want to have an attorney present.

Dawes was interviewed three days later, but the patrol said refusing the first interview warranted Dawes' firing because patrol policy requires “full cooperation” with an internal investigation.

“Dawes can point to no person who is not transgender who was treated more favorably than transgender persons,” the state said in its November 2023 filing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669211675679.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas will pay $50,000 to settle a federal anti-discrimination lawsuit filed by a former state Highway Patrol employee who claimed to have been fired for coming out as transgender.Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and eight leaders of the Republican-controlled Legislature unanimously approved the settlement during a brief online video conference Thursday. The state attorney general's office pursued the settlement in defending the Highway Patrol, but any agreement it reaches also must be approved by the governor and top lawmakers.Kelly and the legislators didn't publicly discuss the settlement, and the amount wasn't disclosed until the state released their formal resolution approving the settlement nearly four hours after their meeting. Kelly's office and the offices of Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Dan Hawkins did not respond to emails seeking comment after the meeting.The former employee's attorney declined to discuss the settlement before state officials met Thursday and did not return a telephone message seeking comment afterward. The lawsuit did not specify the amount sought, but said it was seeking damages for lost wages, suffering, emotional pain and “loss of enjoyment of life.”The ex-employee was a buildings and grounds manager in the patrol's Topeka headquarters and sued after being fired in June 2022. The patrol said the ex-employee had been accused of sexual harassment and wasn't cooperative enough with an internal investigation. The lawsuit alleged that reason was a pretext for terminating a transgender worker.The settlement came four months after U.S. District Judge John Broomes rejected the state's request to dismiss the lawsuit before a trial. Broomes ruled there are "genuine issues of material fact” for a jury to settle.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/courts-supreme-courts-mi-state-wire-neil-gorsuch-ap-top-news-ef3c19a79b65c060fd9e82b9dd87a1d9">The U.S. Supreme Court ruled</a>&nbsp;in 2020 that a landmark 1964 federal civil rights law barring sex discrimination in employment also bars anti-LGBTQ+ bias.Court documents said the former Highway Patrol employee, a Topeka resident sought to socially transition at work from male to female. The ex-employee's last name was listed as Dawes, but court records used a male first name and male pronouns. It wasn't clear Thursday what first name or pronouns Dawes uses now.In a December 2023 court filing, Dawes' attorney said top patrol leaders met “a couple of months” before Dawes' firing to discuss Dawes being transgender and firing Dawes for that reason.The patrol acknowledged the meeting occurred but said the leaders decided to get legal advice about the patrol's “responsibilities in accommodating Dawes" in socially transitioning at work, according to a court filing by a state attorney in November 2023.Court filings said the meeting wasn't documented, something Dawes' attorney called "a serious procedural irregularity.”The patrol said in its court filings that Dawes' firing was not related to Dawes being transgender.It said another female employee had complained that in May 2022, Dawes had complimented her looks and told her “how nice it was to see a female really taking care of herself." Dawes also sent her an email in June 2022 that began, “Just a note to tell you that I think you look absolutely amazing today!” The other employee took both as sexual advances, it said.Dawes acknowledged the interactions, but Dawes' attorney said Dawes hadn't been disciplined for those comments before being fired — and if Dawes had been, the likely punishment would have only been a reprimand.The patrol said it fired Dawes for refusing the first time an investigator sought to interview him about the other employee's allegations. The patrol said Dawes claimed not to be prepared, while Dawes claimed to want to have an attorney present.Dawes was interviewed three days later, but the patrol said refusing the first interview warranted Dawes' firing because patrol policy requires “full cooperation” with an internal investigation.“Dawes can point to no person who is not transgender who was treated more favorably than transgender persons,” the state said in its November 2023 filing.

Kan. will pay to settle a suit over a transgender KHP employee's firing

MCPHERSON COUNTY —Law enforcement across Kansas continue to  see more drivers traveling well above the posted speed limit. Despite a statewide campaign to crack down on excessive speeding.

Kansas Highway Patrol Lieutenant Rust stopped a vehicle going 101 mph in a 60 mph construction zone in Southern McPherson County on Thursday, according to a social media report from the patrol. The driver had no insurance, no current registration, and a warrant out for their arrest.

Lieutenant Rust made an arrest and transported the individual to jail. The speeding violation alone is $828.00, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723757428484.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY —Law enforcement across Kansas continue to see more drivers traveling well above the posted speed limit. Despite a statewide campaign to crack down on excessive speeding.Kansas Highway Patrol Lieutenant Rust stopped a vehicle going 101 mph in a 60 mph construction zone in Southern McPherson County on Thursday, according to a social media report from the patrol. The driver had no insurance, no current registration, and a warrant out for their arrest.Lieutenant Rust made an arrest and transported the individual to jail. The speeding violation alone is $828.00, according to the KHP.

Driver caught traveling over 100mph in Kan. construction zone

LOUDON COUNTY, Virginia —Law enforcement have identified a suspect and a warrant has been issued for the burglary at Trump Campaign Headquarters, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.

&nbsp;Deputies also secured a warrant for the arrest of Toby Shane Kessler, 39, on the charge of Burglary; Entering dwelling house, etc., with intent to commit larceny, assault and battery or other felony) in connection with the break in at the local office of Trump for President 2024 campaign in Ashburn, VA, Sunday.

 The office, in the 20000 block of Ashbrook Place, is being leased by the Trump campaign and also serves as the headquarters of the Virginia 10th District Republican Committee.

Just after 9p.m. Sunday, the sheriff's office was contacted about the burglary and deputies responded. Investigators have video surveillance of the suspect. He is a white adult male, wearing dark clothing, a dark cap, and a backpack when he entered the location.

“It is rare to have the office of any political campaign or party broken into,” said Sheriff Mike Chapman. “We are determined to identify the suspect, investigate why it happened, and determine what may have been taken as well as what may have been left behind.”

Anyone who believes they know the suspect, witnessed the burglary, or has any other information is asked to contact Detective Franks at 571-918-1869.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723644144685.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LOUDON COUNTY, Virginia —Law enforcement have identified a suspect and a warrant has been issued for the burglary at Trump Campaign Headquarters, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723718627492.png" alt="Kessler-photo Loudon Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Kessler-photo Loudon Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Deputies also secured a warrant for the arrest of Toby Shane Kessler, 39, on the charge of Burglary; Entering dwelling house, etc., with intent to commit larceny, assault and battery or other felony) in connection with the break in at the local office of Trump for President 2024 campaign in Ashburn, VA, Sunday. The office, in the 20000 block of Ashbrook Place, is being leased by the Trump campaign and also serves as the headquarters of the Virginia 10th District Republican Committee.Just after 9p.m. Sunday, the sheriff's office was contacted about the burglary and deputies responded. Investigators have video surveillance of the suspect. He is a white adult male, wearing dark clothing, a dark cap, and a backpack when he entered the location.“It is rare to have the office of any political campaign or party broken into,” said Sheriff Mike Chapman. “We are determined to identify the suspect, investigate why it happened, and determine what may have been taken as well as what may have been left behind.”Anyone who believes they know the suspect, witnessed the burglary, or has any other information is asked to contact Detective Franks at 571-918-1869.&nbsp;------

Sheriff IDs suspect in burglary at Trump campaign office 

BUTLER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities including the FBI, KBI and Augusta Department of&nbsp; Public Safety investigating the September 2023 murder of 93-year-old Joanne Johnson in her home in Augusta have&nbsp; arrested two juveniles, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

On Thursday afternoon two 14-year-old girls from Augusta were arrested for first-degree murder connected to Johnson’s death.

