By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Attorney General Kris Kobach confirmed a decision not to file a lawsuit contesting Gov. Laura Kelly’s use of the line-item veto on the 2023 Legislature’s bill appropriating funding to K-12 schools.

Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins and the Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson had responded to Kelly’s targeted deletions from the bill by accusing the governor of violating the Kansas Constitution. The Legislature’s top Republican officials strongly encouraged Kobach to “immediately review this unconstitutional overreach” to determine whether it was necessary to file suit.

Masterson subsequently said he was fairly confident the best course was to not challenge the governor’s line-item veto authority on this bill delivering state aid to Kansas schools.

On Friday, Kobach spokeswoman Danedri Herbert affirmed Kobach had elected “not to take any action” on Senate Bill 113 at this time. She said the attorney general didn’t release a legal explanation for not contesting Kelly’s belief the line-item veto was available to her because the bill was an appropriations measure. Republican lawmakers characterized it as a policy bill not subject to line-item veto.

During a news conference in Olathe earlier on Friday, Kelly said she was aware of Kobach’s intention but declined to disclose that information.

“While Governor Kelly and Attorney General Kobach may not always agree, we appreciate the attorney general’s thoughtful and professional approach to vetting legal issues such as this,” said Brianna Johnson, spokeswoman for Kelly. “Governor Kelly is committed to protecting our rural schools, and her measured exercise of her constitutional line-item veto power over an item of appropriation of money did just that.”

The bill passed the House on a vote of 83-37 and the Senate by 23-16 — four votes shy of indicating a veto override was possible in both chambers. The Legislature adjourned without attempting to override Kelly.

Kelly line-item vetoed a provision that would have undercut state aid to districts with shrinking enrollments and vowed to continue to use that veto authority if the Legislature stuffed “really bad policy” into budget bills.

In this bill, the governor decided against vetoing expansion of Kansas’ private school tax credit to students in families with incomes 250% of the federal poverty level and elevation of the tax credit received by organizations or individuals donating to private school scholarships to 75%. In addition, the bill cleared a path for private school students to take part in public school activities and sports.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675368837218.png" alt="Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, a Republican, said he wouldn't file a lawuit challenging Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's use of the line-item veto. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, a Republican, said he wouldn't file a lawuit challenging Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's use of the line-item veto. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Attorney General Kris Kobach confirmed a decision not to file a lawsuit contesting Gov. Laura Kelly’s use of the line-item veto on the 2023 Legislature’s bill appropriating funding to K-12 schools.Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins and the Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson had responded to Kelly’s targeted deletions from the bill by accusing the governor of violating the Kansas Constitution. The Legislature’s top Republican officials strongly encouraged Kobach to “immediately review this unconstitutional overreach” to determine whether it was necessary to file suit.Masterson subsequently said he was fairly confident the best course was to not challenge the governor’s line-item veto authority on this bill delivering state aid to Kansas schools.On Friday, Kobach spokeswoman Danedri Herbert affirmed Kobach had elected “not to take any action” on Senate Bill 113 at this time. She said the attorney general didn’t release a legal explanation for not contesting Kelly’s belief the line-item veto was available to her because the bill was an appropriations measure. Republican lawmakers characterized it as a policy bill not subject to line-item veto.During a news conference in Olathe earlier on Friday, Kelly said she was aware of Kobach’s intention but declined to disclose that information.“While Governor Kelly and Attorney General Kobach may not always agree, we appreciate the attorney general’s thoughtful and professional approach to vetting legal issues such as this,” said Brianna Johnson, spokeswoman for Kelly. “Governor Kelly is committed to protecting our rural schools, and her measured exercise of her constitutional line-item veto power over an item of appropriation of money did just that.”The bill passed the House on a vote of 83-37 and the Senate by 23-16 — four votes shy of indicating a veto override was possible in both chambers. The Legislature adjourned without attempting to override Kelly.Kelly line-item vetoed a provision that would have undercut state aid to districts with shrinking enrollments and vowed to continue to use that veto authority if the Legislature stuffed “really bad policy” into budget bills.In this bill, the governor decided against vetoing expansion of Kansas’ private school tax credit to students in families with incomes 250% of the federal poverty level and elevation of the tax credit received by organizations or individuals donating to private school scholarships to 75%. In addition, the bill cleared a path for private school students to take part in public school activities and sports.

Kansas AG not planning lawsuit against governor on school bill veto

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats are deeply conflicted about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-work-requirements-snap-medicaid-biden-66270829cfc0009ddb5f59eb12a6ba7a">food aid requirements</a>&nbsp;that President Joe Biden negotiated as part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-limit-budget-36bd8dbb08192ba7f7507cab16184d93">debt ceiling deal</a>, fearing damage has been done to safety net programs that will be difficult to unravel in the years ahead as Republicans demand further cuts.

Bargaining over toughening work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps, became the focal point for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-kevin-mccarthy-debt-limit-aee6d1dd48f53bedadfe1212e231f48f">White House and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy</a>, R-Calif., up until the end. Negotiators from both sides made clear, publicly and privately, that it was the biggest area of disagreement and almost led to the talks breaking down several times.

In the end, Democrats warily accepted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-bill-default-work-requirements-food-stamps-a42064f794b4466903ca06ca140b9013">new requirements</a>&nbsp;for some able-bodied recipients in exchange for food aid. Republicans agreed to drop some work requirements for veterans, homeless people and others.

The result of the tense back-and-forth was a deal that played to both sides, but one that many Democrats agonized over as they weighed whether to vote for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-ceiling-deal-food-aid-student-loans-3c284b01d95f8e193bca8d873386400e">the package</a>&nbsp;this past week. Many struggled to square cutting access to food for marginalized communities with an outcome that allowed the United States to avoid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-default-government-shutdown-explainer-b38474f210e519aeb3f48107ca2657ba">defaulting on its debt.</a>

“In order for this country to not default on its bills, we then turned and made our most vulnerable communities default," said Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo. Years before she came to Congress, Bush lived in a car with her then-husband and two young children after the family had been evicted from their rental home.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/applicant-recipient">federal aid program</a>&nbsp;provides monthly funds — sometimes as little as $6 a day — to allow low-income individuals and families to buy groceries. It is the largest program in the country focused on fighting hunger, with 41 million people using benefits last year alone to purchase food, according to the Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, which administers the program.

By 2025, new requirements will apply to able-bodied adults from age 49 to 54 without dependents — an increase of five years. Those individuals will be required to work or attend training programs for at least 80 hours a month if they want to receive more than three months of SNAP benefits within a three-year period.

Republicans have tried for decades to expand work requirements for these government assistance programs, arguing they result in more people returning to the workforce, despite&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbo.gov/publication/57702">several studies</a>&nbsp;that have found they have little impact on employment.

“We’re going to return these programs to being a life vest, not a lifestyle. A hand up, not a handout and that has always been the American way,” Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana, the vice chair of the House Republican conference, told reporters.

The White House countered that Republican proposition by getting GOP lawmakers to waive the work requirements for new groups — veterans, individuals who are homeless or facing housing instability and youth aging out of foster care — to balance out the number of people who would now be facing these new restrictions.

The end result could be more people receiving SNAP benefits overall.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2023-05/hr3746_Letter_McCarthy.pdf">An estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office</a>&nbsp;released Tuesday said that the changes in the debt ceiling package would add almost 80,000 people to the rolls of SNAP in an average month.

But the trade-off of seemingly helping some groups while hurting others still left the left flank of the Democratic Party — lawmakers who have supported Biden and helped pass his agenda for the first two years of his term — frustrated by the outcome. That was especially the case as advocates, including the nonpartisan National Alliance to End Homelessness, warned of a disturbing trend across the country of an increase in the number of older adults who are becoming homeless, some for the first time.

“What we should not be playing is oppression Olympics,” Bush said. “Like which one gets to hurt today? Which one gets to get to that finish line to hurt today? That’s not where we should be as a society.”

Bush, a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, voted “no” on the debt limit deal on Wednesday night after she spent days hearing from advocate groups and constituents on the issue.

“I think it’s important that (Biden) understands that it’s good for us to have a strong, no vote because this isn’t a deal that he would have made if we hadn’t been held hostage,” Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington state, chair of the Progressive Caucus, told The Associated Press this past week.

They weren't alone. Several dozen Democrats in the House and a handful in the Senate voted against the compromise, arguing that the bill allowed for Republican hostage-taking and could open the door for future cuts to these government programs in the next several months.

