By JENNIFER SHUTT <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/22/beagles-rescued-from-virginia-dog-breeding-facility-get-the-star-treatment-in-d-c/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — Now-famous beagles 
rescued from a breeding and research facility in Virginia were on 
Capitol Hill on Thursday as an animal welfare group and a California 
congressman pushed for legislation that would promote adoption of 
research animals.

“It’s unfortunate that animals are 
still allowed to be used in testing. That hopefully is going to go away 
very, very soon. But while it’s happening, we can do better,” said Rep. 
Tony Cárdenas.

The beagles came from a
 controversial Envigo medical dog-breeding facility in Cumberland County
 that shut down under pressure from federal regulators because of a 
string of animal welfare violations, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.virginiamercury.com/blog-va/beagle-breeding-facility-shutting-down-over-violations-will-be-allowed-to-sell-500-dogs/">the Virginia Mercury has reported.</a>&nbsp; Federal agents in May <a target="_blank" href="https://www.peta.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/012-Joint-Motion-to-Extend-TRO.pdf">seized hundreds of dogs and puppies</a> found to be “in acute distress.”

A judge in July <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wric.com/news/virginia-news/judge-approves-transfer-of-all-4000-remaining-beagles-at-breeding-facility-to-shelters-for-adoption/?eType=EmailBlastContent&amp;eId=44444444-4444-4444-4444-444444444444">approved a plan</a> to move 4,000 beagles from the facility to shelters for adoption, making national headlines. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-08-24/meghan-prince-harry-adopt-beagle-rescued-from-virginia-plant">One adopter turned out to be </a>Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, and her husband, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, who are now living in California.

On Thursday, several of the beagles 
were at the Capitol to get petted and shown off at a “meet and greet” 
and to help make a point about animal research.

Cárdenas, a California Democrat, introduced a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5726">bill</a>
 last October that would require any facility receiving funding from the
 National Institutes of Health to make “reasonable efforts” to adopt any
 dog, cat, or rabbit deemed suitable for adoption once that animal is no
 longer needed for biomedical and behavioral research.&nbsp;

The legislation has just four other 
co-sponsors, Joe Neguse of Colorado, Jimmy Panetta of California, Donald
 Payne Jr. of New Jersey and Dina Titus of Nevada.

When asked about the strategy for 
reaching the level of support the bill would need to clear the House and
 the Senate, Cárdenas told States Newsroom that he plans to push back on
 the medical research industry criticism that the measure is “too 
onerous.”&nbsp;

Cárdenas also hopes more of his colleagues will voice support for the legislation.&nbsp;

Monica Engebretson, North America 
campaign manager for Cruelty Free International, said 15 states require 
animal research facilities to offer dogs and cats they no longer want 
for adoption. But she believes a nationwide law is needed.&nbsp;

Engebretson said the group has had 
some success in the past getting policy changes enacted through the 
annual legislation that funds the NIH, which is headquartered in 
Bethesda, Maryland, and hopes to do so again with this current policy 
proposal.&nbsp;

The NIH’s website says that it’s 
“committed to continuing to develop non-animal model alternative 
methods,” though it notes “we are not at a point where alternative 
approaches can completely replace the use of animals at this time.”

“The alternatives simply cannot 
accurately replicate or model all the biologic and behavioral aspects of
 human disease,” NIH writes. “Until that time, animal models will remain
 integral for NIH-supported research.”

The NIH also has an Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But neither its Public Health Service
 Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals or its Guide for 
the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals include any proposals or 
suggestions for whether cats, dogs and bunnies should be available for 
adoption after they are no longer needed.&nbsp;

The Office of Laboratory Animal 
Welfare notes on its website that it “supports the safety and protection
 of animals and reminds institutions that their policies must clarify 
the disposition of animals acquired for research once the research has 
ended, which may include adoption.” It also says it “will not assume 
legal or financial responsibility for any adoption program” of research 
animals.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663883738198.png" alt="A beagle rescued from the Envigo medical dog-breeding facility in Cumberland County, Virginia, appears at a Capitol Hill event on Sept. 22. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption>A beagle rescued from the Envigo medical dog-breeding facility in Cumberland County, Virginia, appears at a Capitol Hill event on Sept. 22. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JENNIFER SHUTT <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/22/beagles-rescued-from-virginia-dog-breeding-facility-get-the-star-treatment-in-d-c/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — Now-famous beagles 
rescued from a breeding and research facility in Virginia were on 
Capitol Hill on Thursday as an animal welfare group and a California 
congressman pushed for legislation that would promote adoption of 
research animals.“It’s unfortunate that animals are 
still allowed to be used in testing. That hopefully is going to go away 
very, very soon. But while it’s happening, we can do better,” said Rep. 
Tony Cárdenas.The beagles came from a
 controversial Envigo medical dog-breeding facility in Cumberland County
 that shut down under pressure from federal regulators because of a 
string of animal welfare violations, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.virginiamercury.com/blog-va/beagle-breeding-facility-shutting-down-over-violations-will-be-allowed-to-sell-500-dogs/">the Virginia Mercury has reported.</a>&nbsp; Federal agents in May <a target="_blank" href="https://www.peta.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/012-Joint-Motion-to-Extend-TRO.pdf">seized hundreds of dogs and puppies</a> found to be “in acute distress.”A judge in July <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wric.com/news/virginia-news/judge-approves-transfer-of-all-4000-remaining-beagles-at-breeding-facility-to-shelters-for-adoption/?eType=EmailBlastContent&amp;eId=44444444-4444-4444-4444-444444444444">approved a plan</a> to move 4,000 beagles from the facility to shelters for adoption, making national headlines. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-08-24/meghan-prince-harry-adopt-beagle-rescued-from-virginia-plant">One adopter turned out to be </a>Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, and her husband, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, who are now living in California.On Thursday, several of the beagles 
were at the Capitol to get petted and shown off at a “meet and greet” 
and to help make a point about animal research.Cárdenas, a California Democrat, introduced a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5726">bill</a>
 last October that would require any facility receiving funding from the
 National Institutes of Health to make “reasonable efforts” to adopt any
 dog, cat, or rabbit deemed suitable for adoption once that animal is no
 longer needed for biomedical and behavioral research.&nbsp;The legislation has just four other 
co-sponsors, Joe Neguse of Colorado, Jimmy Panetta of California, Donald
 Payne Jr. of New Jersey and Dina Titus of Nevada.When asked about the strategy for 
reaching the level of support the bill would need to clear the House and
 the Senate, Cárdenas told States Newsroom that he plans to push back on
 the medical research industry criticism that the measure is “too 
onerous.”&nbsp;“I don’t buy that,” he said.Cárdenas also hopes more of his colleagues will voice support for the legislation.&nbsp;Monica Engebretson, North America 
campaign manager for Cruelty Free International, said 15 states require 
animal research facilities to offer dogs and cats they no longer want 
for adoption. But she believes a nationwide law is needed.&nbsp;Engebretson said the group has had 
some success in the past getting policy changes enacted through the 
annual legislation that funds the NIH, which is headquartered in 
Bethesda, Maryland, and hopes to do so again with this current policy 
proposal.&nbsp;The NIH’s website says that it’s 
“committed to continuing to develop non-animal model alternative 
methods,” though it notes “we are not at a point where alternative 
approaches can completely replace the use of animals at this time.”“The alternatives simply cannot 
accurately replicate or model all the biologic and behavioral aspects of
 human disease,” NIH writes. “Until that time, animal models will remain
 integral for NIH-supported research.”The NIH also has an Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare.&nbsp;&nbsp;But neither its Public Health Service
 Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals or its Guide for 
the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals include any proposals or 
suggestions for whether cats, dogs and bunnies should be available for 
adoption after they are no longer needed.&nbsp;The Office of Laboratory Animal 
Welfare notes on its website that it “supports the safety and protection
 of animals and reminds institutions that their policies must clarify 
the disposition of animals acquired for research once the research has 
ended, which may include adoption.” It also says it “will not assume 
legal or financial responsibility for any adoption program” of research 
animals.&nbsp;

Beagles rescued from dog-breeding facility get D.C. star treatment

FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the motive for a stabbing outside Dodge City High School and have made an arrest.

Just after 8a.m. Thursday, police responded to the report of the stabbing of a high school student reported to the School Resource Officer, according to a media release.

At approximately 7:45a.m., the student victim parked his car in the school parking lot and was approached by the suspect. 