 Johnson was discovered deceased in her residence on September 3, 2023.The teens are being held at separate juvenile detention centers. Formal charges are pending.

In May, Governor Laura Kelly has issued an executive order offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who provides information that led to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Johnson’s murder. 

Under the same conditions, the family of Joanne Johnson has offered to match the reward for information, increasing the total reward to $10,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715093373488.png" alt="-In May, Governor Laura Kelly has issued an executive order offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who provides information that led to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Johnson’s murder." />
 <figcaption>-In May, Governor Laura Kelly has issued an executive order offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who provides information that led to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Johnson’s murder.</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities including the FBI, KBI and Augusta Department of&nbsp; Public Safety investigating the September 2023 murder of 93-year-old Joanne Johnson in her home in Augusta have&nbsp; arrested two juveniles, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.On Thursday afternoon two 14-year-old girls from Augusta were arrested for first-degree murder connected to Johnson’s death. Johnson was discovered deceased in her residence on September 3, 2023.The teens are being held at separate juvenile detention centers. Formal charges are pending.In May, Governor Laura Kelly has issued an executive order offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who provides information that led to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Johnson’s murder. Under the same conditions, the family of Joanne Johnson has offered to match the reward for information, increasing the total reward to $10,000.

14-year-olds accused in the murder of  93-year-old Kansas woman

RENO COUNTY — Two people were arrested following a Wednesday chase in Reno County. 

On Wednesday, the Reno County Sheriff’s Office was informed that a victim of a previous theft had spotted the suspect in Pretty Prairie. The Sheriff’s Office responded to the area and found Brian Palmer and Krystal Estes leaving a residence.

 The pair were in a Brown Chevy truck with a flat bed. Deputies attempted to stop the truck, but it fled the area. After a lengthy chase, the Brown Chevy came to a stop and both Brian and Krystal attempted to run. Neither were successful and were apprehended. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the Brown Chevy truck had been stolen in Stafford County. 

Estes was arrested on a requested charge of Possession of the stolen truck and Interference.

Palmer was arrested on requested charges of Flee and Elude, Possession of the truck, Possession of Meth, Criminal Damage and several out of County Warrants. In addition, Palmer was also arrested for several other crimes that occurred over the last several months. These charges include 2 burglaries, Felony Theft and Trespassing.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723739329310.png" alt="Palmer photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>Palmer photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — Two people were arrested following a Wednesday chase in Reno County. On Wednesday, the Reno County Sheriff’s Office was informed that a victim of a previous theft had spotted the suspect in Pretty Prairie. The Sheriff’s Office responded to the area and found Brian Palmer and Krystal Estes leaving a residence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723756116741.png" alt="Estes has previous&nbsp; two previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Estes has previous&nbsp; two previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure> The pair were in a Brown Chevy truck with a flat bed. Deputies attempted to stop the truck, but it fled the area. After a lengthy chase, the Brown Chevy came to a stop and both Brian and Krystal attempted to run. Neither were successful and were apprehended. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the Brown Chevy truck had been stolen in Stafford County. Estes was arrested on a requested charge of Possession of the stolen truck and Interference.Palmer was arrested on requested charges of Flee and Elude, Possession of the truck, Possession of Meth, Criminal Damage and several out of County Warrants. In addition, Palmer was also arrested for several other crimes that occurred over the last several months. These charges include 2 burglaries, Felony Theft and Trespassing.&nbsp;

Kansas couple led police on chase in reported stolen truck

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Lawrence Police have made a significant impact in the battle against the opioid epidemic, seizing over 800 fentanyl pills during a vehicle stop on a suspected drug dealer last week, according to a media release.

 The stop was the result of an investigation by the Lawrence Police Department's Directed Investigations Unit.&nbsp;

This seizure is in addition to the 33.08 pounds of methamphetamines and 1.26 pounds of cocaine seized by the Lawrence Police Department on the same day last week. 

The incidents were not related. An affidavit will be submitted to the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office for charging once the drugs are tested by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation laboratory. 

“The complexity of this investigation and the expertise needed to make a seizure of this magnitude cannot be overstated. The tireless work of our investigators has resulted in keeping more than 800 potentially lethal doses of poison off the streets of Lawrence. The opioid epidemic has already touched so many lives, and every pill we seize is a pill that could kill someone in our community. We are steadfast in our commitment to rid our community of this menace, and this seizure marks a crucial step toward that goal.” –Rich Lockhart, Lawrence Chief of Police

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Lawrence Police have made a significant impact in the battle against the opioid epidemic, seizing over 800 fentanyl pills during a vehicle stop on a suspected drug dealer last week, according to a media release. The stop was the result of an investigation by the Lawrence Police Department's Directed Investigations Unit.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723747215666.png" alt="Photo of the meth and cocaine seized by Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo of the meth and cocaine seized by Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>This seizure is in addition to the 33.08 pounds of methamphetamines and 1.26 pounds of cocaine seized by the Lawrence Police Department on the same day last week. The incidents were not related. An affidavit will be submitted to the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office for charging once the drugs are tested by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation laboratory. “The complexity of this investigation and the expertise needed to make a seizure of this magnitude cannot be overstated. The tireless work of our investigators has resulted in keeping more than 800 potentially lethal doses of poison off the streets of Lawrence. The opioid epidemic has already touched so many lives, and every pill we seize is a pill that could kill someone in our community. We are steadfast in our commitment to rid our community of this menace, and this seizure marks a crucial step toward that goal.” –Rich Lockhart, Lawrence Chief of Police

Police seize hundreds of fentanyl pills during Kansas traffic stop

By NATE KING Salina Post

Following multiple ceremonial bill signing events held in Leavenworth and Holton, Governor Laura Kelly called Salina Post to discuss the present and long-term impacts of tax reform, the possibility of Medicaid expansion in 2025, her reflections on the state's current financial standing, and the Kansas City Chiefs’ potential move across state lines.

After three years of debate on how best to provide tax relief to the Sunflower State, Kansas lawmakers and Gov. Kelly reached a bipartisan deal during a special session of the Kansas Legislature this summer.&nbsp;

Although the process of delivering tax reform to Kansas took years to achieve, it has been something Gov. Kelly's administration has sought since she became governor in 2019. The bill, Senate Bill One, provides a $2 billion reduction in state income and property taxes over the next five years.

