WICHITA —A federal grand jury in Wichita&nbsp; returned an indictment charging a man with escaping from a federal detention center, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Lee Owen Hallford, 42, is charged with one count of escape from custody.

Hallford is accused of unlawfully leaving the custody of the Bureau of Prisons while at the Residential Reentry Center — Correctional Solution Group, LLC in Wichita. He was detained based on a conviction in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma for assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm in Indian Country.

The U.S. Marshals Service is investigating the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723065382393.png" alt="Hallford is being held in Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Hallford is being held in Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA —A federal grand jury in Wichita&nbsp; returned an indictment charging a man with escaping from a federal detention center, according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents, Lee Owen Hallford, 42, is charged with one count of escape from custody.Hallford is accused of unlawfully leaving the custody of the Bureau of Prisons while at the Residential Reentry Center — Correctional Solution Group, LLC in Wichita. He was detained based on a conviction in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma for assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm in Indian Country.The U.S. Marshals Service is investigating the case.

Inmate charged with escape from federal detention center in Kansas

KANSAS CITY —On Wednesday, the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph reported that on August 1, the diocese became aware of an accusation of inappropriate sexual contact with a minor between 1982-1984 in the Archdiocese of St. Louis made against Brother Ralph Wehner through a pending lawsuit, according to a statement on diocese web site.

An initial investigation was immediately launched by the diocese to determine any potential connection to Deacon Ralph Wehner who is assigned to the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

Based on the findings of the initial investigation, Bishop Johnston initiated a preliminary canonical investigation on August 7. Deacon Ralph Wehner has been placed on precautionary suspension from exercising diaconal ministry. Precautionary suspension from ministry should not be viewed as a punishment or as indication of wrongdoing, but rather a protective measure for all persons involved.

The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph takes all allegations of misconduct by church personnel very seriously and works to respond to survivors’ needs with urgency, respect and compassion. 

We encourage anyone with knowledge about any misconduct by a church volunteer, employee, religious or clergy member — regardless of when the abuse may have occurred — to contact civil authorities first, and then call or text the diocese’s confidential report line&nbsp;816-812-2500 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ombudsman@diocesekcsj.org">ombudsman@diocesekcsj.org</a>.

KANSAS CITY —On Wednesday, the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph reported that on August 1, the diocese became aware of an accusation of inappropriate sexual contact with a minor between 1982-1984 in the Archdiocese of St. Louis made against Brother Ralph Wehner through a pending lawsuit, according to a statement on diocese web site.An initial investigation was immediately launched by the diocese to determine any potential connection to Deacon Ralph Wehner who is assigned to the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.Based on the findings of the initial investigation, Bishop Johnston initiated a preliminary canonical investigation on August 7. Deacon Ralph Wehner has been placed on precautionary suspension from exercising diaconal ministry. Precautionary suspension from ministry should not be viewed as a punishment or as indication of wrongdoing, but rather a protective measure for all persons involved.The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph takes all allegations of misconduct by church personnel very seriously and works to respond to survivors’ needs with urgency, respect and compassion. We encourage anyone with knowledge about any misconduct by a church volunteer, employee, religious or clergy member — regardless of when the abuse may have occurred — to contact civil authorities first, and then call or text the diocese’s confidential report line&nbsp;816-812-2500 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ombudsman@diocesekcsj.org">ombudsman@diocesekcsj.org</a>.

Diocese places deacon on precautionary suspension amid investigation

VIENNA (AP) — Both suspects in a foiled plot to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austria-extremism-arrests-security-taylor-swift-7ece0b264f6e4152b8214c9fba8c425b">attack Taylor Swift shows</a>&nbsp;in Vienna appeared to be inspired by the Islamic State group and al-Qaida, Austrian authorities said Thursday, and investigators found bomb-making materials at one of their homes. Officials said one of the two confessed to planning to “kill as many people as possible outside the concert venue.”

Three sold-out concerts were canceled a day earlier because of the plot,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-fans-austria-concerts-canceled-swifties-003644f97d8bd7064b3dfe0585704f6c">devastating Swifties</a>&nbsp;from across the globe, many of whom had dropped thousands of euros (dollars) on travel and lodging in Austria’s expensive capital city to attend the Eras Tour shows at the Ernst Happel Stadium, which sat empty Thursday morning aside from media filming outside.

Officials told reporters that the 19-year-old Austrian suspect began working on his attack plans in July, and just a few weeks ago uploaded to the internet an oath of allegiance to the current leader of the Islamic State group militia. He planned to use knives or homemade explosives to carry out the attack outside the stadium.

He was “clearly radicalized in the direction of the Islamic State and thinks it is right to kill infidels,” said Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, the head of the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence.

During a raid of his home in Ternitz, south of Vienna, investigators found chemical substances and technical devices that indicated “concrete preparatory acts,” said Franz Ruf, Director General for Public Security at the Ministry of the Interior.

Authorities also found Islamic State group and al-Qaida material at the home of the second suspect, a 17-year-old Austrian. He was employed a few days ago by a company providing services at the venue for the concerts, and was arrested by special police forces near the stadium.

The suspects’ names were not released in line with Austrian privacy rules.

No other suspects are being sought, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said. However, a 15-year-old, who had been in contact with both suspects, was also interrogated by police.

“The situation was serious, the situation is serious. But we can also say: A tragedy was prevented,” he said.

Concert organizers, Barracuda Music, said in an Instagram post late Wednesday that “we have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety.”

It cited government officials’ confirmation of a planned attack at the stadium. Security officials and the organizers of the concerts, Barracuda Music, were in close contact about whether to cancel the shows, but in the end it was the organizer who made the call.

Europe is enamored with the American superstar, with the German town of Gelsenkirchen renaming itself&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/germany-taylor-swift-rename-gelsenkirchen-swiftkirchen-63a8cf1b2c6e7bcc44d09c00839e1b29">“Swiftkirchen”</a>&nbsp;before its mid-July concerts.

Austria’s Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler wrote on social platform X: “For many, a dream has been shattered today. On three evenings in Vienna, tens of thousands of #Swifties should have celebrated life together.”

“I am very sorry that you were denied this. Swifties stick together, hate and terror can’t destroy that,” Kogler added.

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer posted on X that “the cancellation of the Taylor Swift concerts by the organizers is a bitter disappointment for all fans in Austria.”

“The situation surrounding the apparently planned terror attack in Vienna was very serious,” he wrote. But he added that, thanks to intensive cooperation between police and Austrian and foreign intelligence, “the threat could be recognized early on, tackled and a tragedy prevented.”

Barracuda Music said that “all tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 business days.” The same wording was posted under the Vienna dates on Swift's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.taylorswift.com/tour/">official website</a>.

The Vienna stadium had been sold out for the planned concerts, APA reported, with an estimated 170,000 fans expected for the concerts in Austria. Some who posted on X lamented months of now-wasted efforts to make friendship bracelets and pick out fashionable outfits for the performance.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taylor-swift">Swift</a>&nbsp;is expected to perform at London’s Wembley stadium in five concerts between Aug. 15 and 20 to close the European leg of her record-setting Eras Tour.

In 2017, an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9d813da59c6342b09c7ea57f62a5d9a8">attack at an Ariana Grande concert</a>&nbsp;in Manchester, England, killed 22 people. Suicide bomber Salman Abedi set up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/manchester-ariana-grande-concert-bombing-lawsuit-f2e8298cb045501eff5245392522d29c">a knapsack bomb</a>&nbsp;in Manchester Arena at the end of Grande’s concert as thousands of young fans were leaving. More than 100 people were injured. Abedi died in the explosion.

An official&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mi5-manchester-arena-concert-bombing-inquiry-uk-3563d529056ae51e201ae8d379f930b5">inquiry reported in 2023</a>&nbsp;that Britain’s domestic intelligence agency, MI5, didn’t act swiftly enough on key information and missed a significant opportunity to prevent the bombing, the deadliest extremist attack in the United Kingdom in recent years.

VIENNA (AP) — Authorities found Islamic State group and al-Qaida material at the home of the second and final suspect in a foiled plot to attack now-canceled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taylor-swift">Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;shows in Austria. No other suspects are being sought after the two were arrested, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said Thursday in Vienna.

Austrian security authorities said the second suspect, a 17-year-old Austrian citizen with Turkish and Croatian roots, was arrested by special police forces near the stadium where the concerts were supposed to take place this week. A 19-year-old Austrian had also been arrested. The suspects' names were not released in line with Austrian privacy rules.

Austrian security officials alleged the two young men wanted to commit an attack outside the stadium, killing as many people as possible using knives or self-made explosives.

They told reporters at a press conference in Vienna that the main suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian with North Macedonian roots, fully confessed his attack plans. They said he was “clearly radicalized in the direction of the Islamic State and thinks it is right to kill infidels.”

