STAFFORD COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Wednesday in Stafford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Dodge Ram pickup driven by Mark E. Hawkins, 21, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was&nbsp;northbound on NE 50th Avenue five miles east of St. John.

A 2006 Saturn Vue driven by Tate J. Martin, 17, Ellinwood, was westbound on NE 40th Street. 

Both vehicles entered the intersection at the same time. The Saturn struck the Dodge on the passenger side. After impact, both vehicles left the roadway and entered the west ditch on NE 50th Avenue.&nbsp;

EMS transported Tate to Wesley Medical Center where he died.&nbsp; EMS transported two passenger in the Dodge 51-year-old Peter A.&nbsp;Laskowski of Stevens Point, Wisconsin and 52-year-old Gregory L. Witt of Moneta, Virginia to Pratt Regional Hospital where Laskowski died.

EMS transported Hawkins and a passenger in the Saturn 17-year-old Trace L.&nbsp;Ritterhouse of Ellinwood to the Stafford County Hospital and a third passenger in the Dodge 64-year-old Orville R. Meade of Verona, Virginia to the hospital in Great Bend. None of those involved were wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

STAFFORD COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Wednesday in Stafford County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Dodge Ram pickup driven by Mark E. Hawkins, 21, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was&nbsp;northbound on NE 50th Avenue five miles east of St. John.A 2006 Saturn Vue driven by Tate J. Martin, 17, Ellinwood, was westbound on NE 40th Street. Both vehicles entered the intersection at the same time. The Saturn struck the Dodge on the passenger side. After impact, both vehicles left the roadway and entered the west ditch on NE 50th Avenue.&nbsp;EMS transported Tate to Wesley Medical Center where he died.&nbsp; EMS transported two passenger in the Dodge 51-year-old Peter A.&nbsp;Laskowski of Stevens Point, Wisconsin and 52-year-old Gregory L. Witt of Moneta, Virginia to Pratt Regional Hospital where Laskowski died.EMS transported Hawkins and a passenger in the Saturn 17-year-old Trace L.&nbsp;Ritterhouse of Ellinwood to the Stafford County Hospital and a third passenger in the Dodge 64-year-old Orville R. Meade of Verona, Virginia to the hospital in Great Bend. None of those involved were wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Kansas teen among two dead after SUV, pickup crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Schools in USD 262/Valley Center will open again Thursday.

On Tuesday, Valley Center called off school for Wednesday, Dec. 7 as a result of alleged threats, out of an abundance of caution for all of our students and staff and after consulting with local law enforcement, according to a statement sent from&nbsp;Valley Center Superintendent Cory Gibson.

The district shared their plan for school Thursday and going forward. It includes&nbsp;increased law enforcement presence in and around schools;&nbsp; an increased number of officers who are monitoring buildings and grounds after school hours and additional officers at athletic events home and away.&nbsp; The plan also includes counselors and social workers for students to visit with if needed.&nbsp; Only visitors with previously scheduled appointments will be allowed inside district buildings

&nbsp;The Valley Center police department is working alongside the Park City police department, with support from the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office to keep students and staff safe.

The district reminded Parents/guardians to "be aware of what is happening with your child’s interactions on social&nbsp;media. This might be a good opportunity to encourage your child or children to step away from social media to reduce their risk of exposure to negative comments. Additionally, turning off the location of their devices might be helpful. Also, please report any threats directly to&nbsp;911."

If parents are still uncomfortable sending their kids to school, it will be considered an excused absence to keep their children home.&nbsp;

These changes come as USD 262/Valley Center and Topeka High investigate after students at one school reportedly yelled racist and offensive taunts at the other school's basketball team last weekend.

Topeka High School's team was subjected to “racial slurs, threats and disgusting taunts,” during a game on Saturday with Valley Center High School, Coach Geo Lyons said in a Change.org petition. He also said Valley Center students used a Black baby doll to taunt his team during the game.

Lyons has started a petition asking that Valley Center High School fans be removed from sporting events.

Lyons told KSN-TV that his son was shooting a free throw when the Valley Center student section chanted an expletive. He also alleged that racial epithets were used and his team was told they were going to be hanged.

"I had a down locker room, I’m talking about tears were flowing in that locker room,” Lyons said.

Valley Center officials issued an apology Monday to Topeka High School for “inappropriate language and behavior” by students during the game.

