LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a student in connection with a gun at school in Emporia.

On Wednesday morning, Emporia Police Officers and Deputies from the Lyon County Sheriff's Office responded to the Emporia High School, 3302 West 18th Avenue, for a report of a student carrying a handgun, according to Police Captain Scott Stormont.

The student was actively being chased by the Emporia High School Resource Officer. 

The schools were locked down as were several businesses in the area while police and deputies searched several business and vehicles. The suspect was located and arrested as he was leaving the area in a vehicle. 

Police also located a victim of Aggravated assault nearby. Police transported the suspect to the Juvenile Intake Center, according to Stormont.&nbsp; Police later learned the weapon was a BB gun and&nbsp; found it. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680112678653.png" alt="Police at the school on Wednesday -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police at the school on Wednesday -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a student in connection with a gun at school in Emporia.On Wednesday morning, Emporia Police Officers and Deputies from the Lyon County Sheriff's Office responded to the Emporia High School, 3302 West 18th Avenue, for a report of a student carrying a handgun, according to Police Captain Scott Stormont.The student was actively being chased by the Emporia High School Resource Officer. The schools were locked down as were several businesses in the area while police and deputies searched several business and vehicles. The suspect was located and arrested as he was leaving the area in a vehicle. Police also located a victim of Aggravated assault nearby. Police transported the suspect to the Juvenile Intake Center, according to Stormont.&nbsp; Police later learned the weapon was a BB gun and&nbsp; found it.

Kan. school resource officer chased student believed carrying a gun 

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A Lawrence man pleaded no contest to attempted second-degree murder on Wednesday after he tried to throw a woman off a bridge into the Kansas River last year.

In exchange for his plea, three felony charges of criminal threat were dismissed against 38-year-old Adam Blake Amyx Jr.

Prosecutors said a group of women were walking across the bridge on April 14, 2022, when they encountered Amyx yelling and cursing. When one of the women approached him, Amyx tried to pick her up and throw her off the bridge, Senior District Attorney David Greenwald said.

The woman escaped and called police. Greenwald said the fall likely would have killed the woman. Before he entered his plea, Amyx told the judge that he has mental health problems but he was on medication and was confident he could make the plea decision.

Amyx is being held in the Douglas County jail on $50,000 bond. He will be sentenced May 26.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680125899028.png" alt="Amyx-photo Douglas Co." />
 <figcaption>Amyx-photo Douglas Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A Lawrence man pleaded no contest to attempted second-degree murder on Wednesday after he tried to throw a woman off a bridge into the Kansas River last year.In exchange for his plea, three felony charges of criminal threat were dismissed against 38-year-old Adam Blake Amyx Jr.Prosecutors said a group of women were walking across the bridge on April 14, 2022, when they encountered Amyx yelling and cursing. When one of the women approached him, Amyx tried to pick her up and throw her off the bridge, Senior District Attorney David Greenwald said.The woman escaped and called police. Greenwald said the fall likely would have killed the woman. Before he entered his plea, Amyx told the judge that he has mental health problems but he was on medication and was confident he could make the plea decision.Amyx is being held in the Douglas County jail on $50,000 bond. He will be sentenced May 26.

Man enters plea for trying to throw woman off Kansas bridge

By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/21/kansas-lawmaker-asks-for-security-during-anti-vaccination-bill-hearing-i-dont-feel-comfortable/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA —&nbsp; House lawmakers passed a flat tax proposal with bipartisan support, following weeks of debate on the topic and criticism that the policy would mostly benefit corporations and the state’s wealthiest residents.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb169/">Republican-engineered tax proposal</a>&nbsp;would get rid of Kansas’ tiered tax system and implement a 5.25% income tax rate for all individuals above a certain threshold, starting in tax year 2024. The tax would apply to single filers making more than $6,150 and $12,300 for married individuals filing jointly.&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/28/kansas-house-advances-nice-guy-flat-tax-proposal-to-change-income-property-tax-rates/">The flat tax plan would also reduce taxes</a>&nbsp;for corporations and financial institutions starting in tax year 2024, reducing the corporation tax rate to 3%. Under the bill, banks would have their tax rate reduced from 2.25% to 1.625%. percent. Other corporations, such as savings and loan associations, would have taxes reduced from 2.25% to 1.61% starting in tax year 2025.&nbsp;

Speaker of the House Dan Hawkins, Majority Leader Chris Croft and Speaker Pro Tem Blake Carpenter sent out a joint statement announcing the bill’s passage. The statement referred to the legislation as “a comprehensive tax plan that fortifies Kansas as the most desirable state in our nation to live, work, start a business and retire.”

Several House Democrats broke rank to vote with Republicans on the bill, due to provisions that would lower property taxes and completely do away with the state’s food sales tax by the end of this year.&nbsp;

House Minority Leader Rep. Vic Miller, a Topeka Democrat, spoke in support of the bill due to its proposed property tax relief. Under the bill, residential property valued up to $80,000 would be exempt from a statewide property tax beginning in tax year 2023. Currently, residential properties valued up to $40,000 are exempt.&nbsp;

Other Democrats still stood against the bill. Reps. Jerry Stogsdill,&nbsp;Christina&nbsp;Haswood,&nbsp;Sydney&nbsp;Carlin, Brad Boyd,&nbsp;Melissa Oropeza&nbsp;and others issued a joint statement against the flat tax proposal.&nbsp;

“By adopting a flat tax, the House is saying that it will only give hardworking Kansans a tax cut if wealthy Kansans receive their tax cut first,” the statement read. “Tossing out Kansas’ decades-old progressive income tax is structurally imbalanced and fails to offset the higher effective tax rate middle and working class Kansans pay in sales and property taxes.”&nbsp;

The bill passed 96-28. An earlier Senate&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20230223221426_415306/">version of the bill</a>&nbsp;passed 22-17, with a 4.75% flat tax income rate and without the other provisions.

Lawmakers quickly passed a bill requiring health care providers to tell people undergoing medication abortions that it may be possible to reverse them, though this claim is not supported by strong scientific research.&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2439/">House Bill 2439</a>&nbsp;would require doctors to tell their patients it is possible to reverse the abortion pill and potentially face jail time if they refuse to tell patients about the “abortion reversal” process. Under the bill, facilities that prescribe or dispense mifepristone would have to display a notice telling patients that medication abortions may be reversible.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.acog.org/advocacy/facts-are-important/medication-abortion-reversal-is-not-supported-by-science">opposes medication abortion “reversal,”</a>&nbsp;calling it scientifically unsound, unproven and unethical. Similar legislation has been vetoed by Gov. Laura Kelly&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/19a1ecdbd47d440397a870b0d41abfcd">in past years</a>.&nbsp;

Rep. Melissa Oropeza, a Kansas City Democrat, said Kansans had already made their wishes on reproductive rights clear by voting down a proposed abortion amendment.&nbsp;

&nbsp;“Aug. 2, 2022, the state of Kansas spoke loud and clear on how Kansans would like to keep health care decisions with the patient and their health care provider,” Oropeza said.&nbsp;

House lawmakers took final action on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/scr1603/">Senate Concurrent Resolution 1603</a>, voting 87-37 to ask President&nbsp; Joe Biden to support the domestic oil and gas industry.

The resolution was introduced on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/28/kansas-house-roundup-wind-turbine-lights-feminine-fight-ballot-deadline-biden-energy-policy/">the House floor Tuesday</a>&nbsp;by Rep. Chuck Smith, a Pittsburg Republican who said Biden needed to expand domestic energy production in the state, help with oil pipelines and consider “geopolitical tensions.”

The resolution passed despite criticism from Democrats who said Biden was already focused on growing domestic energy.

Lawmakers overwhelmingly voted to “restore the night sky,” supporting a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb49/">wind turbine mitigation bill</a>&nbsp;meant to reduce the appearance of blinking red lights on wind farms.&nbsp;

House lawmakers spoke Tuesday about the lights being a nuisance to Kansans. The lights are meant to prevent low-flying aircraft from flying into wind turbines, but several lawmakers said this was an unnecessary precaution.