The second suspect was employed a few days ago by a facility company providing services at the venue during the concerts. Investigators said they found extensive material related to the Islamic State group and al-Qaida at his home.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austria-extremism-arrests-security-taylor-swift-7ece0b264f6e4152b8214c9fba8c425b">cancellations of three sold-out concerts</a>&nbsp;this week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-fans-austria-concerts-canceled-swifties-003644f97d8bd7064b3dfe0585704f6c">devastated Swifties across the globe</a>, many of whom had dropped thousands of euros on travel and lodging in Austria’s expensive capital city for the sold-out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/germany-taylor-swift-signs-gelsenkirchen-swiftkirchen-01a68a8c505bf649a0d3f0f149be158e">Eras Tour</a>&nbsp;shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Ernst Happel Stadium, which sat empty Thursday morning aside from media filming outside.

Europe is enamored by the American superstar, with the German town of Gelsenkirchen renaming itself&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/germany-taylor-swift-rename-gelsenkirchen-swiftkirchen-63a8cf1b2c6e7bcc44d09c00839e1b29">“Swiftkirchen”</a>&nbsp;before its mid-July concerts.

Chemical substances and technical devices were found at the house of the 19-year-old suspect, according to Franz Ruf, the public security director at Austria’s Interior Ministry.

In an interview Thursday with public broadcaster ORF’s Oe1 program, Ruf said investigators are evaluating the evidence seized from the suspect's home. Just a few weeks ago, the 19-year-old had uploaded an oath of allegiance to the current leader of the Islamic State group militia to an internet account, Ruf added.

“I am very sorry that you were denied this. Swifties stick together, hate and terror can’t destroy that,” Kogler wrote late Wednesday.

Ruf said authorities were aware of “preparatory actions” for a possible attack “and also that there is a focus by the 19-year-old perpetrator on the Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna,” the Austria Press Agency reported.

The Austrian citizen is believed to have become radicalized on the internet. Ruf didn’t give more details, such as the suspects' names, in line with Austrian privacy law.

Event organizer Barracuda Music said in an Instagram post late Wednesday that “we have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety.” It cited government officials' confirmation of a planned attack at the stadium.

The cancellation came hours after authorities said security measures for the Swift concerts would be stepped up. Ruf previously said that there would be a special focus among other things on entry checks, and concertgoers should plan a bit more time.

Vienna Police Chief Gerhard Pürstl said at the same time that, while any concrete danger had been minimized, an abstract risk justified raising security.

Barracuda Music said that “all tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 business days.” The same wording was posted under the Vienna dates on Swift's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.taylorswift.com/tour/">official website</a>. The Vienna stadium had been sold out for the planned concerts, APA reported, with an estimated 170,000 fans expected for the concerts in Austria.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706236308205.png" alt="FILE - (AP Photo/Ed Zurga, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - (AP Photo/Ed Zurga, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>VIENNA (AP) — Both suspects in a foiled plot to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austria-extremism-arrests-security-taylor-swift-7ece0b264f6e4152b8214c9fba8c425b">attack Taylor Swift shows</a>&nbsp;in Vienna appeared to be inspired by the Islamic State group and al-Qaida, Austrian authorities said Thursday, and investigators found bomb-making materials at one of their homes. Officials said one of the two confessed to planning to “kill as many people as possible outside the concert venue.”Three sold-out concerts were canceled a day earlier because of the plot,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-fans-austria-concerts-canceled-swifties-003644f97d8bd7064b3dfe0585704f6c">devastating Swifties</a>&nbsp;from across the globe, many of whom had dropped thousands of euros (dollars) on travel and lodging in Austria’s expensive capital city to attend the Eras Tour shows at the Ernst Happel Stadium, which sat empty Thursday morning aside from media filming outside.Officials told reporters that the 19-year-old Austrian suspect began working on his attack plans in July, and just a few weeks ago uploaded to the internet an oath of allegiance to the current leader of the Islamic State group militia. He planned to use knives or homemade explosives to carry out the attack outside the stadium.He was “clearly radicalized in the direction of the Islamic State and thinks it is right to kill infidels,” said Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, the head of the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence.During a raid of his home in Ternitz, south of Vienna, investigators found chemical substances and technical devices that indicated “concrete preparatory acts,” said Franz Ruf, Director General for Public Security at the Ministry of the Interior.Authorities also found Islamic State group and al-Qaida material at the home of the second suspect, a 17-year-old Austrian. He was employed a few days ago by a company providing services at the venue for the concerts, and was arrested by special police forces near the stadium.The suspects’ names were not released in line with Austrian privacy rules.No other suspects are being sought, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said. However, a 15-year-old, who had been in contact with both suspects, was also interrogated by police.“The situation was serious, the situation is serious. But we can also say: A tragedy was prevented,” he said.Concert organizers, Barracuda Music, said in an Instagram post late Wednesday that “we have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety.”It cited government officials’ confirmation of a planned attack at the stadium. Security officials and the organizers of the concerts, Barracuda Music, were in close contact about whether to cancel the shows, but in the end it was the organizer who made the call.Europe is enamored with the American superstar, with the German town of Gelsenkirchen renaming itself&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/germany-taylor-swift-rename-gelsenkirchen-swiftkirchen-63a8cf1b2c6e7bcc44d09c00839e1b29">“Swiftkirchen”</a>&nbsp;before its mid-July concerts.Austria’s Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler wrote on social platform X: “For many, a dream has been shattered today. On three evenings in Vienna, tens of thousands of #Swifties should have celebrated life together.”“I am very sorry that you were denied this. Swifties stick together, hate and terror can’t destroy that,” Kogler added.Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer posted on X that “the cancellation of the Taylor Swift concerts by the organizers is a bitter disappointment for all fans in Austria.”“The situation surrounding the apparently planned terror attack in Vienna was very serious,” he wrote. But he added that, thanks to intensive cooperation between police and Austrian and foreign intelligence, “the threat could be recognized early on, tackled and a tragedy prevented.”Barracuda Music said that “all tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 business days.” The same wording was posted under the Vienna dates on Swift's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.taylorswift.com/tour/">official website</a>.The Vienna stadium had been sold out for the planned concerts, APA reported, with an estimated 170,000 fans expected for the concerts in Austria. Some who posted on X lamented months of now-wasted efforts to make friendship bracelets and pick out fashionable outfits for the performance.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taylor-swift">Swift</a>&nbsp;is expected to perform at London’s Wembley stadium in five concerts between Aug. 15 and 20 to close the European leg of her record-setting Eras Tour.In 2017, an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9d813da59c6342b09c7ea57f62a5d9a8">attack at an Ariana Grande concert</a>&nbsp;in Manchester, England, killed 22 people. Suicide bomber Salman Abedi set up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/manchester-ariana-grande-concert-bombing-lawsuit-f2e8298cb045501eff5245392522d29c">a knapsack bomb</a>&nbsp;in Manchester Arena at the end of Grande’s concert as thousands of young fans were leaving. More than 100 people were injured. Abedi died in the explosion.An official&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mi5-manchester-arena-concert-bombing-inquiry-uk-3563d529056ae51e201ae8d379f930b5">inquiry reported in 2023</a>&nbsp;that Britain’s domestic intelligence agency, MI5, didn’t act swiftly enough on key information and missed a significant opportunity to prevent the bombing, the deadliest extremist attack in the United Kingdom in recent years.VIENNA (AP) — Authorities found Islamic State group and al-Qaida material at the home of the second and final suspect in a foiled plot to attack now-canceled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taylor-swift">Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;shows in Austria. No other suspects are being sought after the two were arrested, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said Thursday in Vienna.“The situation was serious, the situation is serious. But we can also say: A tragedy was prevented,” he said.Austrian security authorities said the second suspect, a 17-year-old Austrian citizen with Turkish and Croatian roots, was arrested by special police forces near the stadium where the concerts were supposed to take place this week. A 19-year-old Austrian had also been arrested. The suspects' names were not released in line with Austrian privacy rules.Austrian security officials alleged the two young men wanted to commit an attack outside the stadium, killing as many people as possible using knives or self-made explosives.They told reporters at a press conference in Vienna that the main suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian with North Macedonian roots, fully confessed his attack plans. They said he was “clearly radicalized in the direction of the Islamic State and thinks it is right to kill infidels.”The second suspect was employed a few days ago by a facility company providing services at the venue during the concerts. Investigators said they found extensive material related to the Islamic State group and al-Qaida at his home.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austria-extremism-arrests-security-taylor-swift-7ece0b264f6e4152b8214c9fba8c425b">cancellations of three sold-out concerts</a>&nbsp;this week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-fans-austria-concerts-canceled-swifties-003644f97d8bd7064b3dfe0585704f6c">devastated Swifties across the globe</a>, many of whom had dropped thousands of euros on travel and lodging in Austria’s expensive capital city for the sold-out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/germany-taylor-swift-signs-gelsenkirchen-swiftkirchen-01a68a8c505bf649a0d3f0f149be158e">Eras Tour</a>&nbsp;shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Ernst Happel Stadium, which sat empty Thursday morning aside from media filming outside.Europe is enamored by the American superstar, with the German town of Gelsenkirchen renaming itself&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/germany-taylor-swift-rename-gelsenkirchen-swiftkirchen-63a8cf1b2c6e7bcc44d09c00839e1b29">“Swiftkirchen”</a>&nbsp;before its mid-July concerts.Chemical substances and technical devices were found at the house of the 19-year-old suspect, according to Franz Ruf, the public security director at Austria’s Interior Ministry.In an interview Thursday with public broadcaster ORF’s Oe1 program, Ruf said investigators are evaluating the evidence seized from the suspect's home. Just a few weeks ago, the 19-year-old had uploaded an oath of allegiance to the current leader of the Islamic State group militia to an internet account, Ruf added.Austria’s Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler wrote on social platform X: “For many, a dream has been shattered today. On three evenings in Vienna, tens of thousands of #Swifties should have celebrated life together.”“I am very sorry that you were denied this. Swifties stick together, hate and terror can’t destroy that,” Kogler wrote late Wednesday.Ruf said authorities were aware of “preparatory actions” for a possible attack “and also that there is a focus by the 19-year-old perpetrator on the Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna,” the Austria Press Agency reported.The Austrian citizen is believed to have become radicalized on the internet. Ruf didn’t give more details, such as the suspects' names, in line with Austrian privacy law.Event organizer Barracuda Music said in an Instagram post late Wednesday that “we have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety.” It cited government officials' confirmation of a planned attack at the stadium.The cancellation came hours after authorities said security measures for the Swift concerts would be stepped up. Ruf previously said that there would be a special focus among other things on entry checks, and concertgoers should plan a bit more time.Vienna Police Chief Gerhard Pürstl said at the same time that, while any concrete danger had been minimized, an abstract risk justified raising security.Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer posted on X that “the cancellation of the Taylor Swift concerts by the organizers is a bitter disappointment for all fans in Austria.”“The situation surrounding the apparently planned terror attack in Vienna was very serious,” he wrote. But he added that, thanks to intensive cooperation between police and Austrian and foreign intelligence, “the threat could be recognized early on, tackled and a tragedy prevented.”Barracuda Music said that “all tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 business days.” The same wording was posted under the Vienna dates on Swift's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.taylorswift.com/tour/">official website</a>. The Vienna stadium had been sold out for the planned concerts, APA reported, with an estimated 170,000 fans expected for the concerts in Austria.In 2017, an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9d813da59c6342b09c7ea57f62a5d9a8">attack at an Ariana Grande concert</a>&nbsp;in Manchester, England, killed 22 people. Suicide bomber Salman Abedi set up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/manchester-ariana-grande-concert-bombing-lawsuit-f2e8298cb045501eff5245392522d29c">a knapsack bomb</a>&nbsp;in Manchester Arena at the end of Grande’s concert as thousands of young fans were leaving. More than 100 people were injured. Abedi died in the explosion.An official&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mi5-manchester-arena-concert-bombing-inquiry-uk-3563d529056ae51e201ae8d379f930b5">inquiry reported in 2023</a>&nbsp;that Britain’s domestic intelligence agency, MI5, didn’t act swiftly enough on key information and missed a significant opportunity to prevent the bombing, the deadliest extremist attack in the United Kingdom in recent years.