An altercation ensued leaving the student with a stab wound to the hand. The suspect, later identified as a 33-year-old Dodge City resident, left school grounds in his vehicle. Officers were able to identify the suspect's vehicle and track it to an address in the 2200 block of Hart Avenue.

The suspect at first refused to come to the door. He later came to the door after his father arrived. Police arrested him on requested charges of aggravated battery.

The victim was treated by school personnel and later at the hospital, according to police.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the motive for a stabbing outside Dodge City High School and have made an arrest.Just after 8a.m. Thursday, police responded to the report of the stabbing of a high school student reported to the School Resource Officer, according to a media release.At approximately 7:45a.m., the student victim parked his car in the school parking lot and was approached by the suspect. An altercation ensued leaving the student with a stab wound to the hand. The suspect, later identified as a 33-year-old Dodge City resident, left school grounds in his vehicle. Officers were able to identify the suspect's vehicle and track it to an address in the 2200 block of Hart Avenue.The suspect at first refused to come to the door. He later came to the door after his father arrived. Police arrested him on requested charges of aggravated battery.The victim was treated by school personnel and later at the hospital, according to police.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

33-year-old jailed for stabbing student in Kan. school parking lot

By ROSE CONLON <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/news/2022-09-22/kansas-nursing-homes-are-closing-because-they-cant-find-enough-workers">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA&nbsp;— Kansas finds itself in a budding nursing home crisis.

A
 lack of workers and money troubles forced dozens of nursing homes and 
assisted living centers to close their doors during the pandemic, and 
more look doomed to follow.

Homes that remain open stand more than twice as likely to see staff shortages as the country overall.

Meanwhile,
 Kansas falls deeper into a demographic spiral with a fast-aging 
population and a lack of young people to take care of them. By 2036, the
 number of Kansans 65 years and older is projected to grow by more than 
40%.

Already, 35 long-term care facilities closed or downsized during the pandemic, according to <a href="https://lks.memberclicks.net/assets/docs/Workforce/SituationReport/LeadingAge%20KS%20-%20Situation%20Report.pdf" target="_blank">new report</a> by nonprofit aging services providers group LeadingAge Kansas.

The biggest reason, say nursing home operators, is a shortage of staff.

“For
 every person we hire, it seems like two are leaving,” said Heather 
Pilkinton, an administrator with Evergreen Community of Johnson County 
in Olathe.

The nursing home recently closed one fourth of its 
residential capacity because it couldn’t find enough workers. Pilkinton 
said that over the past year, around 20 of their 51 certified nursing 
assistant positions have remained unfilled.

Last week, the 
Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha got into a bidding war with a nearby
 hospital over workers, said executive director Ed Strahm.

“Our 
staff is very much aware that they are in high demand,” he said. “It 
makes it a real challenge to stay competitively priced to the end 
customer.”

A similar story is playing out across the state.

An <a href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/caregiving/info-2020/nursing-home-covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">AARP analysis</a>
 found that, for the past 12 months, over half of Kansas nursing homes 
saw a shortage of direct care workers. Shortages have outpaced the 
national average at least sinceearly in in the pandemic. Now the 
shortfall in Kansas is more than twice the national rate.

The costs for residents are tangible. When workers are in short supply and turnover is high, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16843237/" target="_blank">research shows</a> patients tend to lose weight and get more pressure sores, and COVID-19 <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2794538" target="_blank">spreads more rapidly</a>.

If
 a nursing home can’t hire workers on its own, it might turn to a 
staffing agency to supply traveling nurses and nursing assistants for 
months-long contracts or one-day assignments.

But those private 
agencies charge much more than what the nursing home would pay to hire 
that same worker full-time. Part of the money goes to agency nurses in 
the form of higher paychecks, but a big chunk — sometimes nearly half — 
stays with the agency.

Across the health care industry, reliance on staffing agencies <a href="https://www.aha.org/costsofcaring" target="_blank">exploded</a> during the pandemic as an already-dire shortage of nurses worsened. And as demand went up, travel nurse salaries ballooned.

Temporary
 state and federal aid during the pandemic helped medical providers 
shoulder those costs, but that money is running out.

Now Kansas nursing home administrators want lawmakers to further regulate staffing agencies that they say are gouging prices.

“Nursing homes can’t sustain that,” Pilkinton said.

A
 growing dependence on agency nurses creates unique concerns in 
long-term care environments where elderly residents often crave 
consistency.

“It’s really difficult to have a different person 
caring for you all the time,” said Dana Weaver, the chief operating 
officer of LeadingAge Kansas. “It produces anxiety for the individual, 
and the individual actually has to teach the agency staff person how to 
care for them.”

But for many nurses, the decision to join a 
staffing agency comes down to a simple reality: they can make more money
 doing the same work. Certified nursing assistants, among the most 
common medical staff in nursing homes, earn a median income of $30,000 
per year and often <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7267626/" target="_blank">work multiple jobs</a> to make ends meet.

Rebecca
 Givan, a professor of labor studies at Rutgers University, said the 
sudden growth of staffing agency costs raises questions, especially as 
investors <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2022/02/15/private-equity-firms-are-cashing-in-on-the-travel-nursing-business/" target="_blank">rushed into the industry</a> during the pandemic. But she said administrators could take steps to reduce their reliance on agencies.

“The
 way to do that is to pay them more,” she said. “And, often, these 
facilities don’t want to pay them more — but then they’re actually 
paying multiple times that out to the agencies.”

Givan said administrators should also think more holistically about how to improve working conditions.

“It means pay, but it also means voice,” she said. “It means if they’re unionized or want to unionize, not resisting.”

Robert
 Livonius, a former chairman of the American Staffing Association who 
sits on the boards of multiple health care staffing agencies, said “some
 bad actors … popped up during the pandemic period and took advantage of
 the situation, raised prices.”.

“Those people,” he said, “should be taken out of the industry.”

But he said agencies aren’t to the blame for the bigger problem: a systemic lack of health care workers.

“There
 is a very acute shortage of enough certified nursing assistants and 
nurses to work in long-term care,” he said. “That problem was there 
before the pandemic, and it’s just been exacerbated.”