“I did not agree to these SNAP restrictions, and I won’t give Republicans an opening to try and take food from more food insecure Americans in Farm Bill negotiations later this year," Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., said in a statement.

The White House and Democrats who ended up supporting the negotiated deal said they believe the issue of work requirements and risk posed by Republicans have been put to bed.

"The most important thing to me is the fact that this closes the door on that debate," said Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, who leads the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee and has been a longtime champion and defender of the SNAP program. “We are not going to bring it up again in the farm bill. This is not something that’s going to be renegotiated. It’s done.”

But advocates warn that could change because the debt limit bill was the most substantial change of the work rules for food aid and other government assistance programs since they were put into place in the 1996 welfare overhaul.

Some of the most conservative Republicans in Congress — part of the right flank whom McCarthy had to pacify to become speaker — have criticized the plan for being “weak” and are itching to go even further to clamp down on these programs.

“In this bill, we have temporary work requirements, but we’ve added permanent new exceptions,” said Texas Rep. Keith Self, a member of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus that overwhelmingly rejected the bill. “That, ladies and gentlemen, is a sleight of hand.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685825980602.png" alt="With just two days to spare, President Joe Biden on Saturday signed legislation that lifts the nation’s debt ceiling- White House photo" />
 <figcaption>With just two days to spare, President Joe Biden on Saturday signed legislation that lifts the nation’s debt ceiling- White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats are deeply conflicted about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-work-requirements-snap-medicaid-biden-66270829cfc0009ddb5f59eb12a6ba7a">food aid requirements</a>&nbsp;that President Joe Biden negotiated as part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-limit-budget-36bd8dbb08192ba7f7507cab16184d93">debt ceiling deal</a>, fearing damage has been done to safety net programs that will be difficult to unravel in the years ahead as Republicans demand further cuts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685800546207.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Bargaining over toughening work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps, became the focal point for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-kevin-mccarthy-debt-limit-aee6d1dd48f53bedadfe1212e231f48f">White House and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy</a>, R-Calif., up until the end. Negotiators from both sides made clear, publicly and privately, that it was the biggest area of disagreement and almost led to the talks breaking down several times.In the end, Democrats warily accepted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-bill-default-work-requirements-food-stamps-a42064f794b4466903ca06ca140b9013">new requirements</a>&nbsp;for some able-bodied recipients in exchange for food aid. Republicans agreed to drop some work requirements for veterans, homeless people and others.The result of the tense back-and-forth was a deal that played to both sides, but one that many Democrats agonized over as they weighed whether to vote for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-ceiling-deal-food-aid-student-loans-3c284b01d95f8e193bca8d873386400e">the package</a>&nbsp;this past week. Many struggled to square cutting access to food for marginalized communities with an outcome that allowed the United States to avoid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-default-government-shutdown-explainer-b38474f210e519aeb3f48107ca2657ba">defaulting on its debt.</a>“In order for this country to not default on its bills, we then turned and made our most vulnerable communities default," said Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo. Years before she came to Congress, Bush lived in a car with her then-husband and two young children after the family had been evicted from their rental home.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/applicant-recipient">federal aid program</a>&nbsp;provides monthly funds — sometimes as little as $6 a day — to allow low-income individuals and families to buy groceries. It is the largest program in the country focused on fighting hunger, with 41 million people using benefits last year alone to purchase food, according to the Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, which administers the program.By 2025, new requirements will apply to able-bodied adults from age 49 to 54 without dependents — an increase of five years. Those individuals will be required to work or attend training programs for at least 80 hours a month if they want to receive more than three months of SNAP benefits within a three-year period.Republicans have tried for decades to expand work requirements for these government assistance programs, arguing they result in more people returning to the workforce, despite&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbo.gov/publication/57702">several studies</a>&nbsp;that have found they have little impact on employment.“We’re going to return these programs to being a life vest, not a lifestyle. A hand up, not a handout and that has always been the American way,” Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana, the vice chair of the House Republican conference, told reporters.The White House countered that Republican proposition by getting GOP lawmakers to waive the work requirements for new groups — veterans, individuals who are homeless or facing housing instability and youth aging out of foster care — to balance out the number of people who would now be facing these new restrictions.The end result could be more people receiving SNAP benefits overall.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2023-05/hr3746_Letter_McCarthy.pdf">An estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office</a>&nbsp;released Tuesday said that the changes in the debt ceiling package would add almost 80,000 people to the rolls of SNAP in an average month.But the trade-off of seemingly helping some groups while hurting others still left the left flank of the Democratic Party — lawmakers who have supported Biden and helped pass his agenda for the first two years of his term — frustrated by the outcome. That was especially the case as advocates, including the nonpartisan National Alliance to End Homelessness, warned of a disturbing trend across the country of an increase in the number of older adults who are becoming homeless, some for the first time.“What we should not be playing is oppression Olympics,” Bush said. “Like which one gets to hurt today? Which one gets to get to that finish line to hurt today? That’s not where we should be as a society.”Bush, a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, voted “no” on the debt limit deal on Wednesday night after she spent days hearing from advocate groups and constituents on the issue.“I think it’s important that (Biden) understands that it’s good for us to have a strong, no vote because this isn’t a deal that he would have made if we hadn’t been held hostage,” Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington state, chair of the Progressive Caucus, told The Associated Press this past week.They weren't alone. Several dozen Democrats in the House and a handful in the Senate voted against the compromise, arguing that the bill allowed for Republican hostage-taking and could open the door for future cuts to these government programs in the next several months.“I did not agree to these SNAP restrictions, and I won’t give Republicans an opening to try and take food from more food insecure Americans in Farm Bill negotiations later this year," Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., said in a statement.The White House and Democrats who ended up supporting the negotiated deal said they believe the issue of work requirements and risk posed by Republicans have been put to bed."The most important thing to me is the fact that this closes the door on that debate," said Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, who leads the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee and has been a longtime champion and defender of the SNAP program. “We are not going to bring it up again in the farm bill. This is not something that’s going to be renegotiated. It’s done.”But advocates warn that could change because the debt limit bill was the most substantial change of the work rules for food aid and other government assistance programs since they were put into place in the 1996 welfare overhaul.Some of the most conservative Republicans in Congress — part of the right flank whom McCarthy had to pacify to become speaker — have criticized the plan for being “weak” and are itching to go even further to clamp down on these programs.“In this bill, we have temporary work requirements, but we’ve added permanent new exceptions,” said Texas Rep. Keith Self, a member of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus that overwhelmingly rejected the bill. “That, ladies and gentlemen, is a sleight of hand.”

Debt deal: New work requirements for food aid frustrate many

GEARY COUNTY - On June 1st, officers from the Riley County Police Department, Fort Riley, the Junction City Police Department and Geary County Sheriff's Office carried the 'Flame of Hope' torch for Special Olympics Kansas, as part of the 1,600-mile journey across Kansas for the ceremonial 2023 Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Officers from the Riley County Police Department met with Special Olympics athletes at the Ogden Community Center, where they started their leg of the 2023 Torch Run.

The Riley County group ran to the Ogden Gate at Fort Riley, where they met a group of soldiers from Fort Riley, handing off the torch to them to continue the trek.

"So this is actually a little bit more near and dear to my heart. My older brother, he was a Special Olympics athlete and I grew up watching him compete in bowling and track and baseball and get to do all of these amazing things because of Special Olympics. So it has meant a lot to me to be able to then become a law enforcement officer and support Special Olympics through all these fundraisers, these athletes are amazing. They come out and they run with us and it's just a great event." RCPD Corporal and FOP President, Rachel Pate says.

Officers from Fort Riley carried the torch along Huebner Road across Fort Riley exiting post at the Grant Gate where they were met by officers from Junction City Police Department and the Geary County Sheriff's Office.

Law enforcement officers raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Kansas throughout the year by participating in fundraisers, including the Torch Run, Tip-A-Cop, Polar Plunge and Cover the Cruiser events.

Special Olympics athletes joined the officers in running from Grant Gate to Heritage Park in Junction City to complete the region's section of the annual Torch Run.

Funds raised are used to support Special Olympics athletes have access to participate in sports events throughout the year.

"It's just a wonderful event to help raise awareness for Special Olympics. And I mean, it's just something I just near dear to my heart. I just enjoy doing it. Just get some good running shoes. No, it's a slow pace. You got to kind of be a little prepared for a little slower paced, but truly, we all out here having a good time and enjoying each other's company and just helping raise awareness." JCPD Lieutenant Matt Paquette says.

