NEW YORK (AP) — Steve Lawrence, a singer and top stage act who as a solo performer and in tandem with his wife Eydie Gorme kept Tin Pan Alley alive during the rock era, died Thursday. He was 88.

Lawrence, whose hits included "Go Away Little Girl,” died from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease, said Susan DuBow, a spokesperson for the family.

Lawrence and Gorme — or Steve &amp; Eydie — were known for their frequent appearances on talk shows, in night clubs and on the stages of Las Vegas. The duo took inspiration from George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern and other songwriters.

Soon after Elvis Presley and other rock music pioneers began to dominate radio and records, Lawrence and his wife were approached about changing their style.

"We had a chance to get in on the ground floor of rock ‘n’ roll," he recalled in a 1989 interview. "It was 1957 and everything was changing, but I wanted to be Sinatra, not Rick Nelson.

"Our audience knows we're not going to load up on heavy metal or set fire to the drummer — although on some nights we've talked about it," he joked.

Although Lawrence and Gorme were best known as a team, both also had huge solo hits just months apart in the early 1960s.

Dionne Warwick, a longtime friend, said in a statement that Lawrence was “resting with comfort in the arms of the Heavenly Father. My heartfelt condolences go out.” Carol Burnett, in a statement, called Lawrence one of her favorite guests on her variety show. “He was also my very close friend,” she said. “He will always be in my heart.”

Lawrence scored first in 1962 with the achingly romantic ballad "Go Away Little Girl," written by the Brill Building songwriting team of Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Gorme matched his success the following year with "Blame It on the Bossa Nova," a bouncy tune about a dance craze of the time that was written by Brill hitmakers Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.

By the 1970s, Lawrence and his wife were a top draw in Las Vegas casinos and nightclubs across the country. They also appeared regularly on television, making specials and guesting on various shows.

In the 1980s, when Vegas cut down on headline acts and nightclubs became scarcer, the pair switched to auditoriums and drew large audiences.

"People come with a general idea of what they're going to get with us," Lawrence said in 1989. "It's like a product. They buy a certain cereal and they know what to expect from that package."

Lawrence launched his professional singing career at age 15. After two failed auditions for “Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts” TV show, he was accepted on the third try, going on to win the competition and the prize of appearing on Godfrey's popular daytime radio show for a week.

King Records, impressed by the teenager's strong, two-octave voice, signed him to a contract. His first record, "Poinciana," sold more than 100,000 copies, and his high school allowed him to skip classes to promote it with out-of-town singing dates.

After several guest appearances on Steve Allen's television show, Lawrence was hired as a regular. When the program became NBC's "Tonight" in 1954, he went with it, singing and exchanging quips with Allen. The series set the pattern for the long-running "The Tonight Show."

"I think Steve Allen was the biggest thing that happened to me," said Lawrence, who stayed with the show's host for five years, honing his comedic skills and attracting a wide audience with his singing. "Every night I was called upon to do something different. In its own way it was better than vaudeville."

Early in the series' run, a young singer named Eydie Gorme joined the cast. After singing together for four years, she and Lawrence were married in 1957.

Until Gorme’s death, in 2013, they remained popular, whether working together in concert or making separate TV appearances.

His reasoning: "If we did television together all the time, why should anyone go see us in a club?"

He appeared in such shows as "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Gilmore Girls," "Diagnosis Murder" and "The Nanny."

He and his wife did star together in "The Steve Lawrence-Eydie Gorme Show" in 1958 and Lawrence had his own series, "The Steve Lawrence Show," in 1965.

He also made stage appearances without Gorme, including a starring role in a 1962 summer stock version of "Pal Joey." He made it to Broadway in 1964 — and earned a Tony Award nomination — in the musical "What Makes Sammy Run?" based on Budd Schulberg's classic novel about a New York hustler who claws his way to the top of the entertainment world.

Critics praised Lawrence but gave the play bad reviews. Still, it turned a profit, and insiders attributed its success to his performance.

Lawrence also had a few character roles in movies, most notably "Stand Up and Be Counted," "Blues Brothers 2000," "The Lonely Guy" and "The Yards."

Native-born New Yorkers, Lawrence and Gorme lived in a Manhattan apartment during their early years together. When the center of TV entertainment shifted to Hollywood, they moved to Beverly Hills.

Born Sidney Liebowitz in New York City's borough of Brooklyn, Lawrence was the son of a Jewish cantor who worked as a house painter. He began singing in his father's synagogue choir at 8, moving on to bars and clubs by his mid-teens. He took his name from the first names of two nephews.

He and Gorme had two sons, David, a composer, and Michael. Long troubled with heart problems, Michael died of heart failure in 1986 at age 23.

“My dad was an inspiration to so many people,” his son David said in a statement. “But, to me, he was just this charming, handsome, hysterically funny guy who sang a lot. Sometimes alone and sometimes with his insanely talented wife. I am so lucky to have had him as a father and so proud to be his son.”

This report contains biographical material compiled by former AP reporter Bob Thomas

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709861417063.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Steve Lawrence, a singer and top stage act who as a solo performer and in tandem with his wife Eydie Gorme kept Tin Pan Alley alive during the rock era, died Thursday. He was 88.Lawrence, whose hits included "Go Away Little Girl,” died from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease, said Susan DuBow, a spokesperson for the family.Lawrence and Gorme — or Steve &amp; Eydie — were known for their frequent appearances on talk shows, in night clubs and on the stages of Las Vegas. The duo took inspiration from George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern and other songwriters.Soon after Elvis Presley and other rock music pioneers began to dominate radio and records, Lawrence and his wife were approached about changing their style."We had a chance to get in on the ground floor of rock ‘n’ roll," he recalled in a 1989 interview. "It was 1957 and everything was changing, but I wanted to be Sinatra, not Rick Nelson."Our audience knows we're not going to load up on heavy metal or set fire to the drummer — although on some nights we've talked about it," he joked.Although Lawrence and Gorme were best known as a team, both also had huge solo hits just months apart in the early 1960s.Dionne Warwick, a longtime friend, said in a statement that Lawrence was “resting with comfort in the arms of the Heavenly Father. My heartfelt condolences go out.” Carol Burnett, in a statement, called Lawrence one of her favorite guests on her variety show. “He was also my very close friend,” she said. “He will always be in my heart.”Lawrence scored first in 1962 with the achingly romantic ballad "Go Away Little Girl," written by the Brill Building songwriting team of Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Gorme matched his success the following year with "Blame It on the Bossa Nova," a bouncy tune about a dance craze of the time that was written by Brill hitmakers Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.By the 1970s, Lawrence and his wife were a top draw in Las Vegas casinos and nightclubs across the country. They also appeared regularly on television, making specials and guesting on various shows.In the 1980s, when Vegas cut down on headline acts and nightclubs became scarcer, the pair switched to auditoriums and drew large audiences."People come with a general idea of what they're going to get with us," Lawrence said in 1989. "It's like a product. They buy a certain cereal and they know what to expect from that package."Lawrence launched his professional singing career at age 15. After two failed auditions for “Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts” TV show, he was accepted on the third try, going on to win the competition and the prize of appearing on Godfrey's popular daytime radio show for a week.King Records, impressed by the teenager's strong, two-octave voice, signed him to a contract. His first record, "Poinciana," sold more than 100,000 copies, and his high school allowed him to skip classes to promote it with out-of-town singing dates.After several guest appearances on Steve Allen's television show, Lawrence was hired as a regular. When the program became NBC's "Tonight" in 1954, he went with it, singing and exchanging quips with Allen. The series set the pattern for the long-running "The Tonight Show.""I think Steve Allen was the biggest thing that happened to me," said Lawrence, who stayed with the show's host for five years, honing his comedic skills and attracting a wide audience with his singing. "Every night I was called upon to do something different. In its own way it was better than vaudeville."Early in the series' run, a young singer named Eydie Gorme joined the cast. After singing together for four years, she and Lawrence were married in 1957.Until Gorme’s death, in 2013, they remained popular, whether working together in concert or making separate TV appearances.His reasoning: "If we did television together all the time, why should anyone go see us in a club?"He appeared in such shows as "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Gilmore Girls," "Diagnosis Murder" and "The Nanny."He and his wife did star together in "The Steve Lawrence-Eydie Gorme Show" in 1958 and Lawrence had his own series, "The Steve Lawrence Show," in 1965.He also made stage appearances without Gorme, including a starring role in a 1962 summer stock version of "Pal Joey." He made it to Broadway in 1964 — and earned a Tony Award nomination — in the musical "What Makes Sammy Run?" based on Budd Schulberg's classic novel about a New York hustler who claws his way to the top of the entertainment world.Critics praised Lawrence but gave the play bad reviews. Still, it turned a profit, and insiders attributed its success to his performance.Lawrence also had a few character roles in movies, most notably "Stand Up and Be Counted," "Blues Brothers 2000," "The Lonely Guy" and "The Yards."Native-born New Yorkers, Lawrence and Gorme lived in a Manhattan apartment during their early years together. When the center of TV entertainment shifted to Hollywood, they moved to Beverly Hills.Born Sidney Liebowitz in New York City's borough of Brooklyn, Lawrence was the son of a Jewish cantor who worked as a house painter. He began singing in his father's synagogue choir at 8, moving on to bars and clubs by his mid-teens. He took his name from the first names of two nephews.He and Gorme had two sons, David, a composer, and Michael. Long troubled with heart problems, Michael died of heart failure in 1986 at age 23.“My dad was an inspiration to so many people,” his son David said in a statement. “But, to me, he was just this charming, handsome, hysterically funny guy who sang a lot. Sometimes alone and sometimes with his insanely talented wife. I am so lucky to have had him as a father and so proud to be his son.”___This report contains biographical material compiled by former AP reporter Bob Thomas

