WASHINGTON (AP) —Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. surgeon general, is calling for “immediate action” by tech companies and lawmakers to protect kids' and adolescents' mental health on social media.

But after years of middling and insufficient action by both social media platforms and policymakers, parents and young people still bear most of the burden in navigating the fast-changing, often harmful world of secretive algorithms, addictive apps and extreme and inappropriate content found on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

So what can parents and young people do now? The surgeon general has some tips.

“Our children and adolescents don’t have the luxury of waiting years until we know the full extent of social media’s impact,” Murthy said in an advisory released on Tuesday. “Their childhoods and development are happening now."

— Reach out for help: If you or someone you know is being negatively affected by social media, reach out to a trusted friend or adult for help. Check the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aap.org/socialmedia">American Academy of Pediatrics' guidance</a>&nbsp;on social media.

— Create boundaries: Limit the use of phones, tablets, and computers for at least one hour before bedtime and through the night to make sure you get enough sleep. Keep mealtimes and in-person gatherings device‑free to help build social bonds and engage in two‑way conversations with others. Connect with people in person and make unplugged interactions a daily priority.

— Be cautious about what you share: Personal information about you has value. Be selective with what you post and share online and with whom, as it is often public and can be stored permanently. If you aren’t sure if you should post something, it’s usually best if you don’t.

— Don’t keep harassment or abuse a secret: Reach out to at least one person you trust, such as a close friend, family member, counselor, or teacher, who can give you the help and support you deserve. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/how-to-report">stopbullying.gov</a>&nbsp;for tips on how to report cyberbullying. If you have experienced online harassment and abuse by a dating partner, contact an expert at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.loveisrespect.org/">Love is Respect</a>&nbsp;for support. If your private images have been taken and shared online without your permission, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://takeitdown.ncmec.org/">Take It Down</a>&nbsp;to help get them removed.

— Create a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.healthychildren.org/MediaUsePlan">family media plan</a>: Agreed-upon expectations can help establish healthy technology boundaries at home – including social media use. A family media plan can promote open family discussion and rules about media use and include topics such as balancing screen/online time, content boundaries, and not disclosing personal information

— Create tech-free zones: Restrict the use of electronics at least one hour before bedtime and through the night. Keep meal times and other in-person gatherings tech-free. Help children develop social skills and nurture their in‑person relationships by encouraging unstructured and offline connections with others.

— Model responsible behavior: Parents can set a good example of what responsible and healthy social media use looks like by limiting their own use, being mindful of social media habits (including when and how parents share information or content about their child), and modeling positive behavior on your social media accounts.

— Empower kids: Teach kids about technology and empower them to be responsible online participants at the appropriate age. Discuss with children the benefits and risks of social media as well as the importance of respecting privacy and protecting personal information in age-appropriate ways. Have conversations with children about who they are connecting with, their privacy settings, their online experiences, and how they are spending their time online.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684860574731.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BARBARA ORTUTAY&nbsp;WASHINGTON (AP) —Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. surgeon general, is calling for “immediate action” by tech companies and lawmakers to protect kids' and adolescents' mental health on social media.But after years of middling and insufficient action by both social media platforms and policymakers, parents and young people still bear most of the burden in navigating the fast-changing, often harmful world of secretive algorithms, addictive apps and extreme and inappropriate content found on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Learn more about the immediate actions we can and must take to make social media safer for our kids: <a href="https://t.co/6JadYlxORy">https://t.co/6JadYlxORy</a> 7/7&mdash; Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General (@Surgeon_General) <a href="https://twitter.com/Surgeon_General/status/1660948740251762688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>So what can parents and young people do now? The surgeon general has some tips.“Our children and adolescents don’t have the luxury of waiting years until we know the full extent of social media’s impact,” Murthy said in an advisory released on Tuesday. “Their childhoods and development are happening now."TIPS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE— Reach out for help: If you or someone you know is being negatively affected by social media, reach out to a trusted friend or adult for help. Check the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aap.org/socialmedia">American Academy of Pediatrics' guidance</a>&nbsp;on social media.— Create boundaries: Limit the use of phones, tablets, and computers for at least one hour before bedtime and through the night to make sure you get enough sleep. Keep mealtimes and in-person gatherings device‑free to help build social bonds and engage in two‑way conversations with others. Connect with people in person and make unplugged interactions a daily priority.— Be cautious about what you share: Personal information about you has value. Be selective with what you post and share online and with whom, as it is often public and can be stored permanently. If you aren’t sure if you should post something, it’s usually best if you don’t.— Don’t keep harassment or abuse a secret: Reach out to at least one person you trust, such as a close friend, family member, counselor, or teacher, who can give you the help and support you deserve. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/how-to-report">stopbullying.gov</a>&nbsp;for tips on how to report cyberbullying. If you have experienced online harassment and abuse by a dating partner, contact an expert at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.loveisrespect.org/">Love is Respect</a>&nbsp;for support. If your private images have been taken and shared online without your permission, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://takeitdown.ncmec.org/">Take It Down</a>&nbsp;to help get them removed.TIPS FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS— Create a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.healthychildren.org/MediaUsePlan">family media plan</a>: Agreed-upon expectations can help establish healthy technology boundaries at home – including social media use. A family media plan can promote open family discussion and rules about media use and include topics such as balancing screen/online time, content boundaries, and not disclosing personal information— Create tech-free zones: Restrict the use of electronics at least one hour before bedtime and through the night. Keep meal times and other in-person gatherings tech-free. Help children develop social skills and nurture their in‑person relationships by encouraging unstructured and offline connections with others.— Model responsible behavior: Parents can set a good example of what responsible and healthy social media use looks like by limiting their own use, being mindful of social media habits (including when and how parents share information or content about their child), and modeling positive behavior on your social media accounts.— Empower kids: Teach kids about technology and empower them to be responsible online participants at the appropriate age. Discuss with children the benefits and risks of social media as well as the importance of respecting privacy and protecting personal information in age-appropriate ways. Have conversations with children about who they are connecting with, their privacy settings, their online experiences, and how they are spending their time online.

U.S. Surgeon general: The defining public health issue of our time

&nbsp;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 — Gov. Laura Kelly urged congressional leaders to support production of the F-35 fighter jet associated with three dozen manufacturing suppliers in Kansas and linked to nearly 5,000 jobs in the state.

Kelly sent letters to members of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate armed services committees and the defense appropriations subcommittees to support the domestic aviation industry, create jobs and encourage economic development in Kansas by supporting the F-35 Lightning II program.

She requested Republican and Democratic party members support President Joe Biden’s budget request for 83 F-35 jets. On an annual basis, the F-35 program has an estimated $540 million economic impact on Kansas.

“Enhancing F-35 production is important to Kansas’ future as it generates economic opportunities for our residents and supports American national security,” Kelly said. “The combined benefits of job creation, defense modernization and our state’s aviation expertise make the F-35 program valuable for Kansas and the United States.”

The fighter has encountered technology and cost-overrun challenges since entering production in 2006, but canceling the program with Lockheed Martin would be politically difficult because that would eliminate thousands of jobs.

In April, the U.S. Department of Defense awarded a $7.8 billion contract modification for F-35 aircraft to Lockheed Martin. The Defense Department last year agreed with Lockheed Martin on building about 375 F-35 fighters over three years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684864853064.png" alt=" Gov. Laura Kelly issued a letter seeking bipartisan support in Congress for building F-35 fighter aircraft and pointed to nearly 5,000 jobs and more than $500 million annually in economic impact of production in Kansas. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Gov. Laura Kelly issued a letter seeking bipartisan support in Congress for building F-35 fighter aircraft and pointed to nearly 5,000 jobs and more than $500 million annually in economic impact of production in Kansas. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;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 — Gov. Laura Kelly urged congressional leaders to support production of the F-35 fighter jet associated with three dozen manufacturing suppliers in Kansas and linked to nearly 5,000 jobs in the state.Kelly sent letters to members of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate armed services committees and the defense appropriations subcommittees to support the domestic aviation industry, create jobs and encourage economic development in Kansas by supporting the F-35 Lightning II program.She requested Republican and Democratic party members support President Joe Biden’s budget request for 83 F-35 jets. On an annual basis, the F-35 program has an estimated $540 million economic impact on Kansas.“Enhancing F-35 production is important to Kansas’ future as it generates economic opportunities for our residents and supports American national security,” Kelly said. “The combined benefits of job creation, defense modernization and our state’s aviation expertise make the F-35 program valuable for Kansas and the United States.”The fighter has encountered technology and cost-overrun challenges since entering production in 2006, but canceling the program with Lockheed Martin would be politically difficult because that would eliminate thousands of jobs.In April, the U.S. Department of Defense awarded a $7.8 billion contract modification for F-35 aircraft to Lockheed Martin. The Defense Department last year agreed with Lockheed Martin on building about 375 F-35 fighters over three years.