"This year is the most Special Olympic Athletes with Junction City Pacesetters that we've had out here in several, several years, and that John Haggerty and his group does a great job with the athletes and so we're just happy to participate with them." State Representative Jeff Underhill says.

The Torch Run is the lead up to the annual summer Special Olympics games held in Wichita in June.

By BECKY GOFF JC Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685972062120.jpeg" alt="JCPD with Fort Riley meet to exchange the 'Flame of Hope' for Special Olympics Torch Run" />
 <figcaption>JCPD with Fort Riley meet to exchange the 'Flame of Hope' for Special Olympics Torch Run</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY - On June 1st, officers from the Riley County Police Department, Fort Riley, the Junction City Police Department and Geary County Sheriff's Office carried the 'Flame of Hope' torch for Special Olympics Kansas, as part of the 1,600-mile journey across Kansas for the ceremonial 2023 Law Enforcement Torch Run.Officers from the Riley County Police Department met with Special Olympics athletes at the Ogden Community Center, where they started their leg of the 2023 Torch Run.The Riley County group ran to the Ogden Gate at Fort Riley, where they met a group of soldiers from Fort Riley, handing off the torch to them to continue the trek."So this is actually a little bit more near and dear to my heart. My older brother, he was a Special Olympics athlete and I grew up watching him compete in bowling and track and baseball and get to do all of these amazing things because of Special Olympics. So it has meant a lot to me to be able to then become a law enforcement officer and support Special Olympics through all these fundraisers, these athletes are amazing. They come out and they run with us and it's just a great event." RCPD Corporal and FOP President, Rachel Pate says.<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/Rav1jt01-60zMcgvZ.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Why Torch Run" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Officers from Fort Riley carried the torch along Huebner Road across Fort Riley exiting post at the Grant Gate where they were met by officers from Junction City Police Department and the Geary County Sheriff's Office.Law enforcement officers raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Kansas throughout the year by participating in fundraisers, including the Torch Run, Tip-A-Cop, Polar Plunge and Cover the Cruiser events.Special Olympics athletes joined the officers in running from Grant Gate to Heritage Park in Junction City to complete the region's section of the annual Torch Run.Funds raised are used to support Special Olympics athletes have access to participate in sports events throughout the year."It's just a wonderful event to help raise awareness for Special Olympics. And I mean, it's just something I just near dear to my heart. I just enjoy doing it. Just get some good running shoes. No, it's a slow pace. You got to kind of be a little prepared for a little slower paced, but truly, we all out here having a good time and enjoying each other's company and just helping raise awareness." JCPD Lieutenant Matt Paquette says."This year is the most Special Olympic Athletes with Junction City Pacesetters that we've had out here in several, several years, and that John Haggerty and his group does a great job with the athletes and so we're just happy to participate with them." State Representative Jeff Underhill says.<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/0HrLRlf0-60zMcgvZ.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="2023 Torch Run Trek" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>The Torch Run is the lead up to the annual summer Special Olympics games held in Wichita in June.

🎥 Law Enforcement complete Torch Run to support Special Olympians

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that seriously injured an 18-year-old girl from Wichita.

Just after 1a.m.&nbsp; Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting call in the 2500 block of South Seneca Street in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

First responders located the 18-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to her right forearm. EMS&nbsp;transported her to a local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation revealed that she was involved in a verbal argument with an unknown suspect and during the incident the suspect produced a handgun and shot at the victim.

The investigators are still working to fully determine what led up to the shooting. Police released no additional details and have not released any suspect information.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that seriously injured an 18-year-old girl from Wichita.Just after 1a.m.&nbsp; Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting call in the 2500 block of South Seneca Street in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.First responders located the 18-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to her right forearm. EMS&nbsp;transported her to a local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.The investigation revealed that she was involved in a verbal argument with an unknown suspect and during the incident the suspect produced a handgun and shot at the victim.The investigators are still working to fully determine what led up to the shooting. Police released no additional details and have not released any suspect information.

Suspect shot 18-year-old Kansas woman in the arm

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of a Monday morning house fire.

Just before 2:30 a.m. Monday, fire crews responded to a house fire&nbsp; at 2801 SE 6th Avenue in Topeka, according to fire department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

Crews found smoke and flames coming from the single-story house.&nbsp;&nbsp;Firefighters found no occupants.&nbsp;After a preliminary investigation the fire cause remains undetermined, pending further investigation. No injuries were reported at this incident.

The total estimated loss is $42,000, with $37,000 associated with structural loss and $5,000 associated with content loss.

The home did not have working smoke detectors, according to investigators.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685975897105.png" alt="Fire crews on the scene of the fire on Monday -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Fire crews on the scene of the fire on Monday -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of a Monday morning house fire.Just before 2:30 a.m. Monday, fire crews responded to a house fire&nbsp; at 2801 SE 6th Avenue in Topeka, according to fire department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.Crews found smoke and flames coming from the single-story house.&nbsp;&nbsp;Firefighters found no occupants.&nbsp;After a preliminary investigation the fire cause remains undetermined, pending further investigation. No injuries were reported at this incident.The total estimated loss is $42,000, with $37,000 associated with structural loss and $5,000 associated with content loss.The home did not have working smoke detectors, according to investigators.

Crews working to determine cause of Kansas house fire

PLATTE COUNTY—The&nbsp;Platte County Prosecutor’s Office filed charges on Saturday against 50-year-old Phillip J. Frazier in the death of 32-year-old Cody J. Steffen, in Northmoor, Missouri, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.

On Friday Platte County deputies along with officers of the Riverside Police Department responded to reports of a shooting in a strip mall&nbsp; in&nbsp;2400 Block of Vivion Road in Northmoor, Missouri, nine miles north of Kansas City.

The shooting allegedly occurred after Frazier's vehicle struck Steffen's vehicle. Witnesses reported hearing Steffen ask Frazier for his insurance information. 

Witnesses also reported seeing Frazier pull a handgun from the small of his back and point it at the victim. The gun allegedly still had a holster on it. Frazier allegedly removed the holster from the gun and shot Steffen from only a few inches away.

A Riverside Police officer took Frazier into custody shortly after the shooting.

Prosecutor Eric Zahnd stated, “This is the kind of tragedy that is occurring far too frequently these days. Someone is dead from gunfire after a minor fender bender. Fortunately, thanks to an excellent joint investigation by the Northmoor and Riverside police departments and the Platte County Sheriff’s Office, this defendant was quickly apprehended and charged.”

Frazier has been charged with 2nd Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action and is currently being held in the Platte County Detention Center without bond.&nbsp;

PLATTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide in Platte County.

Just after 3p.m. Friday, the Platte County Sheriff's Office and the Northmoor Police Department responded to a shooting outside a store at a strip mall in the 2400 Block of Vivion Road, according to a media release.

A 32-year-old man from Kansas City, Missouri, was found deceased at the scene. Investigators spoke with a 50-year-old man who is a possible suspect.

Authorities did not release the victim's name or additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685845658309.png" alt="Frazier is being held without bond in Platte Co." />
 <figcaption>Frazier is being held without bond in Platte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PLATTE COUNTY—The&nbsp;Platte County Prosecutor’s Office filed charges on Saturday against 50-year-old Phillip J. Frazier in the death of 32-year-old Cody J. Steffen, in Northmoor, Missouri, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.On Friday Platte County deputies along with officers of the Riverside Police Department responded to reports of a shooting in a strip mall&nbsp; in&nbsp;2400 Block of Vivion Road in Northmoor, Missouri, nine miles north of Kansas City.The shooting allegedly occurred after Frazier's vehicle struck Steffen's vehicle. Witnesses reported hearing Steffen ask Frazier for his insurance information. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685799897744.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy Fox4Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy Fox4Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>Witnesses also reported seeing Frazier pull a handgun from the small of his back and point it at the victim. The gun allegedly still had a holster on it. Frazier allegedly removed the holster from the gun and shot Steffen from only a few inches away.A Riverside Police officer took Frazier into custody shortly after the shooting.Prosecutor Eric Zahnd stated, “This is the kind of tragedy that is occurring far too frequently these days. Someone is dead from gunfire after a minor fender bender. Fortunately, thanks to an excellent joint investigation by the Northmoor and Riverside police departments and the Platte County Sheriff’s Office, this defendant was quickly apprehended and charged.”Frazier has been charged with 2nd Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action and is currently being held in the Platte County Detention Center without bond.&nbsp;--------PLATTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide in Platte County.Just after 3p.m. Friday, the Platte County Sheriff's Office and the Northmoor Police Department responded to a shooting outside a store at a strip mall in the 2400 Block of Vivion Road, according to a media release.A 32-year-old man from Kansas City, Missouri, was found deceased at the scene. Investigators spoke with a 50-year-old man who is a possible suspect.Authorities did not release the victim's name or additional details.