Rep. Lisa Moser, a Wheaton Republican who introduced the bill, said the night sky should be uninterrupted by the lights.&nbsp;

“To restore the night sky with moon and stars undisturbed in their beauty would be a momentous gesture of goodwill by the wind companies and would benefit thousands of Kansans who live inside the footprint of and under the noticeable umbrella of all existing Kansas wind systems,” Moser said during the Wednesday vote.&nbsp;

She estimated that Kansas was home to about 4,000 wind turbines. Under the bill, new wind turbine developers need to apply to the Federal Aviation Administration for lighting system installations that meet the organization’s regulations starting in July of 2023.&nbsp;

Once approved, the turbine developer needs to install the system within 24 months. Existing wind turbines would apply to the FAA for lighting system installations starting in January 2026.&nbsp;

Lawmakers had mixed feelings on a wide-ranging bill that would crack down on fentanyl distribution and manufacturing, but would also expand the scope of the attorney general’s power and increase penalties for people fleeing law enforcement.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb174/">Senate Bill 174</a>&nbsp;would decriminalize fentanyl testing strips, as well as other drug testing strips and increase&nbsp;criminal penalties for manufacturing and distributing fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances. Another part of the bill would add domestic battery and protection order violations to the list of crimes a person can have the intent to commit when committing burglary or aggravated burglary.&nbsp;

If passed, the bill would also give the attorney general authority to prosecute alleged crimes that occured in two or more counties. Another portion of the bill would make fleeing a law enforcement officer a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on what crime the fleeing person has been charged with.&nbsp;

Rep. KC Ohaebosim, a Wichita Democrat,&nbsp; objected to the bill due to the law enforcement provision.&nbsp;

“My constituents are facing a problem right now with respect to law enforcement and I cannot support any bill that enhances police brutality among African Americans,” Ohaebosim said.&nbsp;

Rep. Boog Highberger, a Lawrence Democrat, also spoke against the bill due to the many provisions bundled together in the bill.&nbsp;

“This bundle of bills may well be just the way we do things around here, but it shouldn’t be,” Highberger said.“The vast and unprecedented expansion of the attorney general’s criminal prosecution authority contained in this package goes far beyond what is needed to address the problem it is purportedly intending to address and I think it will have negative consequences in the future.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rep. Chuck Smith, a Pittsburg Republican, said he didn’t like the broad scope of the bill, but felt fentanyl was an issue that needed to be addressed.&nbsp;

“Fentanyl is a tremendous problem in America and I’ll vote yes just because of that, because we’ve got a big problem coming,” Smith said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/P3210734-1024x576.jpg" alt="&nbsp;House Republicans spoke in support of the wide-ranging tax plan, issuing a joint statement on the benefits of the proposal. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;House Republicans spoke in support of the wide-ranging tax plan, issuing a joint statement on the benefits of the proposal. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/21/kansas-lawmaker-asks-for-security-during-anti-vaccination-bill-hearing-i-dont-feel-comfortable/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA —&nbsp; House lawmakers passed a flat tax proposal with bipartisan support, following weeks of debate on the topic and criticism that the policy would mostly benefit corporations and the state’s wealthiest residents.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb169/">Republican-engineered tax proposal</a>&nbsp;would get rid of Kansas’ tiered tax system and implement a 5.25% income tax rate for all individuals above a certain threshold, starting in tax year 2024. The tax would apply to single filers making more than $6,150 and $12,300 for married individuals filing jointly.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/28/kansas-house-advances-nice-guy-flat-tax-proposal-to-change-income-property-tax-rates/">The flat tax plan would also reduce taxes</a>&nbsp;for corporations and financial institutions starting in tax year 2024, reducing the corporation tax rate to 3%. Under the bill, banks would have their tax rate reduced from 2.25% to 1.625%. percent. Other corporations, such as savings and loan associations, would have taxes reduced from 2.25% to 1.61% starting in tax year 2025.&nbsp;Speaker of the House Dan Hawkins, Majority Leader Chris Croft and Speaker Pro Tem Blake Carpenter sent out a joint statement announcing the bill’s passage. The statement referred to the legislation as “a comprehensive tax plan that fortifies Kansas as the most desirable state in our nation to live, work, start a business and retire.”Several House Democrats broke rank to vote with Republicans on the bill, due to provisions that would lower property taxes and completely do away with the state’s food sales tax by the end of this year.&nbsp;House Minority Leader Rep. Vic Miller, a Topeka Democrat, spoke in support of the bill due to its proposed property tax relief. Under the bill, residential property valued up to $80,000 would be exempt from a statewide property tax beginning in tax year 2023. Currently, residential properties valued up to $40,000 are exempt.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/P3291911-scaled.jpg" alt="-Rep. Vic Miller, a Topeka Democrat, supported the flat tax bill because of provisions reducing property taxes. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>-Rep. Vic Miller, a Topeka Democrat, supported the flat tax bill because of provisions reducing property taxes. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Other Democrats still stood against the bill. Reps. Jerry Stogsdill,&nbsp;Christina&nbsp;Haswood,&nbsp;Sydney&nbsp;Carlin, Brad Boyd,&nbsp;Melissa Oropeza&nbsp;and others issued a joint statement against the flat tax proposal.&nbsp;“By adopting a flat tax, the House is saying that it will only give hardworking Kansans a tax cut if wealthy Kansans receive their tax cut first,” the statement read. “Tossing out Kansas’ decades-old progressive income tax is structurally imbalanced and fails to offset the higher effective tax rate middle and working class Kansans pay in sales and property taxes.”&nbsp;The bill passed 96-28. An earlier Senate&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20230223221426_415306/">version of the bill</a>&nbsp;passed 22-17, with a 4.75% flat tax income rate and without the other provisions.<h2>Abortion pill</h2>Lawmakers quickly passed a bill requiring health care providers to tell people undergoing medication abortions that it may be possible to reverse them, though this claim is not supported by strong scientific research.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2439/">House Bill 2439</a>&nbsp;would require doctors to tell their patients it is possible to reverse the abortion pill and potentially face jail time if they refuse to tell patients about the “abortion reversal” process. Under the bill, facilities that prescribe or dispense mifepristone would have to display a notice telling patients that medication abortions may be reversible.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.acog.org/advocacy/facts-are-important/medication-abortion-reversal-is-not-supported-by-science">opposes medication abortion “reversal,”</a>&nbsp;calling it scientifically unsound, unproven and unethical. Similar legislation has been vetoed by Gov. Laura Kelly&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/19a1ecdbd47d440397a870b0d41abfcd">in past years</a>.&nbsp;Rep. Melissa Oropeza, a Kansas City Democrat, said Kansans had already made their wishes on reproductive rights clear by voting down a proposed abortion amendment.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Aug. 2, 2022, the state of Kansas spoke loud and clear on how Kansans would like to keep health care decisions with the patient and their health care provider,” Oropeza said.&nbsp;The bill passed, 85-39.<h2>Energy independence</h2>House lawmakers took final action on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/scr1603/">Senate Concurrent Resolution 1603</a>, voting 87-37 to ask President&nbsp; Joe Biden to support the domestic oil and gas industry.The resolution was introduced on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/28/kansas-house-roundup-wind-turbine-lights-feminine-fight-ballot-deadline-biden-energy-policy/">the House floor Tuesday</a>&nbsp;by Rep. Chuck Smith, a Pittsburg Republican who said Biden needed to expand domestic energy production in the state, help with oil pipelines and consider “geopolitical tensions.”The resolution passed despite criticism from Democrats who said Biden was already focused on growing domestic energy.<h2>Wind turbine lighting</h2>Lawmakers overwhelmingly voted to “restore the night sky,” supporting a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb49/">wind turbine mitigation bill</a>&nbsp;meant to reduce the appearance of blinking red lights on wind farms.&nbsp;House lawmakers spoke Tuesday about the lights being a nuisance to Kansans. The lights are meant to prevent low-flying aircraft from flying into wind turbines, but several lawmakers said this was an unnecessary precaution.Rep. Lisa Moser, a Wheaton Republican who introduced the bill, said the night sky should be uninterrupted by the lights.&nbsp;“To restore the night sky with moon and stars undisturbed in their beauty would be a momentous gesture of goodwill by the wind companies and would benefit thousands of Kansans who live inside the footprint of and under the noticeable umbrella of all existing Kansas wind systems,” Moser said during the Wednesday vote.&nbsp;She estimated that Kansas was home to about 4,000 wind turbines. Under the bill, new wind turbine developers need to apply to the Federal Aviation Administration for lighting system installations that meet the organization’s regulations starting in July of 2023.&nbsp;Once approved, the turbine developer needs to install the system within 24 months. Existing wind turbines would apply to the FAA for lighting system installations starting in January 2026.&nbsp;The bill passed 118-6.<h2>Fentanyl</h2>Lawmakers had mixed feelings on a wide-ranging bill that would crack down on fentanyl distribution and manufacturing, but would also expand the scope of the attorney general’s power and increase penalties for people fleeing law enforcement.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb174/">Senate Bill 174</a>&nbsp;would decriminalize fentanyl testing strips, as well as other drug testing strips and increase&nbsp;criminal penalties for manufacturing and distributing fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances. Another part of the bill would add domestic battery and protection order violations to the list of crimes a person can have the intent to commit when committing burglary or aggravated burglary.&nbsp;If passed, the bill would also give the attorney general authority to prosecute alleged crimes that occured in two or more counties. Another portion of the bill would make fleeing a law enforcement officer a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on what crime the fleeing person has been charged with.&nbsp;Rep. KC Ohaebosim, a Wichita Democrat,&nbsp; objected to the bill due to the law enforcement provision.&nbsp;“My constituents are facing a problem right now with respect to law enforcement and I cannot support any bill that enhances police brutality among African Americans,” Ohaebosim said.&nbsp;Rep. Boog Highberger, a Lawrence Democrat, also spoke against the bill due to the many provisions bundled together in the bill.&nbsp;“This bundle of bills may well be just the way we do things around here, but it shouldn’t be,” Highberger said.“The vast and unprecedented expansion of the attorney general’s criminal prosecution authority contained in this package goes far beyond what is needed to address the problem it is purportedly intending to address and I think it will have negative consequences in the future.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Rep. Chuck Smith, a Pittsburg Republican, said he didn’t like the broad scope of the bill, but felt fentanyl was an issue that needed to be addressed.&nbsp;“Fentanyl is a tremendous problem in America and I’ll vote yes just because of that, because we’ve got a big problem coming,” Smith said.&nbsp;Lawmakers passed the bill 84-40.&nbsp;