Gov. urges Congress to invest in F-35 fighter, support Kan. aviation industry

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged kidnapping and have made an arrest.

Just before 6&nbsp;a.m. Monday, police were dispatched to the north part of Garden City, where they met with a woman who alleged she had been taken by force from her residence and strangled by 33-year-old Jose David Garcia-Escobar, who was known to her, according to a media release.

Officers learned Garcia-Escobar allegedly entered the woman’s residence without permission, pulled her out of the residence, and drove to his home. 

Through further investigation, Garcia-Escobar allegedly strangled and sexually assaulted the woman before driving her home. Garcia-Escobar was later located and taken into custody. 

Garcia-Escobar is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Robbery, and Rape.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684837379019.png" alt="Garcia-Escobar" />
 <figcaption>Garcia-Escobar</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged kidnapping and have made an arrest.Just before 6&nbsp;a.m. Monday, police were dispatched to the north part of Garden City, where they met with a woman who alleged she had been taken by force from her residence and strangled by 33-year-old Jose David Garcia-Escobar, who was known to her, according to a media release.Officers learned Garcia-Escobar allegedly entered the woman’s residence without permission, pulled her out of the residence, and drove to his home. Through further investigation, Garcia-Escobar allegedly strangled and sexually assaulted the woman before driving her home. Garcia-Escobar was later located and taken into custody. Garcia-Escobar is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Robbery, and Rape.

Man accused of kidnapping, rape in southwest Kansas

DETROIT (AP) — Owners of new Ford vehicles will be able to tune in to AM radio in their cars, trucks and SUVs after all.

CEO Jim Farley wrote in social media postings Tuesday that the company is reversing a decision to scrub the band after speaking with government policy leaders who are concerned about keeping emergency alerts that often are sounded on AM stations.

“We've decided to include it on all 2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles," Farley wrote on Twitter. "For any owners of Ford's EVs without AM broadcast capability, we'll offer a software update” to restore it, Farley wrote.

The move comes after a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers introduced a bill Wednesday calling on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require AM in new vehicles at no additional cost.

Sponsors of the “AM for Every Vehicle Act” cited public safety concerns, noting AM's historic role in transmitting vital information during emergencies, such as natural disasters, especially to rural areas.

Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., one of the bill’s sponsors, said eight of 20 major automakers including Ford, BMW and Tesla have pulled the band from new vehicles.

Ford removed AM from the 2023 Mustang Mach-e and F-150 Lightning electric pickups after data collected from vehicles showed that less than 5% of customers listened to it, spokesman Alan Hall said. Electrical interference and reducing cost and manufacturing complexity also played a role.

The company also took it out of the 2024 gasoline-powered Mustang, but will add it back in before any of the muscle cars are delivered, Hall said.

The EVs will get an online software update to put AM back into the vehicles, and Ford will keep including it in future vehicles as it looks at innovative ways to deliver emergency alerts, Hall said.

Ford and others also suggested that internet radio or other communication tools could replace AM radio. But Markey and others pointed to situations where drivers might not have internet access.

The Federal Communications Commission and National Association of Broadcasters praised the legislation, which is also backed by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., Rep. Tom Kean, Jr., R-N.J., Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., among others.

But the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a U.S. trade group that represents major automakers including Ford and BMW, criticized the bill, calling the AM radio mandate unnecessary.

The trade group pointed to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Integrated Public Alerts and Warning System, which can distribute safety warnings across AM, FM, internet-based and satellite radios — as well as over cellular networks.

The alliance said the bill gives preference to a technology that's competing with other communications options.

Messages were left Tuesday seeking comment from BMW and Tesla.

According to the National Association of Broadcasters and Nielsen data, more than 80 million people in the U.S. listen to AM radio every month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684855234628.png" alt="The move comes after a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers introduced a bill Wednesday calling on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require AM in new vehicles at no additional cost.-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The move comes after a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers introduced a bill Wednesday calling on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require AM in new vehicles at no additional cost.-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Owners of new Ford vehicles will be able to tune in to AM radio in their cars, trucks and SUVs after all.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">After speaking with policy leaders about the importance of AM broadcast radio as a part of the emergency alert system, we&#39;ve decided to include it on all 2024 <a href="https://twitter.com/Ford?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ford</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/LincolnMotorCo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LincolnMotorCo</a> vehicles. For any owners of Ford EVs without AM broadcast capability, we’ll offer a software…&mdash; Jim Farley (@jimfarley98) <a href="https://twitter.com/jimfarley98/status/1661024295110463491?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>CEO Jim Farley wrote in social media postings Tuesday that the company is reversing a decision to scrub the band after speaking with government policy leaders who are concerned about keeping emergency alerts that often are sounded on AM stations.“We've decided to include it on all 2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles," Farley wrote on Twitter. "For any owners of Ford's EVs without AM broadcast capability, we'll offer a software update” to restore it, Farley wrote.The move comes after a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers introduced a bill Wednesday calling on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require AM in new vehicles at no additional cost.Sponsors of the “AM for Every Vehicle Act” cited public safety concerns, noting AM's historic role in transmitting vital information during emergencies, such as natural disasters, especially to rural areas.Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., one of the bill’s sponsors, said eight of 20 major automakers including Ford, BMW and Tesla have pulled the band from new vehicles.Ford removed AM from the 2023 Mustang Mach-e and F-150 Lightning electric pickups after data collected from vehicles showed that less than 5% of customers listened to it, spokesman Alan Hall said. Electrical interference and reducing cost and manufacturing complexity also played a role.The company also took it out of the 2024 gasoline-powered Mustang, but will add it back in before any of the muscle cars are delivered, Hall said.The EVs will get an online software update to put AM back into the vehicles, and Ford will keep including it in future vehicles as it looks at innovative ways to deliver emergency alerts, Hall said.Ford and others also suggested that internet radio or other communication tools could replace AM radio. But Markey and others pointed to situations where drivers might not have internet access.The Federal Communications Commission and National Association of Broadcasters praised the legislation, which is also backed by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., Rep. Tom Kean, Jr., R-N.J., Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., among others.But the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a U.S. trade group that represents major automakers including Ford and BMW, criticized the bill, calling the AM radio mandate unnecessary.The trade group pointed to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Integrated Public Alerts and Warning System, which can distribute safety warnings across AM, FM, internet-based and satellite radios — as well as over cellular networks.The alliance said the bill gives preference to a technology that's competing with other communications options.Messages were left Tuesday seeking comment from BMW and Tesla.According to the National Association of Broadcasters and Nielsen data, more than 80 million people in the U.S. listen to AM radio every month.

Ford decides to keep AM radio on 2024 models

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in the June death of a 22-month old made a court appearance Monday.

Calvin Vick, 26 of Wichita, is charged with 1st degree murder and aggravated endangering a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

On June 21, 2022, police were dispatched to a local hospital after the victim, a 22-month-old boy arrived unresponsive, according to a media release from Wichita. Police. At the time of death, it was unknown how the child died.

Last week lab results returned that&nbsp;&nbsp;confirmed the 22 month old died from Fentanyl Toxicity and a warrant was issued for Vick's arrest.

The Special Investigations Bureau Community Response Team (SIBCRT) located Vick and arrested him without incident on Thursday.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Online records also indicate he is being held for kidnapping, domestic battery and criminal threat.&nbsp; Police have not released details on the cause of death or Vick's relationship to the boy.

&nbsp;Attorneys are scheduled to discuss the case on June 16. He is being held on a $100,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684597242446.png" alt="Vick-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Vick-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in the June death of a 22-month old made a court appearance Monday.Calvin Vick, 26 of Wichita, is charged with 1st degree murder and aggravated endangering a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;On June 21, 2022, police were dispatched to a local hospital after the victim, a 22-month-old boy arrived unresponsive, according to a media release from Wichita. Police. At the time of death, it was unknown how the child died.Last week lab results returned that&nbsp;&nbsp;confirmed the 22 month old died from Fentanyl Toxicity and a warrant was issued for Vick's arrest.The Special Investigations Bureau Community Response Team (SIBCRT) located Vick and arrested him without incident on Thursday.&nbsp; &nbsp;Online records also indicate he is being held for kidnapping, domestic battery and criminal threat.&nbsp; Police have not released details on the cause of death or Vick's relationship to the boy.&nbsp;Attorneys are scheduled to discuss the case on June 16. He is being held on a $100,000 bond.

Fentanyl toxicity: Kansas man charged in toddler's death

WASHINGTON (AP) — Police have arrested a Missouri man they believe intentionally crashed a U-Haul truck into a security barrier at a park across from the White House.