Charges filed in KC-area strip mall fender bender killing

BANGKOK (AP) — The United States military released video Monday of what it called an “unsafe” Chinese maneuver in the Taiwan Strait on the weekend, in which a Chinese navy ship cut sharply across the path of an American destroyer, forcing the U.S. vessel to slow to avoid a collision.

The incident occurred Saturday as the American destroyer USS Chung-Hoon and Canadian frigate HMCS Montreal were conducting a so-called “freedom of navigation” transit of the strait between Taiwan and mainland China.

China claims the democratic self-governing island of Taiwan as part of its own territory, and maintains the strait is part of its exclusive economic zone, while the U.S. and its allies regularly sail through and fly over the passage to emphasize their contention that the waters are international.

During the Saturday transit, the Chinese guided-missile destroyer overtook the Chung-Hoon on its port side, then veered across its bow at a distance of some 150 yards (137 meters), according to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. The American destroyer held its course, but reduced speed to 10 knots “to avoid a collision,” the military said.

The video released Monday shows the Chinese ship cutting across the course of the American one, then straightening out to start sailing in a parallel direction.

The Indo-Pacific Command said the actions violated maritime rules of safe passage in international water.

The Chinese ship did not attempt a similar maneuver on the Canadian frigate, which was sailing behind the American destroyer.

“Chung-Hoon and Montreal’s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the combined U.S.-Canadian commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the Indo-Pacific Command said. "The U.S. military flies, sails, and operates safely and responsibly anywhere international law allows."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin defended the maneuver, saying it was undertaken “in accordance with the law.”

“China's military actions are completely justified, lawful, safe and professional,” he told reporters in Beijing. “It is the U.S. that should deeply reflect upon itself and correct the wrongdoings.”

The U.S. recently accused China of also performing an “unnecessarily aggressive maneuver” in the air, saying a Chinese J-16 fighter jet late last month flew directly in front of the nose of a U.S. Air Force reconnaissance aircraft over the South China Sea.

The close-calls have raised concerns of a possible accident that could lead to an escalation between the two countries' militaries at a time when tensions in the region are already high.

The incident in the Taiwan Strait came on a day when both&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-defense-asia-warship-taiwan-7d0829159a9919601f70cf822d4ec23e">U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu</a>&nbsp;were in Singapore for an annual defense conference.

Li on Sunday suggested that the U.S. and its allies have created the danger with their patrols, and was intent on provoking China.

“The best way is for the countries, especially the naval vessels and fighter jets of countries, not to do closing actions around other countries’ territories,” he said through an interpreter. “What’s the point of going there? In China we always say, ‘Mind your own business.’”

Austin had invited Li to talk on the sidelines of the conference; Li refused.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685961033735.png" alt="The Indo-Pacific Command said the actions violated maritime rules of safe passage in international water. Image INDOPACOM" />
 <figcaption>The Indo-Pacific Command said the actions violated maritime rules of safe passage in international water. Image INDOPACOM</figcaption>
 </figure>BANGKOK (AP) — The United States military released video Monday of what it called an “unsafe” Chinese maneuver in the Taiwan Strait on the weekend, in which a Chinese navy ship cut sharply across the path of an American destroyer, forcing the U.S. vessel to slow to avoid a collision.The incident occurred Saturday as the American destroyer USS Chung-Hoon and Canadian frigate HMCS Montreal were conducting a so-called “freedom of navigation” transit of the strait between Taiwan and mainland China.China claims the democratic self-governing island of Taiwan as part of its own territory, and maintains the strait is part of its exclusive economic zone, while the U.S. and its allies regularly sail through and fly over the passage to emphasize their contention that the waters are international.During the Saturday transit, the Chinese guided-missile destroyer overtook the Chung-Hoon on its port side, then veered across its bow at a distance of some 150 yards (137 meters), according to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. The American destroyer held its course, but reduced speed to 10 knots “to avoid a collision,” the military said.The video released Monday shows the Chinese ship cutting across the course of the American one, then straightening out to start sailing in a parallel direction.The Indo-Pacific Command said the actions violated maritime rules of safe passage in international water.The Chinese ship did not attempt a similar maneuver on the Canadian frigate, which was sailing behind the American destroyer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685562587349.png" alt="In May, a Chinese J-16 fighter pilot that "flew directly in front of the nose of a U.S. RC-135, forcing the American pilot to fly through the turbulent wake. Image INDOPACOM" />
 <figcaption>In May, a Chinese J-16 fighter pilot that "flew directly in front of the nose of a U.S. RC-135, forcing the American pilot to fly through the turbulent wake. Image INDOPACOM</figcaption>
 </figure>“Chung-Hoon and Montreal’s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the combined U.S.-Canadian commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the Indo-Pacific Command said. "The U.S. military flies, sails, and operates safely and responsibly anywhere international law allows."Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin defended the maneuver, saying it was undertaken “in accordance with the law.”“China's military actions are completely justified, lawful, safe and professional,” he told reporters in Beijing. “It is the U.S. that should deeply reflect upon itself and correct the wrongdoings.”The U.S. recently accused China of also performing an “unnecessarily aggressive maneuver” in the air, saying a Chinese J-16 fighter jet late last month flew directly in front of the nose of a U.S. Air Force reconnaissance aircraft over the South China Sea.The close-calls have raised concerns of a possible accident that could lead to an escalation between the two countries' militaries at a time when tensions in the region are already high.The incident in the Taiwan Strait came on a day when both&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-defense-asia-warship-taiwan-7d0829159a9919601f70cf822d4ec23e">U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu</a>&nbsp;were in Singapore for an annual defense conference.Li on Sunday suggested that the U.S. and its allies have created the danger with their patrols, and was intent on provoking China.“The best way is for the countries, especially the naval vessels and fighter jets of countries, not to do closing actions around other countries’ territories,” he said through an interpreter. “What’s the point of going there? In China we always say, ‘Mind your own business.’”Austin had invited Li to talk on the sidelines of the conference; Li refused.

U.S. destroyer has close call with Chinese warship in Taiwan Strait

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a gunfight that sent a teen to the hospital.

Just after 11:30 p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting call at a convenience store the 3900 block of South Meridian in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Police located an 18-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to his right upper back. The victim was transported to an area hospital with critical but non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

The investigation revealed that the victim was struck by gunfire after a 20-year-old victim of a robbery exchanged gunfire with a male suspect after the suspect started shooting at him.

The investigators are still working to fully determine what led up to the shooting. The injured teen underwent surgery and was reported in stable condition, according to Rebolledo

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685928677855.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a gunfight that sent a teen to the hospital.Just after 11:30 p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting call at a convenience store the 3900 block of South Meridian in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.Police located an 18-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to his right upper back. The victim was transported to an area hospital with critical but non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;The investigation revealed that the victim was struck by gunfire after a 20-year-old victim of a robbery exchanged gunfire with a male suspect after the suspect started shooting at him.The investigators are still working to fully determine what led up to the shooting. The injured teen underwent surgery and was reported in stable condition, according to Rebolledo

Kansas teen injured after alleged robbery gunfight 

RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stabbing and have made an arrest.

On Friday, Sheriff's deputies were sent to a welfare check of Jane Stotts at her residence on 95th Avenue, according to a media release from the Reno County Sheriff's office.

The welfare check was initiated by her husband Larry Stotts after he dropped off at the Love’s store in McPherson with stab wounds. The individual who dropped him off told Love’s employees that Larry needed medical attention and left the area.

Deputies arrived at the Stott's residence and determined Jane Stotts was fine. While deputies were at the Stotts home, the Hutchinson Police Department had been sent to a suspicious vehicle on West Second Avenue. The vehicle was registered to Larry and Jane Stotts and appeared to have blood inside of it.

The vehicle has been seized by the Reno County Sheriff's Office for processing and they arrested Paul Stotts, the son of Larry and Jane Stotts on a requested charge for attempted first degree murder. He was booked into jail on Friday and is currently in the Reno County Correctional Facility, according to the release.