“I've been wanting to provide tax relief for that amount of time. It took multiple legislative sessions to come to a consensus," Gov. Kelly said. "There was a lot of push to provide much more on the income tax side, which tends to benefit people with more means. I wanted a tax bill that would really target our middle-class, working-class families across the state of Kansas."

House and Senate Republicans' attempts to pass a flat income tax were dashed by Gov. Kelly's veto, which was followed by subsequent failed veto override votes.

According to The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a flat tax structure would have cost the state $650 million annually once phased in, and from Gov. Kelly's view, its enactment would have sent the state back to the Brownback years.

“It [flat tax] would start to take us back to the Brownback days and I just could not let that happen," Gov. Kelly said. "At that point, we had a three-tier tax system. I still believe we should have maintained a three-tier tax system. It's fair, but it's also nimble. By having that, when bad economic times come — and they do come; you don't see the kind of decrease in state revenues that you do if you have fewer tax brackets, particularly a single tax bracket.”

Lawmakers passed Senate Bill One on June 18. The Senate's final vote was 34-4 and 121-2 in the Kansas House of Representatives.

Senate Bill One establishes a two-bracket income tax system for married individuals filing jointly. Income up to $46,000 will be taxed at 5.2%, and income above that will be taxed at 5.58%.&nbsp;

Gov Kelly noted one of the crucial changes brought by Senate Bill One is the increase in the personal exemption, which goes from $2,250 to $9,160 for individuals.

Taxpayers will receive an additional $2,320 exemption for each dependent listed on their return. The bill accounts for a slight increase in the standard deduction, with single filers' deductions rising from $3,500 to $3,605 and married filers' rising from $8,000 to $8,240. Heads of household will see an additional $180 in exemptions going from $6,000 to $6,180.

"It [SB 1] will impact everybody to at least some degree. I think our seniors are going to see the most obvious relief because we will be eliminating all state taxes on Social Security," Gov. Kelly said.

Additionally, with this bill, Kansas joined more than thirty other states in eliminating state social security taxes.

Income taxes and social security aren't the only ways Kansans will see savings. The bill also reduces property taxes by raising the exemption on school general fund property tax mill levies.

"Kansans who own property will see a reduction in their property tax bill from the state. We levy right now, 20 Mills on residential property that is to help fund our schools. To date, we exempt the first $42,000 or so property value from that tax, we're lifting that exemption to $75,000," Gov. Kelly said.

Gov. Kelly said Kansans looking to start or grow their family also benefit from Senate Bill One.

"Our families will enjoy a doubling of the Childcare Dependent Care Tax Credit to $6 million, which will make a huge difference, I think, particularly for families with a lot of kids," Kelly said.

From her days as a Senator representing Kansas' 18th Senate District to serving as governor, Kelly has been a strong advocate for the expansion of Medicaid, the federal government program providing care to some 80 million Americans living on low incomes.&nbsp;

"There's no good logical reason for not having expanded Medicaid," Gov. Kelly said. "Originally, when Medicaid expansion was available to states in 2014 I think there were some legitimate questions about what it would do to the state budget."

Gov. Kelly emphasized the social and economic benefits of Medicaid expansion, which would cover an estimated 50,000 more Kansans.

"There were very legitimate concerns. What would happen if the federal government, you know, pulled the plug after you've done expansion. But over time, all of the concerns have been answered," Gov. Kelly said.

Kansas' decision not to expand Medicaid has forfeited over $7 billion in taxpayer money since the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2014.

"That just makes absolutely no sense and has really done some serious harm to our economy," Gov. Kelly said.

Gov. Kelly cited the ten hospitals that have closed in Kansas since the federal government made Medicaid expansion available as one reason why Medicaid should be expanded in Kansas.

"I'm not going to say that Medicaid expansion is the complete and total answer to our issues with rural health care, but it certainly is a tool that needs to be in the toolbox in order for us to resolve those issues,"&nbsp; Gov. Kelly said. "The other thing that's very subtle, and only people in those communities notice it, but because all of the other states around us have expanded Medicaid, we are bleeding healthcare workers across our borders."

Expanding Medicaid continues to be a point of contention in Topeka. Gov. Kelly said leaders in the statehouse are out of touch with their constituents in their thinking on Medicaid.

"It has really come down to having legislative leaders who are stuck in the past, who are still concerned about the passage of the Affordable Care Act more than 10 years ago, and they just can't give up on the idea," Gov. Kelly said. "They said, then it was a bad idea, and they sort of painted themselves into a corner, and have not figured out a way to come out of that corner and let their let their caucuses in the House and in the Senate, take a vote of Medicaid expansion.”

One of the popular arguments used by Kansans against the expansion of Medicaid is that it will raise taxes on middle and low-income Kansans. According to Gov. Kelly, states that have expanded Medicaid haven't seen a negative impact on their tax structures.

"In fact, what they have seen is that premiums for people who get their health insurance through the private sector actually have stabilized," Gov. Kelly said. "Because of Medicaid expansion, our hospitals would get reimbursed for the care that they provide to these people who are eligible for Medicaid."

Gov. Kelly explained that when hospitals provide uncompensated care in emergency rooms, the most expensive place for healthcare, they have to charge other patients more to cover those costs.

"They provided in the emergency room, the most expensive place to get health care, and so hospitals then have to charge other patients more money to cover the costs of that uncompensated care that they have to provide in the emergency rooms and when they charge other patients more money, the insurance companies raise the cost of the premium, and premium costs go up for every Kansan with private healthcare."

In 2023 a survey released by the<a href="https://sunflowerfoundation.org/statewide-poll-on-medicaid-expansion/">&nbsp;Sunflower Foundation</a>&nbsp;found 68% of Kansas voters supported Medicaid expansion.

"There's no good reason. We just need to continue to push and hope that the pressure on legislative leadership gets to the point that their caucus members demand the opportunity to vote on Medicaid expansion," Gov. Kelly said.

Tax reform wasn't the only item on the agenda for the special session this summer. Lawmakers also modified existing economic incentive rules to enable the state to potentially attract professional sports teams — like the Kansas City Chiefs. Gov. Kelly had little to share on the topic, but said she appreciates the legislature expanding the economic tool box.

"I think as we look to the future in Kansas, if an opportunity should should come our way, it's nice that we now have a tool in place to make that work,”she said.

Gov. Kelly said the Kansas City Chiefs have made it clear they will make a decision regarding their location no later than the end of the year.

"We're here, and we've got the tools in place," Gov. Kelly said.

Gov. Kelly comments on Minnesota Governor and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz

Gov. Kelly praised Vice President and Democratic candidate for president Kamala Harris' own vice president pick, citing the balance Walz brings to the ticket.

"She could not have picked a better partner. Somebody that balances the ticket," Gov. Kelly said. "She's coastal. He's Midwest."