Steve Lawrence, Grammy winning singer and entertainer, has died

MEADE—Law enforcement authorities continue investigating a case that led them to seize 170 pounds of methamphetamine, according to a social media report from the Meade County Sheriff.

The sheriff's office reported this as "a true testament of teamwork with Kansas Highway Patrol and Meade County Kansas Sheriff's Office."

The sheriff's office wrote, "Great job Troopers, Deputies and K-9 Zero."&nbsp;

Due to the ongoing investigation, the sheriff released no more information on the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709844496323.png" alt="Photo Meade Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Meade Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>MEADE—Law enforcement authorities continue investigating a case that led them to seize 170 pounds of methamphetamine, according to a social media report from the Meade County Sheriff.The sheriff's office reported this as "a true testament of teamwork with Kansas Highway Patrol and Meade County Kansas Sheriff's Office."The sheriff's office wrote, "Great job Troopers, Deputies and K-9 Zero."&nbsp;Due to the ongoing investigation, the sheriff released no more information on the case.

Deputies, KHP seize 170 pounds of methamphetamine

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas moved closer Thursday to requiring abortion providers to ask patients why they want to terminate their pregnancies and report the answers to the state. It would join other states with Republican legislatures that ban most abortions even though Kansas voters have affirmed abortion rights.

(Click below to watch&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas House Health and Human Services Committee Chair Brenda Landwehr, R-Wichita answer questions on the bill)

The House approved, in an&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240307112935_571961/">81-39</a>&nbsp;vote, a bill that would require providers to ask patients 11 questions about their reasons for terminating a pregnancy, including that they can’t afford another child, raising a child would hinder their education or careers, or a spouse or partner wanted her to have an abortion.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2749_01_0000.pdf">The bill</a>&nbsp;goes next to the state Senate, where it also is likely to pass.

At least seven states require similar reporting, but none have had a statewide vote on abortion rights as Kansas did in August 2022. In the first state ballot question on abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Dobbs decision</a>, voters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">decisively protected abortion rights</a>&nbsp;under the state constitution.

Democrats are frustrated because Republicans and anti-abortion groups have pursued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-medication-reversal-kansas-01304fcbe7b014ec46f818633faf28a7">new rules</a>&nbsp;for abortion providers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-politics-united-states-government-kansas-health-c0c8a6cbe211ca4970e3a38b3aa7faf9">aid to anti-abortion counseling centers</a>&nbsp;despite that vote and votes affirming abortion rights in other states, including GOP-led&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-kentucky-abortion-3fa387a4cdc355d50a223f4788aa0ae8">Kentucky</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-abortion-amendment-election-2023-fe3e06747b616507d8ca21ea26485270">Ohio</a>.

“Quite honestly, I don’t understand it, you know, because I think Kansans made it very, very clear how they want Kansas to operate in this arena,” Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, a strong abortion rights supporter, said during a brief Associated Press interview this week. “Why would an elected official who’s facing an election in November go against the wishes of their constituents?”

Both chambers have large anti-abortion majorities and both sides believe there's a strong chance abortion opponents could override a Kelly veto of the reporting bill. Last year, Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-reversal-culture-war-kansas-b4f1ab2b807eaa36fe11756248cc08ea">overrode Kelly's vetoes</a>&nbsp;of other restrictions on providers.

But Republicans are sensitive enough to criticism that their proposals go against the wishes of Kansas voters to argue that their proposals since the August 2022 ballot question have not reduced access to abortion. Kansas allows most abortion up until the 22nd week of pregnancy, and that would not change under the reporting bill.

“This bill has nothing to do with eliminating abortion in Kansas, doesn’t ban it, doesn’t touch on that whatsoever,” said House health Committee Chair Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican. “I’ve respected that vote.”

Backers of the bill argued the state needs more and better data about why women and girls have abortions so lawmakers can create programs to address their concerns.

“If we're looking to protect unborn children and it's a socio-economic reason, then maybe a state can step up," said Ingrid Duran, state legislative director for the National Right to Life Committee.

In Kansas, a doctor who provides an abortion already must report the patient’s age and ethnicity, whether the person was married and the method used to terminate a pregnancy.

States requiring doctors to report the reasons for an abortion include Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Utah. Minnesota’s Democratic-controlled Legislature repealed its similar reporting requirement last year.

The law in Oklahoma, where most abortions are banned, includes a list of more than 30 questions a provider must ask a patient about her motives. Potential reasons include relationship problems and not feeling mature enough to raise a child.

Isabel Guarnieri, a spokesperson for the Guttmacher Institute, which researches abortion issues and supports abortion rights, said such data can be useful in public health. But she said such mandates also should be assessed in the context of lawmakers’ long history of trying to restrict access and stigmatize abortion.

Alesha Doan, a University of Kansas dean and professor who studies policy and gender, called the bill approved by the House “an unnecessary way for the state to continue to surveil people’s health decisions.”

Democrats, particularly female lawmakers, attacked what they saw as the unfairness of requiring women to face detailed questions about their motives for seeking health care when men would not. They started with vasectomies.

Then, Kansas City-area Democratic Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton suggested requiring doctors to ask male patients whether they wanted to treat erectile dysfunction because a spouse wanted that or because it caused the man stress or embarrassment.

“Because I am still fertile right now, I don’t have that right to privacy,” she said after Thursday's vote, summarizing what she sees as the bill's real message. "Why am I less of a person than a post-menopausal woman? Why am I less of a person than a man?”

But that tactic prompted an eye-roll from Landwehr during a post-vote interview. She said Democrats should favor better data collection.