Kan. House lawmakers pass flat tax proposal, ‘abortion reversal’ legislation

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with allegedly threatening a judge.

Michael A. Deblois, 42, Independence, Missouri, faces two felony charges for leaving threatening messages at the office of a 16th Circuit judge, according to Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.&nbsp; He now faces Tampering With a Judicial Officer and Harassment Motivated By Discrimination To Frighten Or Disturb Another Person. This means he now faces two Class D felonies punishable by up to 7 years in prison, according to baker.

According to court records, on Monday, the office of 16th Circuit Judge received multiple voicemails from the Deblois with hateful, angry threatening and harassing messages. 

When office employees reached out to him, he used profanity and racial slurs. Jackson County Sheriff's deputies and a detective investigated the calls. Deputies took Deblois into custody Tuesday, according to Baker. He made a first court appearance Wednesday

"No member of the public should be allowed to threaten a public official in the course of doing their duties," Baker said in a statement from her office.&nbsp; "But today most public officials experience threats to their safety, simply for doing a job for the public. While this type of anger is not a new phenomenon in our culture, it cannot be tolerated. This hate-filled&nbsp;speech is not protected speech. It is a crime.&nbsp;It will not be tolerated when it is directed at a judge and the judge's staff who assist in this necessary work."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680096002453.png" alt="Deblois-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Deblois-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with allegedly threatening a judge.Michael A. Deblois, 42, Independence, Missouri, faces two felony charges for leaving threatening messages at the office of a 16th Circuit judge, according to Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.&nbsp; He now faces Tampering With a Judicial Officer and Harassment Motivated By Discrimination To Frighten Or Disturb Another Person. This means he now faces two Class D felonies punishable by up to 7 years in prison, according to baker.According to court records, on Monday, the office of 16th Circuit Judge received multiple voicemails from the Deblois with hateful, angry threatening and harassing messages. When office employees reached out to him, he used profanity and racial slurs. Jackson County Sheriff's deputies and a detective investigated the calls. Deputies took Deblois into custody Tuesday, according to Baker. He made a first court appearance Wednesday"No member of the public should be allowed to threaten a public official in the course of doing their duties," Baker said in a statement from her office.&nbsp; "But today most public officials experience threats to their safety, simply for doing a job for the public. While this type of anger is not a new phenomenon in our culture, it cannot be tolerated. This hate-filled&nbsp;speech is not protected speech. It is a crime.&nbsp;It will not be tolerated when it is directed at a judge and the judge's staff who assist in this necessary work."

KC-area man accused of making racial threats to judge

CHEROKEE COUNTY&nbsp;– Two subjects were arrested Tuesday night following an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Baxter Springs Police Department.

At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, KBI agents and police officers conducted a traffic stop and a search warrant at the residence of 400 Washington Ave. in Baxter Springs, Kansas. During the search, pills believed to contain fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were located.

Two individuals, who were present when the search warrant was conducted, were arrested.

Braydon J. Krokroskia, 26, of Baxter Springs, was arrested for possession of opiates with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, possession of sale drug paraphernalia, and possession of use paraphernalia.

Brittany A. St. Clair, 22, of Baxter Springs, was also arrested for possession of marijuana. She is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

&nbsp;Additional charges are expected, and formal charges are pending, according to the KBI.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680108765171.png" alt="Krokroskia-photo Cherokee Co." />
 <figcaption>Krokroskia-photo Cherokee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>CHEROKEE COUNTY&nbsp;– Two subjects were arrested Tuesday night following an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Baxter Springs Police Department.At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, KBI agents and police officers conducted a traffic stop and a search warrant at the residence of 400 Washington Ave. in Baxter Springs, Kansas. During the search, pills believed to contain fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were located.Two individuals, who were present when the search warrant was conducted, were arrested.Braydon J. Krokroskia, 26, of Baxter Springs, was arrested for possession of opiates with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, possession of sale drug paraphernalia, and possession of use paraphernalia.Brittany A. St. Clair, 22, of Baxter Springs, was also arrested for possession of marijuana. She is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.&nbsp;Additional charges are expected, and formal charges are pending, according to the KBI.

KBI: Suspects had fentanyl pills, cocaine at Kansas home

HARVEY COUNTY — Newton USD 373 issued a release Tuesday night saying that schools in that district will be closed Wednesday. Late Wednesday, the district confirmed no school on Thursday. "Thank you for your patience as we continue to work through our network-security incident. School is canceled for Thursday, March 30."

"We are expecting school to resume in full Friday, March 31. All scheduled extracurricular athletic games and activities will continue as planned. Lunch will be provided Thursdat to students who want it via sack lunch pickup from 11:30-1pm at Newton High School. 

"Student’s meal account will be charged as normal if they pick up a lunch. We appreciate your understanding as we work through this issue."

"The district is working to solve a network security incident," USD 373 stated in a media release.&nbsp; "We have been working with external information technology experts to conduct a detailed&nbsp;technical investigation into the incident. We have also notified law enforcement. Please&nbsp;remember that our investigation is in its earliest stages and is still ongoing."

The school system continues to work around the clock to resolve any disruption of certain systems and operations, which, out of an abundance of caution, have remained offline until staff is confident&nbsp;that we can safely bring them back into service. So, there will be NO SCHOOL TOMORROW, Wednesday, March 29, 2023. The district will update the community tomorrow regarding whether the school will be opened on Thursday, March 30, 2023.

If you have questions, please call Superintendent Fred Van Ranken at 316-284-6206. Below are questions and answers provided by the district.

What happened? On March 28, 2023, we detected a network security incident affecting certain systems within our network&nbsp;environment. We immediately shut down affected systems, and have engaged third party forensic specialists to investigate the extent of the activity. We have also notified law enforcement. The investigation is in the earliest stages and is currently ongoing.

Why was this called an internet outage at first? That was our initial understanding of the incident. Upon further investigation we discovered it was actually a network security incident.

How did this happen? We are currently working with third party forensic specialists to investigate the extent of the unauthorized activity, which includes the root cause. The investigation is in the earliest stages, and is currently ongoing.

Is my personal / business data involved? We are thoroughly investigating the incident now with third-party forensic specialists. The investigation is in the earliest stages, and we have not yet determined the extent of the unauthorized activity, including whether any personal or confidential information was involved. If individual personal information is involved, we will notify affected individuals in accordance with relevant state and federal laws.