Gov. Kelly said she has gotten to know Walz over the last few years, and according to her, Walz is "as good and kind as humble as they come."

“You could not ask for somebody with a better resume and a better personality to work side by side with,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722967941078.png" alt="Gov. Kelly and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, now a candidate for Vice President" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Kelly and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, now a candidate for Vice President</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostFollowing multiple ceremonial bill signing events held in Leavenworth and Holton, Governor Laura Kelly called Salina Post to discuss the present and long-term impacts of tax reform, the possibility of Medicaid expansion in 2025, her reflections on the state's current financial standing, and the Kansas City Chiefs’ potential move across state lines.After three years of debate on how best to provide tax relief to the Sunflower State, Kansas lawmakers and Gov. Kelly reached a bipartisan deal during a special session of the Kansas Legislature this summer.&nbsp;<h2>Senate Bill One</h2>Although the process of delivering tax reform to Kansas took years to achieve, it has been something Gov. Kelly's administration has sought since she became governor in 2019. The bill, Senate Bill One, provides a $2 billion reduction in state income and property taxes over the next five years.“I've been wanting to provide tax relief for that amount of time. It took multiple legislative sessions to come to a consensus," Gov. Kelly said. "There was a lot of push to provide much more on the income tax side, which tends to benefit people with more means. I wanted a tax bill that would really target our middle-class, working-class families across the state of Kansas."House and Senate Republicans' attempts to pass a flat income tax were dashed by Gov. Kelly's veto, which was followed by subsequent failed veto override votes.According to The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a flat tax structure would have cost the state $650 million annually once phased in, and from Gov. Kelly's view, its enactment would have sent the state back to the Brownback years.“It [flat tax] would start to take us back to the Brownback days and I just could not let that happen," Gov. Kelly said. "At that point, we had a three-tier tax system. I still believe we should have maintained a three-tier tax system. It's fair, but it's also nimble. By having that, when bad economic times come — and they do come; you don't see the kind of decrease in state revenues that you do if you have fewer tax brackets, particularly a single tax bracket.”Lawmakers passed Senate Bill One on June 18. The Senate's final vote was 34-4 and 121-2 in the Kansas House of Representatives.Senate Bill One establishes a two-bracket income tax system for married individuals filing jointly. Income up to $46,000 will be taxed at 5.2%, and income above that will be taxed at 5.58%.&nbsp;Gov Kelly noted one of the crucial changes brought by Senate Bill One is the increase in the personal exemption, which goes from $2,250 to $9,160 for individuals.Taxpayers will receive an additional $2,320 exemption for each dependent listed on their return. The bill accounts for a slight increase in the standard deduction, with single filers' deductions rising from $3,500 to $3,605 and married filers' rising from $8,000 to $8,240. Heads of household will see an additional $180 in exemptions going from $6,000 to $6,180."It [SB 1] will impact everybody to at least some degree. I think our seniors are going to see the most obvious relief because we will be eliminating all state taxes on Social Security," Gov. Kelly said.Additionally, with this bill, Kansas joined more than thirty other states in eliminating state social security taxes.Income taxes and social security aren't the only ways Kansans will see savings. The bill also reduces property taxes by raising the exemption on school general fund property tax mill levies."Kansans who own property will see a reduction in their property tax bill from the state. We levy right now, 20 Mills on residential property that is to help fund our schools. To date, we exempt the first $42,000 or so property value from that tax, we're lifting that exemption to $75,000," Gov. Kelly said.Gov. Kelly said Kansans looking to start or grow their family also benefit from Senate Bill One."Our families will enjoy a doubling of the Childcare Dependent Care Tax Credit to $6 million, which will make a huge difference, I think, particularly for families with a lot of kids," Kelly said.<h2>Medicaid expansion</h2>From her days as a Senator representing Kansas' 18th Senate District to serving as governor, Kelly has been a strong advocate for the expansion of Medicaid, the federal government program providing care to some 80 million Americans living on low incomes.&nbsp;"There's no good logical reason for not having expanded Medicaid," Gov. Kelly said. "Originally, when Medicaid expansion was available to states in 2014 I think there were some legitimate questions about what it would do to the state budget."Gov. Kelly emphasized the social and economic benefits of Medicaid expansion, which would cover an estimated 50,000 more Kansans."There were very legitimate concerns. What would happen if the federal government, you know, pulled the plug after you've done expansion. But over time, all of the concerns have been answered," Gov. Kelly said.Kansas' decision not to expand Medicaid has forfeited over $7 billion in taxpayer money since the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2014."That just makes absolutely no sense and has really done some serious harm to our economy," Gov. Kelly said.Gov. Kelly cited the ten hospitals that have closed in Kansas since the federal government made Medicaid expansion available as one reason why Medicaid should be expanded in Kansas."I'm not going to say that Medicaid expansion is the complete and total answer to our issues with rural health care, but it certainly is a tool that needs to be in the toolbox in order for us to resolve those issues,"&nbsp; Gov. Kelly said. "The other thing that's very subtle, and only people in those communities notice it, but because all of the other states around us have expanded Medicaid, we are bleeding healthcare workers across our borders."Expanding Medicaid continues to be a point of contention in Topeka. Gov. Kelly said leaders in the statehouse are out of touch with their constituents in their thinking on Medicaid."It has really come down to having legislative leaders who are stuck in the past, who are still concerned about the passage of the Affordable Care Act more than 10 years ago, and they just can't give up on the idea," Gov. Kelly said. "They said, then it was a bad idea, and they sort of painted themselves into a corner, and have not figured out a way to come out of that corner and let their let their caucuses in the House and in the Senate, take a vote of Medicaid expansion.”One of the popular arguments used by Kansans against the expansion of Medicaid is that it will raise taxes on middle and low-income Kansans. According to Gov. Kelly, states that have expanded Medicaid haven't seen a negative impact on their tax structures."In fact, what they have seen is that premiums for people who get their health insurance through the private sector actually have stabilized," Gov. Kelly said. "Because of Medicaid expansion, our hospitals would get reimbursed for the care that they provide to these people who are eligible for Medicaid."Gov. Kelly explained that when hospitals provide uncompensated care in emergency rooms, the most expensive place for healthcare, they have to charge other patients more to cover those costs."They provided in the emergency room, the most expensive place to get health care, and so hospitals then have to charge other patients more money to cover the costs of that uncompensated care that they have to provide in the emergency rooms and when they charge other patients more money, the insurance companies raise the cost of the premium, and premium costs go up for every Kansan with private healthcare."In 2023 a survey released by the<a href="https://sunflowerfoundation.org/statewide-poll-on-medicaid-expansion/">&nbsp;Sunflower Foundation</a>&nbsp;found 68% of Kansas voters supported Medicaid expansion."There's no good reason. We just need to continue to push and hope that the pressure on legislative leadership gets to the point that their caucus members demand the opportunity to vote on Medicaid expansion," Gov. Kelly said.<h2>Kansas City Chiefs</h2>Tax reform wasn't the only item on the agenda for the special session this summer. Lawmakers also modified existing economic incentive rules to enable the state to potentially attract professional sports teams — like the Kansas City Chiefs. Gov. Kelly had little to share on the topic, but said she appreciates the legislature expanding the economic tool box."I think as we look to the future in Kansas, if an opportunity should should come our way, it's nice that we now have a tool in place to make that work,”she said.Gov. Kelly said the Kansas City Chiefs have made it clear they will make a decision regarding their location no later than the end of the year."We're here, and we've got the tools in place," Gov. Kelly said.<h2>Gov. Kelly comments on Minnesota Governor and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz</h2>Gov. Kelly praised Vice President and Democratic candidate for president Kamala Harris' own vice president pick, citing the balance Walz brings to the ticket."She could not have picked a better partner. Somebody that balances the ticket," Gov. Kelly said. "She's coastal. He's Midwest."Gov. Kelly said she has gotten to know Walz over the last few years, and according to her, Walz is "as good and kind as humble as they come."“You could not ask for somebody with a better resume and a better personality to work side by side with,” she said.