The district said in a statement that Topeka and Valley Center officials spent much of the weekend studying videos and interviewing people in attendance. As of Tuesday, the officials had not found evidence of specifically racist taunts but Valley Center acknowledged that students acted inappropriately.

It said students who chanted the expletive at the Topeka student were immediately removed and Valley Center officials worked to prevent any other negative interactions when the game ended.

The Black baby doll was part of a class assignment that requires students to “parent” the baby for a few days, the district said. It was not brought to the game intentionally to taunt Topeka High School but “without context, seeing the baby and images of the ‘baby’ caused hurt and concern to many, and for that we are very sorry,” the statement said.

Valley Center Superintendent Cory Gibson had a “fruitful” conversation about the incident with representatives of the NAACP on Tuesday, spokeswoman Amy Pavlacka said. Gibson and Valley Center High School Principal Bruce Lolling also visited with patrons from both cities to discuss the situation.

“As a district, we sent a letter to all VCHS families and students explaining there would be follow-up consequences for those students involved, and that we, as a community, should learn and grow from this experience,” the statement said.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670467032406.png" alt="The Valley Center police department is working alongside the Park City police department, with support from the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office to keep students and staff safe.-Google image" />
 <figcaption>The Valley Center police department is working alongside the Park City police department, with support from the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office to keep students and staff safe.-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Schools in USD 262/Valley Center will open again Thursday.On Tuesday, Valley Center called off school for Wednesday, Dec. 7 as a result of alleged threats, out of an abundance of caution for all of our students and staff and after consulting with local law enforcement, according to a statement sent from&nbsp;Valley Center Superintendent Cory Gibson.The district shared their plan for school Thursday and going forward. It includes&nbsp;increased law enforcement presence in and around schools;&nbsp; an increased number of officers who are monitoring buildings and grounds after school hours and additional officers at athletic events home and away.&nbsp; The plan also includes counselors and social workers for students to visit with if needed.&nbsp; Only visitors with previously scheduled appointments will be allowed inside district buildings&nbsp;The Valley Center police department is working alongside the Park City police department, with support from the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office to keep students and staff safe.The district reminded Parents/guardians to "be aware of what is happening with your child’s interactions on social&nbsp;media. This might be a good opportunity to encourage your child or children to step away from social media to reduce their risk of exposure to negative comments. Additionally, turning off the location of their devices might be helpful. Also, please report any threats directly to&nbsp;911."If parents are still uncomfortable sending their kids to school, it will be considered an excused absence to keep their children home.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670380837123.png" alt="Image from Saturday's game courtesy Valley Center High School YouTube" />
 <figcaption>Image from Saturday's game courtesy Valley Center High School YouTube</figcaption>
 </figure>These changes come as USD 262/Valley Center and Topeka High investigate after students at one school reportedly yelled racist and offensive taunts at the other school's basketball team last weekend.Topeka High School's team was subjected to “racial slurs, threats and disgusting taunts,” during a game on Saturday with Valley Center High School, Coach Geo Lyons said in a Change.org petition. He also said Valley Center students used a Black baby doll to taunt his team during the game.Lyons has started a petition asking that Valley Center High School fans be removed from sporting events.Lyons told KSN-TV that his son was shooting a free throw when the Valley Center student section chanted an expletive. He also alleged that racial epithets were used and his team was told they were going to be hanged."I had a down locker room, I’m talking about tears were flowing in that locker room,” Lyons said.Valley Center officials issued an apology Monday to Topeka High School for “inappropriate language and behavior” by students during the game.The district said in a statement that Topeka and Valley Center officials spent much of the weekend studying videos and interviewing people in attendance. As of Tuesday, the officials had not found evidence of specifically racist taunts but Valley Center acknowledged that students acted inappropriately.It said students who chanted the expletive at the Topeka student were immediately removed and Valley Center officials worked to prevent any other negative interactions when the game ended.The Black baby doll was part of a class assignment that requires students to “parent” the baby for a few days, the district said. It was not brought to the game intentionally to taunt Topeka High School but “without context, seeing the baby and images of the ‘baby’ caused hurt and concern to many, and for that we are very sorry,” the statement said.Valley Center Superintendent Cory Gibson had a “fruitful” conversation about the incident with representatives of the NAACP on Tuesday, spokeswoman Amy Pavlacka said. Gibson and Valley Center High School Principal Bruce Lolling also visited with patrons from both cities to discuss the situation.“As a district, we sent a letter to all VCHS families and students explaining there would be follow-up consequences for those students involved, and that we, as a community, should learn and grow from this experience,” the statement said.-The Associated Press contributed to this report

Kan. school district reopens after closure due to alleged threats

NEOSHO COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office are investigating after a woman was found dead at a rural residence in Chanute, Kansas.