Was this ransomware? To protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we are unable to share additional information about the nature of the incident.

Will this affect student class schedules or assignments? We have cancelled school for Wednesday, March 29, 2023. We are still determining whether school will open Thursday, March 30, 2023. Further, during this time there may be a disruption to certain resources, and we are working to mitigate any delays or interruptions. We thank you for your patience during this time. When will the investigation be complete?&nbsp;&nbsp; We cannot offer a definitive timeline at this point as this is a time intensive process. That said, we hope to conclude the investigation in the coming weeks.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573673934914.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY — Newton USD 373 issued a release Tuesday night saying that schools in that district will be closed Wednesday. Late Wednesday, the district confirmed no school on Thursday. "Thank you for your patience as we continue to work through our network-security incident. School is canceled for Thursday, March 30.""We are expecting school to resume in full Friday, March 31. All scheduled extracurricular athletic games and activities will continue as planned. Lunch will be provided Thursdat to students who want it via sack lunch pickup from 11:30-1pm at Newton High School. "Student’s meal account will be charged as normal if they pick up a lunch. We appreciate your understanding as we work through this issue.""The district is working to solve a network security incident," USD 373 stated in a media release.&nbsp; "We have been working with external information technology experts to conduct a detailed&nbsp;technical investigation into the incident. We have also notified law enforcement. Please&nbsp;remember that our investigation is in its earliest stages and is still ongoing." The school system continues to work around the clock to resolve any disruption of certain systems and operations, which, out of an abundance of caution, have remained offline until staff is confident&nbsp;that we can safely bring them back into service. So, there will be NO SCHOOL TOMORROW, Wednesday, March 29, 2023. The district will update the community tomorrow regarding whether the school will be opened on Thursday, March 30, 2023.If you have questions, please call Superintendent Fred Van Ranken at 316-284-6206. Below are questions and answers provided by the district.What happened? On March 28, 2023, we detected a network security incident affecting certain systems within our network&nbsp;environment. We immediately shut down affected systems, and have engaged third party forensic specialists to investigate the extent of the activity. We have also notified law enforcement. The investigation is in the earliest stages and is currently ongoing.Why was this called an internet outage at first? That was our initial understanding of the incident. Upon further investigation we discovered it was actually a network security incident.How did this happen? We are currently working with third party forensic specialists to investigate the extent of the unauthorized activity, which includes the root cause. The investigation is in the earliest stages, and is currently ongoing.Is my personal / business data involved? We are thoroughly investigating the incident now with third-party forensic specialists. The investigation is in the earliest stages, and we have not yet determined the extent of the unauthorized activity, including whether any personal or confidential information was involved. If individual personal information is involved, we will notify affected individuals in accordance with relevant state and federal laws.Was this ransomware? To protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we are unable to share additional information about the nature of the incident.Will this affect student class schedules or assignments? We have cancelled school for Wednesday, March 29, 2023. We are still determining whether school will open Thursday, March 30, 2023. Further, during this time there may be a disruption to certain resources, and we are working to mitigate any delays or interruptions. We thank you for your patience during this time. When will the investigation be complete?&nbsp;&nbsp; We cannot offer a definitive timeline at this point as this is a time intensive process. That said, we hope to conclude the investigation in the coming weeks.&nbsp;

Network Security issue keeps schools closed in Newton

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect involved in high-speed chase on a reported stolen motorcycle.

Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, police attempted to stop a black motorcycle with a driver and passenger in the city of Great Bend.

The motorcycle fled from the police, leaving Great Bend on NW 10th Ave. The police officer lost the vehicle and terminated the pursuit, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

A few minutes later a Barton County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. located the vehicle approaching NW 30th Road at NW 10th Ave. The operator was traveling at a high rate of speed, at which time the motorcycle turned onto NW 30th Road westbound and accelerated. 

The sergeant attempted to stop the motorcycle but the rider continued to flee. The operator then turned southbound on US 281 Highway and continued into a residential neighborhood in Great Bend committing numerous traffic violations. It was later determined the motorcycle was stolen in Missouri.

The operator lost control near the intersection of 25th and Morton Street in Great Bend crashing near the intersection. The driver of the motorcycle was identified as William Dunn, 29, Kingman. 

EMS transported Dunn to the hospital in Great Bend. He sustained minor injuries. Upon release from the hospital, Dunn was arrested and booked into the Barton County Jail on requested charges of aggravated battery, felony flee and elude, possession of stolen property and reckless driving. He has since posted a $10,000 bond, according to Bellendir.

The passenger identified as 22-year-old Shyanne Huntley of Great Bend was also transported to the hospital. She sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680102861335.jpeg" alt="Dunn-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Dunn-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect involved in high-speed chase on a reported stolen motorcycle.Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, police attempted to stop a black motorcycle with a driver and passenger in the city of Great Bend.The motorcycle fled from the police, leaving Great Bend on NW 10th Ave. The police officer lost the vehicle and terminated the pursuit, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.A few minutes later a Barton County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. located the vehicle approaching NW 30th Road at NW 10th Ave. The operator was traveling at a high rate of speed, at which time the motorcycle turned onto NW 30th Road westbound and accelerated. The sergeant attempted to stop the motorcycle but the rider continued to flee. The operator then turned southbound on US 281 Highway and continued into a residential neighborhood in Great Bend committing numerous traffic violations. It was later determined the motorcycle was stolen in Missouri.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680104161174.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The operator lost control near the intersection of 25th and Morton Street in Great Bend crashing near the intersection. The driver of the motorcycle was identified as William Dunn, 29, Kingman. EMS transported Dunn to the hospital in Great Bend. He sustained minor injuries. Upon release from the hospital, Dunn was arrested and booked into the Barton County Jail on requested charges of aggravated battery, felony flee and elude, possession of stolen property and reckless driving. He has since posted a $10,000 bond, according to Bellendir.The passenger identified as 22-year-old Shyanne Huntley of Great Bend was also transported to the hospital. She sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Sheriff: Kansas man jailed after crash on stolen motorcycle 

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Senate voted Wednesday to repeal the resolution that gave a green light for the 2003&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-invasion-war-timeline-saddam-hussein-50828061c98e410063753045179bdcfb">invasion of Iraq</a>, an effort to return a basic war power to Congress from the White House 20 years after an authorization many now say was a mistake.

Iraqi deaths are estimated in the hundreds of thousands, and nearly 5,000 U.S. troops were killed in the war after President George W. Bush’s administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-war-wmds-us-intelligence-f9e21ac59d3a0470d9bfcc83544d706e">falsely claimed</a>&nbsp;that Saddam Hussein was stockpiling weapons of mass destruction.

“This body rushed into a war,” said Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat who has pushed for years to repeal the powers. The war has had “massive consequences,” Kaine said.

Senators voted 66-30 to repeal the 2002 measure and also the 1991 authorization that sanctioned the U.S.-led Gulf War. Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall joined 16 other Republicans to vote for the measure including Missouri Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt.

If passed by the House, the repeal would not be expected to affect any current military deployments. But lawmakers in both parties are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-joe-biden-middle-east-iraq-government-and-politics-184f804c1202c0808f986425fd75341f">increasingly seeking</a>&nbsp;to claw back congressional powers over U.S. military strikes and deployments, and some lawmakers who voted for the Iraq War two decades ago&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2002-iraq-war-vote-senate-authorization-reflection-60989b19ca76a2d9c2e2ff1bad97dc5a">now say</a>&nbsp;that was a mistake.

“Americans want to see an end to endless Middle East wars,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, adding that passing the repeal “is a necessary step to putting these bitter conflicts squarely behind us.”

Supporters, including almost 20 Republican senators, say the repeal is crucial to prevent future abuses and to reinforce that Iraq is now a strategic partner of the United States.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-iraq-war-repeal-senate-64270ec9085831c4f0be423702a7561e">Opponents</a>&nbsp;say the repeal could project weakness as the U.S. still faces conflict in the Middle East.

“Our terrorist enemies aren’t sunsetting their war against us,” said Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who is at home&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mitch-mcconnell-fall-concussion-therapy-f7af2c851b96e5fdccb7d2829e869f6a">recovering from a fall</a>&nbsp;earlier this month and missed the vote. “When we deploy our servicemembers in harm’s way, we need to supply them with all the support and legal authorities that we can.”