Gov. Kelly discusses $2B tax reform bill, Medicaid expansion, national politics

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Peter Marshall, the actor and singer turned game show host who played straight man to the stars for 16 years on “The Hollywood Squares,” has died. He was 98.

He died Thursday of kidney failure at his home in the Encino neighborhood of Los Angeles, publicist Harlan Boll said.

Marshall helped define the form of the smooth, professional, but never-too-serious modern game show host on more than 5,000 episodes of the series that ran on NBC from 1966 to 1981.

But he was often closer to a talk show host, and the tic-tac-toe game the contestants played, while real, was all an excuse for a good time. The questions Marshall posed to regulars like Paul Lynde, George Gobel and Joan Rivers were designed to be set-ups for joke answers before the real ones followed.

“It was the easiest thing I've ever done in show business,” Marshall said in a 2010 interview for the Archive of American Television. “I walked in, said ‘Hello stars,' I read questions and laughed. And it paid very well.”

“The Hollywood Squares” would become an American cultural institution and make Marshall a household name. It would win four Daytime Emmys for outstanding game show during his run and spawned dozens of international versions and several U.S. reboots. Not only was it a forum for such character actors as Charlie Weaver (the stage name of Cliff Arquette) and Wally Cox, but the show attracted a range of top stars as occasional guests, including Aretha Franklin, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Ed Asner and Janet Leigh.

Marshall had a warm rapport with Weaver, Lynde and others, but said that Gobel, the wry comedian, actor and variety show host, held a special place, tweeting in 2021 that it’s “no secret he was my closest friend on Hollywood Squares and my absolute all-time favorite Square!”

Marshall had lived nearly an entire show business life before he took the “Squares” podium at age 40.

He had toured with big bands starting as a teenager, had been a part of two comedy teams that appeared in nightclubs and on television, appeared in movies as a contract player for Twentieth Century Fox, and had sung in several Broadway musicals when the opportunity came up after Bert Parks, who hosted the pilot, bowed out.

“I am a singer first I am not a game show host,” Marshall told his hometown paper, the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington, West Virginia in 2013, "that was just a freak opportunity. I had been on Broadway with Julie Harris and was going back to Broadway when I did the audition, and I thought it was a few weeks but that turned into 16 years.”

“The Hollywood Squares” was more strait-laced when it began, but early in its run a producer suggested they write jokes for Lynde, the ever-snarky comic actor who occupied the center square and would become as identified as Marshall with the show.

The first joke would set the template for the years that followed:

Marshall: “Paul, why do motorcyclists wear leather?”

“That changed the whole thing,” Marshall told the TV archive. “I had been a straight man. So working with comics was easy for me.”

Born Ralph Pierre LaCock in Clarksburg, West Virginia, Marshall would move around the state as a child, living in Wheeling and Huntington.

His father died when Marshall was 10, and he would live with his grandparents as his mother and sister, the actress Joanne Dru, moved to New York to pursue her career in show business. Marshall would soon join them.

At 15, he toured as a singer with the Bob Chester Orchestra. He also worked as an NBC Radio page and an usher at the Paramount Theater. He was drafted during World War II and stationed in Italy, where he made his first forays onto the airways as a DJ for Armed Forces Radio. In 1949 he formed a comedy duo with Tommy Noonan, appearing in nightclubs, in theaters and on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”

He became a movie contract player in the 1950s at Twentieth Century Fox, appearing in films including 1959's “The Rookie" and 1961's “Swingin’ Along."

Major starring roles eluded him in Hollywood, but he would find them in musical theater.

He starred opposite Chita Rivera in “Bye Bye Birdie” in London’s West End in 1962 — Lynde had played a major role in the Broadway version that he would reprise in the film — and played his first starring role on Broadway in “Skyscraper” with Julie Harris in 1965.

He would also appear in Broadway versions of “High Button Shoes,” “The Music Man” and “42nd Street.”

After “The Hollywood Squares,” Marshall would host a few other short-lived game shows, but mostly resumed his career as a singing actor, starring in more than 800 performances of “La Cage Aux Folles” on Broadway and on tour, and singing in the 1983 film version of “Annie.”

He was married three times, the last to Laurie Stewart in 1989.

The couple survived a bout with COVID-19 early in 2021. He was hospitalized for several weeks.