Rose 
Conlon reports on health for KMUW and the Kansas News Service. You can 
follow her on Twitter at @rosebconlon or email her at conlon@kmuw.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663853554969.png" alt="Bethany Wood / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Bethany Wood / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROSE CONLON <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/news/2022-09-22/kansas-nursing-homes-are-closing-because-they-cant-find-enough-workers">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA&nbsp;— Kansas finds itself in a budding nursing home crisis.A
 lack of workers and money troubles forced dozens of nursing homes and 
assisted living centers to close their doors during the pandemic, and 
more look doomed to follow.Homes that remain open stand more than twice as likely to see staff shortages as the country overall.Meanwhile,
 Kansas falls deeper into a demographic spiral with a fast-aging 
population and a lack of young people to take care of them. By 2036, the
 number of Kansans 65 years and older is projected to grow by more than 
40%.Already, 35 long-term care facilities closed or downsized during the pandemic, according to <a href="https://lks.memberclicks.net/assets/docs/Workforce/SituationReport/LeadingAge%20KS%20-%20Situation%20Report.pdf" target="_blank">new report</a> by nonprofit aging services providers group LeadingAge Kansas.The biggest reason, say nursing home operators, is a shortage of staff.“For
 every person we hire, it seems like two are leaving,” said Heather 
Pilkinton, an administrator with Evergreen Community of Johnson County 
in Olathe.The nursing home recently closed one fourth of its 
residential capacity because it couldn’t find enough workers. Pilkinton 
said that over the past year, around 20 of their 51 certified nursing 
assistant positions have remained unfilled.Last week, the 
Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha got into a bidding war with a nearby
 hospital over workers, said executive director Ed Strahm.“Our 
staff is very much aware that they are in high demand,” he said. “It 
makes it a real challenge to stay competitively priced to the end 
customer.”A similar story is playing out across the state.An <a href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/caregiving/info-2020/nursing-home-covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">AARP analysis</a>
 found that, for the past 12 months, over half of Kansas nursing homes 
saw a shortage of direct care workers. Shortages have outpaced the 
national average at least sinceearly in in the pandemic. Now the 
shortfall in Kansas is more than twice the national rate.The costs for residents are tangible. When workers are in short supply and turnover is high, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16843237/" target="_blank">research shows</a> patients tend to lose weight and get more pressure sores, and COVID-19 <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2794538" target="_blank">spreads more rapidly</a>.If
 a nursing home can’t hire workers on its own, it might turn to a 
staffing agency to supply traveling nurses and nursing assistants for 
months-long contracts or one-day assignments.But those private 
agencies charge much more than what the nursing home would pay to hire 
that same worker full-time. Part of the money goes to agency nurses in 
the form of higher paychecks, but a big chunk — sometimes nearly half — 
stays with the agency.Across the health care industry, reliance on staffing agencies <a href="https://www.aha.org/costsofcaring" target="_blank">exploded</a> during the pandemic as an already-dire shortage of nurses worsened. And as demand went up, travel nurse salaries ballooned.Temporary
 state and federal aid during the pandemic helped medical providers 
shoulder those costs, but that money is running out.Now Kansas nursing home administrators want lawmakers to further regulate staffing agencies that they say are gouging prices.“Nursing homes can’t sustain that,” Pilkinton said.A
 growing dependence on agency nurses creates unique concerns in 
long-term care environments where elderly residents often crave 
consistency.“It’s really difficult to have a different person 
caring for you all the time,” said Dana Weaver, the chief operating 
officer of LeadingAge Kansas. “It produces anxiety for the individual, 
and the individual actually has to teach the agency staff person how to 
care for them.”But for many nurses, the decision to join a 
staffing agency comes down to a simple reality: they can make more money
 doing the same work. Certified nursing assistants, among the most 
common medical staff in nursing homes, earn a median income of $30,000 
per year and often <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7267626/" target="_blank">work multiple jobs</a> to make ends meet.Rebecca
 Givan, a professor of labor studies at Rutgers University, said the 
sudden growth of staffing agency costs raises questions, especially as 
investors <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2022/02/15/private-equity-firms-are-cashing-in-on-the-travel-nursing-business/" target="_blank">rushed into the industry</a> during the pandemic. But she said administrators could take steps to reduce their reliance on agencies.“The
 way to do that is to pay them more,” she said. “And, often, these 
facilities don’t want to pay them more — but then they’re actually 
paying multiple times that out to the agencies.”Givan said administrators should also think more holistically about how to improve working conditions.“It means pay, but it also means voice,” she said. “It means if they’re unionized or want to unionize, not resisting.”Robert
 Livonius, a former chairman of the American Staffing Association who 
sits on the boards of multiple health care staffing agencies, said “some
 bad actors … popped up during the pandemic period and took advantage of
 the situation, raised prices.”.“Those people,” he said, “should be taken out of the industry.”But he said agencies aren’t to the blame for the bigger problem: a systemic lack of health care workers.“There
 is a very acute shortage of enough certified nursing assistants and 
nurses to work in long-term care,” he said. “That problem was there 
before the pandemic, and it’s just been exacerbated.”Rose 
Conlon reports on health for KMUW and the Kansas News Service. You can 
follow her on Twitter at @rosebconlon or email her at conlon@kmuw.org.

Worker shortage forcing closure of Kansas nursing homes

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Police arrested a Salina teen on Wednesday after a bomb threat allegedly was made at a local high school.

A staff member reported to the school resource officer that a 16-year-old boy had made a verbal threat concerning a bomb in the school to a group of people at Salina South High School, 730 E. Magnolia Road, on Wednesday, Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus said this morning.

Police were able to establish that the report was credible and the boy was taken into custody. Hanus said the boy was arrested on a requested charge of criminal threat. No bomb was found.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostPolice arrested a Salina teen on Wednesday after a bomb threat allegedly was made at a local high school.A staff member reported to the school resource officer that a 16-year-old boy had made a verbal threat concerning a bomb in the school to a group of people at Salina South High School, 730 E. Magnolia Road, on Wednesday, Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus said this morning.Police were able to establish that the report was credible and the boy was taken into custody. Hanus said the boy was arrested on a requested charge of criminal threat. No bomb was found.

Police: Teen accused of making bomb threat at Kansas high school

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz said the final monetary tally isn't in yet for Kansas largest get together, but it appears that allowing the carrying of alcohol throughout the fairgrounds was mostly a positive.

"I worked with the highway patrol on a daily basis and there really wasn't anything," Schulz said. "I also went up to a lot of the people that were walking around that had a beer or a glass of wine in their hand and I said, I just need to ask, what are your thoughts? They said, it is the best thing you could have done. We want to be able to walk around and check out the grounds. We don't want to be stuck in a beer garden. That's not why we came to the fair, so we're excited about being able to do that."

It also appears that alcohol sales remained strong.

"First blush, we are seeing that there was an uptick in sales," Schulz said. "There, too, it could be just sheer attendance. The concerts were another big part of it and I think people were just happier to have that opportunity to walk around."

The Kansas State Fair announced that 315,273 people went through the gates over the 10 days earlier this month.

NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz said the final monetary tally isn't in yet for Kansas largest get together, but it appears that allowing the carrying of alcohol throughout the fairgrounds was mostly a positive."I worked with the highway patrol on a daily basis and there really wasn't anything," Schulz said. "I also went up to a lot of the people that were walking around that had a beer or a glass of wine in their hand and I said, I just need to ask, what are your thoughts? They said, it is the best thing you could have done. We want to be able to walk around and check out the grounds. We don't want to be stuck in a beer garden. That's not why we came to the fair, so we're excited about being able to do that."It also appears that alcohol sales remained strong."First blush, we are seeing that there was an uptick in sales," Schulz said. "There, too, it could be just sheer attendance. The concerts were another big part of it and I think people were just happier to have that opportunity to walk around."The Kansas State Fair announced that 315,273 people went through the gates over the 10 days earlier this month.

State Fair GM: Walk around with alcohol appears to have worked out

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has passed legislation to overhaul the rules for certifying the results of a presidential election as lawmakers accelerate their response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection</a>&nbsp;and Donald Trump’s failed attempt to remain in power.

The bill, which is similar to bipartisan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-presidential-constitutions-congress-ba742c9f4c67c5189a6a6c9f8531721e">legislation moving through the Senate</a>, would overhaul an arcane 1800s-era statute known as the Electoral Count Act that governs, along with the U.S. Constitution, how states and Congress certify electors and declare presidential election winners.

While that process has long been routine and ceremonial,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;and a group of his aides and lawyers unsuccessfully tried to exploit loopholes in the law in an attempt to overturn his defeat to Joe Biden in the 2020 election. Democrats are pushing to pass the bill before the end of the year and ahead of the 2024 election cycle as Trump is considering another run.

While at least 10 GOP senators have signed on to the Senate version, the House vote fell mostly along party lines. House Republicans — most of whom are still aligned with Trump — argued that the legislation shouldn't be a priority and that it is a political vehicle for Democrats ahead of November's midterm elections.

The final vote was 229-203, with nine Republicans joining all Democrats in voting for the bill. None of the nine Republicans is returning to Congress next year.

The legislation would set new parameters around&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-pence-electoral-vote-d27490021b4203087043df1939b82f8b">the Jan. 6 joint session of Congress</a>&nbsp;that happens every four years after a presidential election. The day turned violent last year after hundreds of Trump’s supporters interrupted the proceedings, broke into the building and threatened the lives of then-Vice President Mike Pence and members of Congress. The rioters echoed Trump’s false claims of widespread fraud and wanted Pence to block Biden’s victory as he presided over the joint session.

The legislation intends to ensure that future Jan. 6 sessions are “as the constitution envisioned, a ministerial day,” said Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, a Republican who co-sponsored the legislation with House Administration Committee Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif. Both Cheney and Lofgren are also members of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-2022-midterm-elections-biden-congress-a4cfc83415b2456e66c85f52e4de8543">House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack</a>.

Ahead of the vote, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the legislation is necessary as there have been attempts in states across the country to change election laws to make it easier to nullify future results.

“Now we have a solemn duty to ensure that future efforts to undermine our elections cannot succeed,” Pelosi said.

The bill would clarify in the law that the vice president’s role presiding over the count is only ceremonial and that he or she cannot change the results. It also sets out that each state can only send one certified set of electors after Trump's allies had unsuccessfully tried to put together alternate slates of illegitimate pro-Trump electors in swing states where Biden won.

“This bill will make it harder to convince people that they have the right to overthrow an election,” Lofgren said.