The repeal’s future is less certain in the House, where 49 Republicans joined with Democrats in supporting a similar bill two years ago. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has suggested he is open to supporting a repeal even though he previously opposed it, but Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has indicated he would like to instead replace it with something else. But it is unclear what that would be.

Kaine and Todd Young, R-Ind., who led the effort together, have said they believe a strong bipartisan vote sends a powerful message to Americans who believe their voices should be heard on matters of war and peace.

President Donald Trump’s administration cited the 2002 Iraq war resolution as part of its legal justification for a 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani, but the two war powers resolutions have otherwise rarely been used as the basis for any presidential action. About 2,500 U.S. troops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-war-anniversary-troops-military-d1d9a7e6e83925dec22fce4d2e2c831e">remain in Iraq</a>&nbsp;at the invitation of the Iraqi government and assist and advise local forces.

A separate 2001 authorization for the global war on terror would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-vote-war-powers-iraq-afghanistan-a174a1b97644f2f64994f13b1ff41a20">remain in place</a>&nbsp;under the bill, which President Joe Biden has said he will support.

The October 2002 votes to give Bush broad authority for the Iraq invasion were a defining moment for many members of Congress as the country debated whether a military strike was warranted. The U.S. was already at war then in Afghanistan, the country that hosted the al-Qaida plotters responsible for the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, something Iraq played no part in.

The Bush administration had drummed up support among members of Congress and the American public for invading Iraq by promoting what turned out to be false intelligence alleging Saddam had weapons of mass destruction. After the initial March 2003 invasion, American ground forces quickly discovered that the allegations of nuclear or chemical weapons programs were baseless.

The U.S. overthrow of Iraq’s security forces precipitated a brutal sectarian fight and violent campaigns by Islamic extremist groups in Iraq. Car bombings, assassinations, torture and kidnapping became a part of daily life for years.

Some GOP senators opposing the repeal, including McConnell, have raised concerns about recent attacks against U.S. troops in Syria. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-syria-iran-db9ac72843a0a71c995d6ea04392cdbf">drone strike</a>&nbsp;last week killed an American contractor and wounded five troops and another contractor, then a rocket attack wounded another service member. Iranian-backed militants are believed responsible for the attacks.

Biden and his administration have argued that the repeal would not affect any response to Iran. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, both said at a Senate hearing last week that American troops are authorized to protect themselves and respond to attacks, including under Article 2 of the Constitution, which gives the president the authority to protect troops.

The pushback from McConnell comes amid a growing rift in the Republican Party on the U.S. role in the Middle East, with some echoing Trump’s “America First” message to argue against military intervention abroad. Other Republicans are concerned Congress is giving too much leeway to the president in matters of war.

“I think a lot of lessons have been learned over the last 20 years,” said Young, the Indiana senator who is the lead Republican sponsor of the repeal. He said that those supporting the legislation “want to ensure that the American people can hold us accountable, rather than delegating those important authorities to an executive branch and then lamenting the unwitting wisdom of the executive branch if things don’t go well.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680116581911.png" alt="Moran (right) during Wednesday's session in the Senate-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Moran (right) during Wednesday's session in the Senate-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The Senate voted Wednesday to repeal the resolution that gave a green light for the 2003&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-invasion-war-timeline-saddam-hussein-50828061c98e410063753045179bdcfb">invasion of Iraq</a>, an effort to return a basic war power to Congress from the White House 20 years after an authorization many now say was a mistake.Iraqi deaths are estimated in the hundreds of thousands, and nearly 5,000 U.S. troops were killed in the war after President George W. Bush’s administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-war-wmds-us-intelligence-f9e21ac59d3a0470d9bfcc83544d706e">falsely claimed</a>&nbsp;that Saddam Hussein was stockpiling weapons of mass destruction.“This body rushed into a war,” said Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat who has pushed for years to repeal the powers. The war has had “massive consequences,” Kaine said.Senators voted 66-30 to repeal the 2002 measure and also the 1991 authorization that sanctioned the U.S.-led Gulf War. Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall joined 16 other Republicans to vote for the measure including Missouri Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt. If passed by the House, the repeal would not be expected to affect any current military deployments. But lawmakers in both parties are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-joe-biden-middle-east-iraq-government-and-politics-184f804c1202c0808f986425fd75341f">increasingly seeking</a>&nbsp;to claw back congressional powers over U.S. military strikes and deployments, and some lawmakers who voted for the Iraq War two decades ago&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2002-iraq-war-vote-senate-authorization-reflection-60989b19ca76a2d9c2e2ff1bad97dc5a">now say</a>&nbsp;that was a mistake.“Americans want to see an end to endless Middle East wars,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, adding that passing the repeal “is a necessary step to putting these bitter conflicts squarely behind us.”Supporters, including almost 20 Republican senators, say the repeal is crucial to prevent future abuses and to reinforce that Iraq is now a strategic partner of the United States.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-iraq-war-repeal-senate-64270ec9085831c4f0be423702a7561e">Opponents</a>&nbsp;say the repeal could project weakness as the U.S. still faces conflict in the Middle East.“Our terrorist enemies aren’t sunsetting their war against us,” said Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who is at home&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mitch-mcconnell-fall-concussion-therapy-f7af2c851b96e5fdccb7d2829e869f6a">recovering from a fall</a>&nbsp;earlier this month and missed the vote. “When we deploy our servicemembers in harm’s way, we need to supply them with all the support and legal authorities that we can.”The repeal’s future is less certain in the House, where 49 Republicans joined with Democrats in supporting a similar bill two years ago. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has suggested he is open to supporting a repeal even though he previously opposed it, but Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has indicated he would like to instead replace it with something else. But it is unclear what that would be.Kaine and Todd Young, R-Ind., who led the effort together, have said they believe a strong bipartisan vote sends a powerful message to Americans who believe their voices should be heard on matters of war and peace.President Donald Trump’s administration cited the 2002 Iraq war resolution as part of its legal justification for a 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani, but the two war powers resolutions have otherwise rarely been used as the basis for any presidential action. About 2,500 U.S. troops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-war-anniversary-troops-military-d1d9a7e6e83925dec22fce4d2e2c831e">remain in Iraq</a>&nbsp;at the invitation of the Iraqi government and assist and advise local forces.A separate 2001 authorization for the global war on terror would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-vote-war-powers-iraq-afghanistan-a174a1b97644f2f64994f13b1ff41a20">remain in place</a>&nbsp;under the bill, which President Joe Biden has said he will support.The October 2002 votes to give Bush broad authority for the Iraq invasion were a defining moment for many members of Congress as the country debated whether a military strike was warranted. The U.S. was already at war then in Afghanistan, the country that hosted the al-Qaida plotters responsible for the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, something Iraq played no part in.The Bush administration had drummed up support among members of Congress and the American public for invading Iraq by promoting what turned out to be false intelligence alleging Saddam had weapons of mass destruction. After the initial March 2003 invasion, American ground forces quickly discovered that the allegations of nuclear or chemical weapons programs were baseless.The U.S. overthrow of Iraq’s security forces precipitated a brutal sectarian fight and violent campaigns by Islamic extremist groups in Iraq. Car bombings, assassinations, torture and kidnapping became a part of daily life for years.Some GOP senators opposing the repeal, including McConnell, have raised concerns about recent attacks against U.S. troops in Syria. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-syria-iran-db9ac72843a0a71c995d6ea04392cdbf">drone strike</a>&nbsp;last week killed an American contractor and wounded five troops and another contractor, then a rocket attack wounded another service member. Iranian-backed militants are believed responsible for the attacks.Biden and his administration have argued that the repeal would not affect any response to Iran. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, both said at a Senate hearing last week that American troops are authorized to protect themselves and respond to attacks, including under Article 2 of the Constitution, which gives the president the authority to protect troops.The pushback from McConnell comes amid a growing rift in the Republican Party on the U.S. role in the Middle East, with some echoing Trump’s “America First” message to argue against military intervention abroad. Other Republicans are concerned Congress is giving too much leeway to the president in matters of war.“I think a lot of lessons have been learned over the last 20 years,” said Young, the Indiana senator who is the lead Republican sponsor of the repeal. He said that those supporting the legislation “want to ensure that the American people can hold us accountable, rather than delegating those important authorities to an executive branch and then lamenting the unwitting wisdom of the executive branch if things don’t go well.”