His four kids include son Pete LaCock, a professional baseball player for the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals. Marshall is also survived by daughters Suzanne and Jaime, son David, 12 grandchildren, and nine great-great grandchildren.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723757023595.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Peter Marshall, the actor and singer turned game show host who played straight man to the stars for 16 years on “The Hollywood Squares,” has died. He was 98.He died Thursday of kidney failure at his home in the Encino neighborhood of Los Angeles, publicist Harlan Boll said.Marshall helped define the form of the smooth, professional, but never-too-serious modern game show host on more than 5,000 episodes of the series that ran on NBC from 1966 to 1981.But he was often closer to a talk show host, and the tic-tac-toe game the contestants played, while real, was all an excuse for a good time. The questions Marshall posed to regulars like Paul Lynde, George Gobel and Joan Rivers were designed to be set-ups for joke answers before the real ones followed.“It was the easiest thing I've ever done in show business,” Marshall said in a 2010 interview for the Archive of American Television. “I walked in, said ‘Hello stars,' I read questions and laughed. And it paid very well.”“The Hollywood Squares” would become an American cultural institution and make Marshall a household name. It would win four Daytime Emmys for outstanding game show during his run and spawned dozens of international versions and several U.S. reboots. Not only was it a forum for such character actors as Charlie Weaver (the stage name of Cliff Arquette) and Wally Cox, but the show attracted a range of top stars as occasional guests, including Aretha Franklin, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Ed Asner and Janet Leigh.Marshall had a warm rapport with Weaver, Lynde and others, but said that Gobel, the wry comedian, actor and variety show host, held a special place, tweeting in 2021 that it’s “no secret he was my closest friend on Hollywood Squares and my absolute all-time favorite Square!”Marshall had lived nearly an entire show business life before he took the “Squares” podium at age 40.He had toured with big bands starting as a teenager, had been a part of two comedy teams that appeared in nightclubs and on television, appeared in movies as a contract player for Twentieth Century Fox, and had sung in several Broadway musicals when the opportunity came up after Bert Parks, who hosted the pilot, bowed out.“I am a singer first I am not a game show host,” Marshall told his hometown paper, the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington, West Virginia in 2013, "that was just a freak opportunity. I had been on Broadway with Julie Harris and was going back to Broadway when I did the audition, and I thought it was a few weeks but that turned into 16 years.”“The Hollywood Squares” was more strait-laced when it began, but early in its run a producer suggested they write jokes for Lynde, the ever-snarky comic actor who occupied the center square and would become as identified as Marshall with the show.The first joke would set the template for the years that followed:Marshall: “Paul, why do motorcyclists wear leather?”Lynde: “Because chiffon wrinkles.”“That changed the whole thing,” Marshall told the TV archive. “I had been a straight man. So working with comics was easy for me.”Born Ralph Pierre LaCock in Clarksburg, West Virginia, Marshall would move around the state as a child, living in Wheeling and Huntington.His father died when Marshall was 10, and he would live with his grandparents as his mother and sister, the actress Joanne Dru, moved to New York to pursue her career in show business. Marshall would soon join them.At 15, he toured as a singer with the Bob Chester Orchestra. He also worked as an NBC Radio page and an usher at the Paramount Theater. He was drafted during World War II and stationed in Italy, where he made his first forays onto the airways as a DJ for Armed Forces Radio. In 1949 he formed a comedy duo with Tommy Noonan, appearing in nightclubs, in theaters and on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”He became a movie contract player in the 1950s at Twentieth Century Fox, appearing in films including 1959's “The Rookie" and 1961's “Swingin’ Along."Major starring roles eluded him in Hollywood, but he would find them in musical theater.He starred opposite Chita Rivera in “Bye Bye Birdie” in London’s West End in 1962 — Lynde had played a major role in the Broadway version that he would reprise in the film — and played his first starring role on Broadway in “Skyscraper” with Julie Harris in 1965.He would also appear in Broadway versions of “High Button Shoes,” “The Music Man” and “42nd Street.”After “The Hollywood Squares,” Marshall would host a few other short-lived game shows, but mostly resumed his career as a singing actor, starring in more than 800 performances of “La Cage Aux Folles” on Broadway and on tour, and singing in the 1983 film version of “Annie.”He was married three times, the last to Laurie Stewart in 1989.The couple survived a bout with COVID-19 early in 2021. He was hospitalized for several weeks.His four kids include son Pete LaCock, a professional baseball player for the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals. Marshall is also survived by daughters Suzanne and Jaime, son David, 12 grandchildren, and nine great-great grandchildren.

‘Hollywood Squares’ host and Broadway star Peter Marshall dies at 98

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person was injured and rescued after an accident during the severe weather Wednesday in Topeka.

Just before 11:30 p.m., crews from the Topeka Fire Department (TFD)&nbsp;to a report of an injured person in the Kansas River near 1115 NE Poplar Street, according to spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

The Topeka Fire Department Technical Rescue team, consisting of both a truck and engine company, was dispatched to assist along with two additional engine companies, one truck company and one battalion chief.

Firefighters found an individual who had been injured and trapped under a fallen tree during a severe thunderstorm. Crews rescued the injured person, who was then transported to a local hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723736034614.png" alt="Storm damage in the Topeka area photo by Eric Ives courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Storm damage in the Topeka area photo by Eric Ives courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person was injured and rescued after an accident during the severe weather Wednesday in Topeka.Just before 11:30 p.m., crews from the Topeka Fire Department (TFD)&nbsp;to a report of an injured person in the Kansas River near 1115 NE Poplar Street, according to spokesperson Rosie Nichols.The Topeka Fire Department Technical Rescue team, consisting of both a truck and engine company, was dispatched to assist along with two additional engine companies, one truck company and one battalion chief.Firefighters found an individual who had been injured and trapped under a fallen tree during a severe thunderstorm. Crews rescued the injured person, who was then transported to a local hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Crews rescue victim trapped in the Kansas river during storm

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are asking the public for help to locate a suspect who didn't show up for a scheduled sentencing hearing for his role in a homicide that occurred in 2023.

According to Wichita Police, 64-year-old&nbsp;Kevin Harris was out on bond&nbsp; and&nbsp; cut off his ankle monitor.

In August of 2023, police arrested Harris of Lawrence after a 16-hour standoff in Lawrence for the death of&nbsp;51-year-old Jose Lumbreras of Wichita.

Just after 11 p.m. August 22, police learned Harris had fled Wichita and was believed to be inside an apartment in the 1400 block of Bristol Terrace in Lawrence, according to Police Sgt. Drew Fennelly

While working to gather more information from Wichita, officers in Lawrence set up a perimeter on the apartment building, and gathered information that led investigators to believe Harris was there.

The Lawrence Police Crisis Response Team was activated and responded to the area, as well our Crisis Response Negotiators and&nbsp; the Unoccupied Aerial Vehicle team.

Crisis Negotiators were able to establish contact with people in the apartment and verified Harris was there. The Lawrence Police tactical team then began methodically evacuating the apartment building when it was clear the suspect was not going to come out, and was allegedly armed.

After multiple hours of discussion, negotiators were able to convince Harris to allow a woman in the apartment to leave.&nbsp; Following multiple additional hours of discussion, negotiators convinced Harris to also leave the apartment and he peacefully surrendered at&nbsp;3:30 p.m., according to Fennelly.

If you know Harris or know where he is call police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693343138410.png" alt="Harris-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Harris-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are asking the public for help to locate a suspect who didn't show up for a scheduled sentencing hearing for his role in a homicide that occurred in 2023.According to Wichita Police, 64-year-old&nbsp;Kevin Harris was out on bond&nbsp; and&nbsp; cut off his ankle monitor.In August of 2023, police arrested Harris of Lawrence after a 16-hour standoff in Lawrence for the death of&nbsp;51-year-old Jose Lumbreras of Wichita.Just after 11 p.m. August 22, police learned Harris had fled Wichita and was believed to be inside an apartment in the 1400 block of Bristol Terrace in Lawrence, according to Police Sgt. Drew FennellyWhile working to gather more information from Wichita, officers in Lawrence set up a perimeter on the apartment building, and gathered information that led investigators to believe Harris was there.The Lawrence Police Crisis Response Team was activated and responded to the area, as well our Crisis Response Negotiators and&nbsp; the Unoccupied Aerial Vehicle team.Crisis Negotiators were able to establish contact with people in the apartment and verified Harris was there. The Lawrence Police tactical team then began methodically evacuating the apartment building when it was clear the suspect was not going to come out, and was allegedly armed.After multiple hours of discussion, negotiators were able to convince Harris to allow a woman in the apartment to leave.&nbsp; Following multiple additional hours of discussion, negotiators convinced Harris to also leave the apartment and he peacefully surrendered at&nbsp;3:30 p.m., according to Fennelly.If you know Harris or know where he is call police.