The legislation would increase the threshold for individual lawmakers’ objections to any state's electoral votes, requiring a third of the House and a third of the Senate to object to trigger votes on the results in both chambers. Currently, only one lawmaker in the House and one lawmaker in the Senate has to object. The House bill would set out very narrow grounds for those objections, an attempt to thwart baseless or politically motivated challenges.

In addition, the bill would require courts to get involved if state or local officials want to delay a presidential vote or refuse to certify the results.

The House vote comes as the Senate is moving on a similar track with enough Republican support to virtually ensure passage before the end of the year. After months of talks, House Democrats introduced their legislation Monday and held the quick vote two days later in order to send the bill across the Capitol and start to resolve differences. A bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation this summer and a Senate committee is expected to vote on it next week.

While the House bill is more expansive than the Senate version, the two bills cover similar ground and members in both chambers are optimistic that they can work out the differences. And despite the mostly party-line vote in the House, supporters are encouraged by the bipartisan effort in the Senate.

“Both sides have an incentive to want a set of clear rules, and this is an antiquated law that no one understands,” said Benjamin Ginsburg, a longtime GOP lawyer who consulted with lawmakers as they wrote the bill. “All parties benefit from clarity.”

House GOP leaders encouraged their members to vote against the legislation. They said the involvement of courts could drag out elections and said the bill would take rights away from states.

The bill is an “attempt to federalize our elections,” Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Pa., said on the House floor. He argued that voters are more focused on the economy and other issues than elections law.

“In my area of Pennsylvania, nobody is talking about this," Reschenthaler said.

Illinois Rep. Rodney Davis, Lofgren’s GOP counterpart on the House Administration Committee, said Democrats are “desperately trying to talk about their favorite topic, and that is former President Donald Trump."

Democrats said the bill was not only a response to Trump, but also a way to prevent objections and mischief from all candidates in the future.

“If you think that this legislation is an attack on President Trump, you simply haven’t read the legislation because there’s nothing in there attacking President Trump,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., another member of the Jan. 6 panel. “This is about reforming the Electoral Count Act so it works for the American people.”

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., was blunter. He criticized Republicans who have defended Trump's actions that day and who have downplayed the seriousness of the former president's attempts to overturn the results of the election.

Hoyer called the Republican opposition a “rationalization of what I believe is treason. ... It was rationalized then, and sadly it is being rationalized now.”

The nine Republicans who voted in support of the legislation are all either retiring or were defeated for reelection in their GOP primaries this year. Eight of the nine voted for Trump's impeachment immediately after the insurrection.

The nine Republicans are Cheney and Reps. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, Fred Upton of Michigan, Peter Meijer of Michigan, Tom Rice of South Carolina, Jaime Herrera Beutler of Washington, Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio, John Katko of New York and Chris Jacobs of New York.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663861836142.png" alt="The final vote was 229-203, with nine Republicans joining all Democrats in voting for the bill. None of the nine Republicans is returning to Congress next year. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke prior to Wednesday's vote-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The final vote was 229-203, with nine Republicans joining all Democrats in voting for the bill. None of the nine Republicans is returning to Congress next year. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke prior to Wednesday's vote-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has passed legislation to overhaul the rules for certifying the results of a presidential election as lawmakers accelerate their response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection</a>&nbsp;and Donald Trump’s failed attempt to remain in power.The bill, which is similar to bipartisan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-presidential-constitutions-congress-ba742c9f4c67c5189a6a6c9f8531721e">legislation moving through the Senate</a>, would overhaul an arcane 1800s-era statute known as the Electoral Count Act that governs, along with the U.S. Constitution, how states and Congress certify electors and declare presidential election winners.While that process has long been routine and ceremonial,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;and a group of his aides and lawyers unsuccessfully tried to exploit loopholes in the law in an attempt to overturn his defeat to Joe Biden in the 2020 election. Democrats are pushing to pass the bill before the end of the year and ahead of the 2024 election cycle as Trump is considering another run.While at least 10 GOP senators have signed on to the Senate version, the House vote fell mostly along party lines. House Republicans — most of whom are still aligned with Trump — argued that the legislation shouldn't be a priority and that it is a political vehicle for Democrats ahead of November's midterm elections.The final vote was 229-203, with nine Republicans joining all Democrats in voting for the bill. None of the nine Republicans is returning to Congress next year.The legislation would set new parameters around&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-pence-electoral-vote-d27490021b4203087043df1939b82f8b">the Jan. 6 joint session of Congress</a>&nbsp;that happens every four years after a presidential election. The day turned violent last year after hundreds of Trump’s supporters interrupted the proceedings, broke into the building and threatened the lives of then-Vice President Mike Pence and members of Congress. The rioters echoed Trump’s false claims of widespread fraud and wanted Pence to block Biden’s victory as he presided over the joint session.The legislation intends to ensure that future Jan. 6 sessions are “as the constitution envisioned, a ministerial day,” said Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, a Republican who co-sponsored the legislation with House Administration Committee Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif. Both Cheney and Lofgren are also members of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-2022-midterm-elections-biden-congress-a4cfc83415b2456e66c85f52e4de8543">House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack</a>.Ahead of the vote, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the legislation is necessary as there have been attempts in states across the country to change election laws to make it easier to nullify future results.“Now we have a solemn duty to ensure that future efforts to undermine our elections cannot succeed,” Pelosi said.The bill would clarify in the law that the vice president’s role presiding over the count is only ceremonial and that he or she cannot change the results. It also sets out that each state can only send one certified set of electors after Trump's allies had unsuccessfully tried to put together alternate slates of illegitimate pro-Trump electors in swing states where Biden won.“This bill will make it harder to convince people that they have the right to overthrow an election,” Lofgren said.The legislation would increase the threshold for individual lawmakers’ objections to any state's electoral votes, requiring a third of the House and a third of the Senate to object to trigger votes on the results in both chambers. Currently, only one lawmaker in the House and one lawmaker in the Senate has to object. The House bill would set out very narrow grounds for those objections, an attempt to thwart baseless or politically motivated challenges.In addition, the bill would require courts to get involved if state or local officials want to delay a presidential vote or refuse to certify the results.The House vote comes as the Senate is moving on a similar track with enough Republican support to virtually ensure passage before the end of the year. After months of talks, House Democrats introduced their legislation Monday and held the quick vote two days later in order to send the bill across the Capitol and start to resolve differences. A bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation this summer and a Senate committee is expected to vote on it next week.While the House bill is more expansive than the Senate version, the two bills cover similar ground and members in both chambers are optimistic that they can work out the differences. And despite the mostly party-line vote in the House, supporters are encouraged by the bipartisan effort in the Senate.“Both sides have an incentive to want a set of clear rules, and this is an antiquated law that no one understands,” said Benjamin Ginsburg, a longtime GOP lawyer who consulted with lawmakers as they wrote the bill. “All parties benefit from clarity.”House GOP leaders encouraged their members to vote against the legislation. They said the involvement of courts could drag out elections and said the bill would take rights away from states.The bill is an “attempt to federalize our elections,” Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Pa., said on the House floor. He argued that voters are more focused on the economy and other issues than elections law.“In my area of Pennsylvania, nobody is talking about this," Reschenthaler said.Illinois Rep. Rodney Davis, Lofgren’s GOP counterpart on the House Administration Committee, said Democrats are “desperately trying to talk about their favorite topic, and that is former President Donald Trump."Democrats said the bill was not only a response to Trump, but also a way to prevent objections and mischief from all candidates in the future.“If you think that this legislation is an attack on President Trump, you simply haven’t read the legislation because there’s nothing in there attacking President Trump,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., another member of the Jan. 6 panel. “This is about reforming the Electoral Count Act so it works for the American people.”House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., was blunter. He criticized Republicans who have defended Trump's actions that day and who have downplayed the seriousness of the former president's attempts to overturn the results of the election.Hoyer called the Republican opposition a “rationalization of what I believe is treason. ... It was rationalized then, and sadly it is being rationalized now.”The nine Republicans who voted in support of the legislation are all either retiring or were defeated for reelection in their GOP primaries this year. Eight of the nine voted for Trump's impeachment immediately after the insurrection.The nine Republicans are Cheney and Reps. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, Fred Upton of Michigan, Peter Meijer of Michigan, Tom Rice of South Carolina, Jaime Herrera Beutler of Washington, Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio, John Katko of New York and Chris Jacobs of New York.