Moran, Marshall vote to repeal 2002 measure that approved Iraq war

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis was hospitalized with a lung infection Wednesday after experiencing difficulty breathing in recent days and will remain in the hospital for several days of treatment, the Vatican said.

The 86-year-old pope doesn't have COVID-19, spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement late Wednesday.

The hospitalization was the first since Francis spent 10 days at the Gemelli in July 2021 to have 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his colon removed.

It immediately raised questions about Francis' overall health, and his ability to celebrate the busy Holy Week events that are due to begin this weekend with Palm Sunday.

Bruni said Francis had been suffering breathing troubles in recent days and went to the Gemelli hospital for tests.

“The tests showed a respiratory infection (COVID-19 infection excluded) that will require some days of medical therapy,” Bruni's statement said.

Francis appeared in relatively good form during his regularly scheduled general audience earlier Wednesday, though he grimaced strongly while getting in and out of the “popemobile.”

Francis had part of one lung removed when he was a young man due to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-city-religion-covid-0f2885637be70eece6cee369c420f573">a respiratory infection</a>, and he often speaks in a whisper. But he got through the worst phases of the COVID-19 pandemic without at least any public word of ever testing positive.

Francis had been due to celebrate Palm Sunday this weekend, kicking off the Vatican's Holy Week observances: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and finally Easter Sunday on April 9. He has canceled all audiences through Friday, but it wasn't clear whether he could keep the Holy Week plans.

Francis has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-south-sudan-government-juba-religion-7d055409715f46d5a507c476d64af3ea">used a wheelchair</a>&nbsp;for over a year due to strained ligaments in his right knee and a small knee fracture. He has said the injury was healing and been walking more with a cane of late.

Francis also has said he resisted having surgery for the knee problems because he didn't respond well to general anesthesia during the 2021 intestinal surgery.

He said soon after the surgery that he had recovered fully and could eat normally. But in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-retirement-papacy-dcca464e7c1fd910568d07d6bf4d9994">a Jan. 24 interview</a>&nbsp;with The Associated Press, Francis said his diverticulosis, or bulges in the intestinal wall, had “returned."

VATICAN CITY (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-anniversary-abuse-lgbt-dd062a31ede3e5a4e0aa2a39ad75c20e">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;went to a Rome hospital on Wednesday and canceled his audiences for the next two days to undergo previously scheduled tests, the Vatican said.

The Vatican provided no details, including how long the 86-year-old pope would remain at Gemelli University Hospital, where he underwent surgery in 2021. But his audiences through Friday were canceled, raising questions about Francis' participation during the Vatican's Holy Week activities starting Sunday.

“The Holy Father has been at Gemelli since this afternoon for some previously scheduled checkups,” the Vatican said in a one-line statement from spokesman Matteo Bruni.

Francis appeared in relatively good form during his regularly scheduled general audience Wednesday, though he grimaced strongly while getting into and out of the “popemobile.”

The purpose of the medical tests wasn't immediately clear. Francis had part of one lung removed when he was a young man due to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-city-religion-covid-0f2885637be70eece6cee369c420f573">a respiratory infection</a>, and he often speaks in a whisper.

He spent 10 days at the Gemelli hospital following the 2021 surgery for an intestinal narrowing, which included the removal of 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his colon.

Francis is due to celebrate Palm Sunday this weekend, kicking off the Vatican's Holy Week observances: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and finally Easter Sunday on April 9.

He has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-south-sudan-government-juba-religion-7d055409715f46d5a507c476d64af3ea">used a wheelchair</a>&nbsp;for over a year due to strained ligaments in his right knee and a small knee fracture. He has said the injury was healing and been walking more with a cane of late.

He said soon after the surgery that he had recovered fully and could eat normally. But in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-retirement-papacy-dcca464e7c1fd910568d07d6bf4d9994">a Jan. 24 interview</a>&nbsp;with The Associated Press, Francis said his diverticulosis, or bulges in the intestinal wall, had “returned.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615845367722.png" alt="Pope Francis-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Pope Francis-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis was hospitalized with a lung infection Wednesday after experiencing difficulty breathing in recent days and will remain in the hospital for several days of treatment, the Vatican said.The 86-year-old pope doesn't have COVID-19, spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement late Wednesday.The hospitalization was the first since Francis spent 10 days at the Gemelli in July 2021 to have 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his colon removed.It immediately raised questions about Francis' overall health, and his ability to celebrate the busy Holy Week events that are due to begin this weekend with Palm Sunday.Bruni said Francis had been suffering breathing troubles in recent days and went to the Gemelli hospital for tests.“The tests showed a respiratory infection (COVID-19 infection excluded) that will require some days of medical therapy,” Bruni's statement said.Francis appeared in relatively good form during his regularly scheduled general audience earlier Wednesday, though he grimaced strongly while getting in and out of the “popemobile.”Francis had part of one lung removed when he was a young man due to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-city-religion-covid-0f2885637be70eece6cee369c420f573">a respiratory infection</a>, and he often speaks in a whisper. But he got through the worst phases of the COVID-19 pandemic without at least any public word of ever testing positive.Francis had been due to celebrate Palm Sunday this weekend, kicking off the Vatican's Holy Week observances: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and finally Easter Sunday on April 9. He has canceled all audiences through Friday, but it wasn't clear whether he could keep the Holy Week plans.Francis has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-south-sudan-government-juba-religion-7d055409715f46d5a507c476d64af3ea">used a wheelchair</a>&nbsp;for over a year due to strained ligaments in his right knee and a small knee fracture. He has said the injury was healing and been walking more with a cane of late.Francis also has said he resisted having surgery for the knee problems because he didn't respond well to general anesthesia during the 2021 intestinal surgery.He said soon after the surgery that he had recovered fully and could eat normally. But in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-retirement-papacy-dcca464e7c1fd910568d07d6bf4d9994">a Jan. 24 interview</a>&nbsp;with The Associated Press, Francis said his diverticulosis, or bulges in the intestinal wall, had “returned."-----------VATICAN CITY (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-anniversary-abuse-lgbt-dd062a31ede3e5a4e0aa2a39ad75c20e">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;went to a Rome hospital on Wednesday and canceled his audiences for the next two days to undergo previously scheduled tests, the Vatican said.The Vatican provided no details, including how long the 86-year-old pope would remain at Gemelli University Hospital, where he underwent surgery in 2021. But his audiences through Friday were canceled, raising questions about Francis' participation during the Vatican's Holy Week activities starting Sunday.“The Holy Father has been at Gemelli since this afternoon for some previously scheduled checkups,” the Vatican said in a one-line statement from spokesman Matteo Bruni.Francis appeared in relatively good form during his regularly scheduled general audience Wednesday, though he grimaced strongly while getting into and out of the “popemobile.”The purpose of the medical tests wasn't immediately clear. Francis had part of one lung removed when he was a young man due to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-city-religion-covid-0f2885637be70eece6cee369c420f573">a respiratory infection</a>, and he often speaks in a whisper.He spent 10 days at the Gemelli hospital following the 2021 surgery for an intestinal narrowing, which included the removal of 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his colon.Francis is due to celebrate Palm Sunday this weekend, kicking off the Vatican's Holy Week observances: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and finally Easter Sunday on April 9.He has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-south-sudan-government-juba-religion-7d055409715f46d5a507c476d64af3ea">used a wheelchair</a>&nbsp;for over a year due to strained ligaments in his right knee and a small knee fracture. He has said the injury was healing and been walking more with a cane of late.Francis also has said he resisted having surgery for the knee problems because he didn't respond well to general anesthesia during the 2021 intestinal surgery.He said soon after the surgery that he had recovered fully and could eat normally. But in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-retirement-papacy-dcca464e7c1fd910568d07d6bf4d9994">a Jan. 24 interview</a>&nbsp;with The Associated Press, Francis said his diverticulosis, or bulges in the intestinal wall, had “returned.”

Pope Francis hospitalized for lung infection

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;Health reported 1,218&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">&nbsp;new</a> <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">coronavirus cases</a> in Kansas from March 22, to March 29, for a total of 941,744 cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state reported 1,290 cases the previous week.