The box truck's driver smashed into the barrier near the north side of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-dc-wire-george-floyd-death-of-george-floyd-politics-682994b83e9d37e32879528aedc5da7b">Lafayette Square</a>&nbsp;on Monday at around 10 p.m., Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement. He was identified as a 19-year-old from Chesterfield, a St. Louis suburb.

Officers from the Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department searched the truck after the crash. Video&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/u-haul-crash-lafayette-square-white-house/65-b4e28344-567c-45e6-a390-1d504d1466ff">posted by WUSA-TV</a>&nbsp;shows a police officer at the scene picking up and inventorying several pieces of evidence from the truck, including a Nazi flag.

Based on a preliminary investigation, investigators believe the driver "may have intentionally struck the security barriers at Lafayette Square,” Guglielmi said. Authorities offered no additional details about the possible motive.

The U.S. Park Police said the man was arrested on multiple charges, including threatening to kill, kidnap or inflict harm on a president, vice president or member of their family; assault with a dangerous weapon; reckless driving; destruction of federal property; and trespassing.

Lafayette Square, which offers perhaps the best view of the White House available to the public, has long been one of the nation’s most prominent venues for demonstrations. The park was closed for nearly a year after federal authorities fenced off the area at the height of nationwide protests over policing following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, but it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-floyd-donald-trump-death-of-george-floyd-government-and-politics-67492b52d542145d559a9f45ddd5f866">reopened in May 2021</a>.

U-Haul is a moving truck, trailer and self-storage rental company based in Phoenix.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684847745876.png" alt="Police have arrested a man they believe intentionally crashed a U-Haul truck into a security barrier at a park across from the White House-photo courtesy WJLA TV" />
 <figcaption>Police have arrested a man they believe intentionally crashed a U-Haul truck into a security barrier at a park across from the White House-photo courtesy WJLA TV</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Police have arrested a Missouri man they believe intentionally crashed a U-Haul truck into a security barrier at a park across from the White House.The box truck's driver smashed into the barrier near the north side of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-dc-wire-george-floyd-death-of-george-floyd-politics-682994b83e9d37e32879528aedc5da7b">Lafayette Square</a>&nbsp;on Monday at around 10 p.m., Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement. He was identified as a 19-year-old from Chesterfield, a St. Louis suburb.No one was injured in the crash.Officers from the Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department searched the truck after the crash. Video&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/u-haul-crash-lafayette-square-white-house/65-b4e28344-567c-45e6-a390-1d504d1466ff">posted by WUSA-TV</a>&nbsp;shows a police officer at the scene picking up and inventorying several pieces of evidence from the truck, including a Nazi flag.Based on a preliminary investigation, investigators believe the driver "may have intentionally struck the security barriers at Lafayette Square,” Guglielmi said. Authorities offered no additional details about the possible motive.The U.S. Park Police said the man was arrested on multiple charges, including threatening to kill, kidnap or inflict harm on a president, vice president or member of their family; assault with a dangerous weapon; reckless driving; destruction of federal property; and trespassing.Lafayette Square, which offers perhaps the best view of the White House available to the public, has long been one of the nation’s most prominent venues for demonstrations. The park was closed for nearly a year after federal authorities fenced off the area at the height of nationwide protests over policing following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, but it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-floyd-donald-trump-death-of-george-floyd-government-and-politics-67492b52d542145d559a9f45ddd5f866">reopened in May 2021</a>.U-Haul is a moving truck, trailer and self-storage rental company based in Phoenix.

Police ID man arrested after crash into security barrier near White House

Focus to be on student safety, college prep, teacher training, community ties

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 — Kansas State Board of Education member Betty Arnold endorsed the goal of expanding the number and quality of educators working in K-12 public school classrooms.

“One of the things that really sticks with me are the obstacles … that tend to decrease the interest in that profession. This is an area where I have some concern,” said Arnold, a Democrat who would have to seek reelection next year in a district gerrymandered by the Kansas Legislature.

Increasing enrollment in university teacher education programs and subsequent leadership development opportunities were among four objectives adopted this month by the state Board of Education for the 18-month period concluding in January 2025.

“Every one of these is a huge challenge,” said Republican Jim McNeice of Wichita. “What’s the plan to do this? How do we evaluate success?”

In 2024, the August primary and November general elections determine control of five of the 10 positions on the state Board of Education. Members with terms expiring Jan. 14, 2025, include Democrat Ann Mah of Topeka, Republican Deena Horst of Salina, Democrat Melanie Haas of Overland Park, McNeice and Arnold. Seven state Board of Education members are Republicans, and all three Democrats would be on the ballot in 2024.

“Five of you will be up for reelection,” said Randy Watson, commissioner of education in Kansas. “Either there will be a change in the board that happens in January again or it will be the same people. I don’t think any of us know that.”

Watson said expanding the pool of new teacher candidates and enhancing instructional skills of those individuals could involve reform of licensure standards and apprenticeship offerings. Graduate programs to develop superintendents and principals should be strengthened, he said.

“What we’re seeing in education right now … is: ‘How short can I condense the time and how inexpensive can I provide that environment,'” Watson said. “I’m not sure that always gives us the best quality.”

The state Board of Education agreed to devoted themselves to enhancing each public school student’s chance of success at a post-secondary institution, whether that was a private or public university, college or trade school. High schools in Kansas excel in helping students earn technical certificates and prepare them for college or the military, Watson said, but a problem existed in the student pipeline at middle schools.

“We have too many students who arrive at high school with too low of academics,” the state commissioner said.

Watson said the state Board of Education would strive to shift more students into the higher levels of achievement on state assessments, move the Kansas high school graduation rate closer to 95% and assist districts with aligning budgets to maximize student success.

State board member Cathy Hopkins, a Hays Republican elected in 2022, said regulatory mandates and associated paperwork were a burden on school districts with modest staffing.

“It seems like there could be a way to streamline that a bit more so they are not so overwhelmed with what these requirements are,” Hopkins said.

A third area of attention for the state Board of Education would be creation of stronger partnerships with families, communities, businesses and local, regional or state policymakers.

“We’re not doing a good enough job there,” Watson said. “So many of our families feel school is not necessarily a good place for them.”

The final category centered on improving safety for people working and learning in schools, which have served as a magnet for individuals intent on perpetrating violence.

The state Board of Education and the Kansas Department of Education ought to develop a better response to cybersecurity threats and ransomware attacks, Watson said. Two districts in Kansas, including the Hays district in 2022, experienced ransomware incidents and more were likely, he said.

Danny Zeck, a Republican from Leavenworth elected last year, was the lone vote in opposition to the state Board of Education’s priority list.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684838887954.png" alt=" Betty Arnold, a Wichita member of the Kansas State Board of Education, said work on the goal of increasing the number and quality of educators in public schools should involve examination of impediments to being part of the profession. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Betty Arnold, a Wichita member of the Kansas State Board of Education, said work on the goal of increasing the number and quality of educators in public schools should involve examination of impediments to being part of the profession. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Focus to be on student safety, college prep, teacher training, community ties</h2>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 — Kansas State Board of Education member Betty Arnold endorsed the goal of expanding the number and quality of educators working in K-12 public school classrooms.“One of the things that really sticks with me are the obstacles … that tend to decrease the interest in that profession. This is an area where I have some concern,” said Arnold, a Democrat who would have to seek reelection next year in a district gerrymandered by the Kansas Legislature.Increasing enrollment in university teacher education programs and subsequent leadership development opportunities were among four objectives adopted this month by the state Board of Education for the 18-month period concluding in January 2025.“Every one of these is a huge challenge,” said Republican Jim McNeice of Wichita. “What’s the plan to do this? How do we evaluate success?”In 2024, the August primary and November general elections determine control of five of the 10 positions on the state Board of Education. Members with terms expiring Jan. 14, 2025, include Democrat Ann Mah of Topeka, Republican Deena Horst of Salina, Democrat Melanie Haas of Overland Park, McNeice and Arnold. Seven state Board of Education members are Republicans, and all three Democrats would be on the ballot in 2024.“Five of you will be up for reelection,” said Randy Watson, commissioner of education in Kansas. “Either there will be a change in the board that happens in January again or it will be the same people. I don’t think any of us know that.”Watson said expanding the pool of new teacher candidates and enhancing instructional skills of those individuals could involve reform of licensure standards and apprenticeship offerings. Graduate programs to develop superintendents and principals should be strengthened, he said.“What we’re seeing in education right now … is: ‘How short can I condense the time and how inexpensive can I provide that environment,'” Watson said. “I’m not sure that always gives us the best quality.”The state Board of Education agreed to devoted themselves to enhancing each public school student’s chance of success at a post-secondary institution, whether that was a private or public university, college or trade school. High schools in Kansas excel in helping students earn technical certificates and prepare them for college or the military, Watson said, but a problem existed in the student pipeline at middle schools.“We have too many students who arrive at high school with too low of academics,” the state commissioner said.Watson said the state Board of Education would strive to shift more students into the higher levels of achievement on state assessments, move the Kansas high school graduation rate closer to 95% and assist districts with aligning budgets to maximize student success.State board member Cathy Hopkins, a Hays Republican elected in 2022, said regulatory mandates and associated paperwork were a burden on school districts with modest staffing.“It seems like there could be a way to streamline that a bit more so they are not so overwhelmed with what these requirements are,” Hopkins said.A third area of attention for the state Board of Education would be creation of stronger partnerships with families, communities, businesses and local, regional or state policymakers.“We’re not doing a good enough job there,” Watson said. “So many of our families feel school is not necessarily a good place for them.”The final category centered on improving safety for people working and learning in schools, which have served as a magnet for individuals intent on perpetrating violence.The state Board of Education and the Kansas Department of Education ought to develop a better response to cybersecurity threats and ransomware attacks, Watson said. Two districts in Kansas, including the Hays district in 2022, experienced ransomware incidents and more were likely, he said.Danny Zeck, a Republican from Leavenworth elected last year, was the lone vote in opposition to the state Board of Education’s priority list.