On Tuesday, Dec. 6, at approximately 5 p.m., deputies from the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office were conducting a welfare check at 6845 160th&nbsp;Road in Chanute, according to a media release from the KBI.

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, in North Carolina contacted Kansas officials that prompted concern for a woman who lived at the residence. 

Deputies searched the property and located the deceased body of Elaina M. Asprea, 47, of Chanute. She was found next to a field, near the residence. Asprea was pronounced dead at the scene.

A person of interest has been developed in this case. Asprea’s boyfriend, Joseph R. Deluca, 37, was arrested in Fayetteville, North Carolina on Dec. 5, on a Robeson County warrant for charges unrelated to this case. He is currently in police custody at the Cumberland County Detention Center.

An autopsy has been scheduled for Dec. 9.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670451415359.png" alt="Deluca-photo Robeson Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Deluca-photo Robeson Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>NEOSHO COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office are investigating after a woman was found dead at a rural residence in Chanute, Kansas.On Tuesday, Dec. 6, at approximately 5 p.m., deputies from the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office were conducting a welfare check at 6845 160th&nbsp;Road in Chanute, according to a media release from the KBI.The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, in North Carolina contacted Kansas officials that prompted concern for a woman who lived at the residence. Deputies searched the property and located the deceased body of Elaina M. Asprea, 47, of Chanute. She was found next to a field, near the residence. Asprea was pronounced dead at the scene.A person of interest has been developed in this case. Asprea’s boyfriend, Joseph R. Deluca, 37, was arrested in Fayetteville, North Carolina on Dec. 5, on a Robeson County warrant for charges unrelated to this case. He is currently in police custody at the Cumberland County Detention Center.An autopsy has been scheduled for Dec. 9.

Kan. woman found dead; boyfriend jailed in North Carolina 

DICKINSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a California man who allegedly stole a vehicle in Colorado.

Just after 12:30a.m. Monday,&nbsp;the Salina Police Department notified the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office of a stolen black Mercedes GL Coupe traveling eastbound on Interstate 70 at approximately 150mph, according to Undersheriff Jeff Vaughan

 The Mercedes, valued at approximately $70,800, had been reported stolen due to it being fraudulently purchased by a subject with false identification in Colorado.

A Dickinson County deputy located the vehicle unoccupied in the area of West 7th Street and Maple Street in Solomon. The deputy obtained a description of the suspect later identified as 43-year-old&nbsp;Matthew Walden Olson, 43, of San Francisco, California.

An unmanned aircraft system was deployed and a Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office K9 officer responded to assist in the search for Olson. The Sheriff’s Office K9 located him hiding under the bridge near West 5th Street and Maple Street in Solomon.

The suspect was taken into custody and provided a false name to the deputies who eventually confirmed his identity as Olson. He is being held in&nbsp;the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of theft of the vehicle, interference with law enforcement, identity theft and drug possession.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670442758981.png" alt="Olson-photo Dickinson Co." />
 <figcaption>Olson-photo Dickinson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a California man who allegedly stole a vehicle in Colorado.Just after 12:30a.m. Monday,&nbsp;the Salina Police Department notified the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office of a stolen black Mercedes GL Coupe traveling eastbound on Interstate 70 at approximately 150mph, according to Undersheriff Jeff Vaughan The Mercedes, valued at approximately $70,800, had been reported stolen due to it being fraudulently purchased by a subject with false identification in Colorado.A Dickinson County deputy located the vehicle unoccupied in the area of West 7th Street and Maple Street in Solomon. The deputy obtained a description of the suspect later identified as 43-year-old&nbsp;Matthew Walden Olson, 43, of San Francisco, California.An unmanned aircraft system was deployed and a Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office K9 officer responded to assist in the search for Olson. The Sheriff’s Office K9 located him hiding under the bridge near West 5th Street and Maple Street in Solomon.The suspect was taken into custody and provided a false name to the deputies who eventually confirmed his identity as Olson. He is being held in&nbsp;the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of theft of the vehicle, interference with law enforcement, identity theft and drug possession.