Larry Stotts was transported to Wesley Medical Center, has been treated for his wounds and is recovering.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685959420277.png" alt="Stotts has previous convictions for battery, robbery, aggravated battery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Stotts has previous convictions for battery, robbery, aggravated battery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stabbing and have made an arrest.On Friday, Sheriff's deputies were sent to a welfare check of Jane Stotts at her residence on 95th Avenue, according to a media release from the Reno County Sheriff's office.The welfare check was initiated by her husband Larry Stotts after he dropped off at the Love’s store in McPherson with stab wounds. The individual who dropped him off told Love’s employees that Larry needed medical attention and left the area.Deputies arrived at the Stott's residence and determined Jane Stotts was fine. While deputies were at the Stotts home, the Hutchinson Police Department had been sent to a suspicious vehicle on West Second Avenue. The vehicle was registered to Larry and Jane Stotts and appeared to have blood inside of it.The vehicle has been seized by the Reno County Sheriff's Office for processing and they arrested Paul Stotts, the son of Larry and Jane Stotts on a requested charge for attempted first degree murder. He was booked into jail on Friday and is currently in the Reno County Correctional Facility, according to the release.Larry Stotts was transported to Wesley Medical Center, has been treated for his wounds and is recovering.

Kan. man with a history of crime accused of stabbing his father

WASHINGTON —The Defense Department announced an additional security assistance package for Ukraine this past week that contains key capabilities to arm against Russian airstrikes targeting critical infrastructure across the country, according to a media release from the department.

The latest package, valued at up to $300 million, marks the 39th drawdown of DOD equipment for Ukraine since August 2021.

The newly announced assistance comes on the heels of Russia's recent drone attacks aimed at Ukraine's civilian infrastructure far from the front lines.

"Russia has continued to wage a brutal, completely unprovoked war against Ukraine, launching yet more airstrikes and bombarding Ukrainian cities across the country," said National Security Council spokesman John F. Kirby during a briefing at the White House. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Russia's recent onslaught included 17 separate air assaults targeting Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, in May alone. Those attacks harmed civilians and hit critical civilian infrastructure, Kirby said.&nbsp;

"In response, the United States is going to continue to help give them things that they need to better defend themselves," he said.&nbsp;

Included in the package are additional munitions for Patriot air defense systems, Avenger air defense systems, Stinger antiaircraft systems and AIM-7 missiles for air defense. &nbsp;

The package also includes more artillery and antiarmor capabilities, in addition to precision aerial munitions and other items. &nbsp;

The Biden administration has committed more than $37.6 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's invasion in February 2022. &nbsp;

Kirby said the U.S. and its allies remain firmly committed to supporting Ukraine going forward. &nbsp;

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III underscored the urgent need to help Ukraine defend its skies during last week's meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.

"One of Ukraine's most urgent requirements is ground-based air defense," Austin said. "And this contact group will continue driving hard to help Ukraine defend the skies. In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its sordid bombardment of Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. And the Kremlin's cruelty only underscores Ukraine's need for a stronger, layered ground-based air defense architecture." &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, the U.S. has led 12 meetings of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, an alliance of more than 50 countries committed to the defense of Ukraine. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Austin underscored the United States' continued support for Ukraine at the conclusion of the latest summit, saying the contact group committed to doing even more to support Ukraine's fight for freedom.

<a href="https://www.defense.gov/Spotlights/Support-for-Ukraine/">Spotlight: Support for Ukraine&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685796321552.png" alt="Air Force Staff Sgt. Dave Servida, ramp supervisor for the 436th Aerial Port Squadron, directs weapons cargo bound for Ukraine onto a C-17 Globemaster III during a security assistance mission at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Aug. 19, 2022. Photo by Air Force Airman 1st Class Cydney Lee" />
 <figcaption>Air Force Staff Sgt. Dave Servida, ramp supervisor for the 436th Aerial Port Squadron, directs weapons cargo bound for Ukraine onto a C-17 Globemaster III during a security assistance mission at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Aug. 19, 2022. Photo by Air Force Airman 1st Class Cydney Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —The Defense Department announced an additional security assistance package for Ukraine this past week that contains key capabilities to arm against Russian airstrikes targeting critical infrastructure across the country, according to a media release from the department.The latest package, valued at up to $300 million, marks the 39th drawdown of DOD equipment for Ukraine since August 2021.The newly announced assistance comes on the heels of Russia's recent drone attacks aimed at Ukraine's civilian infrastructure far from the front lines."Russia has continued to wage a brutal, completely unprovoked war against Ukraine, launching yet more airstrikes and bombarding Ukrainian cities across the country," said National Security Council spokesman John F. Kirby during a briefing at the White House. &nbsp; &nbsp;Russia's recent onslaught included 17 separate air assaults targeting Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, in May alone. Those attacks harmed civilians and hit critical civilian infrastructure, Kirby said.&nbsp;"In response, the United States is going to continue to help give them things that they need to better defend themselves," he said.&nbsp;Included in the package are additional munitions for Patriot air defense systems, Avenger air defense systems, Stinger antiaircraft systems and AIM-7 missiles for air defense. &nbsp;The package also includes more artillery and antiarmor capabilities, in addition to precision aerial munitions and other items. &nbsp;The Biden administration has committed more than $37.6 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's invasion in February 2022. &nbsp;Kirby said the U.S. and its allies remain firmly committed to supporting Ukraine going forward. &nbsp;Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III underscored the urgent need to help Ukraine defend its skies during last week's meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group."One of Ukraine's most urgent requirements is ground-based air defense," Austin said. "And this contact group will continue driving hard to help Ukraine defend the skies. In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its sordid bombardment of Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. And the Kremlin's cruelty only underscores Ukraine's need for a stronger, layered ground-based air defense architecture." &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, the U.S. has led 12 meetings of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, an alliance of more than 50 countries committed to the defense of Ukraine. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Austin underscored the United States' continued support for Ukraine at the conclusion of the latest summit, saying the contact group committed to doing even more to support Ukraine's fight for freedom.<a href="https://www.defense.gov/Spotlights/Support-for-Ukraine/">Spotlight: Support for Ukraine&nbsp;</a>

U.S. sending Ukraine another $300 million in additional military aid

EL DORADO, Kansas&nbsp;– El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF) inmaate Luis Diaz died Sunday morning June 4, at the facility, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections. The cause of death is pending further investigation as well as results of an independent autopsy.

Diaz, 60, was serving a sentence for one count of attempted  murder in the first degree and one count of criminal threat from Sedgwick County and was admitted to KDOC on June 4, 2007.

Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). The investigation is currently on-going.

The El Dorado Correctional Facility is an all-male facility housing all custody levels with a current population of 1,734 residents. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685921752525.png" alt="Diaz-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Diaz-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>EL DORADO, Kansas&nbsp;– El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF) inmaate Luis Diaz died Sunday morning June 4, at the facility, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections. The cause of death is pending further investigation as well as results of an independent autopsy.Diaz, 60, was serving a sentence for one count of attempted murder in the first degree and one count of criminal threat from Sedgwick County and was admitted to KDOC on June 4, 2007.Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). The investigation is currently on-going.The El Dorado Correctional Facility is an all-male facility housing all custody levels with a current population of 1,734 residents. &nbsp;

Inmate serving time for attempted murder dies in Kansas prison

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A federal appeals court has vacated a stay of execution for a Missouri inmate who is scheduled to be executed on Tuesday for his role in the deaths of two jailers.

Michael Tisius, 42, was sentenced to death after being convicted of killing Randolph County jailers Jason Acton and Leon Egley during a failed escape attempt.

U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/execution-missouri-jailer-death-row-killing-9056cc0ebbfa8e82be8942c56583377b">issued the stay</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday and ordered an evidentiary hearing after Tisius' attorneys argued that a juror in his 2010 resentencing was illiterate, which is not allowed under state law.

On Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit said the lower court did not have jurisdiction to order the stay.

Keith O’Connor, an attorney for Tisius, said his team will appeal the decision, the Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article276067031.html">reported</a>.

Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty and the Missouri NAACP have asked Republican Gov. Mike Parson to grant Tisius clemency, citing a history of abuse, that he was 19-years-old at the time of the killings, and his remorse and rehabilitation since the shootings.

In 2000, Tisius and Tracie Bulington went to the Randolph County jail to help Bulington's boyfriend, Roy Vance, escape, prosecutors said. Tisius shot and killed the jailers. The plot failed because the intruders couldn’t find the cell keys.&nbsp;Tisius and Bulington were arrested on the day of the shootings in Wathena, Kan., about 130 miles west of Huntsville.

Defense attorneys have argued that Tisius intended to order the jailers into a holding cell and free Vance and other inmates.

Tisius' defense team issued a video earlier this week in which Vance said he planned the escape attempt and manipulated Tisius into participating.