House passes election law overhaul in response to Jan. 6

SALINE COUNTY- Two horses were killed in a single vehicle accident just north of Gypsum Wednesday morning.

Edward Conway, 60, of Gypsum, had just left Gypsum and was headed west on Kansas Highway 4 when his 2020 Kia Sportage struck two horses in the roadway at approximately 5:50 a.m. Wednesday, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.

A miniature horse that was killed was found on the roadway. A full-sized horse that died was found in the ditch.

The horses were among several horses from Gypsum Stables that had gotten out, Soldan said. Gypsum Stables is owned by James Branscum.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663863872101.jpeg" alt="-The Kia Sportage sustained major front-end damage in the collision.&nbsp;Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>-The Kia Sportage sustained major front-end damage in the collision.&nbsp;Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY- Two horses were killed in a single vehicle accident just north of Gypsum Wednesday morning.Edward Conway, 60, of Gypsum, had just left Gypsum and was headed west on Kansas Highway 4 when his 2020 Kia Sportage struck two horses in the roadway at approximately 5:50 a.m. Wednesday, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.A miniature horse that was killed was found on the roadway. A full-sized horse that died was found in the ditch.The horses were among several horses from Gypsum Stables that had gotten out, Soldan said. Gypsum Stables is owned by James Branscum.

Sheriff: SUV strikes, kills 2 horses on Kansas highway

KANSAS CITY– A former physician pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to falsely certifying that products and tests were medically necessary for more than 2,000 Medicare and Medicaid patients in Missouri whom he never met or examined, according to the United State's Attorney.

“This physician violated his oath and abused his trusted position to support a fraud scheme that cost taxpayers millions of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. “He will be held accountable for the specific and essential role he played in the deceit as the larger investigation into other aspects of this criminal scheme unfolds in other courtrooms across the nation.”

Oluwatobi Alabi Yerokun, 36, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to one count of conspiracy to make false statements related to health care matters.

“Physicians who submit false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for their own financial gain undermine the economy and integrity of federal health care programs,” said Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that bad actors are held accountable for their health care fraud schemes.”

From February 2019 to April 2021, certain individuals and entities – including marketing, physician recruiting, and telemedicine companies – developed a scheme that targeted the Medicare and Medicaid programs to obtain millions of dollars in reimbursements from those programs.

Yerokun, a physician who practiced medicine in the state of Missouri, among other places, contracted with a staffing company to work as a telemedicine provider. The firm, identified in court documents as Company A, gave Yerokun access to electronic portals so that he could receive information about the patients assigned to him. Yerokun reviewed the information and electronically signed the patient forms and orders he received from Company A.

By pleading guilty, Yerokun admitted that he signed the patient forms and certified that durable medical equipment or genetic tests were medically necessary. For the genetic tests, he also signed a separate letter of medical necessity. Yerokun knew that his orders would be used to submit claims for payments to Medicare and Medicaid, which paid claims submitted by the durable medical equipment companies and testing laboratories.

Yerokun had no doctor-patient relationship with the Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries for whom he signed orders and certified medical necessity. He did not see or communicate with any of them. Before Yerokun signed the orders, he made little effort to find out how or from whom the patient information was obtained, who collected the information, the qualifications of any person gathering or providing the information, or whether the information was accurate and complete. Yerokun provided no follow-up care for these patients after he signed the orders for them to receive durable medical equipment or genetic testing.

By knowingly and willfully electronically signing the orders, Yerokun made false and fraudulent statements and documents certifying medical necessity. The statements and documents were false because, among other things, Yerokun did not have adequate information to assess medical necessity for the beneficiaries.

Yerokun rarely, if ever, declined to sign any orders he received from Company A. For many or most of the patients, less than a minute elapsed between when Yerokun accessed the patient’s information through the electronic portal and when he signed the order for durable medical equipment or genetic testing.&nbsp; Accordingly, he knew his false and fraudulent statements and documents were untrue when he made them.

The orders that Yerokun signed were submitted to durable medical equipment companies and clinical testing laboratories, many of whom paid illegal kickbacks to individuals and entities unknown to Yerokun.

Yerokun ordered durable medical equipment and genetic tests for 2,184 Medicare beneficiaries between March 2019 and April 2021. Company A paid Yerokun approximately $20 for each order that he signed, for a total of $44,860.

The orders that Yerokun signed for durable medical equipment for Medicare beneficiaries caused Medicare to be billed more than $6.2 million, and Medicare actually paid those companies almost $3.1 million.

The orders that Yerokum signed for genetic testing for Medicaid beneficiaries caused Medicaid to be billed more than $2.5 million by the laboratories, and Medicaid actually paid those companies almost $525,000.

Under federal statutes, Yerokun is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

KANSAS CITY– A former physician pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to falsely certifying that products and tests were medically necessary for more than 2,000 Medicare and Medicaid patients in Missouri whom he never met or examined, according to the United State's Attorney.“This physician violated his oath and abused his trusted position to support a fraud scheme that cost taxpayers millions of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. “He will be held accountable for the specific and essential role he played in the deceit as the larger investigation into other aspects of this criminal scheme unfolds in other courtrooms across the nation.”Oluwatobi Alabi Yerokun, 36, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to one count of conspiracy to make false statements related to health care matters.“Physicians who submit false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for their own financial gain undermine the economy and integrity of federal health care programs,” said Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that bad actors are held accountable for their health care fraud schemes.”From February 2019 to April 2021, certain individuals and entities – including marketing, physician recruiting, and telemedicine companies – developed a scheme that targeted the Medicare and Medicaid programs to obtain millions of dollars in reimbursements from those programs.Yerokun, a physician who practiced medicine in the state of Missouri, among other places, contracted with a staffing company to work as a telemedicine provider. The firm, identified in court documents as Company A, gave Yerokun access to electronic portals so that he could receive information about the patients assigned to him. Yerokun reviewed the information and electronically signed the patient forms and orders he received from Company A.By pleading guilty, Yerokun admitted that he signed the patient forms and certified that durable medical equipment or genetic tests were medically necessary. For the genetic tests, he also signed a separate letter of medical necessity. Yerokun knew that his orders would be used to submit claims for payments to Medicare and Medicaid, which paid claims submitted by the durable medical equipment companies and testing laboratories.Yerokun had no doctor-patient relationship with the Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries for whom he signed orders and certified medical necessity. He did not see or communicate with any of them. Before Yerokun signed the orders, he made little effort to find out how or from whom the patient information was obtained, who collected the information, the qualifications of any person gathering or providing the information, or whether the information was accurate and complete. Yerokun provided no follow-up care for these patients after he signed the orders for them to receive durable medical equipment or genetic testing.By knowingly and willfully electronically signing the orders, Yerokun made false and fraudulent statements and documents certifying medical necessity. The statements and documents were false because, among other things, Yerokun did not have adequate information to assess medical necessity for the beneficiaries.Yerokun rarely, if ever, declined to sign any orders he received from Company A. For many or most of the patients, less than a minute elapsed between when Yerokun accessed the patient’s information through the electronic portal and when he signed the order for durable medical equipment or genetic testing.&nbsp; Accordingly, he knew his false and fraudulent statements and documents were untrue when he made them.The orders that Yerokun signed were submitted to durable medical equipment companies and clinical testing laboratories, many of whom paid illegal kickbacks to individuals and entities unknown to Yerokun.Yerokun ordered durable medical equipment and genetic tests for 2,184 Medicare beneficiaries between March 2019 and April 2021. Company A paid Yerokun approximately $20 for each order that he signed, for a total of $44,860.The orders that Yerokun signed for durable medical equipment for Medicare beneficiaries caused Medicare to be billed more than $6.2 million, and Medicare actually paid those companies almost $3.1 million.The orders that Yerokum signed for genetic testing for Medicaid beneficiaries caused Medicaid to be billed more than $2.5 million by the laboratories, and Medicaid actually paid those companies almost $525,000.Under federal statutes, Yerokun is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Doctor admits to fraud involving more than 2,000 patients

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas teen accused in a fatal shooting Sept. 15 made his first court appearance on Tuesday.&nbsp; Laquavion Bentley, 19 of Wichita, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and criminal threat, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

He was originally booked on a requested charge of 2nd degree murder, according to Wichita Police.&nbsp; The investigation of the shooting death continues.

Just after 1:30 a.m. Sept. 15, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 4500 block of South Hydraulic. Upon arrival, Officers located 21-year-old Devin Bills unconscious and not breathing with two gunshot wounds to his upper body, according to Officer Juan&nbsp;Rebolledo.