“You know, it amazes me that they don’t support this,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709843062703.png" alt="Kansas House Health and Human Services Committee Chair Brenda Landwehr, left, R-Wichita answered questions on the bill- image from the Kan. legislature YouTube" />
 <figcaption>Kansas House Health and Human Services Committee Chair Brenda Landwehr, left, R-Wichita answered questions on the bill- image from the Kan. legislature YouTube</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas moved closer Thursday to requiring abortion providers to ask patients why they want to terminate their pregnancies and report the answers to the state. It would join other states with Republican legislatures that ban most abortions even though Kansas voters have affirmed abortion rights.(Click below to watch&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas House Health and Human Services Committee Chair Brenda Landwehr, R-Wichita answer questions on the bill)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aiqAPPpvXbk?si=BgejtmXHk_5OuKX2&amp;start=8588" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The House approved, in an&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240307112935_571961/">81-39</a>&nbsp;vote, a bill that would require providers to ask patients 11 questions about their reasons for terminating a pregnancy, including that they can’t afford another child, raising a child would hinder their education or careers, or a spouse or partner wanted her to have an abortion.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2749_01_0000.pdf">The bill</a>&nbsp;goes next to the state Senate, where it also is likely to pass.At least seven states require similar reporting, but none have had a statewide vote on abortion rights as Kansas did in August 2022. In the first state ballot question on abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Dobbs decision</a>, voters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">decisively protected abortion rights</a>&nbsp;under the state constitution.Democrats are frustrated because Republicans and anti-abortion groups have pursued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-medication-reversal-kansas-01304fcbe7b014ec46f818633faf28a7">new rules</a>&nbsp;for abortion providers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-politics-united-states-government-kansas-health-c0c8a6cbe211ca4970e3a38b3aa7faf9">aid to anti-abortion counseling centers</a>&nbsp;despite that vote and votes affirming abortion rights in other states, including GOP-led&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-kentucky-abortion-3fa387a4cdc355d50a223f4788aa0ae8">Kentucky</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-abortion-amendment-election-2023-fe3e06747b616507d8ca21ea26485270">Ohio</a>.“Quite honestly, I don’t understand it, you know, because I think Kansans made it very, very clear how they want Kansas to operate in this arena,” Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, a strong abortion rights supporter, said during a brief Associated Press interview this week. “Why would an elected official who’s facing an election in November go against the wishes of their constituents?”Both chambers have large anti-abortion majorities and both sides believe there's a strong chance abortion opponents could override a Kelly veto of the reporting bill. Last year, Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-reversal-culture-war-kansas-b4f1ab2b807eaa36fe11756248cc08ea">overrode Kelly's vetoes</a>&nbsp;of other restrictions on providers.But Republicans are sensitive enough to criticism that their proposals go against the wishes of Kansas voters to argue that their proposals since the August 2022 ballot question have not reduced access to abortion. Kansas allows most abortion up until the 22nd week of pregnancy, and that would not change under the reporting bill.“This bill has nothing to do with eliminating abortion in Kansas, doesn’t ban it, doesn’t touch on that whatsoever,” said House health Committee Chair Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican. “I’ve respected that vote.”Backers of the bill argued the state needs more and better data about why women and girls have abortions so lawmakers can create programs to address their concerns.“If we're looking to protect unborn children and it's a socio-economic reason, then maybe a state can step up," said Ingrid Duran, state legislative director for the National Right to Life Committee.In Kansas, a doctor who provides an abortion already must report the patient’s age and ethnicity, whether the person was married and the method used to terminate a pregnancy.States requiring doctors to report the reasons for an abortion include Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Utah. Minnesota’s Democratic-controlled Legislature repealed its similar reporting requirement last year.The law in Oklahoma, where most abortions are banned, includes a list of more than 30 questions a provider must ask a patient about her motives. Potential reasons include relationship problems and not feeling mature enough to raise a child.Isabel Guarnieri, a spokesperson for the Guttmacher Institute, which researches abortion issues and supports abortion rights, said such data can be useful in public health. But she said such mandates also should be assessed in the context of lawmakers’ long history of trying to restrict access and stigmatize abortion.Alesha Doan, a University of Kansas dean and professor who studies policy and gender, called the bill approved by the House “an unnecessary way for the state to continue to surveil people’s health decisions.”Democrats, particularly female lawmakers, attacked what they saw as the unfairness of requiring women to face detailed questions about their motives for seeking health care when men would not. They started with vasectomies.Then, Kansas City-area Democratic Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton suggested requiring doctors to ask male patients whether they wanted to treat erectile dysfunction because a spouse wanted that or because it caused the man stress or embarrassment.“Because I am still fertile right now, I don’t have that right to privacy,” she said after Thursday's vote, summarizing what she sees as the bill's real message. "Why am I less of a person than a post-menopausal woman? Why am I less of a person than a man?”But that tactic prompted an eye-roll from Landwehr during a post-vote interview. She said Democrats should favor better data collection.“You know, it amazes me that they don’t support this,” she said.___

🎥 Kansas could make doctors ask patients why they want abortions

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a Tuesday night homicide in Lawrence have captured a suspect.

Just after noon Thursday,&nbsp;in partnership with the Topeka Police Department, officers arrested 21-year-old Dawson Paine in connection with the shooting death of 18-year-old Davin Kerr, according to&nbsp;Lawrence Police Chief Rich Lockhart.

 The shooting incident took place in the 2900 block of Crestline about 10:40 Tuesday night. 

 Officers responded and rendered aid until paramedics arrived to take over and transport Kerr to a trauma center in Kansas City.  He later died from his injuries. The search for Paine began and investigators have been tracking multiple leads since that time until the arrest on Thursday afternoon.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and asking the public’s assistance in locating 21-year-old Dawson Edward Paine.

He is suspected in a deadly shooting Tuesday night in the 2900 block of Crestline Drive, according to a media release from Lawrence Police.

Just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a residence where Paine allegedly shot 18-year-old&nbsp; Davin Gregory Kerr of Lawrence.

After the shooting, Paine left the area prior to the arrival of officers. Kerr was transported by ambulance to a Kansas City area trauma center where he was later pronounced dead.

Police ask that anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of Dawson Paine call 911. He should be considered armed and dangerous, and no one should try approach or contact him other than law enforcement.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709737558547.png" alt="Paine-photo Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Paine-photo Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a Tuesday night homicide in Lawrence have captured a suspect.Just after noon Thursday,&nbsp;in partnership with the Topeka Police Department, officers arrested 21-year-old Dawson Paine in connection with the shooting death of 18-year-old Davin Kerr, according to&nbsp;Lawrence Police Chief Rich Lockhart. The shooting incident took place in the 2900 block of Crestline about 10:40 Tuesday night. Officers responded and rendered aid until paramedics arrived to take over and transport Kerr to a trauma center in Kansas City. He later died from his injuries. The search for Paine began and investigators have been tracking multiple leads since that time until the arrest on Thursday afternoon.-------------DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and asking the public’s assistance in locating 21-year-old Dawson Edward Paine.He is suspected in a deadly shooting Tuesday night in the 2900 block of Crestline Drive, according to a media release from Lawrence Police.Just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a residence where Paine allegedly shot 18-year-old&nbsp; Davin Gregory Kerr of Lawrence.After the shooting, Paine left the area prior to the arrival of officers. Kerr was transported by ambulance to a Kansas City area trauma center where he was later pronounced dead.Police ask that anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of Dawson Paine call 911. He should be considered armed and dangerous, and no one should try approach or contact him other than law enforcement.&nbsp;

Police capture armed, dangerous Kan. murder suspect

NEW YORK (AP) —Ground cinnamon sold by U.S. discount retailers is contaminated with high levels of lead and should be discarded,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-alert-concerning-certain-cinnamon-products-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead">federal health officials said Wednesday</a>.

<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-alert-concerning-certain-cinnamon-products-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead">Click here to see</a> all the products included.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said cinnamon sold by stores including the Dollar Tree and Family Dollar contains lead at levels that could be unsafe for people, particularly children, with prolonged exposure to the spice. The agency urged suppliers to recall the products voluntarily.

Cinnamon products included in the agency's safety alert include the La Fiesta brand sold by La Superior and SuperMercados; Marcum brand sold by Save A Lot stores; MK brands sold by SF Supermarket; Swad brand sold by Patel Brothers; El Chilar brand sold by La Joya Morelense; and Supreme Tradition brand sold by Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores.

“Removing the ground cinnamon products in this alert from the market will prevent them from contributing elevated amounts of lead to the diets of children,” the alert said.

Consumers should not buy the products and should throw away any containers they have at home, the agency said.

Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores have removed the cinnamon from their store shelves, a company spokesperson said. Customers can return products to nearby stores for a refund.

FDA officials launched what they called a “targeted survey” of cinnamon products sold in discount stores after an October 2023 recall of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wanabana-apple-cinnamon-lead-poisoning-fruit-pouch-86c32266e010843d0c9ad3340ccae319">lead-tainted cinnamon applesauce pouches</a>&nbsp;that sickened nearly 500 U.S. children.

The ground cinnamon products in Wednesday's notice had lead levels of 2.03 to 3.4 parts per million, far lower than the puree pouches, which contained 2,270 parts per million to 5,110 parts per million of lead.

No illnesses or other health effects have been reported in connection with the new ground cinnamon alert, the FDA said.

There is no safe level of lead exposure for humans. Long-term exposure of lead can cause problems, especially in growing children, including learning disabilities, behavioral difficulties and lower IQ.