Bulington and Vance are serving life sentences.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677790581061.png" alt="Tisius photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Tisius photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A federal appeals court has vacated a stay of execution for a Missouri inmate who is scheduled to be executed on Tuesday for his role in the deaths of two jailers.Michael Tisius, 42, was sentenced to death after being convicted of killing Randolph County jailers Jason Acton and Leon Egley during a failed escape attempt.U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/execution-missouri-jailer-death-row-killing-9056cc0ebbfa8e82be8942c56583377b">issued the stay</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday and ordered an evidentiary hearing after Tisius' attorneys argued that a juror in his 2010 resentencing was illiterate, which is not allowed under state law.On Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit said the lower court did not have jurisdiction to order the stay.Keith O’Connor, an attorney for Tisius, said his team will appeal the decision, the Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article276067031.html">reported</a>.Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty and the Missouri NAACP have asked Republican Gov. Mike Parson to grant Tisius clemency, citing a history of abuse, that he was 19-years-old at the time of the killings, and his remorse and rehabilitation since the shootings.In 2000, Tisius and Tracie Bulington went to the Randolph County jail to help Bulington's boyfriend, Roy Vance, escape, prosecutors said. Tisius shot and killed the jailers. The plot failed because the intruders couldn’t find the cell keys.&nbsp;Tisius and Bulington were arrested on the day of the shootings in Wathena, Kan., about 130 miles west of Huntsville.Defense attorneys have argued that Tisius intended to order the jailers into a holding cell and free Vance and other inmates.Tisius' defense team issued a video earlier this week in which Vance said he planned the escape attempt and manipulated Tisius into participating.Bulington and Vance are serving life sentences.

Court reinstates death penalty order for killer captured in Kansas

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a standoff at a Kansas home.

Just after 9p.m. Wednesday, police asked the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office for assistance with a disturbance at 903 E. 3rd Street in Caney, Kansas, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.

Deputies learned 55-year-old Patrick Griffin had made threats to cause harm to other occupants of the residence with a large hatchet.  The victims, who were able to exit the residence unharmed prior to law enforcement arrival, stated Griffin had thrown the hatchet at one of them causing them to fear for their safety. 

 The victim’s advised Griffin was still inside the residence and may also be armed with a handgun.  Deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and officers with Caney Police Department surrounded the residence and began making announcements to Griffin via their PA, requesting Patrick exit the residence. 

Deputies obtained a warrant to search the residence for Griffin.  Utilizing drones and robots, deputies were able to visually clear the majority of the first floor, with the exception of two upstairs rooms due the doors being closed. 

 Deputies eventually made entry and manually cleared the first floor with no signs of the suspect.&nbsp; Deputies were able to breach both doors to the upstairs rooms and redeploy the robot.  Again, no signs of Griffin were observed. 

 Deputies then entered the rooms and manually cleared them. They located Griffin behind a false wall, hidden behind insulation. He was verbally non-compliant but deputies were able to take him into custody without further incident. 

 The hatchet was located and seized as evidence.  No firearms were located.&nbsp; Griffin is being held without bond in the Montgomery County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Assault w/ a Deadly Weapon and Felony Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685635193267.png" alt="Griffin-photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Griffin-photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a standoff at a Kansas home.Just after 9p.m. Wednesday, police asked the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office for assistance with a disturbance at 903 E. 3rd Street in Caney, Kansas, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.Deputies learned 55-year-old Patrick Griffin had made threats to cause harm to other occupants of the residence with a large hatchet. The victims, who were able to exit the residence unharmed prior to law enforcement arrival, stated Griffin had thrown the hatchet at one of them causing them to fear for their safety. The victim’s advised Griffin was still inside the residence and may also be armed with a handgun. Deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and officers with Caney Police Department surrounded the residence and began making announcements to Griffin via their PA, requesting Patrick exit the residence. Deputies obtained a warrant to search the residence for Griffin. Utilizing drones and robots, deputies were able to visually clear the majority of the first floor, with the exception of two upstairs rooms due the doors being closed. Deputies eventually made entry and manually cleared the first floor with no signs of the suspect.&nbsp; Deputies were able to breach both doors to the upstairs rooms and redeploy the robot. Again, no signs of Griffin were observed. Deputies then entered the rooms and manually cleared them. They located Griffin behind a false wall, hidden behind insulation. He was verbally non-compliant but deputies were able to take him into custody without further incident. The hatchet was located and seized as evidence. No firearms were located.&nbsp; Griffin is being held without bond in the Montgomery County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Assault w/ a Deadly Weapon and Felony Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer.

Robot helped make arrest of Kansas man who had a hatchet

PFAS have been linked to a number of health problems

By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/epa-estimates-more-than-54000-lead-pipes-remain-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Most of the sample results were normal. But one stood out.&nbsp;

Drinking water in rural Barber County contained levels of perfluorooctanoic acid —&nbsp;or PFOA —&nbsp;at more than 30 times a limit under consideration by the Environmental Protection Agency.

It was the only substance the lab detected when Barber County Rural Water District #2 had its water tested for more than 20 per- and polyfluorinated substances, or PFAS. This class of chemicals, also known as “forever chemicals,” numbers in the thousands.

Despite the striking result, the water district isn’t in violation of any regulations.

Federal and state regulators are just gearing up to impose limits on PFOA and other PFAS. The district’s manager, Bill Duvall, said the district took advantage of free testing offered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

“We’re trying to establish a baseline, is what we’re after,” Duvall said in an interview.&nbsp;

Duvall’s water district is one of few Kansas systems that have recent sampling results for PFOA and other PFAS.

PFAS have been used in consumer products, such as nonstick pans and paint, for decades. But a growing body of research indicates the chemicals can raise the risk of cancers, obesity and infertility.&nbsp;

The EPA has proposed a limit in drinking water of four parts per trillion —&nbsp;or nanograms per liter —&nbsp;for two PFAS: PFOA and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, or PFOS. It has also proposed limits to four more combinations of PFAS chemicals.

The agency is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.regulations.gov/document/EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0114-0027">taking comments on the proposed limits until Tuesday</a>.

While the EPA is working to impose restrictions on PFAS in drinking water, there’s very little data about what Kansas water districts might be contaminated. While some&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ewg.org/interactive-maps/pfas_contamination/map/">states have required their utilities to test for PFAS, Kansas is lagging</a>.&nbsp;

“It’s very mixed across the country,” said David Andrews, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group who has studied PFAS for more than 10 years.&nbsp;

But Andrews noted the EPA is requiring water systems that serve more than 2,000 people to sample starting this summer. Over the next year-plus, Andrews said “much more comprehensive information” will become available.&nbsp;

The EPA said in an email that testing will help determine “the frequency and magnitude at which these chemicals are found in the nation’s drinking water systems.” It’s part of the agency’s PFAS roadmap to “understand where PFAS is occurring in drinking water and to take steps to protect human health and the environment.”

That testing “could inform how communities must respond to PFAS contamination in drinking water” if EPA’s proposed limits go into effect, the agency said.&nbsp;

Barber County Rural Water District #2 had its water sampled voluntarily along with other cities and water districts from Hays and Colby to Arkansas City.&nbsp;

Sampling results obtained from KDHE through a Kansas Open Records Act request show few of the water systems had detectable levels of PFAS. But the ones sampled recently represent about 65 of the state’s 1,000 public water systems.

A spokesman for KDHE said in an email Friday that it may not be able to respond to questions because some staff members were out of the office.

Great Bend’s water barely exceeded the proposed 4 parts-per-trillion limit for PFOA and PFOS. It reported high levels of perfluorohexane sulfonic acid, or PFHxS, which EPA proposes to regulate according to a “hazard index” in combination with other PFAS compounds.&nbsp;

The water utility’s manager did not immediately respond to a voicemail requesting comment.

Larger water systems, including those in Johnson County, Topeka and Wichita, were required to test their water for PFAS between eight and 10 years ago. But those results tell little about the state of contamination.&nbsp;

Utilities weren’t required to report the results unless they exceeded 20 parts per trillion. That’s five times greater than the limits proposed by EPA, meaning even samples that could have unsafe levels of PFAS don’t show up in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr/occurrence-data-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule">data housed on the EPA website</a>.