Kansas Board of Ed establishes priorities heading into 2024 election cycle

LYON COUNTY—The Emporia Police Department partnered with the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC) Monday during an investigation into illegal gambling devices inside an Emporia convenience store.

Police and Gaming Commission enforcement agents executed a search warrant at the BP, 2102 W. 6th Avenue in Emporia. They seized five illegal gaming machines along with an ATM and cash from the business, according to Police Captain Lisa Hayes.

The investigation began several weeks ago, after police received information about the gambling devices.

Kansas law, K.S.A. 21-6403(e)(1)(B) defines a “gambling device” as a machine that is “designed, manufactured or altered primarily for use in connection with gambling…(i) [w]hich when operated may deliver, as the result of chance, any money or property; or (ii) by the operation of which a person may become entitled to receive, as the result of chance, any money or property….”

<a href="https://www.krgc.ks.gov/">Click here for more</a> information about Kansas gambling on the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission website.

Police made no arrests Monday as they continue their investigation, according to Hayes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684801505152.png" alt="Police and Gaming Commission enforcement agents executed a search warrant at the BP in Emporia -Google image" />
 <figcaption>Police and Gaming Commission enforcement agents executed a search warrant at the BP in Emporia -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY—The Emporia Police Department partnered with the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC) Monday during an investigation into illegal gambling devices inside an Emporia convenience store.Police and Gaming Commission enforcement agents executed a search warrant at the BP, 2102 W. 6th Avenue in Emporia. They seized five illegal gaming machines along with an ATM and cash from the business, according to Police Captain Lisa Hayes.The investigation began several weeks ago, after police received information about the gambling devices.Kansas law, K.S.A. 21-6403(e)(1)(B) defines a “gambling device” as a machine that is “designed, manufactured or altered primarily for use in connection with gambling…(i) [w]hich when operated may deliver, as the result of chance, any money or property; or (ii) by the operation of which a person may become entitled to receive, as the result of chance, any money or property….”<a href="https://www.krgc.ks.gov/">Click here for more</a> information about Kansas gambling on the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission website.Police made no arrests Monday as they continue their investigation, according to Hayes.

Police seize illegal gambling devices at Kan. convenience store

By CASEY QUINLAN <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/19/rural-hospitals-gird-for-unwinding-of-pandemic-medicaid-coverage/">States Newsroom</a>

Congressional Republicans’ efforts to slash federal spending by tying work requirements to Medicaid and SNAP would have far-reaching consequences for people with mental health issues, chronic health problems, and some people with disabilities if enacted, policy experts on anti-poverty programs say.&nbsp;

They say the work requirements as laid out by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s “Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023” — the Republican plan to raise the country’s debt ceiling —&nbsp; would be devastating for many Americans and hard for states to implement, especially in the thick of the pandemic public health emergency ending. The bill narrowly passed the House in April,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2023199">217 to 211 with four Republicans joining Democrats</a>&nbsp;in voting against it. If a deal isn’t reached, the U.S. will default on its debt as early as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-default-could-begin-june-8-without-agreement-top-economist-tells-congress">June 1</a>.

Democrats have pushed back on the work requirements, but McCarthy&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4006319-mccarthy-says-work-requirements-a-red-line-in-debt-ceiling-talks/">has said</a>&nbsp;they are non-negotiable. Reports that Biden is showing some flexibility on the issue have&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.npr.org/2023/05/19/1176938636/debt-limit-14th-amendment">upset</a>&nbsp;some Democrats. The House Freedom Caucus has also&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/05/18/republicans-debt-ceiling-negotiations/">pushed</a>&nbsp;for McCarthy to stop the discussions with the White House until the Senate passes the bill.

Ten million Medicaid expansion enrollees are at risk under the bill,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/health/mccarthy-medicaid-proposal-puts-millions-of-people-in-expansion-states-at-risk-of">according to</a>&nbsp;the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. The Health and Human Services Department estimated that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/04/25/new-hhs-analysis-congressional-republicans-medicaid-red-tape-would-jeopardize-health-coverage-access-care-21-million-americans-if-implemented.html#:~:text=Today%2C%20the%20U.S.%20Department%20of,by%20Congressional%20Republicans%20were%20implemented.">21 million</a>&nbsp;people are vulnerable to the work reporting requirements. The Congressional Budget Office found that 1.5 million people would lose coverage and 600,000 would become uninsured. It’s possible that the CBO could be&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ccf.georgetown.edu/2023/04/27/taking-a-closer-look-at-the-cbo-estimates-of-speaker-mccarthys-damaging-medicaid-work-reporting-requirement/">underestimating</a>&nbsp;how many people would lose their coverage, some experts say. Although the requirements apply to every state, the CBPP explained in its analysis of the bill that “it would heavily impact people covered by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion.”

“People with mental health issues, people with substance use disorders, people with chronic health conditions and even forms of disability could be encompassed within the expansion population and would need to navigate an entirely new system that’s really not well-specified in the bill to get an exemption and we know that that sets up a massive coverage loss potential,” Allison Orris, senior fellow at the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, told States Newsroom.

The bill includes work-reporting requirements for Medicaid that are even more severe than a 2018&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2020.00538#:~:text=In%20June%202018%20Arkansas%20became,an%20exemption%20to%20maintain%20coverage.">Arkansas law</a>that has since been blocked by the courts, said Edwin Park, a research professor at the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy. Unlike other work requirement proposals, the bill would&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ccf.georgetown.edu/2023/05/01/mccarthy-bill-would-radically-change-disability-standards-for-medicaid-and-reduce-coverage-for-persons-with-disabilities/">not exempt</a>&nbsp;people during their pregnancy and into their postpartum period and there isn’t an automatic exemption for people receiving Supplemental Security Income because they have a disability or Social Security Disability Insurance. It would undercut gains made by Medicaid expansion because even people eligible could lose coverage because of the complexity of the “red tape” they would be forced to navigate, Park said. The unwinding of pandemic policies adds to the potential complications.

“You have all the coverage losses where some people are going to be inappropriately disenrolled, particularly for procedural reasons. They won’t return in the mail. They never got their renewal packet. … And then you have on top of that, this onerous work-reporting requirement with red tape and because states are so overwhelmed with unwinding over the next year or so, it’s hard to see how they could implement a work-reporting requirement that implements the exemptions,” he said.

Park added that House Republicans who characterize this provision of the bill, which requires recipients to work 80 hours per month, do community service or be involved in an employment program, as only affecting able-bodied adults without children is inaccurate.

“… Based on how this proposal has been designed, you know, it’s not targeted to that group at all,” he said.

He explained, “We know that many people who are disabled who are receiving disability benefits do work to a limited extent and they aren’t necessarily unfit for employment. There’s limits on how much they can work to maintain their benefits. But federal policy, up to this point, has been encouraging those with disabilities to work to increase their employment hours while being able to maintain their health coverage.”

The SNAP work requirements are equally concerning to advocates. Currently 18- to 49-year-olds without children at home can only receive benefits for three months in any three-year-period unless they prove they’ve worked a 20-hour week. Under McCarthy’s bill, those work requirements would be expanded to include people up to age 55.

Craig Gundersen, an economics professor at Baylor University whose research focuses on food insecurity and food assistance, said it may look like that the work requirements are successful because cases will fall, but the reality will be different.

“What’s going to happen is if you impose work requirements you’re going to have an increase in food insecurity in our country,” he said.

He said the bill’s provision on SNAP doesn’t make sense.

“SNAP doesn’t discourage work. So why would you want to impose work requirements? The second thing is that SNAP is an anti-hunger program full stop,” he said. “That’s what it was designed to do. If that’s its main goal, why would we ever want to say to people that you have to work to get these benefits.”