The FDA monitors foods for lead levels, but the U.S. government doesn’t broadly limit lead in food products. The agency sent a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/176824/download?attachment">letter</a>&nbsp;to all cinnamon manufacturers, processors, distributors and facility operators in the U.S. reminding them they're required to prevent contamination from chemical hazards in food, including spices.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709767199407.png" alt="FDA image" />
 <figcaption>FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —Ground cinnamon sold by U.S. discount retailers is contaminated with high levels of lead and should be discarded,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-alert-concerning-certain-cinnamon-products-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead">federal health officials said Wednesday</a>.<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-alert-concerning-certain-cinnamon-products-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead">Click here to see</a> all the products included.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said cinnamon sold by stores including the Dollar Tree and Family Dollar contains lead at levels that could be unsafe for people, particularly children, with prolonged exposure to the spice. The agency urged suppliers to recall the products voluntarily.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709767164551.png" alt="FDA image" />
 <figcaption>FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>Cinnamon products included in the agency's safety alert include the La Fiesta brand sold by La Superior and SuperMercados; Marcum brand sold by Save A Lot stores; MK brands sold by SF Supermarket; Swad brand sold by Patel Brothers; El Chilar brand sold by La Joya Morelense; and Supreme Tradition brand sold by Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores.“Removing the ground cinnamon products in this alert from the market will prevent them from contributing elevated amounts of lead to the diets of children,” the alert said.Consumers should not buy the products and should throw away any containers they have at home, the agency said.Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores have removed the cinnamon from their store shelves, a company spokesperson said. Customers can return products to nearby stores for a refund.FDA officials launched what they called a “targeted survey” of cinnamon products sold in discount stores after an October 2023 recall of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wanabana-apple-cinnamon-lead-poisoning-fruit-pouch-86c32266e010843d0c9ad3340ccae319">lead-tainted cinnamon applesauce pouches</a>&nbsp;that sickened nearly 500 U.S. children.The ground cinnamon products in Wednesday's notice had lead levels of 2.03 to 3.4 parts per million, far lower than the puree pouches, which contained 2,270 parts per million to 5,110 parts per million of lead.No illnesses or other health effects have been reported in connection with the new ground cinnamon alert, the FDA said.There is no safe level of lead exposure for humans. Long-term exposure of lead can cause problems, especially in growing children, including learning disabilities, behavioral difficulties and lower IQ.The FDA monitors foods for lead levels, but the U.S. government doesn’t broadly limit lead in food products. The agency sent a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/176824/download?attachment">letter</a>&nbsp;to all cinnamon manufacturers, processors, distributors and facility operators in the U.S. reminding them they're required to prevent contamination from chemical hazards in food, including spices.

FDA: Ground cinnamon sold at discount stores is tainted with lead

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sweden on Thursday formally joined&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nato">NATO</a>&nbsp;as the 32nd member of the transatlantic military alliance, ending decades of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sweden-nato-policy-of-neutrality-nonaligment-74ae8d15b2e27f9467634d7cde414625">post-World War II neutrality</a>&nbsp;and centuries of broader non-alignment with major powers as security concerns in Europe have spiked following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

President Joe Biden congratulated Sweden on its admission and said it was a sign that Russia's intervention in Ukraine had united, rather than divided, the alliance.

“When Putin launched his brutal war of aggression against the people of Ukraine, he thought he could weaken Europe and divide NATO,” Biden said in a statement, which he is expected to echo in his State of the Union address to Congress later Thursday.

“Instead, in May 2022, Sweden and Finland — two of our close partners, with two highly capable militaries — made the historic decision to apply for full NATO membership," Biden said. ”With the addition of Sweden today, NATO stands more united, determined, and dynamic than ever—now 32 nations strong."

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Secretary of State Antony Blinken presided at a ceremony in which Sweden’s “instrument of accession” to the alliance was officially deposited at the State Department.

“This is a historic moment for Sweden. It's historic for the alliance. It's historic for the transatlantic relationship,” Blinken said. “Our NATO alliance is now stronger, larger than it’s ever been.”

“Today is truly a historic day,” Kristersson said. “We are humbled, but we are also proud. We will live up to high expectations from all NATO allies. United we stand. Unity and solidarity will be Sweden’s guiding light

Later Thursday. Kristersson was to visit the White House and then be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-union-guest-list-attendance-2024-biden-003c5da894f9fd7af2c8289a267ac7b0">a guest of honor</a>&nbsp;at Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-of-union-biden-gaza-ukraine-israel-1a42ff9d4ef3e0f2753e43ac8d39fc18">State of the Union address</a>.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also described it as “a historic day.”

“Sweden will now take its rightful place at NATO’s table, with an equal say in shaping NATO policies and decisions,” he said in a statement.

The Swedish flag will be raised outside the military organization’s headquarters in Brussels on Monday. Stoltenberg underscored that the Nordic country “now enjoys the protection granted under Article 5, the ultimate guarantee of allies’ freedom and security.”

Article 5 of NATO’s treaty&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-nato-article-5-88883436438dae49ba9cacb6d4cfad0a">obliges all members</a>&nbsp;to come to the aid of an ally whose territory or security is under threat. It has only been activated once – by the U.S. after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks – and is the collective security guarantee that Sweden has sought since Russia invaded Ukraine.

“Sweden’s accession makes NATO stronger, Sweden safer and the whole alliance more secure,” Stoltenberg said. He added that the move “demonstrates that NATO’s door remains open and that every nation has the right to choose its own path.”

Sweden, along with Finland, which joined NATO last year, both abandoned long-standing military neutrality that was a hallmark of the Nordic states’ Cold War foreign policy after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-moscow-kyiv-626a8c5ec22217bacb24ece60fac4fe1">Russia invaded Ukraine</a>&nbsp;in early 2022.

Biden, in his speech to Congress, was expected to use Sweden’s decision to join to step up calls for reluctant Republicans to approve stalled military assistance to Ukraine as the war enters its third year.

Biden and his NATO counterparts have vowed that Ukraine will join one day, too.

Sweden’s membership had been held up due to objections by NATO members Turkey and Hungary. Turkey expressed concern that Sweden was harboring and not taking enough action against Kurdish groups that it regards as terrorists, and Hungary's populist President Viktor Orban has shown pro-Russian sentiment and not shared the alliance’s determination to support Ukraine.

After months of delay, Turkey ratified Sweden’s admission earlier this year, and Hungary did so this week.

Cook reported from Brussels. AP writer Jan M. Olsen contributed from Copenhagen, Denmark.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709831489794.png" alt="<a href="https://www.c-span.org/person/?47231/AntonyTonyJBlinken">Secretary of State Antony Blinken&nbsp;</a>meets with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/person/?136192/UlfKristersson">Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson&nbsp;</a>at the State Department Thursday as Sweden officially joins NATO, making it the 32nd member of the alliance.- image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.c-span.org/person/?47231/AntonyTonyJBlinken">Secretary of State Antony Blinken&nbsp;</a>meets with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/person/?136192/UlfKristersson">Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson&nbsp;</a>at the State Department Thursday as Sweden officially joins NATO, making it the 32nd member of the alliance.- image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Sweden on Thursday formally joined&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nato">NATO</a>&nbsp;as the 32nd member of the transatlantic military alliance, ending decades of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sweden-nato-policy-of-neutrality-nonaligment-74ae8d15b2e27f9467634d7cde414625">post-World War II neutrality</a>&nbsp;and centuries of broader non-alignment with major powers as security concerns in Europe have spiked following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709831140081.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>President Joe Biden congratulated Sweden on its admission and said it was a sign that Russia's intervention in Ukraine had united, rather than divided, the alliance.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, I am honored to welcome Sweden as NATO’s 32nd Ally. 75 years ago when NATO was established, President Truman said the Alliance, “would create a shield against aggression and fear of aggression.” That shield – and transatlantic security – is stronger than ever. <a href="https://t.co/0ySHg8dvQy">pic.twitter.com/0ySHg8dvQy</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1765794052698476561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“When Putin launched his brutal war of aggression against the people of Ukraine, he thought he could weaken Europe and divide NATO,” Biden said in a statement, which he is expected to echo in his State of the Union address to Congress later Thursday.“Instead, in May 2022, Sweden and Finland — two of our close partners, with two highly capable militaries — made the historic decision to apply for full NATO membership," Biden said. ”With the addition of Sweden today, NATO stands more united, determined, and dynamic than ever—now 32 nations strong."Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Secretary of State Antony Blinken presided at a ceremony in which Sweden’s “instrument of accession” to the alliance was officially deposited at the State Department.“This is a historic moment for Sweden. It's historic for the alliance. It's historic for the transatlantic relationship,” Blinken said. “Our NATO alliance is now stronger, larger than it’s ever been.”“Today is truly a historic day,” Kristersson said. “We are humbled, but we are also proud. We will live up to high expectations from all NATO allies. United we stand. Unity and solidarity will be Sweden’s guiding lightLater Thursday. Kristersson was to visit the White House and then be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-union-guest-list-attendance-2024-biden-003c5da894f9fd7af2c8289a267ac7b0">a guest of honor</a>&nbsp;at Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-of-union-biden-gaza-ukraine-israel-1a42ff9d4ef3e0f2753e43ac8d39fc18">State of the Union address</a>.NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also described it as “a historic day.”“Sweden will now take its rightful place at NATO’s table, with an equal say in shaping NATO policies and decisions,” he said in a statement.The Swedish flag will be raised outside the military organization’s headquarters in Brussels on Monday. Stoltenberg underscored that the Nordic country “now enjoys the protection granted under Article 5, the ultimate guarantee of allies’ freedom and security.”Article 5 of NATO’s treaty&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-nato-article-5-88883436438dae49ba9cacb6d4cfad0a">obliges all members</a>&nbsp;to come to the aid of an ally whose territory or security is under threat. It has only been activated once – by the U.S. after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks – and is the collective security guarantee that Sweden has sought since Russia invaded Ukraine.“Sweden’s accession makes NATO stronger, Sweden safer and the whole alliance more secure,” Stoltenberg said. He added that the move “demonstrates that NATO’s door remains open and that every nation has the right to choose its own path.”Sweden, along with Finland, which joined NATO last year, both abandoned long-standing military neutrality that was a hallmark of the Nordic states’ Cold War foreign policy after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-moscow-kyiv-626a8c5ec22217bacb24ece60fac4fe1">Russia invaded Ukraine</a>&nbsp;in early 2022.Biden, in his speech to Congress, was expected to use Sweden’s decision to join to step up calls for reluctant Republicans to approve stalled military assistance to Ukraine as the war enters its third year.Biden and his NATO counterparts have vowed that Ukraine will join one day, too.Sweden’s membership had been held up due to objections by NATO members Turkey and Hungary. Turkey expressed concern that Sweden was harboring and not taking enough action against Kurdish groups that it regards as terrorists, and Hungary's populist President Viktor Orban has shown pro-Russian sentiment and not shared the alliance’s determination to support Ukraine.After months of delay, Turkey ratified Sweden’s admission earlier this year, and Hungary did so this week.___Cook reported from Brussels. AP writer Jan M. Olsen contributed from Copenhagen, Denmark.___