Terrorist materials found at the home of Taylor Swift concert attack suspect

KANSAS CITY —Police have identified the woman injured in a 2-vehicle accident in Kansas City who died of her injuries as 68-year-old Cynthia Nigro, according to KCPD Police Captain Jake Becchina.

A preliminary investigation determined a Harley Davidson motorcycle was eastbound on NE 45th&nbsp;Terrace and crested the hill in the area of N. Lister.

The driver observed a motorized scooter in the middle of the roadway. The motorcycle driver attempted an emergency evasive maneuver that resulted in the operator being ejected off the motorcycle. The unoccupied motorcycle then struck the motorized scooter.

The operator of the Harley Davidson received non-life-threatening injuries from striking the pavement. He refused medical treatment/transport by KCFD EMS.

EMS transported the operator of the Scooter, later identified as Nigro to the hospital with critical injuries. On Tuesday,&nbsp; police were notified that she subsequently succumbed to her injuries and she was pronounced deceased by hospital staff just after 11p.m. Monday.

This is Fatality Crash #51 with 56 total fatalities compared to Fatality Crash #47 with 52 total fatalities at this time last year, according to Becchina.

The accident remains under investigation.

KANSAS CITY —Police have identified the woman injured in a 2-vehicle accident in Kansas City who died of her injuries as 68-year-old Cynthia Nigro, according to KCPD Police Captain Jake Becchina.A preliminary investigation determined a Harley Davidson motorcycle was eastbound on NE 45th&nbsp;Terrace and crested the hill in the area of N. Lister.The driver observed a motorized scooter in the middle of the roadway. The motorcycle driver attempted an emergency evasive maneuver that resulted in the operator being ejected off the motorcycle. The unoccupied motorcycle then struck the motorized scooter.The operator of the Harley Davidson received non-life-threatening injuries from striking the pavement. He refused medical treatment/transport by KCFD EMS.EMS transported the operator of the Scooter, later identified as Nigro to the hospital with critical injuries. On Tuesday,&nbsp; police were notified that she subsequently succumbed to her injuries and she was pronounced deceased by hospital staff just after 11p.m. Monday.This is Fatality Crash #51 with 56 total fatalities compared to Fatality Crash #47 with 52 total fatalities at this time last year, according to Becchina.The accident remains under investigation.

KCPD IDs woman who died after scooter, motorcycle crash

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Joe Biden says he is “not confident at all” that there will be a peaceful transfer of power come January if Donald Trump loses the November election.

His comments, which were part of a CBS interview that took place Wednesday, echo his earlier warnings about Trump and democracy.

“He means what he says,” Biden said during the interview for “CBS Sunday Morning.” “We don’t take him seriously. He means it.”

Biden added, “You can’t love your country only when you win.”

The sit-down interview is Biden’s first since he announced July 21 that he would end his reelection bid.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723079270835.png" alt="File photo White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —President Joe Biden says he is “not confident at all” that there will be a peaceful transfer of power come January if Donald Trump loses the November election.His comments, which were part of a CBS interview that took place Wednesday, echo his earlier warnings about Trump and democracy.“He means what he says,” Biden said during the interview for “CBS Sunday Morning.” “We don’t take him seriously. He means it.”Biden added, “You can’t love your country only when you win.”The sit-down interview is Biden’s first since he announced July 21 that he would end his reelection bid.

Biden warns about possible Trump reaction to election loss

SEDGWICK COUNTY —One person died in a fire Wednesday in Sedgwick County.&nbsp;

Just after 7a.m, fire companies from Wichita, Derby and Sedgwick County responded to a house fire in the 7100 Block of S Volutsia, according to a media release. 

First responders found fire and heavy smoke throughout the structure.  Despite efforts of fire crews, one occupant died and 2 others were transported to a hospital for treatment. Authorities released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723080096737.png" alt="Crews on the scene Wednesday -photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>Crews on the scene Wednesday -photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —One person died in a fire Wednesday in Sedgwick County.&nbsp;Just after 7a.m, fire companies from Wichita, Derby and Sedgwick County responded to a house fire in the 7100 Block of S Volutsia, according to a media release. First responders found fire and heavy smoke throughout the structure. Despite efforts of fire crews, one occupant died and 2 others were transported to a hospital for treatment. Authorities released no additional details.

Cause of fatal Kansas house fire under investigation

WICHITA— A Kansas been found guilty of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kake.com/news/police-identify-man-accused-of-kidnapping-3-children-in-southeast-wichita/article_c783162b-8420-5cc1-877f-2ccf151eee26.html" target="_blank">kidnapping three children and sexually assaulting two of them</a>&nbsp;last year.&nbsp;

On Aug. 2, a jury convicted 23-year-old Manasseh Ward of kidnapping, four counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, three counts of aggravated sodomy, attempted rape, aggravated assault and interference with law enforcement, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In June, a judge ruled <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=246512">&nbsp;Ward</a>&nbsp; was competent to stand trial for charges.

Just before 4p.m. January 4, 2023, a teenage girl reported being kidnapped by a man driving a blue vehicle in the 6600 block of East Boston in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

The man later identified as Ward attempted to sexually assault the girl in the car. Ward let the child go and she reported the incident to a family member.

Just before 9a.m. January 5, two elementary-aged children, a boy and girl, left their home on foot in the 900 block of South Drury to head to Clark Elementary School at 650 S Apache in Wichita.

A man in a blue vehicle kidnapped the children. The suspect put both kids in his vehicle and then drove away. A short time later he dropped the boy victim off and left with the girl..

While gathering information officers were patrolling the area and located the suspect vehicle and attempted to stop it. &nbsp;A brief foot pursuit occurred and officers took Ward into custody in the 6600 block of East Boston.&nbsp; In September, police arrested Ward in connection with the alleged crimes.