Nine-hundred thousand people in the U.S. aged 50 to 55 are at risk of losing SNAP,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbpp.org/blog/speaker-mccarthys-snap-proposal-would-take-food-away-from-older-adults-for-not-meeting-work">according to</a>&nbsp;CBPP.

The SNAP restrictions also make it harder for states to provide support for SNAP recipients dealing with unique circumstances that would exempt them from the three-month time limit to receive benefits. The number of exemptions states can use are currently tied to their caseloads and if they aren’t used, states can roll them over into the next year. McCarthy’s bill wouldn’t let states carry over unused exemptions.

​​Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) would also be affected by the stricter work requirements in the House debt ceiling legislation. Families subject to work requirements — 540,000 families — could potentially lose their cash benefits, the CBPP&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/income-security/tanf-provisions-in-house-republicans-debt-ceiling-and-cuts-bill-would-harm">estimated</a>, worsening child poverty.

Housing assistance, student loan forgiveness targeted

In addition to these effects on anti-poverty programs, many other services and benefits in housing and education would likely suffer from the huge cuts proposed in the bill. The CBPP’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/federal-budget/how-house-republicans-harsh-funding-caps-would-affect-different-vital">analysis</a>&nbsp;of this bill shows average cuts of 13% in 2024 even if cuts were evenly spread across discretionary programs.

The legislation would also kill Biden’s student loan forgiveness plans regardless of the outcome in the courts and nix student loan repayment plans that were designed to be more affordable for people with student debt. It would “likely eliminate Pell Grants altogether for 80,000 students,”&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/fact-sheet-house-republican-proposals-hurt-children-students-and-borrowers-and-undermine-education">according to</a>&nbsp;the Department of Education.

“Here you are cutting one of the premier programs that serves low-income students who are trying to access this level of education, who have long been marginalized in the labor market,” said Katherine Gallagher Robbins, senior fellow at the National Partnership for Women &amp; Families. “And what you’re saying to them is, ‘Oh, hey, by the way, we’re not even going to give you the support that will pay dividends for years to come in your own earnings.”

Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nlihc.org/resource/house-republicans-pass-disastrous-budget-proposal-gutting-hud-affordable-housing-and-0">estimated</a>&nbsp;that nearly 1 million people could lose housing assistance and that nearly 120,000 people may be cut off from homelessness services.

“Stable housing is such an essential part of any family’s economic security,” Gallagher Robbins said. “ … The cuts that they’re talking about here …, you’re going to end up eliminating almost 300,000 families’ support for their housing. Not all of those families will end up being unhoused, but some of them will. It creates this downward spiral that is very challenging to recover from, especially as other benefits are cut …”

The ending of the pandemic public health emergency has already resulted in the loss of financial support for some families, and now with these potential cuts, the people who benefited most from the recovery would be hurt the most from this bill, Gallagher Robbins said.

“We’re already seeing things like less access to school lunch, less access to the child tax credit,” she said. “So families are already struggling with what that looks like and that has been mitigated to an extent, obviously not fully, by the current strength of the economy. Everything is up for grabs here, basically, in terms of harming families who are already absorbing this most recent kind of cut in support.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684802104463.png" alt="President Biden met with Speaker McCarthy&nbsp; Monday night on the Debt Limit. Republicans want work requirements on the Medicaid health care program, though the Biden administration has countered that millions of people could lose coverage. The GOP additionally introduced new cuts to food aid by restricting states’ ability to waive work requirements in places with high joblessness. But Democrats have said any changes to work requirements for government aid recipients are nonstarters.- image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Biden met with Speaker McCarthy&nbsp; Monday night on the Debt Limit. Republicans want work requirements on the Medicaid health care program, though the Biden administration has countered that millions of people could lose coverage. The GOP additionally introduced new cuts to food aid by restricting states’ ability to waive work requirements in places with high joblessness. But Democrats have said any changes to work requirements for government aid recipients are nonstarters.- image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By CASEY QUINLAN <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/19/rural-hospitals-gird-for-unwinding-of-pandemic-medicaid-coverage/">States Newsroom</a> Congressional Republicans’ efforts to slash federal spending by tying work requirements to Medicaid and SNAP would have far-reaching consequences for people with mental health issues, chronic health problems, and some people with disabilities if enacted, policy experts on anti-poverty programs say.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Just finished meeting with President Biden at the White House. <a href="https://t.co/5P4LTLvbVG">https://t.co/5P4LTLvbVG</a>&mdash; Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerMcCarthy/status/1660783402700935169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684800636031.png" alt="Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned Congress in a letter Monday" />
 <figcaption>Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned Congress in a letter Monday</figcaption>
 </figure>They say the work requirements as laid out by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s “Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023” — the Republican plan to raise the country’s debt ceiling —&nbsp; would be devastating for many Americans and hard for states to implement, especially in the thick of the pandemic public health emergency ending. The bill narrowly passed the House in April,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2023199">217 to 211 with four Republicans joining Democrats</a>&nbsp;in voting against it. If a deal isn’t reached, the U.S. will default on its debt as early as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-default-could-begin-june-8-without-agreement-top-economist-tells-congress">June 1</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I just concluded a productive meeting with Speaker McCarthy about the need to prevent default and avoid a catastrophe for our economy. We reiterated once again that default is off the table and the only way to move forward is in good faith toward a bipartisan agreement. While…&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1660798439171538945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Democrats have pushed back on the work requirements, but McCarthy&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4006319-mccarthy-says-work-requirements-a-red-line-in-debt-ceiling-talks/">has said</a>&nbsp;they are non-negotiable. Reports that Biden is showing some flexibility on the issue have&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.npr.org/2023/05/19/1176938636/debt-limit-14th-amendment">upset</a>&nbsp;some Democrats. The House Freedom Caucus has also&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/05/18/republicans-debt-ceiling-negotiations/">pushed</a>&nbsp;for McCarthy to stop the discussions with the White House until the Senate passes the bill.Ten million Medicaid expansion enrollees are at risk under the bill,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/health/mccarthy-medicaid-proposal-puts-millions-of-people-in-expansion-states-at-risk-of">according to</a>&nbsp;the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. The Health and Human Services Department estimated that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/04/25/new-hhs-analysis-congressional-republicans-medicaid-red-tape-would-jeopardize-health-coverage-access-care-21-million-americans-if-implemented.html#:~:text=Today%2C%20the%20U.S.%20Department%20of,by%20Congressional%20Republicans%20were%20implemented.">21 million</a>&nbsp;people are vulnerable to the work reporting requirements. The Congressional Budget Office found that 1.5 million people would lose coverage and 600,000 would become uninsured. It’s possible that the CBO could be&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ccf.georgetown.edu/2023/04/27/taking-a-closer-look-at-the-cbo-estimates-of-speaker-mccarthys-damaging-medicaid-work-reporting-requirement/">underestimating</a>&nbsp;how many people would lose their coverage, some experts say. Although the requirements apply to every state, the CBPP explained in its analysis of the bill that “it would heavily impact people covered by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion.”“People with mental health issues, people with substance use disorders, people with chronic health conditions and even forms of disability could be encompassed within the expansion population and would need to navigate an entirely new system that’s really not well-specified in the bill to get an exemption and we know that that sets up a massive coverage loss potential,” Allison Orris, senior fellow at the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, told States Newsroom.The bill includes work-reporting requirements for Medicaid that are even more severe than a 2018&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2020.00538#:~:text=In%20June%202018%20Arkansas%20became,an%20exemption%20to%20maintain%20coverage.">Arkansas law</a>that has since been blocked by the courts, said Edwin Park, a research professor at the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy. Unlike other work requirement proposals, the bill would&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ccf.georgetown.edu/2023/05/01/mccarthy-bill-would-radically-change-disability-standards-for-medicaid-and-reduce-coverage-for-persons-with-disabilities/">not exempt</a>&nbsp;people during their pregnancy and into their postpartum period and there isn’t an automatic exemption for people receiving Supplemental Security Income because they have a disability or Social Security Disability Insurance. It would undercut gains made by Medicaid expansion because even people eligible could lose coverage because of the complexity of the “red tape” they would be forced to navigate, Park said. The unwinding of pandemic policies adds to the potential complications.“You have all the coverage losses where some people are going to be inappropriately disenrolled, particularly for procedural reasons. They won’t return in the mail. They never got their renewal packet. … And then you have on top of that, this onerous work-reporting requirement with red tape and because states are so overwhelmed with unwinding over the next year or so, it’s hard to see how they could implement a work-reporting requirement that implements the exemptions,” he said.Park added that House Republicans who characterize this provision of the bill, which requires recipients to work 80 hours per month, do community service or be involved in an employment program, as only affecting able-bodied adults without children is inaccurate.“… Based on how this proposal has been designed, you know, it’s not targeted to that group at all,” he said.He explained, “We know that many people who are disabled who are receiving disability benefits do work to a limited extent and they aren’t necessarily unfit for employment. There’s limits on how much they can work to maintain their benefits. But federal policy, up to this point, has been encouraging those with disabilities to work to increase their employment hours while being able to maintain their health coverage.”<h2>Expanding SNAP work requirements</h2>The SNAP work requirements are equally concerning to advocates. Currently 18- to 49-year-olds without children at home can only receive benefits for three months in any three-year-period unless they prove they’ve worked a 20-hour week. Under McCarthy’s bill, those work requirements would be expanded to include people up to age 55.Craig Gundersen, an economics professor at Baylor University whose research focuses on food insecurity and food assistance, said it may look like that the work requirements are successful because cases will fall, but the reality will be different.“What’s going to happen is if you impose work requirements you’re going to have an increase in food insecurity in our country,” he said.He said the bill’s provision on SNAP doesn’t make sense.“SNAP doesn’t discourage work. So why would you want to impose work requirements? The second thing is that SNAP is an anti-hunger program full stop,” he said. “That’s what it was designed to do. If that’s its main goal, why would we ever want to say to people that you have to work to get these benefits.”Nine-hundred thousand people in the U.S. aged 50 to 55 are at risk of losing SNAP,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbpp.org/blog/speaker-mccarthys-snap-proposal-would-take-food-away-from-older-adults-for-not-meeting-work">according to</a>&nbsp;CBPP.The SNAP restrictions also make it harder for states to provide support for SNAP recipients dealing with unique circumstances that would exempt them from the three-month time limit to receive benefits. The number of exemptions states can use are currently tied to their caseloads and if they aren’t used, states can roll them over into the next year. McCarthy’s bill wouldn’t let states carry over unused exemptions.​​Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) would also be affected by the stricter work requirements in the House debt ceiling legislation. Families subject to work requirements — 540,000 families — could potentially lose their cash benefits, the CBPP&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/income-security/tanf-provisions-in-house-republicans-debt-ceiling-and-cuts-bill-would-harm">estimated</a>, worsening child poverty.<h2>Housing assistance, student loan forgiveness targeted</h2>In addition to these effects on anti-poverty programs, many other services and benefits in housing and education would likely suffer from the huge cuts proposed in the bill. The CBPP’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/federal-budget/how-house-republicans-harsh-funding-caps-would-affect-different-vital">analysis</a>&nbsp;of this bill shows average cuts of 13% in 2024 even if cuts were evenly spread across discretionary programs.The legislation would also kill Biden’s student loan forgiveness plans regardless of the outcome in the courts and nix student loan repayment plans that were designed to be more affordable for people with student debt. It would “likely eliminate Pell Grants altogether for 80,000 students,”&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/fact-sheet-house-republican-proposals-hurt-children-students-and-borrowers-and-undermine-education">according to</a>&nbsp;the Department of Education.“Here you are cutting one of the premier programs that serves low-income students who are trying to access this level of education, who have long been marginalized in the labor market,” said Katherine Gallagher Robbins, senior fellow at the National Partnership for Women &amp; Families. “And what you’re saying to them is, ‘Oh, hey, by the way, we’re not even going to give you the support that will pay dividends for years to come in your own earnings.”Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nlihc.org/resource/house-republicans-pass-disastrous-budget-proposal-gutting-hud-affordable-housing-and-0">estimated</a>&nbsp;that nearly 1 million people could lose housing assistance and that nearly 120,000 people may be cut off from homelessness services.“Stable housing is such an essential part of any family’s economic security,” Gallagher Robbins said. “ … The cuts that they’re talking about here …, you’re going to end up eliminating almost 300,000 families’ support for their housing. Not all of those families will end up being unhoused, but some of them will. It creates this downward spiral that is very challenging to recover from, especially as other benefits are cut …”The ending of the pandemic public health emergency has already resulted in the loss of financial support for some families, and now with these potential cuts, the people who benefited most from the recovery would be hurt the most from this bill, Gallagher Robbins said.“We’re already seeing things like less access to school lunch, less access to the child tax credit,” she said. “So families are already struggling with what that looks like and that has been mitigated to an extent, obviously not fully, by the current strength of the economy. Everything is up for grabs here, basically, in terms of harming families who are already absorbing this most recent kind of cut in support.”