Officers began life-saving measures. EMS pronounced Bills deceased on the scene.

The investigation revealed that Bills and several other people were outside the residence hanging out when a verbal argument ensued, and shots were fired. Bentley fled the scene in a vehicle. 

Attorneys in the case are scheduled to discuss future dates October 6. <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20075063">Bentley remains jailed </a>on a $500,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663353219108.png" alt="Bentley-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Bentley-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas teen accused in a fatal shooting Sept. 15 made his first court appearance on Tuesday.&nbsp; Laquavion Bentley, 19 of Wichita, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and criminal threat, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.He was originally booked on a requested charge of 2nd degree murder, according to Wichita Police.&nbsp; The investigation of the shooting death continues.Just after 1:30 a.m. Sept. 15, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 4500 block of South Hydraulic. Upon arrival, Officers located 21-year-old Devin Bills unconscious and not breathing with two gunshot wounds to his upper body, according to Officer Juan&nbsp;Rebolledo.Officers began life-saving measures. EMS pronounced Bills deceased on the scene.The investigation revealed that Bills and several other people were outside the residence hanging out when a verbal argument ensued, and shots were fired. Bentley fled the scene in a vehicle. Attorneys in the case are scheduled to discuss future dates October 6. <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20075063">Bentley remains jailed </a>on a $500,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.

Police continue to investigate suspect for role in Sept. 15 killing

Students hold vigil. President gets ride from police.

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/22/emporia-state-university-faculty-leaders-wait-for-answers-after-rapid-firing-of-tenured-professors/">Kansas Reflector</a>

EMPORIA — Faculty leaders at Emporia State University are alarmed by 
their administration’s lack of clear direction following the sudden 
layoffs of 33 professors last week.

Professors have unanswered questions about which programs will exist 
beyond the current school year, and what to tell current and prospective
 students.

“Please wait for more information,” faculty senate president Shawn 
Keough told colleagues at a meeting Tuesday. “That’s what’s being pushed
 down at this point.”

The Kansas Board of Regents <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/14/emporia-state-receives-green-light-to-move-rapidly-with-faculty-program-realignment/">granted permission to ESU president Ken Hush</a>
 to rapidly fire nearly three dozen professors, including some with 
tenure, and staff members in a cost-saving move permitted by a temporary
 COVID-19 policy that expires at the end of December. No other state 
university has taken the controversial option.

Most faculty members were allowed to remain through the end of the school year in May. Others were immediately dismissed.

Students responded with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.esubulletin.com/news/students-protest-emporia-state-s-plan-to-cut-programs-dismiss-tenured-professors/article_96dacc6a-349d-11ed-a985-27d052b701e7.html">protests</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.esubulletin.com/news/sociology-professors-organize-candlelight-vigil-to-honor-dismissed-faculty-and-staff/article_8db9c002-391e-11ed-8a05-331c46c035f5.html">a candlelight vigil</a>. Hush’s office is now guarded by a chain, and the student newspaper, the ESU Bulletin, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.esubulletin.com/campus_commons/student-protests-continue-amid-mass-faculty-dismissals/article_f5bd0ee2-36e5-11ed-9b47-c72b26a9dc6d.html">photographed him being driven off campus by police</a>.
 Some faculty members were weighing legal assistance from the American 
Association of University Professors and rushing to secure intellectual 
property from university servers.

The author Joyce Carol Oates questioned the university’s actions <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/JoyceCarolOates/status/1570786793318125569?s=20&amp;t=vDyeSn87oiyF3tdn0s_r9A">through her Twitter account</a>.

“If a university abolishes tenure, how can it expect to hire 
instructors who could get tenure-track jobs elsewhere?” Oates wrote. “In
 both the short &amp; the long run, this is self-sabotage to a 
university.”

Some of the faculty senate members at Tuesday’s meeting were among 
those who were laid off, and remained silent. Others had questions that 
Keough, the senate president and a business administration professor, 
couldn’t answer.

Howard Pitler, an associate professor of school leadership, said his 
department chair had been told to clear out his desk when he was laid 
off. Pitler wondered about the future of the department. Keough stifled a
 nervous laugh.

“I just chuckled because that’s a lot better than you seeing tears streaming down my face,” Keough said.

Juan Chavarria, an assistant professor of accounting, information 
systems and finance, said his experience in the corporate world was that
 layoffs were immediately followed by a talk from leadership about what 
the organization’s roadmap will be.

“Why can’t we get that roadmap?” Chavarria asked during the faculty senate meeting.

The lack of certainty creates an unhealthy environment, he added.

“It’s not healthy for anybody — not for those who are leaving, not for those who are staying,” Chavarria said.

Mallory Koci, director of the Ethnic and Gender Studies program and 
the only faculty member in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, 
raised concerns about the university’s big <a target="_blank" href="https://www.emporia.edu/admissions-costs/admissions-and-costs/visit-emporia/black-and-gold-visit/">“Black and Gold” recruitment event</a> for prospective students, which takes place on campus Saturday.

Campus leadership needs to release information about the university’s
 plans so that “we are not unduly recruiting students or making promises
 for programs that will no longer exist,” Koci said.

In an interview, Koci said she wants alumni and community members to 
know that “despite the turmoil, there are people who are committed to 
this institution.”

“We can be both critical of the changes in how they’re happening, but
 also be hopeful that there is a path forward where we can be successful
 and work collaboratively,” Koci said. “Even though I’ve gone through a 
whole range of emotions this past week, I am hopeful that there is a 
future that we can create and live into if we care enough.”

Mel Storm, an English professor who started teaching at the university in 1971, was among those who were laid off last week.

Storm said he was targeted because he teaches literature. The English department is gone, he said.

“I don’t think individual merit was looked at, or individual dignity,
 personal concerns,” Storm said. “Obviously at my age, I’d be retiring 
one of these days. My plan was to teach as long as my health allowed, 
because I really enjoy what I do.”

One by one, Storm and the others were called into a “mandatory 
meeting” at a deserted off-campus building. They were told to come alone
 and arrive no more than five minutes early, Storm said. A woman let him
 in the door, and two individuals were present for the meeting: An HR 
person and an administrator who read a statement about the university’s 
plans to <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/08/professors-frustrated-by-emporia-state-university-plans-to-eliminate-tenured-faculty-and-programs/">save money by firing employees</a>.

In the past week, former students have sent emails to the professor 
to let him know his teaching meant a lot. The remembrances go back to 
the early 1980s.

“I do seem to have given some direction to a few lives along the way,” Storm said.

“It’s certainly gratifying,” he added. “I suppose in some respects, 
it makes it harder because I think I’m still affecting people’s lives, 
and will be until the 16th of May.”

“I did hope to leave on my own terms when the time came,” Storm said. “It’s kind of a personal affront.”