On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">the state reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;23 additional COVID-19 deaths since the report on March 22, for a total of 10,135 since the state started reporting COVID illness and deaths.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">Click here</a>&nbsp;for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

Kansas provides fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”

The health department updates data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;Health reported 1,218&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">&nbsp;new</a> <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">coronavirus cases</a> in Kansas from March 22, to March 29, for a total of 941,744 cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state reported 1,290 cases the previous week.On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">the state reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;23 additional COVID-19 deaths since the report on March 22, for a total of 10,135 since the state started reporting COVID illness and deaths.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680107175715.png" alt="March 29, 2023, KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>March 29, 2023, KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">Click here</a>&nbsp;for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.Kansas provides fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”The health department updates data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

KDHE: Slight drop in COVID cases, 23 more deaths

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

An elderly Saline County man received a letter stating that he could be the beneficiary of a multi-million dollar life insurance policy, but he didn't fall for the scam. Instead, he reported it to the Saline County Sheriff's Office.

The letter was allegedly from an Ontario, Canada, law firm: Charles &amp; Associates. Saline County Sheriff's Captain Jim Hughes said the 80-year-old man was instructed to contact the firm at a Gmail address for more information about his alleged inheritance.

The letter, a copy of which was provided by the sheriff's office, claims that a client of the firm died of COVID-19 approximately two years ago, and no relatives have come forward to claim an insurance policy worth $11,550,300. If the policy is not claimed in two to three years, it will have to be turned over to "the abandoned property division."

The letter goes on to ask the man to join the letter writer in a partnership to claim the policy "in view of the striking similarity in same last name and nationality with the deceased. If you permit me to add your name to the policy, all proceeds will be processed on your behalf."

The letter then states that the letter writer wants 10 percent of the proceeds from the insurance policy to go to charities, with the remaining 90 percent shared between the Saline County man and the letter writer.

Hughes said a sheriff's office employee called the phone number in the heading of the letter and talked to a person with a heavy foreign accent who, of course, would not provide any information about the operation.

Similar letters, some with differing law firm names and contact persons, have been arriving in mailboxes across the state in recent days.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostAn elderly Saline County man received a letter stating that he could be the beneficiary of a multi-million dollar life insurance policy, but he didn't fall for the scam. Instead, he reported it to the Saline County Sheriff's Office.The letter was allegedly from an Ontario, Canada, law firm: Charles &amp; Associates. Saline County Sheriff's Captain Jim Hughes said the 80-year-old man was instructed to contact the firm at a Gmail address for more information about his alleged inheritance.The letter, a copy of which was provided by the sheriff's office, claims that a client of the firm died of COVID-19 approximately two years ago, and no relatives have come forward to claim an insurance policy worth $11,550,300. If the policy is not claimed in two to three years, it will have to be turned over to "the abandoned property division."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680105324984.jpeg" alt="A copy of the scam letter courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>A copy of the scam letter courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>The letter goes on to ask the man to join the letter writer in a partnership to claim the policy "in view of the striking similarity in same last name and nationality with the deceased. If you permit me to add your name to the policy, all proceeds will be processed on your behalf."The letter then states that the letter writer wants 10 percent of the proceeds from the insurance policy to go to charities, with the remaining 90 percent shared between the Saline County man and the letter writer.Hughes said a sheriff's office employee called the phone number in the heading of the letter and talked to a person with a heavy foreign accent who, of course, would not provide any information about the operation.Similar letters, some with differing law firm names and contact persons, have been arriving in mailboxes across the state in recent days.

Sheriff: 80-year-old Kan. man reports inheritance scam 

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas teen accused in a fatal shooting at a shopping mall made a court appearance in the case Tuesday.

Te’bryis Robinson, 17, Wichita, is charged with 1st degree murder and criminal use of weapons, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

&nbsp;In March of 2022, officers responded to an initial report of an active shooter at Towne East Mall, 7700 E Kellogg Drive in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

 Officers entered the mall and located 14-year-old&nbsp;Trenjvious  Hutton inside who had been shot. He was pronounced deceased on scene.

The investigation revealed, Hutton was involved in a physical altercation with several individuals known to him stemming from an ongoing dispute. During the altercation a 16-year-old suspect later identified as&nbsp;Te’bryis Robinson pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking Hutton. Robinson then fled on foot.

Witnesses provided officers with a description of the suspect which allowed arriving officers to quickly locate him in the area and make an arrest.

A 17-year-old boy with the suspect was detained, questioned, and released. Additionally, officers recovered two handguns during the investigation.

Robinson is due back in court on April 6. He is being held on a half-million dollar bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647654687490.png" alt="Police were dispatched to what was originally believed to be an active shooter at the mall -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police were dispatched to what was originally believed to be an active shooter at the mall -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas teen accused in a fatal shooting at a shopping mall made a court appearance in the case Tuesday.Te’bryis Robinson, 17, Wichita, is charged with 1st degree murder and criminal use of weapons, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;In March of 2022, officers responded to an initial report of an active shooter at Towne East Mall, 7700 E Kellogg Drive in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch. Officers entered the mall and located 14-year-old&nbsp;Trenjvious Hutton inside who had been shot. He was pronounced deceased on scene.The investigation revealed, Hutton was involved in a physical altercation with several individuals known to him stemming from an ongoing dispute. During the altercation a 16-year-old suspect later identified as&nbsp;Te’bryis Robinson pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking Hutton. Robinson then fled on foot.Witnesses provided officers with a description of the suspect which allowed arriving officers to quickly locate him in the area and make an arrest.A 17-year-old boy with the suspect was detained, questioned, and released. Additionally, officers recovered two handguns during the investigation.Robinson is due back in court on April 6. He is being held on a half-million dollar bond.-----------------

Teen charged in Kansas shopping mall killing of 14-year-old

WASHINGTON (AP) —The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-medication-opioids-health-38ae986009788501bc418fe108593632">U.S. Food and Drug Administration</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday approved selling naloxone without a prescription, setting the overdose-reversing drug on course to become the first opioid treatment drug to be sold over the counter.

It’s a move that some advocates have long sought as a way to improve access to a life-saving drug, though the exact impact will not be clear immediately.

The approved branded nasal spray from Gaithersburg, Maryland-based Emergent BioSolutions is the best-known form of naloxone.

It can reverse overdoses of opioids, including street drugs such as heroin and fentanyl and prescription versions including oxycodone.

Making naloxone available more widely is seen as a key strategy to control the nationwide overdose crisis, which has been linked to more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-covid-opioids-death-rates-ba8af16246240aae4b044238ce19e6b6">100,000 U.S. deaths a year</a>. The majority of those deaths are tied to opioids, primarily potent synthetic versions such as fentanyl that can take multiple doses of naloxone to reverse.

Advocates believe it's important to get naloxone to the people who are most likely to be around overdoses, including people who use drugs and their relatives.

Police and other first responders also often carry it.

Narcan will become available over-the-counter by late summer, the company said.

Other brands of naloxone and injectable forms will not yet be available over the counter, but they could be soon.

The nonprofit Harm Reduction Therapeutics Inc., which has funding from OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma, has an application before the FDA to distribute its version of spray naloxone without a prescription.

Even before the FDA's action, pharmacies could sell naloxone without a prescription because officials in every state have allowed it.

But not every pharmacy carries it. And buyers have to pay for the medication — either with an insurance co-pay or for the full retail price. The cost varies, but two doses of Narcan often go for around $50.

The drug is also distributed by community organizations that serve people who use drugs,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/naloxone-narcan-overdose-availability-ec12f62eef12ebc67de77afdbb6f11b9">though it's not easily accessible</a>&nbsp;to everyone who needs it.

Emergent has not announced its price and it's not clear yet whether insurers will continue to cover it as a prescription drug if it's available over the counter.

DOES MAKING NALOXONE OVER-THE-COUNTER IMPROVE ACCESS?

It clears the way for Narcan to be made available in places without pharmacies — convenience stores, supermarkets and online retailers, for instance.

Jose Benitez, the lead executive officer at Prevention Point Philadelphia, an organization that tries to reduce risk for people who use drugs with services including handing out free naloxone, said it could help a lot for people who don't seek services — or who live in places where they're not available.

Now, he said, some people are concerned about getting naloxone at pharmacies because their insurers will know they're getting it.

“Putting it out of the shelves is going to allows people just to pick it up, not have stigma attached to it and readily access this life-saving drug,” he said.

But it remains to be seen how many stores will carry it and what the prices will be. The U.S. Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, which now cover prescription naloxone for people on the government insurance programs, says that coverage of over-the-counter naloxone would depend on the insurance program. The centers have not given any official guidance.