GOP work requirements for federal aid holding up debt limit deal

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a crime scene that sent three people to the hospital have confirmed a second victim has died.

Penny Smith, 50, a resident of the home, died Sunday, May 21, at an area hospital, according to polce.

Her daughter, 29-year-old, Kristy C. Thow, of Shawnee, died from her injuries at an area hospital shortly after the shooting. 

A third victim was treated at an area hospital and has now been released. The suspect, Christopher Smith, 52, a resident of the home and husband of victim Penny Smith, was pronounced deceased on scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Just before 11p.m. Thursday, police responded to report of a shooting at a home in the 2700 block of North 123rd Street in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.

First responders found three adult women outside with critical injuries. EMS transported them to a local hospital where Thow and Smith died&nbsp;&nbsp;

Inside the home, officers found the body of Christopher Smith.&nbsp;This incident remains under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a crime scene that sent three people to the hospital have confirmed a second victim has died.Penny Smith, 50, a resident of the home, died Sunday, May 21, at an area hospital, according to polce.Her daughter, 29-year-old, Kristy C. Thow, of Shawnee, died from her injuries at an area hospital shortly after the shooting. A third victim was treated at an area hospital and has now been released. The suspect, Christopher Smith, 52, a resident of the home and husband of victim Penny Smith, was pronounced deceased on scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.Just before 11p.m. Thursday, police responded to report of a shooting at a home in the 2700 block of North 123rd Street in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.First responders found three adult women outside with critical injuries. EMS transported them to a local hospital where Thow and Smith died&nbsp;&nbsp;Inside the home, officers found the body of Christopher Smith.&nbsp;This incident remains under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.

Police: 2nd woman has died from shooting at Kansas home 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man who&nbsp;threatening to kidnap and kill the mayor of Wichita because he was upset about the city’s mask ordinance has been sentenced.

On Monday, Judge Seth Rundle sentenced 62-year-old Meredith Dowty to two years on probation, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office

On Friday Dowty plead no contest to misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

According to court records, the retired firefighter was upset about the city’s mask ordinance and had been texting an acquaintance on the city council for more than a month before his arrest.

&nbsp;James Clendenin, at the time a member of the city council, started receiving texts from Dowty and wanted to know where the mayor eats, sleeps and buys food and gas.

Clendenin, who in 2020 voted against the mask mandate, said Dowty might have felt they were “kindred spirits” because of his stance.

Court documents say Dowty also texted about people needing to be “hung by their necks”&nbsp; and then described the mayor as “traitorous” in another message. Clendenin said he didn’t feel the conversation went beyond “venting” until Dowty allegedly wrote that the “Mayor and all those who bankrupt us” are “viable targets for elimination.”

That’s when he reported the messages to police. Dowty said Clendenin is his friend and that he didn’t mean the texts as threats, court document say. -The Associated Press contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602897809399.png" alt="Dowty-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Dowty-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man who&nbsp;threatening to kidnap and kill the mayor of Wichita because he was upset about the city’s mask ordinance has been sentenced.On Monday, Judge Seth Rundle sentenced 62-year-old Meredith Dowty to two years on probation, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's officeOn Friday Dowty plead no contest to misdemeanor disorderly conduct.According to court records, the retired firefighter was upset about the city’s mask ordinance and had been texting an acquaintance on the city council for more than a month before his arrest.&nbsp;James Clendenin, at the time a member of the city council, started receiving texts from Dowty and wanted to know where the mayor eats, sleeps and buys food and gas.Clendenin, who in 2020 voted against the mask mandate, said Dowty might have felt they were “kindred spirits” because of his stance.Court documents say Dowty also texted about people needing to be “hung by their necks”&nbsp; and then described the mayor as “traitorous” in another message. Clendenin said he didn’t feel the conversation went beyond “venting” until Dowty allegedly wrote that the “Mayor and all those who bankrupt us” are “viable targets for elimination.”That’s when he reported the messages to police. Dowty said Clendenin is his friend and that he didn’t mean the texts as threats, court document say. -The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Kan. man who threatened mayor over mask mandate is sentenced

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A judge entered not guilty pleas Monday for a man&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/idaho-students-stabbed-kohberger-e7be2c178c315d0d8307ae5180558153">charged in the stabbing deaths</a>&nbsp;of four University of Idaho students, setting the stage for a trial in which he could potentially face the death penalty.

The Nov. 13, 2022, killings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moscow-idaho-spokane-university-of-fdbabdb55c38409cd567a7332db4dae5">stunned the rural community of Moscow, Idaho,</a>&nbsp;and prompted many students to leave campus early, switching to remote learning for the remainder of the semester.