Ward is scheduled to be sentenced on September 27, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673010286685.png" alt="Ward photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Ward photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA— A Kansas been found guilty of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kake.com/news/police-identify-man-accused-of-kidnapping-3-children-in-southeast-wichita/article_c783162b-8420-5cc1-877f-2ccf151eee26.html" target="_blank">kidnapping three children and sexually assaulting two of them</a>&nbsp;last year.&nbsp;On Aug. 2, a jury convicted 23-year-old Manasseh Ward of kidnapping, four counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, three counts of aggravated sodomy, attempted rape, aggravated assault and interference with law enforcement, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In June, a judge ruled <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=246512">&nbsp;Ward</a>&nbsp; was competent to stand trial for charges.Just before 4p.m. January 4, 2023, a teenage girl reported being kidnapped by a man driving a blue vehicle in the 6600 block of East Boston in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.The man later identified as Ward attempted to sexually assault the girl in the car. Ward let the child go and she reported the incident to a family member.Just before 9a.m. January 5, two elementary-aged children, a boy and girl, left their home on foot in the 900 block of South Drury to head to Clark Elementary School at 650 S Apache in Wichita.A man in a blue vehicle kidnapped the children. The suspect put both kids in his vehicle and then drove away. A short time later he dropped the boy victim off and left with the girl..While gathering information officers were patrolling the area and located the suspect vehicle and attempted to stop it. &nbsp;A brief foot pursuit occurred and officers took Ward into custody in the 6600 block of East Boston.&nbsp; In September, police arrested Ward in connection with the alleged crimes.Ward is scheduled to be sentenced on September 27, according to the district attorney's office.

Kansas man guilty of sex crimes near elementary school

SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest.

Just before noon Tuesday, police responded to Diehl Construction, 521 Bishop Street in Salina after a neighbor reported seeing suspicious activity, according to Salina Police Lt. Kyle Tonniges.

"A neighbor witnessed a subject go inside the business," Tonniges said. "The garage door had been left partially open, but the employee had left for lunch, so the neighbor knew there shouldn't be anybody inside."

When officers arrived, they found a suspect, identified as 45-year-old Isaac Miller of Salina, just outside the business. Miller had a flashlight valued at $30, which was allegedly stolen from inside the business. 

Tonniges said during the search, a small amount of methamphetamine fell from Miller's pocket. He then attempted to destroy the methamphetamine by stepping on it, leading to a struggle with officers.

Police arrested Miller on requested charges of burglary, theft, possession of methamphetamine and interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723048782523.png" alt="Miller photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Miller photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest.Just before noon Tuesday, police responded to Diehl Construction, 521 Bishop Street in Salina after a neighbor reported seeing suspicious activity, according to Salina Police Lt. Kyle Tonniges."A neighbor witnessed a subject go inside the business," Tonniges said. "The garage door had been left partially open, but the employee had left for lunch, so the neighbor knew there shouldn't be anybody inside."When officers arrived, they found a suspect, identified as 45-year-old Isaac Miller of Salina, just outside the business. Miller had a flashlight valued at $30, which was allegedly stolen from inside the business. Tonniges said during the search, a small amount of methamphetamine fell from Miller's pocket. He then attempted to destroy the methamphetamine by stepping on it, leading to a struggle with officers.Police arrested Miller on requested charges of burglary, theft, possession of methamphetamine and interference with law enforcement.

Police: Meth fell from Kan. burglary suspect 's pocket during arrest

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker said Wednesday he was “very intentional” in the comments he made during a polarizing college commencement speech in May and that he stands behind what he said then.

(Click below to watch Butker's speech at Benedictine College)

Butker said he didn’t initially plan to deliver the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-harrison-butker-e00f6ee45955c99ef1e809ec447239e0">May 11 speech at Benedictine College</a>, a private Catholic liberal arts school in Atchison, Kansas. He delivered a commencement speech at his alma mater Georgia Tech in May 2023, and didn’t “want to be known as a commencement speaker,” he said. Butker reversed course after reflecting upon his relationship with the college.

“I feel like, seven years in the league, having this platform, I’ve just decided, You know what, there’s things that I believe wholeheartedly that I think will make this world a better place, and I’m going to preach that. And if people don’t agree, they don’t agree, but I’m going to continue to say what I believe to be true and love everyone along the way,” Butker said.

Addressing the speech, Butker said, "I prayed about it, and I thought about it, and I was very intentional with what I said, and I stand behind what I said.”

During the speech, the three-time Super Bowl champion told the graduating class that most of the women receiving degrees were probably more excited about getting married and having children, and that some Catholic leaders were “pushing dangerous gender ideologies onto the youth of America."

Butker also assailed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pride-parade-protest-lgbtq-nyc-6afa739efa2f66d750175b3db77516fc">Pride month</a>, an important time for the LGBTQ+ community, and President Joe Biden’s stance on abortion.

The NFL distanced itself from Butker after the speech, saying “his views are not those of the NFL as an organization."

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harrison-butker-chiefs-nfl-01846e8128cc31fe5c28ad51ac46aed9">Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes</a>&nbsp;said at the time that while he doesn’t agree with all the beliefs espoused by Butker during the address, he nevertheless respected his teammate’s right to make them be known.

The 29-year-old kicker said Wednesday that he feels some of his remarks were misinterpreted.

“My whole career, I’ve talked about how I’m a husband and I’m a father before it comes to me as a kicker, something I’ve always preached," he said. “But then when I use that to talk about women, I say that they should embrace and love being wives and being mothers over their career, I think then it gets construed that I’m trying to put women down, which I’m not at all."

Butker said the speech sparked discussions and debates within the Chiefs locker room, which he views as a positive outcome. He said the conversations between players trying to understand each other’s beliefs has been “a beautiful thing to see.”

Butker this week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harrison-butker-kansas-city-chiefs-d0728119d27f5bef687e579af17ee83d">agreed to a contract extension</a>&nbsp;reportedly worth $25.6 million over the next four seasons, making him the league’s highest-paid kicker. His 89.1% success rate on field goals over the last seven seasons ranks him as the second-most accurate kicker in league history behind only Justin Tucker (90.2%).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722892306920.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker waves to the fans as he walks to the field at the start of an NFL football training camp Saturday, July 27, 2024, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker waves to the fans as he walks to the field at the start of an NFL football training camp Saturday, July 27, 2024, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker said Wednesday he was “very intentional” in the comments he made during a polarizing college commencement speech in May and that he stands behind what he said then.(Click below to watch Butker's speech at Benedictine College)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-JS7RIKSaCc?si=n5vTS7FShykUyMek&amp;start=10" 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>Butker said he didn’t initially plan to deliver the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-harrison-butker-e00f6ee45955c99ef1e809ec447239e0">May 11 speech at Benedictine College</a>, a private Catholic liberal arts school in Atchison, Kansas. He delivered a commencement speech at his alma mater Georgia Tech in May 2023, and didn’t “want to be known as a commencement speaker,” he said. Butker reversed course after reflecting upon his relationship with the college.“I feel like, seven years in the league, having this platform, I’ve just decided, You know what, there’s things that I believe wholeheartedly that I think will make this world a better place, and I’m going to preach that. And if people don’t agree, they don’t agree, but I’m going to continue to say what I believe to be true and love everyone along the way,” Butker said.Addressing the speech, Butker said, "I prayed about it, and I thought about it, and I was very intentional with what I said, and I stand behind what I said.”During the speech, the three-time Super Bowl champion told the graduating class that most of the women receiving degrees were probably more excited about getting married and having children, and that some Catholic leaders were “pushing dangerous gender ideologies onto the youth of America."Butker also assailed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pride-parade-protest-lgbtq-nyc-6afa739efa2f66d750175b3db77516fc">Pride month</a>, an important time for the LGBTQ+ community, and President Joe Biden’s stance on abortion.The NFL distanced itself from Butker after the speech, saying “his views are not those of the NFL as an organization."<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harrison-butker-chiefs-nfl-01846e8128cc31fe5c28ad51ac46aed9">Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes</a>&nbsp;said at the time that while he doesn’t agree with all the beliefs espoused by Butker during the address, he nevertheless respected his teammate’s right to make them be known.The 29-year-old kicker said Wednesday that he feels some of his remarks were misinterpreted.“My whole career, I’ve talked about how I’m a husband and I’m a father before it comes to me as a kicker, something I’ve always preached," he said. “But then when I use that to talk about women, I say that they should embrace and love being wives and being mothers over their career, I think then it gets construed that I’m trying to put women down, which I’m not at all."Butker said the speech sparked discussions and debates within the Chiefs locker room, which he views as a positive outcome. He said the conversations between players trying to understand each other’s beliefs has been “a beautiful thing to see.”Butker this week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harrison-butker-kansas-city-chiefs-d0728119d27f5bef687e579af17ee83d">agreed to a contract extension</a>&nbsp;reportedly worth $25.6 million over the next four seasons, making him the league’s highest-paid kicker. His 89.1% success rate on field goals over the last seven seasons ranks him as the second-most accurate kicker in league history behind only Justin Tucker (90.2%).