U.S. welcomes 32nd member of NATO as war in Ukraine threatens

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall sees a challenge in front of President Joe Biden as he gives his State of the Union speech on Thursday. He spoke on a press conference from Washington Thursday afternoon.

"I think that the challenge before him tonight is to go in front of America and convince them that he's mentally and physically capable of doing this job another four years, does he have the stamina? Does he have any fire in the belly left?"

When Hutch Post pointed out that if former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, is elected again, he would be about the same age at this point in a four-year term as Biden is now, Marshall was quick to cite Senate colleagues who are currently older than Biden who he sees as still sharp.

"I think it's way more than just their age," Marshall said. "Bernie Sanders, a person I've gotten to know really well up here, I'm sure he's at least as old as Joe Biden (Sanders is almost a full year older), mentally is as sharp as anyone I've ever met. Senator Grassley (Chuck Grassley from Iowa) is over 90, he spoke in prayer breakfast this week, physically and mentally, he acts like he's a 60 year old."

The doctor, who was a long time obstetrician in Great Bend, Kansas before entering politics, ultimately said that it is up to the American people who they believe will be the best choice and that's why we have elections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709840865248.jpeg" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall speaks to the media March 7, 2024 via Zoom." />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall speaks to the media March 7, 2024 via Zoom.</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall sees a challenge in front of President Joe Biden as he gives his State of the Union speech on Thursday. He spoke on a press conference from Washington Thursday afternoon."I think that the challenge before him tonight is to go in front of America and convince them that he's mentally and physically capable of doing this job another four years, does he have the stamina? Does he have any fire in the belly left?"When Hutch Post pointed out that if former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, is elected again, he would be about the same age at this point in a four-year term as Biden is now, Marshall was quick to cite Senate colleagues who are currently older than Biden who he sees as still sharp."I think it's way more than just their age," Marshall said. "Bernie Sanders, a person I've gotten to know really well up here, I'm sure he's at least as old as Joe Biden (Sanders is almost a full year older), mentally is as sharp as anyone I've ever met. Senator Grassley (Chuck Grassley from Iowa) is over 90, he spoke in prayer breakfast this week, physically and mentally, he acts like he's a 60 year old."The doctor, who was a long time obstetrician in Great Bend, Kansas before entering politics, ultimately said that it is up to the American people who they believe will be the best choice and that's why we have elections.

Marshall sees challenge before Biden ahead of State of Union address

KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident just after 11p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City.

A Toyota Corolla was eastbound on Southwest Boulevard at Madison at a high rate of speed, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

The driver failed to negotiate the curve in the roadway. The car slid off the roadway to the right and struck a telephone pole. 

The unrestrained driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported three unrestrained passengers to local hospitals with critical injuries. Police did not release names or additional details early Thursday. The accident remains under investigation, according to Gonzalez.

KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident just after 11p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City.A Toyota Corolla was eastbound on Southwest Boulevard at Madison at a high rate of speed, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.The driver failed to negotiate the curve in the roadway. The car slid off the roadway to the right and struck a telephone pole. The unrestrained driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported three unrestrained passengers to local hospitals with critical injuries. Police did not release names or additional details early Thursday. The accident remains under investigation, according to Gonzalez.

KCPD: One dead, 3 injured after car struck telephone pole

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — About 200 Kansans crowded into the second floor of the Statehouse and around the third floor rotunda Wednesday, giving standing ovations as speakers urged lawmakers to hear a Medicaid expansion proposal for the first time in years.

Gov. Laura Kelly, unwilling to let a Medicaid expansion proposal die without a hearing for the fourth year in a row, was one of the speakers whipping up support.

“There are no more valid excuses for not expanding Medicaid,” Kelly said to a cheering crowd. “… Expanding Medicaid is the smartest, sanest way to keep Kansas moving forward.”

The governor toured the state last fall to lobby for Medicaid expansion in advance of the legislative session. House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson have resisted her efforts, characterizing expansion as a move that would broaden the “welfare state” and provide care to able-bodied Kansans instead of the “truly needy.”

Under the Affordable Care Act, the federal government covers 90% of the extra cost of Medicaid services in exchange for expanding eligibility to 138% of the federal poverty rate. Most of the estimated 150,000 Kansans who would benefit from expansion are low-income workers or Kansans suffering from chronic illness. Representatives for the two leaders did not respond to a Kansas Reflector inquiry for this story.

Medicaid expansion would unlock $700 million in annual federal funding and could potentially save 59 rural hospitals on the brink of closing.

Despite widespread support for Medicaid expansion — one statewide poll puts the number at 68% of registered voters in favor of expansion — the Republican-dominated Legislature has been slow to action.

Democrats introduced a Medicaid expansion bill in both chambers in late January. Pressure has increased as the days go by without any movement.

“What do we need to do?” one speaker asked the crowd during Wednesday rally.

“Expand Medicaid,” the crowd chanted back.

The Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, which organized the rally, said the House has not held a public hearing on a Medicaid expansion bill since 2017, while the Senate hasn’t heard any proposals since 2020. Lawmakers last came close to adopting Medicaid expansion in 2020, when former Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning worked out a bipartisan deal with Kelly.

The deal fell apart as Republicans, angered by a Kansas Supreme Court ruling that established a constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy, prioritized placing an anti-abortion constitutional amendment before voters.

At Wednesday’s event, April Holman, executive director of the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, pointed rally attendees toward a table filled with lawmakers’ information, encouraging them to reach out to their legislators.

“We will together overcome the hurdles we are facing,” Holman said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709813771538.png" alt="Photo Rep. Tobias Schlingensiepen" />
 <figcaption>Photo Rep. Tobias Schlingensiepen</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — About 200 Kansans crowded into the second floor of the Statehouse and around the third floor rotunda Wednesday, giving standing ovations as speakers urged lawmakers to hear a Medicaid expansion proposal for the first time in years.Gov. Laura Kelly, unwilling to let a Medicaid expansion proposal die without a hearing for the fourth year in a row, was one of the speakers whipping up support.“There are no more valid excuses for not expanding Medicaid,” Kelly said to a cheering crowd. “… Expanding Medicaid is the smartest, sanest way to keep Kansas moving forward.”The governor toured the state last fall to lobby for Medicaid expansion in advance of the legislative session. House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson have resisted her efforts, characterizing expansion as a move that would broaden the “welfare state” and provide care to able-bodied Kansans instead of the “truly needy.”Under the Affordable Care Act, the federal government covers 90% of the extra cost of Medicaid services in exchange for expanding eligibility to 138% of the federal poverty rate. Most of the estimated 150,000 Kansans who would benefit from expansion are low-income workers or Kansans suffering from chronic illness. Representatives for the two leaders did not respond to a Kansas Reflector inquiry for this story.Medicaid expansion would unlock $700 million in annual federal funding and could potentially save 59 rural hospitals on the brink of closing.Despite widespread support for Medicaid expansion — one statewide poll puts the number at 68% of registered voters in favor of expansion — the Republican-dominated Legislature has been slow to action.Democrats introduced a Medicaid expansion bill in both chambers in late January. Pressure has increased as the days go by without any movement.“What do we need to do?” one speaker asked the crowd during Wednesday rally.“Expand Medicaid,” the crowd chanted back.The Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, which organized the rally, said the House has not held a public hearing on a Medicaid expansion bill since 2017, while the Senate hasn’t heard any proposals since 2020. Lawmakers last came close to adopting Medicaid expansion in 2020, when former Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning worked out a bipartisan deal with Kelly.The deal fell apart as Republicans, angered by a Kansas Supreme Court ruling that established a constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy, prioritized placing an anti-abortion constitutional amendment before voters.At Wednesday’s event, April Holman, executive director of the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, pointed rally attendees toward a table filled with lawmakers’ information, encouraging them to reach out to their legislators.“We will together overcome the hurdles we are facing,” Holman said.