Disclosure: Sherman Smith is a 2004 graduate of Emporia State University with a degree in English and a minor in journalism. He took classes from English professor Mel Storm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663855860589.png" alt="Shawn Keough, faculty senate president at Emporia State University, listens to concerns from faculty members during a meeting Tuesday. The message from the administration, Keough told them, is “please wait.” (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Shawn Keough, faculty senate president at Emporia State University, listens to concerns from faculty members during a meeting Tuesday. The message from the administration, Keough told them, is “please wait.” (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Students hold vigil. President gets ride from police.</h2>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/22/emporia-state-university-faculty-leaders-wait-for-answers-after-rapid-firing-of-tenured-professors/">Kansas Reflector</a>EMPORIA — Faculty leaders at Emporia State University are alarmed by 
their administration’s lack of clear direction following the sudden 
layoffs of 33 professors last week.Professors have unanswered questions about which programs will exist 
beyond the current school year, and what to tell current and prospective
 students.“Please wait for more information,” faculty senate president Shawn 
Keough told colleagues at a meeting Tuesday. “That’s what’s being pushed
 down at this point.”The Kansas Board of Regents <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/14/emporia-state-receives-green-light-to-move-rapidly-with-faculty-program-realignment/">granted permission to ESU president Ken Hush</a>
 to rapidly fire nearly three dozen professors, including some with 
tenure, and staff members in a cost-saving move permitted by a temporary
 COVID-19 policy that expires at the end of December. No other state 
university has taken the controversial option.Most faculty members were allowed to remain through the end of the school year in May. Others were immediately dismissed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663855926009.jpeg" alt="Emporia State University junior Sophia Dawson attends a candlelight vigil Sept. 19, 2022, to honor the 33 faculty and staff members affected by recent cuts. (Mason Hart for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Emporia State University junior Sophia Dawson attends a candlelight vigil Sept. 19, 2022, to honor the 33 faculty and staff members affected by recent cuts. (Mason Hart for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Students responded with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.esubulletin.com/news/students-protest-emporia-state-s-plan-to-cut-programs-dismiss-tenured-professors/article_96dacc6a-349d-11ed-a985-27d052b701e7.html">protests</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.esubulletin.com/news/sociology-professors-organize-candlelight-vigil-to-honor-dismissed-faculty-and-staff/article_8db9c002-391e-11ed-8a05-331c46c035f5.html">a candlelight vigil</a>. Hush’s office is now guarded by a chain, and the student newspaper, the ESU Bulletin, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.esubulletin.com/campus_commons/student-protests-continue-amid-mass-faculty-dismissals/article_f5bd0ee2-36e5-11ed-9b47-c72b26a9dc6d.html">photographed him being driven off campus by police</a>.
 Some faculty members were weighing legal assistance from the American 
Association of University Professors and rushing to secure intellectual 
property from university servers.The author Joyce Carol Oates questioned the university’s actions <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/JoyceCarolOates/status/1570786793318125569?s=20&amp;t=vDyeSn87oiyF3tdn0s_r9A">through her Twitter account</a>.“If a university abolishes tenure, how can it expect to hire 
instructors who could get tenure-track jobs elsewhere?” Oates wrote. “In
 both the short &amp; the long run, this is self-sabotage to a 
university.”Some of the faculty senate members at Tuesday’s meeting were among 
those who were laid off, and remained silent. Others had questions that 
Keough, the senate president and a business administration professor, 
couldn’t answer.Howard Pitler, an associate professor of school leadership, said his 
department chair had been told to clear out his desk when he was laid 
off. Pitler wondered about the future of the department. Keough stifled a
 nervous laugh.“I just chuckled because that’s a lot better than you seeing tears streaming down my face,” Keough said.Juan Chavarria, an assistant professor of accounting, information 
systems and finance, said his experience in the corporate world was that
 layoffs were immediately followed by a talk from leadership about what 
the organization’s roadmap will be.“Why can’t we get that roadmap?” Chavarria asked during the faculty senate meeting.The lack of certainty creates an unhealthy environment, he added.“It’s not healthy for anybody — not for those who are leaving, not for those who are staying,” Chavarria said.Mallory Koci, director of the Ethnic and Gender Studies program and 
the only faculty member in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, 
raised concerns about the university’s big <a target="_blank" href="https://www.emporia.edu/admissions-costs/admissions-and-costs/visit-emporia/black-and-gold-visit/">“Black and Gold” recruitment event</a> for prospective students, which takes place on campus Saturday.Campus leadership needs to release information about the university’s
 plans so that “we are not unduly recruiting students or making promises
 for programs that will no longer exist,” Koci said.In an interview, Koci said she wants alumni and community members to 
know that “despite the turmoil, there are people who are committed to 
this institution.”“We can be both critical of the changes in how they’re happening, but
 also be hopeful that there is a path forward where we can be successful
 and work collaboratively,” Koci said. “Even though I’ve gone through a 
whole range of emotions this past week, I am hopeful that there is a 
future that we can create and live into if we care enough.”Mel Storm, an English professor who started teaching at the university in 1971, was among those who were laid off last week.Storm said he was targeted because he teaches literature. The English department is gone, he said.“I don’t think individual merit was looked at, or individual dignity,
 personal concerns,” Storm said. “Obviously at my age, I’d be retiring 
one of these days. My plan was to teach as long as my health allowed, 
because I really enjoy what I do.”One by one, Storm and the others were called into a “mandatory 
meeting” at a deserted off-campus building. They were told to come alone
 and arrive no more than five minutes early, Storm said. A woman let him
 in the door, and two individuals were present for the meeting: An HR 
person and an administrator who read a statement about the university’s 
plans to <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/08/professors-frustrated-by-emporia-state-university-plans-to-eliminate-tenured-faculty-and-programs/">save money by firing employees</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663855976053.png" alt="English professor Mel Storm describes his dismissal during an interview in his office at Emporia State University. Storm is in his 52nd year of teaching at the university. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>English professor Mel Storm describes his dismissal during an interview in his office at Emporia State University. Storm is in his 52nd year of teaching at the university. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>In the past week, former students have sent emails to the professor 
to let him know his teaching meant a lot. The remembrances go back to 
the early 1980s.“I do seem to have given some direction to a few lives along the way,” Storm said.“It’s certainly gratifying,” he added. “I suppose in some respects, 
it makes it harder because I think I’m still affecting people’s lives, 
and will be until the 16th of May.”Two days later, he will turn 80.“I did hope to leave on my own terms when the time came,” Storm said. “It’s kind of a personal affront.”Disclosure: Sherman Smith is a 2004 graduate of Emporia State University with a degree in English and a minor in journalism. He took classes from English professor Mel Storm.

Emporia State faculty waits for answers after firing of tenured professors

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wanted Kansas suspect on multiple requested charges after a chase in a stolen SUV.

Shortly before midnight Wednesday, a deputy observed a white 2005 Infiniti QX56 in the 3300 block of SE 6th Street in Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The driver later identified as&nbsp;Julie A. Wise, 27, of Topeka, drove away northbound on SE Rice Road at a high rate of speed.

The deputy attempted to catch up to that vehicle in order to conduct a traffic stop. However, the suspect lost control of the vehicle. It crashed through a guardrail, went airborne and came to rest on the north edge of the Shunganunga Creek. 

By the time the deputy made it down to the creek, Wise was crawling out of the wrecked vehicle.

The deputy took Wise into custody. It was discovered that Wise had a felony warrant for her arrest out of the State of Missouri and a misdemeanor warrant for her arrest through Shawnee County. 

The vehicle was also reported stolen through the Topeka Police Department.

Wise received medical attention on scene and was transported by American Medical Response (AMR) to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

After treatment, she is now jailed on requested charges of fugitive from justice – arrest prior to requisition, reckless driving, possession of stolen property, interference with law enforcement, operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license, speeding, improper turn, failure to signal turn and failing&nbsp;to check for safe passage before passing from a single lane.

Wise served time in the Missouri Dept. of Corrections for endangering the welfare of a child, 2nd degree assault; tampering with airplane/motorboat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663842422319.png" alt="Wise, who has spent time in a Missouri prison, received medical attention on scene and was transported by American Medical Response (AMR) to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Wise, who has spent time in a Missouri prison, received medical attention on scene and was transported by American Medical Response (AMR) to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wanted Kansas suspect on multiple requested charges after a chase in a stolen SUV.Shortly before midnight Wednesday, a deputy observed a white 2005 Infiniti QX56 in the 3300 block of SE 6th Street in Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The driver later identified as&nbsp;Julie A. Wise, 27, of Topeka, drove away northbound on SE Rice Road at a high rate of speed.The deputy attempted to catch up to that vehicle in order to conduct a traffic stop. However, the suspect lost control of the vehicle. It crashed through a guardrail, went airborne and came to rest on the north edge of the Shunganunga Creek. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663793078711.png" alt="The SUV was reported stolen, according to the sheriff's office-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>The SUV was reported stolen, according to the sheriff's office-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>By the time the deputy made it down to the creek, Wise was crawling out of the wrecked vehicle.The deputy took Wise into custody. It was discovered that Wise had a felony warrant for her arrest out of the State of Missouri and a misdemeanor warrant for her arrest through Shawnee County. The vehicle was also reported stolen through the Topeka Police Department.Wise received medical attention on scene and was transported by American Medical Response (AMR) to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.After treatment, she is now jailed on requested charges of fugitive from justice – arrest prior to requisition, reckless driving, possession of stolen property, interference with law enforcement, operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license, speeding, improper turn, failure to signal turn and failing&nbsp;to check for safe passage before passing from a single lane.Wise served time in the Missouri Dept. of Corrections for endangering the welfare of a child, 2nd degree assault; tampering with airplane/motorboat.