Kan. man cut off ankle monitor, skips sentencing for role in murder

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a> State's Newsroom

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to embark on a year-long study beginning next month that will test samples for evidence of highly pathogenic avian influenza from former dairy cattle moved into meat production.

Emilio Esteban, the under secretary for food safety at the USDA, told reporters on a call Tuesday the new testing program follows three studies undertaken during the spring and summer that all found beef in the nation’s food supply is safe to eat.

“However, we want to move forward with an additional step,” Esteban said. “And what this means is that when those carcasses are tested, they are held and are not going to go into commerce until we get the results back.”

The virus, also referred to as bird flu or H5N1, has been found in wild bird and domestic poultry flocks within the United States for years. But the ongoing outbreak in dairy cattle has forced animal and human health experts to establish testing for a new community of agriculture workers and livestock.

The news of additional testing for the country’s meat supply came alongside the results of a study from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that reinforced the safety of pasteurized dairy products.

Steve Grube, chief medical officer for the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, said that the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/updates-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai#secondtesting" target="_blank">most recent round of dairy product testing</a>&nbsp;included 167 foods that were processed in 27 states in June and July.

“None of the product samples contained viable H5N1, reaffirming that pasteurization is effective,” he said. “The second survey was intended to address geographic and product gaps from the initial sampling of the commercial milk and dairy product supply that the FDA conducted during April and May.”

Federal officials have also launched a voluntary program for farmers to test the milk in bulk tanks for H5N1, a step that’s intended to make it easier for them to move their cows between states without having to individually test each one.

Eric Deeble, deputy under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs at USDA, said the department’s Farm Service Agency has approved 23 of the 35 applications it has received so far to help ease the financial burden on dairy farmers who take their herds out of production after testing positive.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/emergency-assist-for-livestock-honey-bees-fish/index" target="_blank">program</a>&nbsp;— known as Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish — has approved more than $1 million in payments.

The price paid to farmers is based on a formula that includes the price of milk from the preceding month as well as the number of dairy cattle that contract H5N1.

Deeble said on the call with reporters that of the approved applications, a dozen are from Colorado, which has seen a sharp increase in the number of positive H5N1 tests within its dairy industry.

Deeble argued the uptick is due to certain factors within the state and cautioned people against assuming that if testing was increased in other areas of the country, the number of positive H5N1 tests for dairy cattle would spike.

“I don’t think that it is accurate necessarily to extrapolate from the situation in Weld County, Colorado,” Deeble said. “Weld County and Colorado dairy in particular is rather unique in the degree to which the dairies are all closely associated with one another; both spatially and the way in which there is a lot of movement between the facilities.”

“It is a tightly integrated dairy community that’s isolated from much of the rest of the state, and there is a lot of connectivity between the premises in the way in which they use vehicles, support services, milk trucks,” Deeble added.

During the last 30 days, five states have had dairy cattle test positive for H5N1, including Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota and Texas.

Colorado holds a disproportionate number of cases with 26 of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/hpai-confirmed-cases-livestock" target="_blank">dairy herds to test positive</a>, while the other four states combined hold a total of six herds.

Other mammals&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/mammals" target="_blank">diagnosed</a>&nbsp;with H5N1 during the last six weeks are overwhelmingly in Colorado, which has found the virus in house mice, deer mice, domestic cats, a desert cottontail and a prairie vole.

Public health officials said during the call Tuesday they are beginning to look more closely at when and why cats are being affected by the spread of H5N1.

Barn cats as well as those that hunt outside, coming into regular contact with wild birds that hold a reservoir of H5N1, have tested positive for the virus before.

But a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.colovma.org/cvma-news/influenza-a-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-h5n1-in-domestic-cats/" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association earlier this month noted that two of the six cats diagnosed with H5N1 in that state this year “were indoor only cats with no direct exposures to the virus.”

Public health officials on the call were unable to answer a question about how indoor-only cats would have come into contact with H5N1.

Experts on the call cautioned that as fall approaches, wild birds will begin migrating and dairy farmers will likely ship their cattle at higher rates, both of which could lead to an uptick in the number of positive cases of H5N1 being reported in dairy cattle as well as other animals.

Lia Chien contributed to this report.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722448527185.png" alt="Photo courtesy of Iowa State Dairy Association)." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Iowa State Dairy Association).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a> State's NewsroomWASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to embark on a year-long study beginning next month that will test samples for evidence of highly pathogenic avian influenza from former dairy cattle moved into meat production.Emilio Esteban, the under secretary for food safety at the USDA, told reporters on a call Tuesday the new testing program follows three studies undertaken during the spring and summer that all found beef in the nation’s food supply is safe to eat.“However, we want to move forward with an additional step,” Esteban said. “And what this means is that when those carcasses are tested, they are held and are not going to go into commerce until we get the results back.”The virus, also referred to as bird flu or H5N1, has been found in wild bird and domestic poultry flocks within the United States for years. But the ongoing outbreak in dairy cattle has forced animal and human health experts to establish testing for a new community of agriculture workers and livestock.The news of additional testing for the country’s meat supply came alongside the results of a study from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that reinforced the safety of pasteurized dairy products.Steve Grube, chief medical officer for the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, said that the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/updates-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai#secondtesting" target="_blank">most recent round of dairy product testing</a>&nbsp;included 167 foods that were processed in 27 states in June and July.“None of the product samples contained viable H5N1, reaffirming that pasteurization is effective,” he said. “The second survey was intended to address geographic and product gaps from the initial sampling of the commercial milk and dairy product supply that the FDA conducted during April and May.”<h2>Testing milk in bulk tanks</h2>Federal officials have also launched a voluntary program for farmers to test the milk in bulk tanks for H5N1, a step that’s intended to make it easier for them to move their cows between states without having to individually test each one.Eric Deeble, deputy under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs at USDA, said the department’s Farm Service Agency has approved 23 of the 35 applications it has received so far to help ease the financial burden on dairy farmers who take their herds out of production after testing positive.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/emergency-assist-for-livestock-honey-bees-fish/index" target="_blank">program</a>&nbsp;— known as Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish — has approved more than $1 million in payments.The price paid to farmers is based on a formula that includes the price of milk from the preceding month as well as the number of dairy cattle that contract H5N1.Deeble said on the call with reporters that of the approved applications, a dozen are from Colorado, which has seen a sharp increase in the number of positive H5N1 tests within its dairy industry.Deeble argued the uptick is due to certain factors within the state and cautioned people against assuming that if testing was increased in other areas of the country, the number of positive H5N1 tests for dairy cattle would spike.“I don’t think that it is accurate necessarily to extrapolate from the situation in Weld County, Colorado,” Deeble said. “Weld County and Colorado dairy in particular is rather unique in the degree to which the dairies are all closely associated with one another; both spatially and the way in which there is a lot of movement between the facilities.”“It is a tightly integrated dairy community that’s isolated from much of the rest of the state, and there is a lot of connectivity between the premises in the way in which they use vehicles, support services, milk trucks,” Deeble added.During the last 30 days, five states have had dairy cattle test positive for H5N1, including Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota and Texas.Colorado holds a disproportionate number of cases with 26 of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/hpai-confirmed-cases-livestock" target="_blank">dairy herds to test positive</a>, while the other four states combined hold a total of six herds.Other mammals&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/mammals" target="_blank">diagnosed</a>&nbsp;with H5N1 during the last six weeks are overwhelmingly in Colorado, which has found the virus in house mice, deer mice, domestic cats, a desert cottontail and a prairie vole.<h2>Effect on cats</h2>Public health officials said during the call Tuesday they are beginning to look more closely at when and why cats are being affected by the spread of H5N1.Barn cats as well as those that hunt outside, coming into regular contact with wild birds that hold a reservoir of H5N1, have tested positive for the virus before.But a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.colovma.org/cvma-news/influenza-a-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-h5n1-in-domestic-cats/" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association earlier this month noted that two of the six cats diagnosed with H5N1 in that state this year “were indoor only cats with no direct exposures to the virus.”Public health officials on the call were unable to answer a question about how indoor-only cats would have come into contact with H5N1.Experts on the call cautioned that as fall approaches, wild birds will begin migrating and dairy farmers will likely ship their cattle at higher rates, both of which could lead to an uptick in the number of positive cases of H5N1 being reported in dairy cattle as well as other animals.Lia Chien contributed to this report.&nbsp;