Chiefs kicker stands behind comments he made during polarizing speech

By ALLISON KITE &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missourians on Tuesday voted to require Kansas City to spend more of its municipal budget on policing, reinstating a policy that had been overturned by the state supreme court.&nbsp;

The race was called by the Associated Press at 11:30 p.m., with the amendment winning&nbsp;51% to 48%. That means the Missouri Constitution will be amended to require Kansas City to spend at least 25% of its general revenue on police, amounting to tens of millions of dollars per year.

While it provides funding for the department, Kansas City is the only major city in the U.S. that doesn’t have local control of its police. The Kansas City Police Department is governed by the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners, which includes the mayor and four members appointed by the Missouri governor. That means while the City Council writes the checks for the Kansas City police, they have no control over how funds are spent.

Between the 1950s and 2022, Kansas City was required to spend at least 20% of its general revenue on police and often exceeded that. But in 2020, as racial justice protesters pushed for police reform across the nation, Kansas City sought to exert more influence over the police budget.

Following the protests, sparked by the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Kansas City officials attempted to set aside $42 million in police funding —&nbsp;above its obligatory 20% spending — for “community engagement, outreach, prevention, intervention and other public services” in an attempt to increase police accountability.

But the move was lambasted by Missouri Republicans, who claimed City Hall was trying to “defund” the police.

Missouri lawmakers responded with legislation requiring Kansas City to spend at least 25% of its revenue on police, which passed in the spring of 2022 on a largely party-line vote with Republicans supporting increased police spending.&nbsp;

Voters then, in the fall of 2022, approved the legislation with 63% of the vote. The policy was unpopular, however, in the Jackson County portion of Kansas City where 61% of voters rejected it. It passed in Platte and Clay counties, which include suburban parts of Kansas City.

After the vote, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas challenged the election in court, saying a summary printed on voters’ ballots “materially misstated” the cost of the proposal.

The fiscal note summary accompanying the 2022 amendment said the requirement that Kansas City spend at least 25% of its revenue on police would result in “no additional costs or savings.” The state argued that because the city had voluntarily granted that much in the past, the amendment simply removed the city’s discretion rather than imposing a new cost.

City Hall, however, argued the mandate could potentially cost other departments up to $38.7 million in budget cuts.

The Missouri Supreme Court agreed with the city and ordered the results of that election be tossed and a new vote be held, paving the way for Tuesday’s vote.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690892603114.png" alt="File photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>File photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLISON KITE &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Missourians on Tuesday voted to require Kansas City to spend more of its municipal budget on policing, reinstating a policy that had been overturned by the state supreme court.&nbsp;The race was called by the Associated Press at 11:30 p.m., with the amendment winning&nbsp;51% to 48%. That means the Missouri Constitution will be amended to require Kansas City to spend at least 25% of its general revenue on police, amounting to tens of millions of dollars per year.While it provides funding for the department, Kansas City is the only major city in the U.S. that doesn’t have local control of its police. The Kansas City Police Department is governed by the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners, which includes the mayor and four members appointed by the Missouri governor. That means while the City Council writes the checks for the Kansas City police, they have no control over how funds are spent.Between the 1950s and 2022, Kansas City was required to spend at least 20% of its general revenue on police and often exceeded that. But in 2020, as racial justice protesters pushed for police reform across the nation, Kansas City sought to exert more influence over the police budget.Following the protests, sparked by the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Kansas City officials attempted to set aside $42 million in police funding —&nbsp;above its obligatory 20% spending — for “community engagement, outreach, prevention, intervention and other public services” in an attempt to increase police accountability.But the move was lambasted by Missouri Republicans, who claimed City Hall was trying to “defund” the police.Missouri lawmakers responded with legislation requiring Kansas City to spend at least 25% of its revenue on police, which passed in the spring of 2022 on a largely party-line vote with Republicans supporting increased police spending.&nbsp;Voters then, in the fall of 2022, approved the legislation with 63% of the vote. The policy was unpopular, however, in the Jackson County portion of Kansas City where 61% of voters rejected it. It passed in Platte and Clay counties, which include suburban parts of Kansas City.After the vote, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas challenged the election in court, saying a summary printed on voters’ ballots “materially misstated” the cost of the proposal.The fiscal note summary accompanying the 2022 amendment said the requirement that Kansas City spend at least 25% of its revenue on police would result in “no additional costs or savings.” The state argued that because the city had voluntarily granted that much in the past, the amendment simply removed the city’s discretion rather than imposing a new cost.City Hall, however, argued the mandate could potentially cost other departments up to $38.7 million in budget cuts.The Missouri Supreme Court agreed with the city and ordered the results of that election be tossed and a new vote be held, paving the way for Tuesday’s vote.&nbsp;

Voters approve amendment requiring more police spending in Kansas City

Transition necessary following resignation of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly will transition to chair of the Democratic Governors Association to complete the term of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who complied with the organization’s rules by resigning after chosen to be Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate in the 2024 presidential election.

Kelly, who served as vice chair since December 2022, assumed the chair’s position of the partisan organization dedicated to electing and reelecting Democratic candidates for governor.

“With reproductive freedom, democracy and voting rights on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and it’s never been more important to elect Democratic governors,” Kelly said.

Walz stepped down Tuesday from the DGA post in accordance with bylaws that prohibit candidates for federal office to lead the organization.

In addition to the presidential election in November, 11 states conduct simultaneous gubernatorial elections.

“I know what it means to win tough races in a red state,” Kelly said. “The DGA was by my side for two tough fights in 2018 and 2022, and I’m glad to be by theirs as we sprint to the finish line to elect Democratic governors in key states across the country and build on the DGA’s record of success this fall.”

In 2022, Kelly won reelection against then-Attorney General Derek Schmidt. Four years prior, she beat then-Secretary of State Kris Kobach to move from the Kansas Senate to the governor’s office. Republican Donald Trump, who endorsed Schmidt and Kobach in those gubernatorial races, carried Kansas in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.

Kelly credited Walz with the DGA’s fundraising success from January to June. Reports showed the organization raised $61 million in the period.

Meghan Meehan-Draper, executive director of the association, said the DGA’s objective during the final three months of the 2024 election cycle was to bring attention to issues of greatest concern to voters.

“By focusing on the issues that matter most to Kansans, Governor Kelly has shown what effective leadership looks like, and has been a huge asset to the DGA in her role as vice chair these last two years. Governor Kelly knows what it takes to win tough races in some of the most challenging environments.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722967941078.png" alt="Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly became chair of the Democratic Governors Association following resignation of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who stepped down a chair of the DGA after accepting an offer to be Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate. Kelly has served as DGA’s vice chair for nearly two years. (Democratic Governors Association)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly became chair of the Democratic Governors Association following resignation of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who stepped down a chair of the DGA after accepting an offer to be Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate. Kelly has served as DGA’s vice chair for nearly two years. (Democratic Governors Association)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Transition necessary following resignation of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly will transition to chair of the Democratic Governors Association to complete the term of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who complied with the organization’s rules by resigning after chosen to be Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate in the 2024 presidential election.Kelly, who served as vice chair since December 2022, assumed the chair’s position of the partisan organization dedicated to electing and reelecting Democratic candidates for governor.“With reproductive freedom, democracy and voting rights on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and it’s never been more important to elect Democratic governors,” Kelly said.Walz stepped down Tuesday from the DGA post in accordance with bylaws that prohibit candidates for federal office to lead the organization.In addition to the presidential election in November, 11 states conduct simultaneous gubernatorial elections.“I know what it means to win tough races in a red state,” Kelly said. “The DGA was by my side for two tough fights in 2018 and 2022, and I’m glad to be by theirs as we sprint to the finish line to elect Democratic governors in key states across the country and build on the DGA’s record of success this fall.”In 2022, Kelly won reelection against then-Attorney General Derek Schmidt. Four years prior, she beat then-Secretary of State Kris Kobach to move from the Kansas Senate to the governor’s office. Republican Donald Trump, who endorsed Schmidt and Kobach in those gubernatorial races, carried Kansas in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.Kelly credited Walz with the DGA’s fundraising success from January to June. Reports showed the organization raised $61 million in the period.Meghan Meehan-Draper, executive director of the association, said the DGA’s objective during the final three months of the 2024 election cycle was to bring attention to issues of greatest concern to voters.“By focusing on the issues that matter most to Kansans, Governor Kelly has shown what effective leadership looks like, and has been a huge asset to the DGA in her role as vice chair these last two years. Governor Kelly knows what it takes to win tough races in some of the most challenging environments.”

Kansas Governor assumes leadership of Democratic Governors Association

VIENNA (AP) — Organizers of three Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna this week called them off on Wednesday after officials announced arrests over an apparent plot to launch an attack on an event in the Vienna area such as the concerts.