Sheriff: Car theft suspect caught hiding under Kansas bridge 

Washington&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Roger Marshall helped secure a major win as part of his longstanding effort to protect American servicemembers from Joe Biden’s COVID-19 punitive vaccine mandate, according to a statement from the Senator's office.

The 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation critical to American military preparedness, includes a provision that halts the Department of Defense (DOD) from forcing servicemembers to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

“The Biden Administration should be ashamed of how unfairly they treated our troops over this vaccine. The lives of so many patriotic families have been turned upside down after they were discharged from service at the hands of Joe Biden,”&nbsp;said Marshall. “There’s not enough science to support a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for America’s troops – some of the healthiest individuals in our nation. With the number of new servicemembers joining the military reaching record lows, Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate has significantly diminished our military’s ability to carry out crucial missions across the board. I’m proud of our work to end President Biden’s cruel mandate and will not rest until those who were discharged receive back pay and an opportunity to rejoin the military.”

<a>So far in 2022, the Department of Defense has&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2022/12/07/military-covid-19-vaccine-mandate-repealed-in-defense-bill-compromise/" target="_blank">dismissed</a>&nbsp;approximately 8,000 active-duty servicemembers for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, an&nbsp;estimated&nbsp;37,000 National Guardsmen and 22,000 Reserve soldiers who refused COVID-19 vaccination were suspended from service, and stripped of their military benefits and pay.

Specifically, the amendment to the NDAA championed by Senator Marshall prohibits involuntary separation of a servicemember for refusal of the COVID-19 vaccine until each Service achieves its authorized end strength.

Last week, Senator Marshall and 12 of his colleagues wrote a letter to Senate Republican leadership expressing opposition to moving forward with the NDAA unless the Senate votes on an amendment to prohibit discharges from the Armed Forces solely because of COVID-19 vaccination status. This effort was successful. Senator Marshall and his colleagues also requested that leadership include an amendment to reinstate service members already discharged, with back pay, but the group’s efforts fell short.&nbsp;

Washington&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Roger Marshall helped secure a major win as part of his longstanding effort to protect American servicemembers from Joe Biden’s COVID-19 punitive vaccine mandate, according to a statement from the Senator's office.The 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation critical to American military preparedness, includes a provision that halts the Department of Defense (DOD) from forcing servicemembers to get the COVID-19 vaccine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670433884697.png" alt="Last week, Senator Marshall and 12 of his colleagues wrote a letter to Senate Republican leadership expressing opposition to moving forward with the NDAA unless the Senate votes on an amendment to prohibit discharges from the Armed Forces solely because of COVID-19 vaccination status.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Last week, Senator Marshall and 12 of his colleagues wrote a letter to Senate Republican leadership expressing opposition to moving forward with the NDAA unless the Senate votes on an amendment to prohibit discharges from the Armed Forces solely because of COVID-19 vaccination status.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“The Biden Administration should be ashamed of how unfairly they treated our troops over this vaccine. The lives of so many patriotic families have been turned upside down after they were discharged from service at the hands of Joe Biden,”&nbsp;said Marshall. “There’s not enough science to support a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for America’s troops – some of the healthiest individuals in our nation. With the number of new servicemembers joining the military reaching record lows, Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate has significantly diminished our military’s ability to carry out crucial missions across the board. I’m proud of our work to end President Biden’s cruel mandate and will not rest until those who were discharged receive back pay and an opportunity to rejoin the military.”<a>So far in 2022, the Department of Defense has&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2022/12/07/military-covid-19-vaccine-mandate-repealed-in-defense-bill-compromise/" target="_blank">dismissed</a>&nbsp;approximately 8,000 active-duty servicemembers for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, an&nbsp;estimated&nbsp;37,000 National Guardsmen and 22,000 Reserve soldiers who refused COVID-19 vaccination were suspended from service, and stripped of their military benefits and pay.Specifically, the amendment to the NDAA championed by Senator Marshall prohibits involuntary separation of a servicemember for refusal of the COVID-19 vaccine until each Service achieves its authorized end strength.Last week, Senator Marshall and 12 of his colleagues wrote a letter to Senate Republican leadership expressing opposition to moving forward with the NDAA unless the Senate votes on an amendment to prohibit discharges from the Armed Forces solely because of COVID-19 vaccination status. This effort was successful. Senator Marshall and his colleagues also requested that leadership include an amendment to reinstate service members already discharged, with back pay, but the group’s efforts fell short.&nbsp;

Marshall: 2023 NDAA eliminates COVID vaxx mandate for military

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as 22-year-old Shayla Curtis.