USDA to take ‘additional step’ in testing beef from former dairy cattle for bird flu 

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A prosecutor says five people have been charged in connection with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/matthew-perry">Matthew Perry's</a>&nbsp;death from a ketamine overdose last year, including the actor's assistant and two doctors.

U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada announced the charges Thursday, saying the doctors supplied Perry with a large amount of ketamine and even wondered in a text message how much the former “Friends” star would be willing to pay.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698541233773.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — A prosecutor says five people have been charged in connection with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/matthew-perry">Matthew Perry's</a>&nbsp;death from a ketamine overdose last year, including the actor's assistant and two doctors.U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada announced the charges Thursday, saying the doctors supplied Perry with a large amount of ketamine and even wondered in a text message how much the former “Friends” star would be willing to pay.“These defendants took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction issues to enrich themselves. They knew what they were doing was wrong," Estrada said.Perry died in October due to a ketamine overdose and received several injections of the drug on the day he died from his live-in personal assistant. The assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, is the one who found Perry dead later that day.Two of the people, including one of the doctors charged, have been arrested, Estrada said. Two of the defendants, including Iwamasa, have pleaded guilty to charges already, and a third person has agreed to plead guilty.Iwamasa's attorneys did not immediately return a message seeking comment.Among those arrested Thursday are Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who is charged with seven counts of distribution of ketamine and also two charges related to allegations he falsified records after Perry's death.The other person arrested Thursday is Jasveen Sangha, who prosecutors described as a drug dealer known as the “ketamine queen.” Ketamine supplied by Sangha caused Perry's death, authorities said.Messages to her attorneys were not immediately returned. Attempts to leave messages at Plasencia’s medical office were unsuccessful because its voicemail was full and an email was not immediately returned.Sangha and Plasencia could make their first court appearances later Thursday.Records show Plascencia's medical license has been in good standing with no records of complaints, though it is set to expire in October.The prosecutor said the defendants exchanged messages soon after Perry's death referencing ketamine as the cause of death. Estrada said they tried to cover up their involvement in supplying Perry ketamine, a powerful anesthetic that is sometimes used to treat chronic pain and depression.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matthew-perry-death-investigation-290b5aa5a7c63ca67bfaa43e4f711f70">Los Angeles police said in May</a>&nbsp;that they were working with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with a probe into why the 54-year-old had so much of the surgical anesthetic in his system.Iwamasa found the actor face down in his hot tub on Oct. 28, and paramedics who were called immediately declared him dead.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matthew-perry-death-cause-054e67f7495845804f801c57a1ae2522">His autopsy, released in December, found</a>&nbsp;that the amount of ketamine in his blood was in the range used for general anesthesia during surgery.The decades-old drug has seen a huge surge in use in recent years as a treatment for depression, anxiety and pain. People close to Perry told coroner’s investigators that he was undergoing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketamine-pain-drugs-psychedelic-fda-2c67eeac1932962a7b0affc07d24c09a">ketamine infusion therapy</a>.But the medical examiner said Perry’s last treatment 1 1/2 weeks earlier wouldn’t explain the levels of ketamine in his blood. The drug is typically metabolized in a matter of hours. At least two doctors were treating Perry, a psychiatrist and an anesthesiologist who served as his primary care physician, the medical examiner’s report said. No illicit drugs or paraphernalia were found at his house.Ketamine was listed as the primary cause of death, which was ruled an accident with no foul play suspected, the report said. Drowning and other medical issues were contributing factors, the coroner said.Perry had years of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matthew-perry-foundation-death-addiction-aa74b3e424c652a4325166231057ecd4">struggles with addiction</a>&nbsp;dating back to his time on “Friends,” when he became one of the biggest television stars of his generation as Chandler Bing alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004 on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matthew-perry-china-friends-fandom-0876bc8bf20b613c336d8c684eb5524f">NBC’s megahit sitcom</a>.Drug-related celebrity deaths have in other cases led authorities to prosecute the people who supplied them.After rapper&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mac-miller">Mac Miller</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/9e65656745a741cfbff6874df91ffa2d">died from an overdose</a>&nbsp;of cocaine, alcohol and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ad75f002ba304577ad1e1a09720d2a31">counterfeit oxycodone that contained fentanyl,</a>&nbsp;two of the men who provided him the fentanyl were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-health-arts-and-los-angeles-mac-miller-354df3dc8e8a7558236e5bd4a95b120e">convicted of distributing the drug</a>. One was sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison, the other to 10 years.And after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3e996992a2674d48afe544d87053583c">Michael Jackson</a>&nbsp;died in 2009 from a lethal dose of propofol, a drug intended for use only during surgery and other medical procedures, not for the insomnia the singer sought it for, his doctor,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/conrad-murray">Conrad Murray</a>, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011. Murray has maintained his innocence.