“This is a point that’s really infuriating,” Andrews said.&nbsp;

Andrews said the labs that performed the testing didn’t necessarily share it with the EPA or water utilities.&nbsp;

“So as far as I know, that information is not accessible through any way,” he said.&nbsp;

An EPA spokesman said in an email that detections below 20 parts per trillion in that round of monitoring are only “estimated values” and not reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679676449852.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>PFAS have been linked to a number of health problems</h2>By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/epa-estimates-more-than-54000-lead-pipes-remain-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>Most of the sample results were normal. But one stood out.&nbsp;Drinking water in rural Barber County contained levels of perfluorooctanoic acid —&nbsp;or PFOA —&nbsp;at more than 30 times a limit under consideration by the Environmental Protection Agency.It was the only substance the lab detected when Barber County Rural Water District #2 had its water tested for more than 20 per- and polyfluorinated substances, or PFAS. This class of chemicals, also known as “forever chemicals,” numbers in the thousands.Despite the striking result, the water district isn’t in violation of any regulations.Federal and state regulators are just gearing up to impose limits on PFOA and other PFAS. The district’s manager, Bill Duvall, said the district took advantage of free testing offered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.“We’re trying to establish a baseline, is what we’re after,” Duvall said in an interview.&nbsp;Duvall’s water district is one of few Kansas systems that have recent sampling results for PFOA and other PFAS.PFAS have been used in consumer products, such as nonstick pans and paint, for decades. But a growing body of research indicates the chemicals can raise the risk of cancers, obesity and infertility.&nbsp;The EPA has proposed a limit in drinking water of four parts per trillion —&nbsp;or nanograms per liter —&nbsp;for two PFAS: PFOA and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, or PFOS. It has also proposed limits to four more combinations of PFAS chemicals.The agency is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.regulations.gov/document/EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0114-0027">taking comments on the proposed limits until Tuesday</a>.While the EPA is working to impose restrictions on PFAS in drinking water, there’s very little data about what Kansas water districts might be contaminated. While some&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ewg.org/interactive-maps/pfas_contamination/map/">states have required their utilities to test for PFAS, Kansas is lagging</a>.&nbsp;“It’s very mixed across the country,” said David Andrews, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group who has studied PFAS for more than 10 years.&nbsp;But Andrews noted the EPA is requiring water systems that serve more than 2,000 people to sample starting this summer. Over the next year-plus, Andrews said “much more comprehensive information” will become available.&nbsp;The EPA said in an email that testing will help determine “the frequency and magnitude at which these chemicals are found in the nation’s drinking water systems.” It’s part of the agency’s PFAS roadmap to “understand where PFAS is occurring in drinking water and to take steps to protect human health and the environment.”That testing “could inform how communities must respond to PFAS contamination in drinking water” if EPA’s proposed limits go into effect, the agency said.&nbsp;Barber County Rural Water District #2 had its water sampled voluntarily along with other cities and water districts from Hays and Colby to Arkansas City.&nbsp;Sampling results obtained from KDHE through a Kansas Open Records Act request show few of the water systems had detectable levels of PFAS. But the ones sampled recently represent about 65 of the state’s 1,000 public water systems.A spokesman for KDHE said in an email Friday that it may not be able to respond to questions because some staff members were out of the office.Great Bend’s water barely exceeded the proposed 4 parts-per-trillion limit for PFOA and PFOS. It reported high levels of perfluorohexane sulfonic acid, or PFHxS, which EPA proposes to regulate according to a “hazard index” in combination with other PFAS compounds.&nbsp;The water utility’s manager did not immediately respond to a voicemail requesting comment.Larger water systems, including those in Johnson County, Topeka and Wichita, were required to test their water for PFAS between eight and 10 years ago. But those results tell little about the state of contamination.&nbsp;Utilities weren’t required to report the results unless they exceeded 20 parts per trillion. That’s five times greater than the limits proposed by EPA, meaning even samples that could have unsafe levels of PFAS don’t show up in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr/occurrence-data-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule">data housed on the EPA website</a>.“This is a point that’s really infuriating,” Andrews said.&nbsp;Andrews said the labs that performed the testing didn’t necessarily share it with the EPA or water utilities.&nbsp;“So as far as I know, that information is not accessible through any way,” he said.&nbsp;An EPA spokesman said in an email that detections below 20 parts per trillion in that round of monitoring are only “estimated values” and not reported.

As EPA readies to limit ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water, Kan. has done little testing

By ERIKA BOLSTAD&nbsp; <a href="https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2022/11/16/states-test-an-electrifying-idea-roads-that-can-recharge-your-ev">Stateline</a>

From its earliest days, Route 66 has reflected the American culture of the moment.

When the road connected Chicago to Los Angeles in 1926, it represented the possibility of the automobile. In the 1930s, it served as an east-to-west escape route from the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression. By the 1950s, the 2,400-mile highway lured travelers with the post-World War II promise of adventure on the open road. And as the era of interstate highway driving dawned, Route 66 began to reflect a yearning for a time when a journey was about more than the destination.

Now the eight states traversed by America’s defining highway are getting it ready for its 100th anniversary, in 2026. States are handing out grants to restore vintage neon signs along the highway. They’re installing shoulders to make the road safer for bicyclists and improving signage to make the route more obvious through cities. And they’re installing charging stations that will make it easier to travel the entire length in an electric vehicle.

The iconic highway has always been “the ultimate symbol of a restless nation on the move,” writes Michael Wallis in “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.powells.com/book/route-66-the-mother-road-9780312082857">Route 66: The Mother Road</a>,” the 1990 book that may have saved the once-vital thoroughfare from obscurity after it was decommissioned as a federal highway in 1985. That symbolism won’t change, even as the vintage highway evolves to meet modern tourism’s demands, Wallis said in an interview with&nbsp;Stateline.

“The world still comes to Route 66,” said Wallis, who was appointed last year by President Joe Biden to the Route 66 Centennial Commission, which is planning some of the national events around the anniversary. “It’s because they can get a taste of this country before it became generic, before it was just littered with cookie-cutter franchise businesses, before it was homogenized. It’s a road not so much for tourists as it is for travelers.”

To that end, many states are planning how they can attract a new generation of travelers to Route 66. The road itself is now the destination.

In Illinois, where Route 66 begins and stretches for 300 miles, the state this spring awarded $6.6 million in grants to help communities upgrade and market their Route 66 attractions in advance of the 2026 celebrations.

The grants are aimed at boosting local tourism across Illinois as well as highlighting the state’s growing electric vehicle sector, Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement. It’s a way of “honoring the history of Route 66 and looking to the future,” Pritzker said. One grant will create pylons at the beginning of the road in Chicago, which will feature QR codes that tell drivers where to find EV charging stations along Route 66.

The state money also will pay for interpretative panels at historic sites highlighted in “The Negro Motorist Green Book,” a guide to the midcentury service stations, motels and attractions where Black travelers were welcome in segregated states or hostile towns along the nation’s highways, including Route 66.

And this winter, the city of Edwardsville, Illinois, installed a 12.5-foot monument along its stretch of Route 66 not far from the Missouri border. The sign, a tilted version of the iconic highway shield, allows visitors to pose inside the round holes made by the number 66. It’s a Tik Tok or Instagram-friendly attraction, tourism officials say, which, as with the emphasis on neon signs, appeals to younger travelers.

In Arizona, the state developed the Route 66 Digital Passport, an app that allows travelers to tick off some of the best attractions for posting on social media. The app helped welcome a new generation of road-trippers to Arizona during the pandemic, when people sought outdoors and open-road experiences, said Josh Coddington, director of communications for the state’s Office of Tourism.

All along the route, towns are “recognizing the past, but they’re also maintaining [the road] so that it remains into the future,” said Rylie Mansuetti, the public and government affairs manager for AAA Oklahoma.

“It remains picture-worthy as we’re in the age of Instagram or TikTok,” she said. “A lot of these small towns are doing a great job at still offering that authentic taste and that step back, but making it appeal to newer generations.”

In Oklahoma, which has more than 400 miles of Route 66, the road is seen as a major tourism draw, Mansuetti said. Tulsa, known as the capital of Route 66, last year hosted the AAA Route 66 Road Fest. The party will continue this year — and will be among the signature national events of the 2026 centennial celebration.

“It’s called the Mother Road for a reason,” said Mansuetti, who notes that AAA tour guides began publishing the same year as Route 66 became a national road. “It’s absolutely a symbol of adventure and exploration, and it’s a driving force behind promoting tourism in the areas it passes through.”