Just after 8p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting at a home in the 4900 block of Bellefontaine in Kansas City, according to Police Captain Leslie Forean.

First responders found Curtis inside of a residence who had been shot and was unresponsive. Officers begin CPR on the victim.&nbsp; EMS arrived and pronounced her deceased at the scene.&nbsp; Detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene and were actively canvassing for witnesses and processing the scene for evidence.&nbsp; Police released no additional details Wednesday afternoon.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as 22-year-old Shayla Curtis.Just after 8p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting at a home in the 4900 block of Bellefontaine in Kansas City, according to Police Captain Leslie Forean.First responders found Curtis inside of a residence who had been shot and was unresponsive. Officers begin CPR on the victim.&nbsp; EMS arrived and pronounced her deceased at the scene.&nbsp; Detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene and were actively canvassing for witnesses and processing the scene for evidence.&nbsp; Police released no additional details Wednesday afternoon.

Homicide: Police ID woman found dead in Kansas City  home

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A federal judge ordered a Wisconsin company that cleans hundreds of slaughterhouses nationwide to ensure it is complying with child labor laws after investigators identified at least 50 minors scrubbing and sanitizing dangerous equipment on overnight shifts at five different meatpacking plants in three states.

As part of an agreement with the Labor Department that was announced along with Tuesday’s court ruling in Nebraska, Packers Sanitation Services Inc. also promised to hire an outside consultant to review its hiring policies and provide additional training for its managers.

Investigators with the Labor Department visited three plants owned by JBS and Turkey Valley Farms in Nebraska and Minnesota this fall and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-minnesota-nebraska-b611b39f035036c236809fae06eab0ad">found 31 underage workers</a>&nbsp;as young as 13. Since this lawsuit was filed last month, additional underage workers have been identified, including at two additional plants: the Greater Omaha Packing Co. beef plant in Omaha, Nebraska, and a George’s Inc. poultry plant in Springdale, Arkansas.

Investigators also searched a Tyson Foods plant in Sedalia, Missouri, but the Labor Department hasn't identified any minors working there yet.

Thousands of pages of records from other plants are also being reviewed to determine if any additional minors are working there. At the plants where underage workers have been identified so far, investigators are comparing local school records with Packers Sanitation Services records to identify workers younger than 18. The company employs some 17,000 people working at more than 700 locations nationwide, making it one of the largest firms out there that cleans food processing plants.

"This case should serve as a stark reminder for all employers that the U.S. Department of Labor will not tolerate violations of the law, especially those that put vulnerable children at risk,” said Wage and Hour Regional Administrator Michael Lazzeri who is based in Chicago.

PSSI Vice President of Marketing Gina Swenson said the company already does what the government recommends to verify the age and immigration status of its employees, but it agreed to take additional steps to ensure compliance and address the Labor Department's concerns.

“We have been crystal clear from the start: PSSI has a zero-tolerance policy against employing anyone under the age of 18 and fully shares DOL’s objective of ensuring it is followed to the letter at all local plants,” Swenson said.

The company also agreed to fire any underage workers the Labor Department identifies and sanction any managers involved in hiring them. PSSI will also work to identify any minors working for it as well and fire them.

Swenson has said that PSSI is cooperating with investigators although the Labor Department said in court documents that some local managers interfered with employee interviews at the plants.

The underage workers that investigators confirmed included one 13-year-old who suffered a serious chemical burn from the caustic chemicals used to clean the JBS plant in Grand Island, Nebraska, every night.

Investigators said in court documents that some of the teens they found working for PSSI told them that “everyone there knew” that they were minors, and in one case, a search of an employment database showed that one employee’s age came up as 129-years-old when their Social Security number was checked.