Swift was scheduled to play at the Austrian capital’s Ernst Happel Stadium on Thursday, Friday and Saturday as part of her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/germany-taylor-swift-signs-gelsenkirchen-swiftkirchen-01a68a8c505bf649a0d3f0f149be158e">Eras Tour</a>.

Event organizer Barracuda Music said in a post on its Instagram channel late Wednesday that “we have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety.” It cited government officials' “confirmation” of a planned attack at the stadium.

Earlier Wednesday, authorities said they had arrested two suspected extremists, one of whom appeared to be planning an attack on an event in the Vienna area such as the upcoming concerts.

The 19-year-old main suspect was arrested in Ternitz, south of Vienna, and the second person in the Austrian capital.

Franz Ruf, the public security director at Austria’s interior ministry, said authorities were aware of “preparatory actions” for a possible attack “and also that there is a focus by the 19-year-old perpetrator on the Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna,” the Austria Press Agency reported.

Ruf said the 19-year-old had pledged an oath of allegiance to the Islamic State group.

The Austrian citizen is believed to have become radicalized on the internet. Ruf said that chemical substances were secured and were being evaluated. He didn't give more details.

The cancelation came hours after authorities said security measures for the Swift concerts would be stepped up. Ruf said that there would be a special focus among other things on entry checks and concertgoers should plan a bit more time.

Vienna police chief Gerhard Pürstl said at the same time that, while any concrete danger had been minimized, an abstract risk justified raising security.

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said in a post on social network X that “the cancelation of the Taylor Swift concerts by the organizers is a bitter disappointment for all fans in Austria.”

“The situation surrounding the apparently planned terror attack in Vienna was very serious,” he wrote. But he added that, thanks to intensive cooperation between police, Austrian and foreign intelligence, “the threat could be recognized early on, tackled and a tragedy prevented.”

The Vienna stadium had been sold out for the planned concerts, APA reported, with an estimated 170,000 fans expected for the concerts in Austria.

Swift fans took to social media to express their devastation at missing out on one of the superstar’s shows. Some who posted on X lamented months of now-wasted efforts to make friendship bracelets and pick out fashionable outfits for the performance.

Annmarie Timmins, a journalist who traveled from the U.S. for Thursday’s show, said she and her husband were waiting for the subway after dinner when they heard the news.

“I can’t even believe it,” she said. “There was a girl with her mom who looked so sad - even more than me. I gave her one of my bracelets. I wanted to hug her.”

In 2017, an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9d813da59c6342b09c7ea57f62a5d9a8">attack at an Ariana Grande concert</a>&nbsp;in Manchester, England killed 22 people. Suicide bomber Salman Abedi set up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/manchester-ariana-grande-concert-bombing-lawsuit-f2e8298cb045501eff5245392522d29c">a knapsack bomb</a>&nbsp;in Manchester Arena at the end of Grande’s concert as thousands of young fans were leaving. More than 100 people were injured. Abedi died in the explosion.

An official&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mi5-manchester-arena-concert-bombing-inquiry-uk-3563d529056ae51e201ae8d379f930b5">inquiry reported last year</a>&nbsp;that Britain’s domestic intelligence agency, MI5, didn’t act swiftly enough on key information and missed a significant opportunity to prevent the bombing, the deadliest extremist attack in the U.K. in recent years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693768918136.png" alt="File photo-Taylor Swift performs during The Eras Tour at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>File photo-Taylor Swift performs during The Eras Tour at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>VIENNA (AP) — Organizers of three Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna this week called them off on Wednesday after officials announced arrests over an apparent plot to launch an attack on an event in the Vienna area such as the concerts.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I CANT BELIEVE THIS 😭 <a href="https://t.co/gW3uJPq5z3">pic.twitter.com/gW3uJPq5z3</a>&mdash; The Eras Tour (@TSTheErasTour) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSTheErasTour/status/1821271661272035634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Swift was scheduled to play at the Austrian capital’s Ernst Happel Stadium on Thursday, Friday and Saturday as part of her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/germany-taylor-swift-signs-gelsenkirchen-swiftkirchen-01a68a8c505bf649a0d3f0f149be158e">Eras Tour</a>.Event organizer Barracuda Music said in a post on its Instagram channel late Wednesday that “we have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety.” It cited government officials' “confirmation” of a planned attack at the stadium.Earlier Wednesday, authorities said they had arrested two suspected extremists, one of whom appeared to be planning an attack on an event in the Vienna area such as the upcoming concerts.The 19-year-old main suspect was arrested in Ternitz, south of Vienna, and the second person in the Austrian capital.Franz Ruf, the public security director at Austria’s interior ministry, said authorities were aware of “preparatory actions” for a possible attack “and also that there is a focus by the 19-year-old perpetrator on the Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna,” the Austria Press Agency reported.Ruf said the 19-year-old had pledged an oath of allegiance to the Islamic State group.The Austrian citizen is believed to have become radicalized on the internet. Ruf said that chemical substances were secured and were being evaluated. He didn't give more details.The cancelation came hours after authorities said security measures for the Swift concerts would be stepped up. Ruf said that there would be a special focus among other things on entry checks and concertgoers should plan a bit more time.Vienna police chief Gerhard Pürstl said at the same time that, while any concrete danger had been minimized, an abstract risk justified raising security.Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said in a post on social network X that “the cancelation of the Taylor Swift concerts by the organizers is a bitter disappointment for all fans in Austria.”“The situation surrounding the apparently planned terror attack in Vienna was very serious,” he wrote. But he added that, thanks to intensive cooperation between police, Austrian and foreign intelligence, “the threat could be recognized early on, tackled and a tragedy prevented.”Barracuda Music said that “all tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 business days.” The same wording was posted under the Vienna dates on Swift's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.taylorswift.com/tour/">official website</a>.The Vienna stadium had been sold out for the planned concerts, APA reported, with an estimated 170,000 fans expected for the concerts in Austria.Swift fans took to social media to express their devastation at missing out on one of the superstar’s shows. Some who posted on X lamented months of now-wasted efforts to make friendship bracelets and pick out fashionable outfits for the performance.Annmarie Timmins, a journalist who traveled from the U.S. for Thursday’s show, said she and her husband were waiting for the subway after dinner when they heard the news.“I can’t even believe it,” she said. “There was a girl with her mom who looked so sad - even more than me. I gave her one of my bracelets. I wanted to hug her.”In 2017, an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9d813da59c6342b09c7ea57f62a5d9a8">attack at an Ariana Grande concert</a>&nbsp;in Manchester, England killed 22 people. Suicide bomber Salman Abedi set up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/manchester-ariana-grande-concert-bombing-lawsuit-f2e8298cb045501eff5245392522d29c">a knapsack bomb</a>&nbsp;in Manchester Arena at the end of Grande’s concert as thousands of young fans were leaving. More than 100 people were injured. Abedi died in the explosion.An official&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mi5-manchester-arena-concert-bombing-inquiry-uk-3563d529056ae51e201ae8d379f930b5">inquiry reported last year</a>&nbsp;that Britain’s domestic intelligence agency, MI5, didn’t act swiftly enough on key information and missed a significant opportunity to prevent the bombing, the deadliest extremist attack in the U.K. in recent years.

Taylor Swift concerts canceled after terrorist plot foiled by police

The family of a French explorer who died in a submersible implosion has filed a more than $50 million lawsuit, saying the crew experienced “terror and mental anguish” before the disaster and accusing the sub’s operator of gross negligence.

Paul-Henri Nargeolet was among five people who died when the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/titan-implosion-submersible-titanic-05903e98b0155b9d69249b86d3df6c89">Titan submersible imploded</a>&nbsp;during a voyage to the famed Titanic wreck site in the North Atlantic in June 2023. No one survived the trip aboard the experimental submersible owned by OceanGate, a company in Washington state that has since suspended operations.

Known as “Mr. Titanic,” Nargeolet participated in 37 dives to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/titanic-submersible-disaster-implosion-ocean-c0e4a3e3c48362e045a7e784b62b67e3">the Titanic site,</a>&nbsp;the most of any diver in the world, according to the lawsuit. He was regarded as one of the world’s most knowledgeable people about the famous wreck. Attorneys for his estate said in an emailed statement that the “doomed submersible” had a “troubled history,” and that OceanGate failed to disclose key facts about the vessel and its durability.

According to the lawsuit, the Titan “dropped weights” about 90 minutes into its dive, indicating the team had aborted or attempted to abort the dive.

“While the exact cause of failure may never be determined, experts agree that the Titan’s crew would have realized exactly what was happening,” the lawsuit states. “Common sense dictates that the crew were well aware they were going to die, before dying.”

The lawsuit goes on to say: “The crew may well have heard the carbon fiber’s crackling noise grow more intense as the weight of the water pressed on Titan’s hull. The crew lost communications and perhaps power as well. By experts’ reckoning, they would have continued to descend, in full knowledge of the vessel’s irreversible failures, experiencing terror and mental anguish prior to the Titan ultimately imploding.”