<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/23564673/122922-affidavit-exhibit-a-statement-of-brett-payne_redacted.pdf">Click here to read&nbsp;</a>the full&nbsp;unsealed affidavit, which explains the basis for Kohberger's arrest.

Bryan Kohberger, 28, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-of-idaho-students-killings-arrest-b3b1ffd8138827f0bdad16d20e17cf83">arrested late last year</a>&nbsp;and charged with burglary and four counts of first-degree murder in connection with with the slayings of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin at a rental home near the University of Idaho campus.

Kohberger declined to enter pleas in Latah County District Court, with his defense attorney Anne Taylor telling the judge that they were going to “stand silent” at this time. In response, 2nd District Judge John Judge entered not guilty pleas on Kohberger's behalf.

It's uncommon but not unheard of for defendants to “stand silent” in criminal cases. Sometimes it is done because defendants and their attorneys feel they need more time to weigh the ramifications of entering a plea of guilty or not guilty; other times it can be part of a broader legal strategy or simply a defendant's personal choice.

Kohberger declined to waive his right to a speedy trial, so the judge scheduled it to begin Oct. 2. It's still possible that the trial, expected to last six weeks, could be delayed or moved to a different location.

Kohberger was a graduate student studying criminology at nearby Washington State University when the University of Idaho students were killed, but prosecutors have not released any information about how they believe he may have chosen the victims or whether he had met any of them previously.

Police released few details about the investigation until after Kohberger was arrested at his parents’ home in eastern Pennsylvania early Dec. 30, 2022. Court documents detailed how police pieced together DNA evidence, cellphone data and surveillance video that they say links Kohberger to the slayings.

Investigators said traces of DNA found on a knife sheath inside the home where the students were killed matches Kohberger, and that a cellphone belonging to Kohberger was near the victims’ home on a dozen occasions prior to the killings. A white sedan allegedly matching one owned by Kohberger was caught on surveillance footage repeatedly cruising past the rental home around the time of the killings.

Kernodle, Chapin, Mogen and Goncalves were friends and members of the university’s Greek system, and the three women lived together in the rental home just across the street from campus. Chapin — Kernodle’s boyfriend — was there visiting on the night of the attack.

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson now has 60 days to inform the court whether he will seek the death penalty in the case.

The small courtroom was packed for the arraignment, with some members of the news media and other onlookers lining up outside three hours before the proceeding was set to begin, Boise television station KTVB reported. Family members of Goncalves were among those who attended, one of them weeping as the charges were read.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672924870681.png" alt="Kohberger" />
 <figcaption>Kohberger</figcaption>
 </figure>BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A judge entered not guilty pleas Monday for a man&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/idaho-students-stabbed-kohberger-e7be2c178c315d0d8307ae5180558153">charged in the stabbing deaths</a>&nbsp;of four University of Idaho students, setting the stage for a trial in which he could potentially face the death penalty.The Nov. 13, 2022, killings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moscow-idaho-spokane-university-of-fdbabdb55c38409cd567a7332db4dae5">stunned the rural community of Moscow, Idaho,</a>&nbsp;and prompted many students to leave campus early, switching to remote learning for the remainder of the semester.<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/23564673/122922-affidavit-exhibit-a-statement-of-brett-payne_redacted.pdf">Click here to read&nbsp;</a>the full&nbsp;unsealed affidavit, which explains the basis for Kohberger's arrest.Bryan Kohberger, 28, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-of-idaho-students-killings-arrest-b3b1ffd8138827f0bdad16d20e17cf83">arrested late last year</a>&nbsp;and charged with burglary and four counts of first-degree murder in connection with with the slayings of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin at a rental home near the University of Idaho campus.Kohberger declined to enter pleas in Latah County District Court, with his defense attorney Anne Taylor telling the judge that they were going to “stand silent” at this time. In response, 2nd District Judge John Judge entered not guilty pleas on Kohberger's behalf.It's uncommon but not unheard of for defendants to “stand silent” in criminal cases. Sometimes it is done because defendants and their attorneys feel they need more time to weigh the ramifications of entering a plea of guilty or not guilty; other times it can be part of a broader legal strategy or simply a defendant's personal choice.Kohberger declined to waive his right to a speedy trial, so the judge scheduled it to begin Oct. 2. It's still possible that the trial, expected to last six weeks, could be delayed or moved to a different location.Kohberger was a graduate student studying criminology at nearby Washington State University when the University of Idaho students were killed, but prosecutors have not released any information about how they believe he may have chosen the victims or whether he had met any of them previously.Police released few details about the investigation until after Kohberger was arrested at his parents’ home in eastern Pennsylvania early Dec. 30, 2022. Court documents detailed how police pieced together DNA evidence, cellphone data and surveillance video that they say links Kohberger to the slayings.Investigators said traces of DNA found on a knife sheath inside the home where the students were killed matches Kohberger, and that a cellphone belonging to Kohberger was near the victims’ home on a dozen occasions prior to the killings. A white sedan allegedly matching one owned by Kohberger was caught on surveillance footage repeatedly cruising past the rental home around the time of the killings.Kernodle, Chapin, Mogen and Goncalves were friends and members of the university’s Greek system, and the three women lived together in the rental home just across the street from campus. Chapin — Kernodle’s boyfriend — was there visiting on the night of the attack.Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson now has 60 days to inform the court whether he will seek the death penalty in the case.The small courtroom was packed for the arraignment, with some members of the news media and other onlookers lining up outside three hours before the proceeding was set to begin, Boise television station KTVB reported. Family members of Goncalves were among those who attended, one of them weeping as the charges were read.

Suspect in murder of 4 Univ. of Idaho students declines to enter plea

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man is going to prison for the&nbsp;shooting a shooting death last summer in Wichita.

Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 21-year-old Christopher Dyas has been sentenced to 18-years in prison for second-degree murder and aggravated assault, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.

Just after 1:30a.m. August 15, police working part-time in the Old Town area of Wichita heard several gunshots just north of 126 N. Mosely, according to Office Chad Ditch. Moments later they heard gunshots near 100 N. Washington.

Officers ran in the direction of the second round of shots and found&nbsp; 22-year-old Deandre Greenley, of Wichita unconscious and not breathing. He had several gunshot wounds to his upper body, according to Ditch.

First responders attempted lifesaving efforts. EMS pronounced Greenley deceased on the scene.

Investigators learned that Dyas and 24-year-old Saquorea Sweeney, both of Wichita&nbsp; arrived in a black 2008 Ford Edge. They then walked right up to Greenley, shot him several times striking him in the upper body and fled the scene.

Officers quickly determined the suspect vehicle from witnesses, cameras in Old Town and by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flocksafety.com/">utilizing FLOCK</a>, according to Ditch, a system&nbsp; that captures the license plate and state details of every car that drives by, day or night.

A short time later, police took both Sweeney and Dyas&nbsp; into custody in different areas of town without incident.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660522989997.png" alt="Dyas-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Dyas-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man is going to prison for the&nbsp;shooting a shooting death last summer in Wichita.Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 21-year-old Christopher Dyas has been sentenced to 18-years in prison for second-degree murder and aggravated assault, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.Just after 1:30a.m. August 15, police working part-time in the Old Town area of Wichita heard several gunshots just north of 126 N. Mosely, according to Office Chad Ditch. Moments later they heard gunshots near 100 N. Washington.Officers ran in the direction of the second round of shots and found&nbsp; 22-year-old Deandre Greenley, of Wichita unconscious and not breathing. He had several gunshot wounds to his upper body, according to Ditch.First responders attempted lifesaving efforts. EMS pronounced Greenley deceased on the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660522964880.png" alt="Sweeney-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Sweeney-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators learned that Dyas and 24-year-old Saquorea Sweeney, both of Wichita&nbsp; arrived in a black 2008 Ford Edge. They then walked right up to Greenley, shot him several times striking him in the upper body and fled the scene.Officers quickly determined the suspect vehicle from witnesses, cameras in Old Town and by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flocksafety.com/">utilizing FLOCK</a>, according to Ditch, a system&nbsp; that captures the license plate and state details of every car that drives by, day or night.A short time later, police took both Sweeney and Dyas&nbsp; into custody in different areas of town without incident.&nbsp;--------

Kan. man captured utilizing FLOCK plate reader sentenced for murder

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating the shooting&nbsp;at a Kansas City bar early Sunday have identified the victims as 41-year-old Jason McConnell; 33-year-old Clarence Henderson and 25-year-old&nbsp;Antoinette Brenson, according to a release from KCPD.

Honystye Chancellor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article275640031.html">told the Kansas City Star</a>&nbsp;that her stepfather Jason McConnell, was killed in the shooting while working security at the door of the bar.