Maya Doe-Simkins, a co-director of Remedy Alliance/For The People, which launched last year to provide low-cost — and sometimes free — naloxone to community organizations, said her group will continue to distribute injectable naloxone.

ARE THERE DRAWBACKS TO OVER-THE-COUNTER SALES?

One concern is whether people who buy Narcan over-the-counter will know how to use it properly, said Keith Humphreys, a Stanford University addiction expert, though the manufacturer is responsible for clear directions and online videos on that.

One benefit of having pharmacists involved, he said, is that they can show buyers how to use it. One key thing people need to be reminded of: Call an ambulance for the person receiving naloxone after it's been administered.

He also said there are fears that if the drug isn't profitable as an over-the-counter option, the drugmaker could stop producing it.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680097865791.png" alt="Narcan-photo FDA" />
 <figcaption>Narcan-photo FDA</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-medication-opioids-health-38ae986009788501bc418fe108593632">U.S. Food and Drug Administration</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday approved selling naloxone without a prescription, setting the overdose-reversing drug on course to become the first opioid treatment drug to be sold over the counter.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Proud to see the FDA stepping up to make NARCAN more widely available over-the-counter. I’ve been a huge advocate for making NARCAN more easily accessible for years and proud of this breakthrough. There’s still work to do in the fight against illicit fentanyl - but this is a win. <a href="https://t.co/pIezbdbJLs">https://t.co/pIezbdbJLs</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1641072897295802373?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>It’s a move that some advocates have long sought as a way to improve access to a life-saving drug, though the exact impact will not be clear immediately.Here’s a look at the issues involved.WHAT IS NARCAN?The approved branded nasal spray from Gaithersburg, Maryland-based Emergent BioSolutions is the best-known form of naloxone.It can reverse overdoses of opioids, including street drugs such as heroin and fentanyl and prescription versions including oxycodone.Making naloxone available more widely is seen as a key strategy to control the nationwide overdose crisis, which has been linked to more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-covid-opioids-death-rates-ba8af16246240aae4b044238ce19e6b6">100,000 U.S. deaths a year</a>. The majority of those deaths are tied to opioids, primarily potent synthetic versions such as fentanyl that can take multiple doses of naloxone to reverse.Advocates believe it's important to get naloxone to the people who are most likely to be around overdoses, including people who use drugs and their relatives.Police and other first responders also often carry it.___WHAT DOES THE FDA APPROVAL MEAN?Narcan will become available over-the-counter by late summer, the company said.Other brands of naloxone and injectable forms will not yet be available over the counter, but they could be soon.The nonprofit Harm Reduction Therapeutics Inc., which has funding from OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma, has an application before the FDA to distribute its version of spray naloxone without a prescription.___HOW IS NALOXONE DISTRIBUTED NOW?Even before the FDA's action, pharmacies could sell naloxone without a prescription because officials in every state have allowed it.But not every pharmacy carries it. And buyers have to pay for the medication — either with an insurance co-pay or for the full retail price. The cost varies, but two doses of Narcan often go for around $50.The drug is also distributed by community organizations that serve people who use drugs,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/naloxone-narcan-overdose-availability-ec12f62eef12ebc67de77afdbb6f11b9">though it's not easily accessible</a>&nbsp;to everyone who needs it.Emergent has not announced its price and it's not clear yet whether insurers will continue to cover it as a prescription drug if it's available over the counter.___DOES MAKING NALOXONE OVER-THE-COUNTER IMPROVE ACCESS?It clears the way for Narcan to be made available in places without pharmacies — convenience stores, supermarkets and online retailers, for instance.Jose Benitez, the lead executive officer at Prevention Point Philadelphia, an organization that tries to reduce risk for people who use drugs with services including handing out free naloxone, said it could help a lot for people who don't seek services — or who live in places where they're not available.Now, he said, some people are concerned about getting naloxone at pharmacies because their insurers will know they're getting it.“Putting it out of the shelves is going to allows people just to pick it up, not have stigma attached to it and readily access this life-saving drug,” he said.But it remains to be seen how many stores will carry it and what the prices will be. The U.S. Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, which now cover prescription naloxone for people on the government insurance programs, says that coverage of over-the-counter naloxone would depend on the insurance program. The centers have not given any official guidance.Maya Doe-Simkins, a co-director of Remedy Alliance/For The People, which launched last year to provide low-cost — and sometimes free — naloxone to community organizations, said her group will continue to distribute injectable naloxone.___ARE THERE DRAWBACKS TO OVER-THE-COUNTER SALES?One concern is whether people who buy Narcan over-the-counter will know how to use it properly, said Keith Humphreys, a Stanford University addiction expert, though the manufacturer is responsible for clear directions and online videos on that.One benefit of having pharmacists involved, he said, is that they can show buyers how to use it. One key thing people need to be reminded of: Call an ambulance for the person receiving naloxone after it's been administered.He also said there are fears that if the drug isn't profitable as an over-the-counter option, the drugmaker could stop producing it.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

FDA approves over-the-counter Narcan. Here's what it means

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man accused in a fatal crash that killed a Kansas Sheriff's Deputy made a court appearance in the case Tuesday.

Kelvin Burgett, 28, Prescott Valley, Arizona is charged with involuntary manslaughter while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and&nbsp; driving while suspended, according to the Sedgwick County arrest report.

In October, a&nbsp;2016 Dodge Charger driven by Sedgwick County Sheriff's Deputy Sidnee Carter, 22, Bel Aire, was southbound on 135th Street at 29th Street north one mile west of Northwest Wichita and Maize responding to a disturbance, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.

A westbound 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Burgett failed to stop at a stop sign and struck the drivers side of the Dodge Charger, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Deputy Carter was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported Burgett to a local hospital.

Deputy Carter had only worked in the field alone for a week, according to Sheriff Easter. She began field training in the summer of 2022 and completed that training Oct. 1.&nbsp;

Deputy Carter had served the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office for one and a half years in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility before transferring to the Law Enforcement Bureau in February 2022. She graduated the Law Enforcement Academy on July 21, 2022.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665249753989.png" alt="Deputy Sidnee Carter-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Deputy Sidnee Carter-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man accused in a fatal crash that killed a Kansas Sheriff's Deputy made a court appearance in the case Tuesday.Kelvin Burgett, 28, Prescott Valley, Arizona is charged with involuntary manslaughter while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and&nbsp; driving while suspended, according to the Sedgwick County arrest report.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680091672733.png" alt="Burgett is being held in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility" />
 <figcaption>Burgett is being held in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility</figcaption>
 </figure>In October, a&nbsp;2016 Dodge Charger driven by Sedgwick County Sheriff's Deputy Sidnee Carter, 22, Bel Aire, was southbound on 135th Street at 29th Street north one mile west of Northwest Wichita and Maize responding to a disturbance, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.A westbound 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Burgett failed to stop at a stop sign and struck the drivers side of the Dodge Charger, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.Deputy Carter was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported Burgett to a local hospital.Deputy Carter had only worked in the field alone for a week, according to Sheriff Easter. She began field training in the summer of 2022 and completed that training Oct. 1.&nbsp;Deputy Carter had served the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office for one and a half years in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility before transferring to the Law Enforcement Bureau in February 2022. She graduated the Law Enforcement Academy on July 21, 2022.&nbsp;

Man charged in crash that killed Kan. deputy appears in court

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and USD 497 were&nbsp; investigating a report of a gun at at Free State High School, 4700 Overland Drive in Lawrence on Tuesday.

The Resource Officer at the school learned students were overheard in the bathroom talking about having a gun, according to a report from Lawrence Police.&nbsp; School staff and police contacted the involved students, separated them from their backpacks, and ensured no gun was present.

One student got scared and ran from the building during questioning, but was detained and released. The School Resource Officer determined there was no safety threat and no students were at risk.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and USD 497 were&nbsp; investigating a report of a gun at at Free State High School, 4700 Overland Drive in Lawrence on Tuesday.The Resource Officer at the school learned students were overheard in the bathroom talking about having a gun, according to a report from Lawrence Police.&nbsp; School staff and police contacted the involved students, separated them from their backpacks, and ensured no gun was present.One student got scared and ran from the building during questioning, but was detained and released. The School Resource Officer determined there was no safety threat and no students were at risk.