A spokesperson for OceanGate declined to comment on the lawsuit, which was filed Tuesday in King County, Washington. The lawsuit describes Nargeolet as an employee of OceanGate and a crew member on the Titan.

The lawsuit also criticizes Titan’s “hip, contemporary, wireless electronics system, and states that none of the controller, controls or gauges would work without a constant source of power and a wireless signal.

“The lawsuit further alleges that even though Nargeolet had been designated by OceanGate to be a member of the crew of the vessel, many of the particulars about the vessel’s flaws and shortcomings were not disclosed and were purposely concealed,” the attorneys, the Buzbee Law Firm of Houston, Texas, said in their statement.

Tony Buzbee, one of the attorneys on the case, said one goal of the lawsuit is to “get answers for the family as to exactly how this happened, who all were involved, and how those involved could allow this to happen.”

Concerns were raised in the aftermath of the disaster about whether the Titan was doomed due to its unconventional design and its creator’s refusal to submit to independent checks that are standard in the industry. Its implosion also raised questions about the viability and future of private deep-sea exploration.

The U.S. Coast Guard quickly convened a high-level investigation, which is ongoing. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/titanic-submersible-implosion-investigation-titan-7bcfc66bba88445c20314f02b28d3fcc">key public hearing</a>&nbsp;that is part of the investigation is scheduled to take place in September.

The Titan made its last dive on June 18, 2023, a Sunday morning, and lost contact with its support vessel about two hours later. After a search and rescue mission that drew attention around the world, the wreckage of the Titan was found on the ocean floor about 984 feet (300 meters) off the bow of the Titanic, about 435 miles (700 kilometers) south of St. John’s, Newfoundland.

OceanGate CEO and cofounder Stockton Rush was operating the Titan when it imploded. In addition to Rush and Nargeolet, the implosion killed British adventurer Hamish Harding and two members of a prominent Pakistani family, Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood.

The company that owns the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/titanic-submersible-disaster-implosion-ocean-c0e4a3e3c48362e045a7e784b62b67e3">salvage rights to the Titanic</a>&nbsp;is in the midst of its first voyage to the wreckage site in years. Last month, RMS Titanic Inc., a Georgia-based firm, launched its first expedition to the site since 2010 from Providence, Rhode Island.

Nargeolet was director of underwater research for RMS Titanic. One of the expeditions Nargeolet took was the first visit to the Titanic in 1987, shortly after its location was discovered, the lawsuit states. His estate's attorneys described him as a seasoned veteran of underwater exploration who would not have participated in the Titan expedition if the company had been more transparent.

The lawsuit blames the implosion on the “persistent carelessness, recklessness and negligence” of Oceangate, Rush and others.

“Decedent Nargeolet may have died doing what he loved to do, but his death — and the deaths of the other Titan crew members — was wrongful,” the lawsuit states.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687279790385.png" alt="Debris from the Titan was located about 12,500 feet underwater and roughly 1,600 feet from the Titanic on the ocean floor-photo courtesy Oceangate" />
 <figcaption>Debris from the Titan was located about 12,500 feet underwater and roughly 1,600 feet from the Titanic on the ocean floor-photo courtesy Oceangate</figcaption>
 </figure>By PATRICK WHITTLE Associated PressThe family of a French explorer who died in a submersible implosion has filed a more than $50 million lawsuit, saying the crew experienced “terror and mental anguish” before the disaster and accusing the sub’s operator of gross negligence.Paul-Henri Nargeolet was among five people who died when the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/titan-implosion-submersible-titanic-05903e98b0155b9d69249b86d3df6c89">Titan submersible imploded</a>&nbsp;during a voyage to the famed Titanic wreck site in the North Atlantic in June 2023. No one survived the trip aboard the experimental submersible owned by OceanGate, a company in Washington state that has since suspended operations.Known as “Mr. Titanic,” Nargeolet participated in 37 dives to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/titanic-submersible-disaster-implosion-ocean-c0e4a3e3c48362e045a7e784b62b67e3">the Titanic site,</a>&nbsp;the most of any diver in the world, according to the lawsuit. He was regarded as one of the world’s most knowledgeable people about the famous wreck. Attorneys for his estate said in an emailed statement that the “doomed submersible” had a “troubled history,” and that OceanGate failed to disclose key facts about the vessel and its durability.According to the lawsuit, the Titan “dropped weights” about 90 minutes into its dive, indicating the team had aborted or attempted to abort the dive.“While the exact cause of failure may never be determined, experts agree that the Titan’s crew would have realized exactly what was happening,” the lawsuit states. “Common sense dictates that the crew were well aware they were going to die, before dying.”The lawsuit goes on to say: “The crew may well have heard the carbon fiber’s crackling noise grow more intense as the weight of the water pressed on Titan’s hull. The crew lost communications and perhaps power as well. By experts’ reckoning, they would have continued to descend, in full knowledge of the vessel’s irreversible failures, experiencing terror and mental anguish prior to the Titan ultimately imploding.”A spokesperson for OceanGate declined to comment on the lawsuit, which was filed Tuesday in King County, Washington. The lawsuit describes Nargeolet as an employee of OceanGate and a crew member on the Titan.The lawsuit also criticizes Titan’s “hip, contemporary, wireless electronics system, and states that none of the controller, controls or gauges would work without a constant source of power and a wireless signal.“The lawsuit further alleges that even though Nargeolet had been designated by OceanGate to be a member of the crew of the vessel, many of the particulars about the vessel’s flaws and shortcomings were not disclosed and were purposely concealed,” the attorneys, the Buzbee Law Firm of Houston, Texas, said in their statement.Tony Buzbee, one of the attorneys on the case, said one goal of the lawsuit is to “get answers for the family as to exactly how this happened, who all were involved, and how those involved could allow this to happen.”Concerns were raised in the aftermath of the disaster about whether the Titan was doomed due to its unconventional design and its creator’s refusal to submit to independent checks that are standard in the industry. Its implosion also raised questions about the viability and future of private deep-sea exploration.The U.S. Coast Guard quickly convened a high-level investigation, which is ongoing. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/titanic-submersible-implosion-investigation-titan-7bcfc66bba88445c20314f02b28d3fcc">key public hearing</a>&nbsp;that is part of the investigation is scheduled to take place in September.The Titan made its last dive on June 18, 2023, a Sunday morning, and lost contact with its support vessel about two hours later. After a search and rescue mission that drew attention around the world, the wreckage of the Titan was found on the ocean floor about 984 feet (300 meters) off the bow of the Titanic, about 435 miles (700 kilometers) south of St. John’s, Newfoundland.OceanGate CEO and cofounder Stockton Rush was operating the Titan when it imploded. In addition to Rush and Nargeolet, the implosion killed British adventurer Hamish Harding and two members of a prominent Pakistani family, Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood.The company that owns the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/titanic-submersible-disaster-implosion-ocean-c0e4a3e3c48362e045a7e784b62b67e3">salvage rights to the Titanic</a>&nbsp;is in the midst of its first voyage to the wreckage site in years. Last month, RMS Titanic Inc., a Georgia-based firm, launched its first expedition to the site since 2010 from Providence, Rhode Island.Nargeolet was director of underwater research for RMS Titanic. One of the expeditions Nargeolet took was the first visit to the Titanic in 1987, shortly after its location was discovered, the lawsuit states. His estate's attorneys described him as a seasoned veteran of underwater exploration who would not have participated in the Titan expedition if the company had been more transparent.The lawsuit blames the implosion on the “persistent carelessness, recklessness and negligence” of Oceangate, Rush and others.“Decedent Nargeolet may have died doing what he loved to do, but his death — and the deaths of the other Titan crew members — was wrongful,” the lawsuit states.

Crew of sub knew they were going to die before implosion, according to $50M lawsuit

KANSAS CITY —A military explosive was found in a Kansas City area home this week.

Just after 11:30a.m. Monday, police and fire dispatchers received a call from a concerned citizen who discovered what he believed to be a live, military explosive, according to a social media report from the Independence police department.

 The device was discovered in the home of the caller’s father and is believed to be a mortar shell from the Korean War.

The Independence Department Bomb Squad confirmed that the ordnance was live and contacted officials from Whitman Air Force Base who&nbsp; disposed of the device. There were no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722908140981.png" alt="Photo&nbsp; Independence Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo&nbsp; Independence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A military explosive was found in a Kansas City area home this week.Just after 11:30a.m. Monday, police and fire dispatchers received a call from a concerned citizen who discovered what he believed to be a live, military explosive, according to a social media report from the Independence police department. The device was discovered in the home of the caller’s father and is believed to be a mortar shell from the Korean War.The Independence Department Bomb Squad confirmed that the ordnance was live and contacted officials from Whitman Air Force Base who&nbsp; disposed of the device. There were no injuries reported.

Live mortar shell believed from Korean War found in KC area home

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mayasmith/">MAYA SMITH</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a>&nbsp;- <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

LAWRENCE — Kansas voters on Tuesday ousted an incumbent Senate Republican and House Democrat who were seen as traitors by their parties, expanding an expected shakeup of the Legislature and setting the stage for a high-stakes general election.