After she rushed to the bar, Chancellor said, people in the crowd told her that the shooting happened just as the local rapper who was performing at the club was leaving.

The rapper who performs under the name “Nutty Still Gassin” had posted a live video from the club earlier in the night before the shooting happened on his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/clarence.henderson.7982">Facebook page</a>.

Kansas City police said that when multiple officers arrived at the bar, they found five victims and began providing medical aid.

Police said two of the victims died at the scene — one was found inside the bar and the other was outside the building in Kansas City, Missouri. A third victim died at the hospital.&nbsp;

Police said two of the victims died at the scene — one was found inside the bar and the other was outside the building in Kansas City, Missouri. A third victim died at the hospital. The other two victims remained in critical condition, according to police.

 Details about the circumstances that led to the shooting are still under investigation.

On the sidewalk outside the bar, a small memorial with flowers and chalk writing featuring the victims’ names popped up in the hours following the incident. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684788898802.png" alt="On the sidewalk outside the bar, a small memorial with flowers and chalk writing featuring the victims’ names popped up in the hours following the incident.-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>On the sidewalk outside the bar, a small memorial with flowers and chalk writing featuring the victims’ names popped up in the hours following the incident.-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating the shooting&nbsp;at a Kansas City bar early Sunday have identified the victims as 41-year-old Jason McConnell; 33-year-old Clarence Henderson and 25-year-old&nbsp;Antoinette Brenson, according to a release from KCPD.Honystye Chancellor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article275640031.html">told the Kansas City Star</a>&nbsp;that her stepfather Jason McConnell, was killed in the shooting while working security at the door of the bar. After she rushed to the bar, Chancellor said, people in the crowd told her that the shooting happened just as the local rapper who was performing at the club was leaving.The rapper who performs under the name “Nutty Still Gassin” had posted a live video from the club earlier in the night before the shooting happened on his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/clarence.henderson.7982">Facebook page</a>.Kansas City police said that when multiple officers arrived at the bar, they found five victims and began providing medical aid.Police said two of the victims died at the scene — one was found inside the bar and the other was outside the building in Kansas City, Missouri. A third victim died at the hospital.&nbsp;Kansas City police said that when multiple officers arrived at the bar, they found five victims and began providing medical aid.Police said two of the victims died at the scene — one was found inside the bar and the other was outside the building in Kansas City, Missouri. A third victim died at the hospital. The other two victims remained in critical condition, according to police. Details about the circumstances that led to the shooting are still under investigation.On the sidewalk outside the bar, a small memorial with flowers and chalk writing featuring the victims’ names popped up in the hours following the incident. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Victims in deadly Kansas City bar shooting identified

JUDD WEIL&nbsp; Hutch Post&nbsp;

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Former Hutchinson Police Department (HPD) officer Todd W. Allen was sentenced before Judge Keith Schroeder on May 22.&nbsp;

Allen pled guilty to 12 felony charges related to sex crimes and five misdemeanors related to breach of privacy on April 10 in Reno County District Court.&nbsp;

Allen will receive 282 months in prison, according to the plea agreement.&nbsp;

The plea hearing in April was before Judge Jeff Newsum.&nbsp;

Allen agreed to the plea deal, earning him a 23-1/2 year sentence. Under the conditions of the plea deal, he can get out early for good behavior however must serve 20 years of the sentence, minimum. &nbsp;

Allen will be required to register as a sex offender and reimburse the court for related fees.&nbsp;

The formal charges originally filed against Allen included 17 felonies and seven misdemeanors, totaling 24 counts. &nbsp;

The charges were two counts of kidnapping, five counts of rape, two counts of sexual battery, and indecent liberties with a minor involving a 14 or 15-year-old. &nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/d6da7f11-fb3b-4d3d-ae8a-a4039b6e92bd" target="_blank">Allen was arrested Aug. 17, 2022&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;for crimes that stretched back as far as 2012.&nbsp;

Per the filed complaints, Allen is said&nbsp;to have sexually assaulted 10 victims. &nbsp;&nbsp;

All the assaults took place in either Rice Park, Carey Park, or Fun Valley Sports Complex, all in Hutchinson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Supporting documents filed in court say that&nbsp;Allen's victims were never unaccompanied, be it a boyfriend, friend, or brother.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Under the guise of an on-duty cop or park security, and while dressed in dark clothing and a mask or face-covering, Allen would shine a flashlight at the victims' eyes to further disguise himself.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The victims would believe him and comply with his demands to exit their vehicles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As he would take his victims, one including a 15-year-old girl, behind the vehicle, he would tell whoever was with them to stay where they were.&nbsp;&nbsp;

From behind the car, Allen would interrogate them about illicit activities such as drugs. At the same time, he would assault them with unwanted sexual acts.&nbsp;

When each victim, all females, realized Allen might not be who he claimed, they would scream or alert their company, causing him to run. Allen made his getaways with either a bicycle or another vehicle.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The last reported sexual battery and kidnapping charge was in August 2018.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In addition to his park assaults, on several occasions Allen peeped through the windows of private residences. In one instance, he used the aid of a stepstool from behind someone's property to try and look in a window.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Allen was finally caught when security camera footage spotted him peering over a fence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684780534731.jpeg" alt="Todd W. Allen seated with legal counsel at sentencing on Monday-Photo by Judd Weil" />
 <figcaption>Todd W. Allen seated with legal counsel at sentencing on Monday-Photo by Judd Weil</figcaption>
 </figure>JUDD WEIL&nbsp; Hutch Post&nbsp;HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Former Hutchinson Police Department (HPD) officer Todd W. Allen was sentenced before Judge Keith Schroeder on May 22.&nbsp;Allen pled guilty to 12 felony charges related to sex crimes and five misdemeanors related to breach of privacy on April 10 in Reno County District Court.&nbsp;Allen will receive 282 months in prison, according to the plea agreement.&nbsp;The plea hearing in April was before Judge Jeff Newsum.&nbsp;Allen agreed to the plea deal, earning him a 23-1/2 year sentence. Under the conditions of the plea deal, he can get out early for good behavior however must serve 20 years of the sentence, minimum. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684789370913.png" alt="Allen-photo KBI offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Allen-photo KBI offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>Allen will be required to register as a sex offender and reimburse the court for related fees.&nbsp;The formal charges originally filed against Allen included 17 felonies and seven misdemeanors, totaling 24 counts. &nbsp;The charges were two counts of kidnapping, five counts of rape, two counts of sexual battery, and indecent liberties with a minor involving a 14 or 15-year-old. &nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/d6da7f11-fb3b-4d3d-ae8a-a4039b6e92bd" target="_blank">Allen was arrested Aug. 17, 2022&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;for crimes that stretched back as far as 2012.&nbsp;Per the filed complaints, Allen is said&nbsp;to have sexually assaulted 10 victims. &nbsp;&nbsp;All the assaults took place in either Rice Park, Carey Park, or Fun Valley Sports Complex, all in Hutchinson.&nbsp;&nbsp;Supporting documents filed in court say that&nbsp;Allen's victims were never unaccompanied, be it a boyfriend, friend, or brother.&nbsp;&nbsp;Under the guise of an on-duty cop or park security, and while dressed in dark clothing and a mask or face-covering, Allen would shine a flashlight at the victims' eyes to further disguise himself.&nbsp;&nbsp;The victims would believe him and comply with his demands to exit their vehicles.&nbsp;&nbsp;As he would take his victims, one including a 15-year-old girl, behind the vehicle, he would tell whoever was with them to stay where they were.&nbsp;&nbsp;From behind the car, Allen would interrogate them about illicit activities such as drugs. At the same time, he would assault them with unwanted sexual acts.&nbsp;When each victim, all females, realized Allen might not be who he claimed, they would scream or alert their company, causing him to run. Allen made his getaways with either a bicycle or another vehicle.&nbsp;&nbsp;The last reported sexual battery and kidnapping charge was in August 2018.&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to his park assaults, on several occasions Allen peeped through the windows of private residences. In one instance, he used the aid of a stepstool from behind someone's property to try and look in a window.&nbsp;&nbsp;Allen was finally caught when security camera footage spotted him peering over a fence.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to Reno County District Attorney Thomas Stanton, while employed with the Hutchinson Police Department, Allen looked up records of his assaults during the investigations.&nbsp;&nbsp;The five breach-of-privacy charges were filed after he left the HPD on Jan. 9, 2019, and took a security job with Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is reported to have said the assaults were sexually motivated. &nbsp;Stanton said Allen&nbsp;was not on duty as a police officer when committing his crimes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Prior to sentencing Allen was free on $250,000 bond. His&nbsp;bond conditions included wearing a GPS ankle monitor and not having any alcohol, drugs or contact with victims.&nbsp;Todd W. Allen was with the Hutchinson Police Department from the 1990s, until resigning in 2019.