At Statehouse rally, Gov. Kelly takes another swing at Kan. Medicaid expansion

WOODSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and USD 366 Woodson officials are investigating an alleged school threat.

Early Thursday, the school district reported on their social media page they were alerted to a threat that was made to Yates Center High School. 

Due to the serious nature of this threat and to allow law enforcement time to investigate, Woodson USD 366 will not be in session Thursday, March 7.&nbsp; All activities are also cancelled.  School will resume after spring break on Monday, March 18.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697128767642.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WOODSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and USD 366 Woodson officials are investigating an alleged school threat.Early Thursday, the school district reported on their social media page they were alerted to a threat that was made to Yates Center High School. Due to the serious nature of this threat and to allow law enforcement time to investigate, Woodson USD 366 will not be in session Thursday, March 7.&nbsp; All activities are also cancelled. School will resume after spring break on Monday, March 18.&nbsp;

Kan. school district cancels classes due to alleged threat

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House passed a $460 billion package of spending bills Wednesday that would keep money flowing to key federal agencies through the remainder of the budget year. The Senate is expected to take up the legislation before a midnight Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">shutdown</a>&nbsp;deadline.

Lawmakers are negotiating a second package of six bills, including defense, in an effort to have all federal agencies fully funded before a March 22 deadline. In the end, total discretionary spending set by Congress is expected to come in at about $1.66 trillion for the full entire year.

A significant number of House Republicans have lined up in opposition to the spending packages, forcing House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>, R-La., to use an expedited process to bring the bill up for a vote. That process requires two-thirds of the House to vote for the measure for it to pass.

The House passed the measure by a vote of 339-85.&nbsp; Two members of the Kansas delegation Ron Estes and Tracey Mann voted against the bill.

The nondefense spending in this year's bills is relatively flat compared to the previous year. Supporters say that keeping that spending below the rate of inflation is tantamount to a cut, forcing agencies to be more frugal and focus manpower on top priorities. Johnson cited a 10% cut to the Environmental Protection Agency, a 7% cut to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and a 6% cut to the FBI.

But many Republican lawmakers were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-house-republicans-spending-cuts-deff84c0e2ff7d3bd076b8c38e14cca4">seeking</a>&nbsp;much steeper cuts and more policy victories. The House Freedom Caucus, which contains dozens of the GOP's most conservative members, urged Republicans to vote against the first spending package and oppose the second one being negotiated.

“Despite giving Democrats higher spending levels, the omnibus text released so far punts on nearly every single Republican policy priority,” the group said.

Johnson countered that House Republicans have just a two-vote majority in the House while Democrats control the Senate and White House.

“We have to be realistic about what we're able to achieve,” Johnson said.

Democrats staved off most of the policy riders that House Republicans sought to include in the package. For example, they beat back an effort to block new rules that expand access to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;pill mifepristone.

Democrats also said the bill would fully fund a nutrition program for low-income women, infants and children, providing about $7 billion for what is known as the WIC program. That's a $1 billion increase from the previous year.

As part of those negotiations, House Republicans pushed to give a few states the ability to disallow the purchase of non-nutritious food, such as sugary drinks and snacks, in the food stamp program known as SNAP. The GOP's effort was unsuccessful for now, but supporters say they'll try again in next year's spending bills.

“The bill certainly doesn't have everything that we may have wanted, but I am very proud to say we successfully defeated the vast majority of the extreme cuts and hundreds of harmful policy riders proposed by the House Republicans,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top-ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee.

House Republicans were able to achieve some policy wins, however. One provision, for example, will prevent the sale of oil in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to China. Another policy mandate prohibits the Justice Department from investigating parents who exercise free speech at local school board meetings.

Another provision strengthens gun rights for certain veterans.

Under current law, the Department of Veterans Affairs must send a beneficiary’s name to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System whenever a fiduciary is appointed to help manage someone’s benefits because they lack the mental capacity to manage their own affairs. This year’s spending package prohibits the department from transmitting that information unless a relevant judicial authority rules that the beneficiary is a danger to himself or herself, or others.

Rep. Mark Takano, the top Democrat on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, said a finding of mental incompetency by the VA is typically based on “very serious mental health conditions like schizophrenia and dementia."

“They wanted so badly to make sure that vulnerable veterans could access more firearms,” Takano said. “This is wrong. Lives are on the line. Veterans' lives are on the line, and I will not agree to legislation that will cause more people's lives to be lost to gun violence.”

Republicans have argued that current VA policy deters some veterans from seeking the care and benefits they have earned.

In a closed-door meeting with the House GOP, Johnson, looking to show that Republicans did get some policy wins in the negotiations, read from a news report about how Democrats were having “heartburn” about the gun provision, according to a Republican familiar with the discussion who was not authorized to discuss it publicly.

The bills to fund federal agencies are more than five months past due with the budget year beginning Oct. 1. House Republicans are describing an improved process nevertheless, saying they have broken the cycle of passing all the spending bills in one massive package that lawmakers have little time to study before being asked to vote on it or risk a government shutdown.

But critics of the bill, such as Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., were dismissive about how much the process really changed.

The first package covers the departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Interior and Transportation, among others.

Democrats overwhelmingly supported the bill, with 207 voting for it and two voting against. The vote among Republicans was 132-83.

"Once again, Democrats protected the American people and delivered the overwhelming majority of votes necessary to get things done,” House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said.

Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., said he opposed the bill because “I've not made any bones about it since I've been here. We have to get spending under control and we've lost the leverage.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709777601578.png" alt="House Speaker Mike Johnson during a Wednesday press conference-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Mike Johnson during a Wednesday press conference-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House passed a $460 billion package of spending bills Wednesday that would keep money flowing to key federal agencies through the remainder of the budget year. The Senate is expected to take up the legislation before a midnight Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">shutdown</a>&nbsp;deadline.Lawmakers are negotiating a second package of six bills, including defense, in an effort to have all federal agencies fully funded before a March 22 deadline. In the end, total discretionary spending set by Congress is expected to come in at about $1.66 trillion for the full entire year.A significant number of House Republicans have lined up in opposition to the spending packages, forcing House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>, R-La., to use an expedited process to bring the bill up for a vote. That process requires two-thirds of the House to vote for the measure for it to pass.The House passed the measure by a vote of 339-85.&nbsp; Two members of the Kansas delegation Ron Estes and Tracey Mann voted against the bill.The nondefense spending in this year's bills is relatively flat compared to the previous year. Supporters say that keeping that spending below the rate of inflation is tantamount to a cut, forcing agencies to be more frugal and focus manpower on top priorities. Johnson cited a 10% cut to the Environmental Protection Agency, a 7% cut to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and a 6% cut to the FBI.But many Republican lawmakers were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-house-republicans-spending-cuts-deff84c0e2ff7d3bd076b8c38e14cca4">seeking</a>&nbsp;much steeper cuts and more policy victories. The House Freedom Caucus, which contains dozens of the GOP's most conservative members, urged Republicans to vote against the first spending package and oppose the second one being negotiated.“Despite giving Democrats higher spending levels, the omnibus text released so far punts on nearly every single Republican policy priority,” the group said.Johnson countered that House Republicans have just a two-vote majority in the House while Democrats control the Senate and White House.“We have to be realistic about what we're able to achieve,” Johnson said.Democrats staved off most of the policy riders that House Republicans sought to include in the package. For example, they beat back an effort to block new rules that expand access to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;pill mifepristone.Democrats also said the bill would fully fund a nutrition program for low-income women, infants and children, providing about $7 billion for what is known as the WIC program. That's a $1 billion increase from the previous year.As part of those negotiations, House Republicans pushed to give a few states the ability to disallow the purchase of non-nutritious food, such as sugary drinks and snacks, in the food stamp program known as SNAP. The GOP's effort was unsuccessful for now, but supporters say they'll try again in next year's spending bills.“The bill certainly doesn't have everything that we may have wanted, but I am very proud to say we successfully defeated the vast majority of the extreme cuts and hundreds of harmful policy riders proposed by the House Republicans,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top-ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee.House Republicans were able to achieve some policy wins, however. One provision, for example, will prevent the sale of oil in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to China. Another policy mandate prohibits the Justice Department from investigating parents who exercise free speech at local school board meetings.Another provision strengthens gun rights for certain veterans.Under current law, the Department of Veterans Affairs must send a beneficiary’s name to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System whenever a fiduciary is appointed to help manage someone’s benefits because they lack the mental capacity to manage their own affairs. This year’s spending package prohibits the department from transmitting that information unless a relevant judicial authority rules that the beneficiary is a danger to himself or herself, or others.Rep. Mark Takano, the top Democrat on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, said a finding of mental incompetency by the VA is typically based on “very serious mental health conditions like schizophrenia and dementia."“They wanted so badly to make sure that vulnerable veterans could access more firearms,” Takano said. “This is wrong. Lives are on the line. Veterans' lives are on the line, and I will not agree to legislation that will cause more people's lives to be lost to gun violence.”Republicans have argued that current VA policy deters some veterans from seeking the care and benefits they have earned.In a closed-door meeting with the House GOP, Johnson, looking to show that Republicans did get some policy wins in the negotiations, read from a news report about how Democrats were having “heartburn” about the gun provision, according to a Republican familiar with the discussion who was not authorized to discuss it publicly.The bills to fund federal agencies are more than five months past due with the budget year beginning Oct. 1. House Republicans are describing an improved process nevertheless, saying they have broken the cycle of passing all the spending bills in one massive package that lawmakers have little time to study before being asked to vote on it or risk a government shutdown.But critics of the bill, such as Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., were dismissive about how much the process really changed.The first package covers the departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Interior and Transportation, among others.Democrats overwhelmingly supported the bill, with 207 voting for it and two voting against. The vote among Republicans was 132-83."Once again, Democrats protected the American people and delivered the overwhelming majority of votes necessary to get things done,” House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said.Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., said he opposed the bill because “I've not made any bones about it since I've been here. We have to get spending under control and we've lost the leverage.”____

2 Kan. lawmakers vote against $460 billion House spending package 

KANSAS CITY —On Wednesday afternoon, the Independence Police Department received the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesHonorFlag?__cft__[0]=AZUXUk35ZM9pPRgK0SHb5DAGfuTbULv8TF5CloCNAR09Hk2Raz_w5O4KS99EjoIYwsJmuM_c4XCnl7SHc0jx87E-wW6UHdNPgIe6L6jpevEuWhDmRh3-5U9q4Ugiftdpil6j_Hbo0Tz9cAd48gtTJFPXXe3keGOXTaK3cGiSI1coWkr6moqWdzB5zk6lqyLJIjs&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">The United States Honor Flag</a> at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FlyKansasCity?__cft__[0]=AZUXUk35ZM9pPRgK0SHb5DAGfuTbULv8TF5CloCNAR09Hk2Raz_w5O4KS99EjoIYwsJmuM_c4XCnl7SHc0jx87E-wW6UHdNPgIe6L6jpevEuWhDmRh3-5U9q4Ugiftdpil6j_Hbo0Tz9cAd48gtTJFPXXe3keGOXTaK3cGiSI1coWkr6moqWdzB5zk6lqyLJIjs&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas City International Airport</a>.

The Honor Flag travels across the country honoring America's fallen heroes. The flag arrived via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/United?__cft__[0]=AZUXUk35ZM9pPRgK0SHb5DAGfuTbULv8TF5CloCNAR09Hk2Raz_w5O4KS99EjoIYwsJmuM_c4XCnl7SHc0jx87E-wW6UHdNPgIe6L6jpevEuWhDmRh3-5U9q4Ugiftdpil6j_Hbo0Tz9cAd48gtTJFPXXe3keGOXTaK3cGiSI1coWkr6moqWdzB5zk6lqyLJIjs&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">United</a> and was presented to Deputy Chief Michelle Sumstad by the Captain of the arriving flight. The Flag will will be at Officer Cody Allen's side throughout the visitation and funeral service. Allen and&nbsp; 16th Circuit Court process server Drexel Mack were shot and killed Feb. 29, while working at a residence in rural Jackson County.

There will be a public visitation for Officer Allen on Thursday, March 7, from 4:00-8:00 pm at Community of Christ - The Auditorium, 1001 W Walnut Street, Independence, Missouri.

The police department shared a link to the online fundraiser to assist wth the arrangements for Mack.<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-drexel-mack?fbclid=IwAR0GL8QHAOWxe_MmoqToBBDiFI0-AeYItoPLyPNu8ySxO-1qOg-3vKqimiw">&nbsp;Click here</a>

<a href="https://ushf.net/?fbclid=IwAR2Ns_UWVOK9N2Nhb35BKlfPTYzewfHMYyDC4WmE8Vq3ArLQCKh1L690Nxc">Click here for</a> more info on the history of this flag.

The funeral service for Officer Allen will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 11:00 am, also at Community of Christ - The Auditorium, 1001 W Walnut Street, Independence, Missouri.

All vehicles arriving for the service must enter from the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Walnut Street and will follow parking detail directions from there.

A procession to the cemetery for graveside services will follow the funeral on March 8, The procession will leave from The Auditorium, 1001 W Walnut Street, Independence, Missouri and proceed east on Walnut Street to Memorial Drive to Truman Road to Lee’s Summit Road to 39th Street to Little Blue Parkway to I-70 East to Exit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/37a?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVJOZCyf-Z5Umwp_mONSJ5H9D7w3fIF5_GFbWvpiH78UGPI_GhJdWu7jAYe2Ri6LlTEmiVIEfHiIabuIcVdnWXZsUSRlpjj-P5Xhz0y22GGH6rx-6LHbCVkzdV-NQi0_AK_wmhn1c5pWAurj09wG1G5DR5s8bePwcfLhqrKf1YJeQ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#37A</a>&nbsp;where the procession will continue through Odessa to Odessa Cemetery.

From there, a parking detail will be onsite to assist. All professional law enforcement honors will take place at the cemetery.The public should expect traffic delays if traveling around the venues listed above and near the procession route on Friday, March 8.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709258563931.png" alt="Officer Cody Allen courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Officer Cody Allen courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —On Wednesday afternoon, the Independence Police Department received the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesHonorFlag?__cft__[0]=AZUXUk35ZM9pPRgK0SHb5DAGfuTbULv8TF5CloCNAR09Hk2Raz_w5O4KS99EjoIYwsJmuM_c4XCnl7SHc0jx87E-wW6UHdNPgIe6L6jpevEuWhDmRh3-5U9q4Ugiftdpil6j_Hbo0Tz9cAd48gtTJFPXXe3keGOXTaK3cGiSI1coWkr6moqWdzB5zk6lqyLJIjs&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">The United States Honor Flag</a> at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FlyKansasCity?__cft__[0]=AZUXUk35ZM9pPRgK0SHb5DAGfuTbULv8TF5CloCNAR09Hk2Raz_w5O4KS99EjoIYwsJmuM_c4XCnl7SHc0jx87E-wW6UHdNPgIe6L6jpevEuWhDmRh3-5U9q4Ugiftdpil6j_Hbo0Tz9cAd48gtTJFPXXe3keGOXTaK3cGiSI1coWkr6moqWdzB5zk6lqyLJIjs&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas City International Airport</a>.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FIndepMoPolice%2Fvideos%2F346788241016361%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div> The Honor Flag travels across the country honoring America's fallen heroes. The flag arrived via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/United?__cft__[0]=AZUXUk35ZM9pPRgK0SHb5DAGfuTbULv8TF5CloCNAR09Hk2Raz_w5O4KS99EjoIYwsJmuM_c4XCnl7SHc0jx87E-wW6UHdNPgIe6L6jpevEuWhDmRh3-5U9q4Ugiftdpil6j_Hbo0Tz9cAd48gtTJFPXXe3keGOXTaK3cGiSI1coWkr6moqWdzB5zk6lqyLJIjs&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">United</a> and was presented to Deputy Chief Michelle Sumstad by the Captain of the arriving flight. The Flag will will be at Officer Cody Allen's side throughout the visitation and funeral service. Allen and&nbsp; 16th Circuit Court process server Drexel Mack were shot and killed Feb. 29, while working at a residence in rural Jackson County.There will be a public visitation for Officer Allen on Thursday, March 7, from 4:00-8:00 pm at Community of Christ - The Auditorium, 1001 W Walnut Street, Independence, Missouri.The police department shared a link to the online fundraiser to assist wth the arrangements for Mack.<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-drexel-mack?fbclid=IwAR0GL8QHAOWxe_MmoqToBBDiFI0-AeYItoPLyPNu8ySxO-1qOg-3vKqimiw">&nbsp;Click here</a><a href="https://ushf.net/?fbclid=IwAR2Ns_UWVOK9N2Nhb35BKlfPTYzewfHMYyDC4WmE8Vq3ArLQCKh1L690Nxc">Click here for</a> more info on the history of this flag.The funeral service for Officer Allen will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 11:00 am, also at Community of Christ - The Auditorium, 1001 W Walnut Street, Independence, Missouri.All vehicles arriving for the service must enter from the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Walnut Street and will follow parking detail directions from there.A procession to the cemetery for graveside services will follow the funeral on March 8, The procession will leave from The Auditorium, 1001 W Walnut Street, Independence, Missouri and proceed east on Walnut Street to Memorial Drive to Truman Road to Lee’s Summit Road to 39th Street to Little Blue Parkway to I-70 East to Exit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/37a?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVJOZCyf-Z5Umwp_mONSJ5H9D7w3fIF5_GFbWvpiH78UGPI_GhJdWu7jAYe2Ri6LlTEmiVIEfHiIabuIcVdnWXZsUSRlpjj-P5Xhz0y22GGH6rx-6LHbCVkzdV-NQi0_AK_wmhn1c5pWAurj09wG1G5DR5s8bePwcfLhqrKf1YJeQ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#37A</a>&nbsp;where the procession will continue through Odessa to Odessa Cemetery.From there, a parking detail will be onsite to assist. All professional law enforcement honors will take place at the cemetery.The public should expect traffic delays if traveling around the venues listed above and near the procession route on Friday, March 8.