In Oklahoma, the state Department of Transportation allows cities and counties to buy giant adhesive stickers to install on sections of the road, an Instagrammable and directional visual aid. To make part of Route 66 more accessible to bicyclists, Oklahoma recently received a $1 million federal grant to improve 1.3 miles of the highway near several roadside attractions, including the often photographed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://arcadiaroundbarn.com/">Arcadia Round Barn</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685794919976.png" alt=" A full-size, brightly painted old DeSoto automobile rests on top of the front of the DeSoto Barbershop building against a backdrop of clear blue sky in Ash Fork, Arizona (Leslie Connell/National Archives)." />
 <figcaption> A full-size, brightly painted old DeSoto automobile rests on top of the front of the DeSoto Barbershop building against a backdrop of clear blue sky in Ash Fork, Arizona (Leslie Connell/National Archives).</figcaption>
 </figure>By ERIKA BOLSTAD&nbsp; <a href="https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2022/11/16/states-test-an-electrifying-idea-roads-that-can-recharge-your-ev">Stateline</a>From its earliest days, Route 66 has reflected the American culture of the moment.When the road connected Chicago to Los Angeles in 1926, it represented the possibility of the automobile. In the 1930s, it served as an east-to-west escape route from the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression. By the 1950s, the 2,400-mile highway lured travelers with the post-World War II promise of adventure on the open road. And as the era of interstate highway driving dawned, Route 66 began to reflect a yearning for a time when a journey was about more than the destination.Now the eight states traversed by America’s defining highway are getting it ready for its 100th anniversary, in 2026. States are handing out grants to restore vintage neon signs along the highway. They’re installing shoulders to make the road safer for bicyclists and improving signage to make the route more obvious through cities. And they’re installing charging stations that will make it easier to travel the entire length in an electric vehicle.The iconic highway has always been “the ultimate symbol of a restless nation on the move,” writes Michael Wallis in “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.powells.com/book/route-66-the-mother-road-9780312082857">Route 66: The Mother Road</a>,” the 1990 book that may have saved the once-vital thoroughfare from obscurity after it was decommissioned as a federal highway in 1985. That symbolism won’t change, even as the vintage highway evolves to meet modern tourism’s demands, Wallis said in an interview with&nbsp;Stateline.“The world still comes to Route 66,” said Wallis, who was appointed last year by President Joe Biden to the Route 66 Centennial Commission, which is planning some of the national events around the anniversary. “It’s because they can get a taste of this country before it became generic, before it was just littered with cookie-cutter franchise businesses, before it was homogenized. It’s a road not so much for tourists as it is for travelers.”To that end, many states are planning how they can attract a new generation of travelers to Route 66. The road itself is now the destination.In Illinois, where Route 66 begins and stretches for 300 miles, the state this spring awarded $6.6 million in grants to help communities upgrade and market their Route 66 attractions in advance of the 2026 celebrations.The grants are aimed at boosting local tourism across Illinois as well as highlighting the state’s growing electric vehicle sector, Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement. It’s a way of “honoring the history of Route 66 and looking to the future,” Pritzker said. One grant will create pylons at the beginning of the road in Chicago, which will feature QR codes that tell drivers where to find EV charging stations along Route 66.The state money also will pay for interpretative panels at historic sites highlighted in “The Negro Motorist Green Book,” a guide to the midcentury service stations, motels and attractions where Black travelers were welcome in segregated states or hostile towns along the nation’s highways, including Route 66.And this winter, the city of Edwardsville, Illinois, installed a 12.5-foot monument along its stretch of Route 66 not far from the Missouri border. The sign, a tilted version of the iconic highway shield, allows visitors to pose inside the round holes made by the number 66. It’s a Tik Tok or Instagram-friendly attraction, tourism officials say, which, as with the emphasis on neon signs, appeals to younger travelers.In Arizona, the state developed the Route 66 Digital Passport, an app that allows travelers to tick off some of the best attractions for posting on social media. The app helped welcome a new generation of road-trippers to Arizona during the pandemic, when people sought outdoors and open-road experiences, said Josh Coddington, director of communications for the state’s Office of Tourism.All along the route, towns are “recognizing the past, but they’re also maintaining [the road] so that it remains into the future,” said Rylie Mansuetti, the public and government affairs manager for AAA Oklahoma.“It remains picture-worthy as we’re in the age of Instagram or TikTok,” she said. “A lot of these small towns are doing a great job at still offering that authentic taste and that step back, but making it appeal to newer generations.”In Oklahoma, which has more than 400 miles of Route 66, the road is seen as a major tourism draw, Mansuetti said. Tulsa, known as the capital of Route 66, last year hosted the AAA Route 66 Road Fest. The party will continue this year — and will be among the signature national events of the 2026 centennial celebration.“It’s called the Mother Road for a reason,” said Mansuetti, who notes that AAA tour guides began publishing the same year as Route 66 became a national road. “It’s absolutely a symbol of adventure and exploration, and it’s a driving force behind promoting tourism in the areas it passes through.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685794865041.png" alt="A sign for the legendary Route 66 is pictured against the New Mexico sky (Kellie Thorne/National Archives)." />
 <figcaption>A sign for the legendary Route 66 is pictured against the New Mexico sky (Kellie Thorne/National Archives).</figcaption>
 </figure>In Oklahoma, the state Department of Transportation allows cities and counties to buy giant adhesive stickers to install on sections of the road, an Instagrammable and directional visual aid. To make part of Route 66 more accessible to bicyclists, Oklahoma recently received a $1 million federal grant to improve 1.3 miles of the highway near several roadside attractions, including the often photographed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://arcadiaroundbarn.com/">Arcadia Round Barn</a>.Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, has traveled and photographed the entire length of the highway from Illinois to California. One of his favorite attractions in Oklahoma is the giant Blue Whale in Catoosa, a whimsical 20-foot-tall and 80-foot-long roadside attraction built in 1972. There are also dozens of local festivals in towns where Route 66 serves as their main street.“If you just make time and get off the interstate, you’ll meet all kinds of amazing people and have some really great food and see things that you won’t see anywhere else,” he said. “Route 66 is about the experience. The phrase goes, it’s not about getting somewhere, it’s about going somewhere.”An Oklahoma highway commissioner, Cyrus Avery, pushed tirelessly for Route 66’s creation as a federal highway in the 1920s, hopeful that it would divert traffic to Tulsa from other cross-country routes through Kansas City and Denver.By 1939 with the publication of&nbsp;John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath,”&nbsp;Route 66 had achieved iconic status. In the book, Steinbeck describes Route 66 as the “Mother Road” for how it served as refuge for so many people displaced by the Great Depression and the devastation in the Great Plains of the Dust Bowl years. Route 66 was “the path of a people in flight,” Steinbeck wrote, “refugees from dust and shrinking land.”After World War II, as automobile ownership and general prosperity boomed, the highway led to vacation destinations in New Mexico, Arizona and California. It was then that travelers experienced the heyday of the mom-and-pop motels and diners with architecture and neon signage that define the peak era of the highway.For many older baby boomers, Route 66 meant the television show that aired from 1960 to 1964, starring two young men who drove the country in a Chevrolet Corvette convertible. The show was not set exclusively on Route 66, but its title and its spirit of adventure had an outsized impact on the road trip as a cultural phenomenon.But over the next few decades, five new interstate highways — I-55, I-44, I-40, I-15 and I-10 — began replacing Route 66. Although at least 85% of the original road is still drivable, many of the small towns along Route 66 withered away after the interstates arrived, tastes changed, and more people preferred to travel by plane than by car.Nonetheless, Route 66 remains — as both a physical highway and in the imagination as the ultimate road trip. In 2006, a new generation was introduced to the highway via the animated Pixar feature “Cars,” featuring race car Lightning McQueen and many of the road’s noteworthy roadside attractions.Wallis, who voiced Sheriff in “Cars,” said that despite his longtime association with the road, he’s always been wary of overly romanticizing Route 66. It’s “much more than ’57 Chevys and poodle skirts,” he said. He points out that Nat King Cole, whose 1946 rendition of “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” helped popularize the highway, would not as a Black man have been able to stay at many of the establishments along the route.“Those of us who want to preserve and protect Route 66 and tell the honest story, we believe there’s an obligation, since it’s arguably the most famous highway in the world,” he said. “Route 66 basically was a road for everyone. It was a road for blue bloods or rednecks, everybody traveling. But the conditions were different for various people that traveled there. And that needs to be pointed out. That’s very important.Wallis lives in Tulsa and has written many other books in the three decades since his Route 66 classic, but the Mother Road has come to define his career. He’s often asked if the road gets boring. Never, Wallis said.“Every time I go out on the road, I find something new,” he said. “More importantly, I find someone new.”