In the 40-member Senate, there will be at least 12 newcomers by January. In the 125-member House, there will be at least 21 newcomers. Those numbers could increase, depending on November results, when Democrats hope to break GOP supermajorities in both chambers.

Democratic voters in Kansas City favored educator Wanda Brownlee Paige over incumbent Rep. Marvin Robinson, who voted almost exclusively with Republicans for most of his single term in office. He was backed by GOP-aligned special interest groups, which flooded the district with mailers favorable to Robinson. But Paige prevailed with 49% of the vote, compared with 22% for Robinson, 20% for Michelle Watley and 9% for Kimberly DeWitt.

“I am so excited, grateful, thankful and just want to continue to turn the page,” Paige said. “After I noticed this man wasn’t going for the people in the district, he voted with the Republicans and for the Republicans, I thought we needed to do something to help the people.”

Sen. Dennis Pyle, a Hiawatha Republican who has represented his district for 20 years, finished in third place. Pyle rankled party members who accused him of helping Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly win reelection by running as an independent candidate for governor in 2022. He also routinely challenged Senate leadership, who redrew his district to make it more difficult for him to win reelection.

Craig Bowser, a U.S. Army Reserve veteran from Holton, was leading the race with 41% of the vote over Rep. John Eplee, an Atchison physician, with 37%. Pyle had 23%.

In a Democratic primary in Lawrence, five-term Sen. Marci Francisco held off a challenge from Rep. Christina Haswood, who was backed by former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

In a victory speech Tuesday night at Black Stag Brewery and Pub, Francisco told supporters she “absolutely did not get here on my own.”

“I have had so many people come out, be willing to walk, be willing to talk to their friends, be willing to write postcards, give me advice, give me endorsements,” Francisco said.

Francisco emphasized her experience as a legislator, during which she has never missed a vote, in a race where there was little policy difference between the two candidates.

“I mean, it was two people who are essentially saying the same thing, right?” Francisco said. “We want to expand Medicaid. We want to be concerned about the environment. We want to fund public education.”

In a Democratic Senate primary in Topeka, Navy veteran Patrick Schmidt won 54% of the vote to defeat longtime legislator and House Minority Leader Vic Miller, who had 34%, and educator ShaMecha King Simms with 12%.

Republican Sens. Chase Blasi, of Wichita; Brenda Dietrich, of Topeka; Beverly Gossage, of Eudora; Caryn Tyson, of Parker; Tim Shallenburger, of Baxter Springs; and Elaine Bowers, of Concordia, defeated or held large leads over primary challengers. Democratic Sen. David Haley, of Kansas City, also defeated a challenger.

Rep. Tory Marie Blew, of Great Bend, defeated John Sturn, of Ellinwood, in the GOP primary for a Senate seat.

Seven other House members who are seeking a Senate seat didn’t have a primary opponent.

Among contested House races, Leavenworth County Commissioner Mike Stieben led Rep. Lance Neelly, of Tonganoxie, by 41 votes after all ballots were counted Tuesday night in the GOP primary for Neelly’s House seat. But the outcome could depend on mail-in ballots, as long as they are postmarked by Tuesday and received by Friday, as well as provisional ballots.

Rep. Mark Schreiber, an Emporia Republican, won 64% of the vote to defeat businessman Will Spencer.

Micah Kubic, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, praised voters for favoring Schreiber, who is viewed as a moderate, and for disposing of Robinson, who cast anti-LGBTQ+ votes. The ACLU of Kansas PAC targeted both races with “educational materials.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720316487639.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mayasmith/">MAYA SMITH</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a>&nbsp;- <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>LAWRENCE — Kansas voters on Tuesday ousted an incumbent Senate Republican and House Democrat who were seen as traitors by their parties, expanding an expected shakeup of the Legislature and setting the stage for a high-stakes general election.In the 40-member Senate, there will be at least 12 newcomers by January. In the 125-member House, there will be at least 21 newcomers. Those numbers could increase, depending on November results, when Democrats hope to break GOP supermajorities in both chambers.Democratic voters in Kansas City favored educator Wanda Brownlee Paige over incumbent Rep. Marvin Robinson, who voted almost exclusively with Republicans for most of his single term in office. He was backed by GOP-aligned special interest groups, which flooded the district with mailers favorable to Robinson. But Paige prevailed with 49% of the vote, compared with 22% for Robinson, 20% for Michelle Watley and 9% for Kimberly DeWitt.“I am so excited, grateful, thankful and just want to continue to turn the page,” Paige said. “After I noticed this man wasn’t going for the people in the district, he voted with the Republicans and for the Republicans, I thought we needed to do something to help the people.”Sen. Dennis Pyle, a Hiawatha Republican who has represented his district for 20 years, finished in third place. Pyle rankled party members who accused him of helping Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly win reelection by running as an independent candidate for governor in 2022. He also routinely challenged Senate leadership, who redrew his district to make it more difficult for him to win reelection.Craig Bowser, a U.S. Army Reserve veteran from Holton, was leading the race with 41% of the vote over Rep. John Eplee, an Atchison physician, with 37%. Pyle had 23%.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723043984598.png" alt="Democratic Sen. Marci Francisco waits for results at her watch party Aug. 6, 2024, at Black Stag Brewery and Pub in Lawrence. Francisco defeated Rep. Christina Haswood. (Maya Smith for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Democratic Sen. Marci Francisco waits for results at her watch party Aug. 6, 2024, at Black Stag Brewery and Pub in Lawrence. Francisco defeated Rep. Christina Haswood. (Maya Smith for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>In a Democratic primary in Lawrence, five-term Sen. Marci Francisco held off a challenge from Rep. Christina Haswood, who was backed by former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.In a victory speech Tuesday night at Black Stag Brewery and Pub, Francisco told supporters she “absolutely did not get here on my own.”“I have had so many people come out, be willing to walk, be willing to talk to their friends, be willing to write postcards, give me advice, give me endorsements,” Francisco said.Francisco emphasized her experience as a legislator, during which she has never missed a vote, in a race where there was little policy difference between the two candidates.“I mean, it was two people who are essentially saying the same thing, right?” Francisco said. “We want to expand Medicaid. We want to be concerned about the environment. We want to fund public education.”In a Democratic Senate primary in Topeka, Navy veteran Patrick Schmidt won 54% of the vote to defeat longtime legislator and House Minority Leader Vic Miller, who had 34%, and educator ShaMecha King Simms with 12%.Republican Sens. Chase Blasi, of Wichita; Brenda Dietrich, of Topeka; Beverly Gossage, of Eudora; Caryn Tyson, of Parker; Tim Shallenburger, of Baxter Springs; and Elaine Bowers, of Concordia, defeated or held large leads over primary challengers. Democratic Sen. David Haley, of Kansas City, also defeated a challenger.Rep. Tory Marie Blew, of Great Bend, defeated John Sturn, of Ellinwood, in the GOP primary for a Senate seat.Seven other House members who are seeking a Senate seat didn’t have a primary opponent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723044047344.png" alt="Rep. Mark Schreiber appears at an April 25, 2024, event in Emporia with Gov. Laura Kelly to promote Medicaid expansion. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Mark Schreiber appears at an April 25, 2024, event in Emporia with Gov. Laura Kelly to promote Medicaid expansion. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Among contested House races, Leavenworth County Commissioner Mike Stieben led Rep. Lance Neelly, of Tonganoxie, by 41 votes after all ballots were counted Tuesday night in the GOP primary for Neelly’s House seat. But the outcome could depend on mail-in ballots, as long as they are postmarked by Tuesday and received by Friday, as well as provisional ballots.Rep. Mark Schreiber, an Emporia Republican, won 64% of the vote to defeat businessman Will Spencer.Micah Kubic, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, praised voters for favoring Schreiber, who is viewed as a moderate, and for disposing of Robinson, who cast anti-LGBTQ+ votes. The ACLU of Kansas PAC targeted both races with “educational materials.”“Kansans have had enough of politicians’ misinformation or misrepresentation of their positions,” Kubic said. “When given truthful, reliable, and accurate sources focused on issues of civil liberties and civil rights, voters prioritize those issues even amidst the noise of the campaign season.”Former Rep. Steve Huebert, a Valley Center Republican, won 64% of the vote in a four-way race for a seat he held until two years ago. Rep. Carl Maughan, of Colwich, was on the ballot but stopped campaigning after the Kansas Supreme Court in June suspended his law license for engaging in a conflict of interest. Maughan also was arrested in March after driving drunk.Alexis Simmons, a Topeka Democrat who was the spokeswoman for House Democrats, won 85% of the vote in Miller’s House district.Brooklynne Mosley, a Lawrence Democrat and Air Force veteran, won 67% of the vote in a three-way race for a House seat.In the House, 33 Republicans and 19 Democrats will be unopposed in November. In the Senate, six Republicans and three Democrats will run unopposed in November.