🎥U.S. Honor Flag arrives ahead of visitation for KC area officer

BROWN COUNTY—An 86-year-old missing person was safely returned to family after law enforcement and the community worked together to resolve the situation.

Just after 2a.m. Wednesday the&nbsp;Brown County law enforcement dispatch received a call from Tanya Rhyne, employee of TA Express Truck Stop in Fairview, Kansas who was concerned about an elderly person who appeared disoriented while driving in their parking lot, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

 Upon investigation, a Brown County Deputy ran the license plate which came back to an individual in Lincoln,Nebraska.&nbsp; 

Brown County officials contacted the Lincoln, Nebraska Police and it was learned that the 86-year-old driver in the Truck Stop parking lot had been reported missing sinceMarch&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;

 Lincoln police provided the name and contact information&nbsp; of the missing person's daughter who was then contacted by the deputy.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

The deputy and Tanya stayed with the missing individual until 5:30 a.m. when&nbsp; the daughter arrived. The sheriff thanked Tanya who did the right thing by calling with her concern and assisting the deputy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

BROWN COUNTY—An 86-year-old missing person was safely returned to family after law enforcement and the community worked together to resolve the situation.Just after 2a.m. Wednesday the&nbsp;Brown County law enforcement dispatch received a call from Tanya Rhyne, employee of TA Express Truck Stop in Fairview, Kansas who was concerned about an elderly person who appeared disoriented while driving in their parking lot, according to Sheriff John Merchant. Upon investigation, a Brown County Deputy ran the license plate which came back to an individual in Lincoln,Nebraska.&nbsp; Brown County officials contacted the Lincoln, Nebraska Police and it was learned that the 86-year-old driver in the Truck Stop parking lot had been reported missing sinceMarch&nbsp; 4.&nbsp; Lincoln police provided the name and contact information&nbsp; of the missing person's daughter who was then contacted by the deputy.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The deputy and Tanya stayed with the missing individual until 5:30 a.m. when&nbsp; the daughter arrived. The sheriff thanked Tanya who did the right thing by calling with her concern and assisting the deputy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Missing 86-year-old from Nebraska located in Kansas

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a second homicide in Lawrence this week.

Just after 5p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting in the&nbsp;700 block of Vermont Street, according to a social media report from Lawrence Police. One person is confirmed dead.

The suspect identified as Nicholas Beaver has been safely taken into custody by Lawrence Police Officers without incident.

Police said they knew there are a lot of witnesses to the incident. Police need witnesses to contact them at (785)832-7509

On Wednesday, police reported they were searching for&nbsp; 21-year-old Dawson Edward Paine in connection with a deadly shooting Tuesday night in the 2900 block of Crestline Drive, according to a media release from Lawrence Police.

Contact police anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County at (785)843-TIPS (8477).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709780048186.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a second homicide in Lawrence this week.Just after 5p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting in the&nbsp;700 block of Vermont Street, according to a social media report from Lawrence Police. One person is confirmed dead.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709808921380.png" alt="Nichols Beaver photo Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Nichols Beaver photo Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect identified as Nicholas Beaver has been safely taken into custody by Lawrence Police Officers without incident.Police said they knew there are a lot of witnesses to the incident. Police need witnesses to contact them at (785)832-7509On Wednesday, police reported they were searching for&nbsp; 21-year-old Dawson Edward Paine in connection with a deadly shooting Tuesday night in the 2900 block of Crestline Drive, according to a media release from Lawrence Police.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709737558547.png" alt="Paine photo Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Paine photo Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a residence where Paine allegedly shot 18-year-old&nbsp; Davin Gregory Kerr of Lawrence.After the shooting, Paine left the area prior to the arrival of officers. Kerr was transported by ambulance to a Kansas City area trauma center where he was later pronounced dead.Police ask that anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of Dawson Paine call 911. He should be considered armed and dangerous, and no one should try approach or contact him other than law enforcement.&nbsp;Contact police anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County at (785)843-TIPS (8477).

Police investigate 2nd homicide in 24 hours in Lawrence

LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement investigators have positively identified the remains of a man found in Kansas as&nbsp;Randy Bruce Clayton, born October 12, 1953,&nbsp;according to Lyon County Detective Sergeant Travis Mishle.

On April 29th, 2017, Lyon County Deputies were sent to the 2000 Block of Road 145 on the west side of Neosho Rapids for a report of a skull that had been found along the banks of the Neosho River.

Detectives responded to the scene as well and took over the investigation.

In August 2017, details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). Over the years, Detectives diligently worked to identify the Neosho Rapids John Doe. In 2018, the case was submitted to the FBI laboratory in Quantico for DNA analysis. However, the identity of the man remained unknown.

In 2022, the Lyon County Sheriff's Office partnered with Othram to determine if advanced forensic DNA testing could help to identify the man. Forensic evidence was submitted to Othram scientists who successfully developed a comprehensive DNA profile for the unidentified male. Othram's forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile in a genetic genealogy search to develop new investigative leads that were returned to law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709737359420.png" alt="Randy Clayton-photo courtesy Othram" />
 <figcaption>Randy Clayton-photo courtesy Othram</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement investigators have positively identified the remains of a man found in Kansas as&nbsp;Randy Bruce Clayton, born October 12, 1953,&nbsp;according to Lyon County Detective Sergeant Travis Mishle.On April 29th, 2017, Lyon County Deputies were sent to the 2000 Block of Road 145 on the west side of Neosho Rapids for a report of a skull that had been found along the banks of the Neosho River.Detectives responded to the scene as well and took over the investigation.In August 2017, details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). Over the years, Detectives diligently worked to identify the Neosho Rapids John Doe. In 2018, the case was submitted to the FBI laboratory in Quantico for DNA analysis. However, the identity of the man remained unknown.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709757393009.png" alt="Photo courtesy Othram" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Othram</figcaption>
 </figure>In 2022, the Lyon County Sheriff's Office partnered with Othram to determine if advanced forensic DNA testing could help to identify the man. Forensic evidence was submitted to Othram scientists who successfully developed a comprehensive DNA profile for the unidentified male. Othram's forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile in a genetic genealogy search to develop new investigative leads that were returned to law enforcement.Using the new information, Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Detectives conducted a follow-up investigation and made contact with a potential relative of the unidentified man. Follow-up DNA testing with family members confirmed the identity of the man as Randy Bruce Clayton.The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office thanked Othram/ DNASolves.com, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, NamUs, and the Lyon County Attorney’s Office for their assistance in identifying Mr. Clayton.The investigation into Clayton's death continues.