Wanted Kan. suspect survived police chase crash in stolen SUV 

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/09/21/nebraskas-first-casino-expected-to-open-saturday-pending-likely-ok-of-license/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska’s first casino is expected to open Saturday 
morning in the Capital City, pending approval by the state gaming 
commission.

A temporary casino, located at the Lincoln Race Course Thoroughbred 
track, is scheduled to open at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, with more than 400 
slot machines ready to go.

“We have every expectation that we’ll get a license,” said Lance 
Morgan, president and CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic wing of the 
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and operator of WarHorse.

In preparation for the opening, problem gamblers are being urged to file a “voluntary self-exclusion form” to bar their admission to the casino and the temptation to gamble.

“The power of this addiction is as 
intense as any addiction out there,” said Mike Sciandra, a Lincoln-based
 gambling counselor who is himself a recovering gambling addict.

The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission will meet Friday afternoon 
to consider final approval of the casino license of WarHorse Gaming 
Lincoln.

WarHorse has converted a simulcast/sports bar facility to accommodate
 433 slot machines while a $200 million casino and hotel complex is 
built around it, just off U.S. 77 in southwest Lincoln.

Construction will also begin soon on a second casino, at Omaha’s 
Horseman’s Park, but a temporary casino won’t be ready for occupancy 
until April or May, said Lynne McNally, CEO of the Nebraska Horsemen’s 
Benevolent and Protective Association.

Horsemen’s Park is a 28-year-old facility, McNally said, and must be 
almost torn down to accommodate construction around it. The temporary 
Omaha casino will be located in the infield of the racetrack, she said.

A third WarHorse casino project, at the former Atokad Park racetrack 
in South Sioux City, is “on the back burner,” according to Morgan, and 
will be pursued when the permanent casinos are completed in Lincoln and 
Omaha, which is expected in late 2024.

“We’re spending every penny and effort we have to develop these two,” Morgan said.

The permanent casinos will include table games, such as blackjack, as well as slot machines, officials said.

McNally projected that the Lincoln facility will generate about $5 
million a year in property tax relief for the City of Lincoln and 
Lancaster County. It’s been estimated that casino gambling, when fully 
implemented, could add $100 million statewide to a property tax relief 
program run by the state.

Also on Saturday, the Lincoln Race Course will be officially renamed 
“Legacy Downs,” which McNally said is in honor of the long-running 
Thoroughbred horse racing industry in the state.

Nebraska voters approved pari-mutual betting on horses back in 1934, 
and for decades, Nebraska was the only state that offered such gambling 
between Chicago and California.

McNally and Sciandra urged Nebraskans who are problem gamblers to 
register with the self-exclusion program, which is being operated 
through the state gaming commission.

Sciandra said several states, including Iowa, operate such 
registries, which allows a casino to bar entrance to someone who has a 
gambling problem. He said those who somehow get insideof a casino face 
forfeiting any winnings or being charged with criminal trespass.

“We want to make sure that the temptation isn’t there from the get-go,” Sciandra said of the self-exclusion registry.

In Iowa, between 8,000 and 10,000 people at any one time on are the 
“don’t admit” to casinos list, according to the Iowa Racing and Gaming 
Commission. Sciandra said that generally, 1-2% of all gamblers have been
 diagnosed as addicts, with an additional 4-6% deemed problem gamblers.

To register, go to the <a target="_blank" href="https://racingcommission.nebraska.gov/responsible-gaming">racing commission’s website</a>.

Casino gambling was approved overwhelmingly by Nebraska voters in 2020, allowing them at licensed racetracks in the state.

The so-called “racinos” are envisioned at the state’s existing 
racetracks in Omaha, Lincoln, Columbus, Grand Island, South Sioux City 
and Hastings. Other communities, such as Norfolk and Ogallala, have also
 expressed interest.

Before any new racinos are allowed, the State Racing and Gaming 
Commission must consider the impact of additional gambling on 
communities, horse racing and other gambling facilities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663853746273.png" alt="A $200 million casino is planned at the Lincoln Race Course by WarHorse, a subsidiary of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. (Courtesy of WarHorse) " />
 <figcaption>A $200 million casino is planned at the Lincoln Race Course by WarHorse, a subsidiary of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. (Courtesy of WarHorse) </figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/09/21/nebraskas-first-casino-expected-to-open-saturday-pending-likely-ok-of-license/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska’s first casino is expected to open Saturday 
morning in the Capital City, pending approval by the state gaming 
commission.A temporary casino, located at the Lincoln Race Course Thoroughbred 
track, is scheduled to open at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, with more than 400 
slot machines ready to go.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663853799192.png" alt="Lance Morgan, president and CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc., parent company of WarHorse Gaming. (Courtesy of Ho-Chunk Inc.)" />
 <figcaption>Lance Morgan, president and CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc., parent company of WarHorse Gaming. (Courtesy of Ho-Chunk Inc.)</figcaption>
 </figure>“We have every expectation that we’ll get a license,” said Lance 
Morgan, president and CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic wing of the 
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and operator of WarHorse.In preparation for the opening, problem gamblers are being urged to file a “voluntary self-exclusion form” to bar their admission to the casino and the temptation to gamble.“The power of this addiction is as 
intense as any addiction out there,” said Mike Sciandra, a Lincoln-based
 gambling counselor who is himself a recovering gambling addict.The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission will meet Friday afternoon 
to consider final approval of the casino license of WarHorse Gaming 
Lincoln.<h2>433 slot machines in temporary facility</h2>WarHorse has converted a simulcast/sports bar facility to accommodate
 433 slot machines while a $200 million casino and hotel complex is 
built around it, just off U.S. 77 in southwest Lincoln.Construction will also begin soon on a second casino, at Omaha’s 
Horseman’s Park, but a temporary casino won’t be ready for occupancy 
until April or May, said Lynne McNally, CEO of the Nebraska Horsemen’s 
Benevolent and Protective Association.Horsemen’s Park is a 28-year-old facility, McNally said, and must be 
almost torn down to accommodate construction around it. The temporary 
Omaha casino will be located in the infield of the racetrack, she said.A third WarHorse casino project, at the former Atokad Park racetrack 
in South Sioux City, is “on the back burner,” according to Morgan, and 
will be pursued when the permanent casinos are completed in Lincoln and 
Omaha, which is expected in late 2024.<h2>‘Spending every penny’</h2>“We’re spending every penny and effort we have to develop these two,” Morgan said.The permanent casinos will include table games, such as blackjack, as well as slot machines, officials said.McNally projected that the Lincoln facility will generate about $5 
million a year in property tax relief for the City of Lincoln and 
Lancaster County. It’s been estimated that casino gambling, when fully 
implemented, could add $100 million statewide to a property tax relief 
program run by the state.Also on Saturday, the Lincoln Race Course will be officially renamed 
“Legacy Downs,” which McNally said is in honor of the long-running 
Thoroughbred horse racing industry in the state.Nebraska voters approved pari-mutual betting on horses back in 1934, 
and for decades, Nebraska was the only state that offered such gambling 
between Chicago and California.<h2>Self-exclusion program</h2>McNally and Sciandra urged Nebraskans who are problem gamblers to 
register with the self-exclusion program, which is being operated 
through the state gaming commission.Sciandra said several states, including Iowa, operate such 
registries, which allows a casino to bar entrance to someone who has a 
gambling problem. He said those who somehow get insideof a casino face 
forfeiting any winnings or being charged with criminal trespass.“We want to make sure that the temptation isn’t there from the get-go,” Sciandra said of the self-exclusion registry.In Iowa, between 8,000 and 10,000 people at any one time on are the 
“don’t admit” to casinos list, according to the Iowa Racing and Gaming 
Commission. Sciandra said that generally, 1-2% of all gamblers have been
 diagnosed as addicts, with an additional 4-6% deemed problem gamblers.To register, go to the <a target="_blank" href="https://racingcommission.nebraska.gov/responsible-gaming">racing commission’s website</a>.<h2>Voter approval in 2020</h2>Casino gambling was approved overwhelmingly by Nebraska voters in 2020, allowing them at licensed racetracks in the state.The so-called “racinos” are envisioned at the state’s existing 
racetracks in Omaha, Lincoln, Columbus, Grand Island, South Sioux City 
and Hastings. Other communities, such as Norfolk and Ogallala, have also
 expressed interest.Before any new racinos are allowed, the State Racing and Gaming 
Commission must consider the impact of additional gambling on 
communities, horse racing and other gambling facilities.