The meat processing companies that own the plants where underage workers were initially identified have said they are monitoring the investigation and will consider taking action against PSSI if necessary. A representative of Greater Omaha Packing didn't immediately respond to questions Tuesday, and no one answered the phone at the corporate headquarters of George's Inc.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670438438282.png" alt="Photo courtesy North American Meat Institute&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy North American Meat Institute&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A federal judge ordered a Wisconsin company that cleans hundreds of slaughterhouses nationwide to ensure it is complying with child labor laws after investigators identified at least 50 minors scrubbing and sanitizing dangerous equipment on overnight shifts at five different meatpacking plants in three states.As part of an agreement with the Labor Department that was announced along with Tuesday’s court ruling in Nebraska, Packers Sanitation Services Inc. also promised to hire an outside consultant to review its hiring policies and provide additional training for its managers.Investigators with the Labor Department visited three plants owned by JBS and Turkey Valley Farms in Nebraska and Minnesota this fall and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-minnesota-nebraska-b611b39f035036c236809fae06eab0ad">found 31 underage workers</a>&nbsp;as young as 13. Since this lawsuit was filed last month, additional underage workers have been identified, including at two additional plants: the Greater Omaha Packing Co. beef plant in Omaha, Nebraska, and a George’s Inc. poultry plant in Springdale, Arkansas.Investigators also searched a Tyson Foods plant in Sedalia, Missouri, but the Labor Department hasn't identified any minors working there yet.Thousands of pages of records from other plants are also being reviewed to determine if any additional minors are working there. At the plants where underage workers have been identified so far, investigators are comparing local school records with Packers Sanitation Services records to identify workers younger than 18. The company employs some 17,000 people working at more than 700 locations nationwide, making it one of the largest firms out there that cleans food processing plants."This case should serve as a stark reminder for all employers that the U.S. Department of Labor will not tolerate violations of the law, especially those that put vulnerable children at risk,” said Wage and Hour Regional Administrator Michael Lazzeri who is based in Chicago.PSSI Vice President of Marketing Gina Swenson said the company already does what the government recommends to verify the age and immigration status of its employees, but it agreed to take additional steps to ensure compliance and address the Labor Department's concerns.“We have been crystal clear from the start: PSSI has a zero-tolerance policy against employing anyone under the age of 18 and fully shares DOL’s objective of ensuring it is followed to the letter at all local plants,” Swenson said.The company also agreed to fire any underage workers the Labor Department identifies and sanction any managers involved in hiring them. PSSI will also work to identify any minors working for it as well and fire them.Swenson has said that PSSI is cooperating with investigators although the Labor Department said in court documents that some local managers interfered with employee interviews at the plants.The underage workers that investigators confirmed included one 13-year-old who suffered a serious chemical burn from the caustic chemicals used to clean the JBS plant in Grand Island, Nebraska, every night.Investigators said in court documents that some of the teens they found working for PSSI told them that “everyone there knew” that they were minors, and in one case, a search of an employment database showed that one employee’s age came up as 129-years-old when their Social Security number was checked.The meat processing companies that own the plants where underage workers were initially identified have said they are monitoring the investigation and will consider taking action against PSSI if necessary. A representative of Greater Omaha Packing didn't immediately respond to questions Tuesday, and no one answered the phone at the corporate headquarters of George's Inc.

Judge orders slaughterhouse cleaners not to hire minors

Eastern Kansas Congressman Jake LaTurner says he plans to concentrate on issues important to his district during his second term in Congress.

LaTurner, a Republican, says he wants to secure a seat on the Appropriations Committee to rein in spending in an effort to fight inflation. LaTurner also wants to secure the southern border.

Still, there are local issues that he plans to push.

“We’re a big agriculture state. That’s not something that all states share,” LaTurner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And the rural versus urban fight is something that happens on Capitol Hill and sometimes it breaks party lines.”

LaTurner says agriculture needs a voice in Congress.

“Agriculture has really been up against it over the last couple of years. Input costs have gone through the roof. The regulation involved with the ag sector has been overwhelming. Those are things we need to focus on,” LaTurner says. “Then, of course, there are specific infrastructure needs that my district cares about that we’re going to be mindful of.”

LaTurner won his second term to the Second Congressional District of Congress November 8th. LaTurner represents northeast Kansas as well as all of eastern Kansas outside the Kansas City, Kansas metro area.

He served as Kansas state Treasurer prior to running for Congress two years ago.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651846723972.png" alt="U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner-photo courtesy Noah Taborda" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner-photo courtesy Noah Taborda</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostEastern Kansas Congressman Jake LaTurner says he plans to concentrate on issues important to his district during his second term in Congress.LaTurner, a Republican, says he wants to secure a seat on the Appropriations Committee to rein in spending in an effort to fight inflation. LaTurner also wants to secure the southern border.Still, there are local issues that he plans to push.“We’re a big agriculture state. That’s not something that all states share,” LaTurner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And the rural versus urban fight is something that happens on Capitol Hill and sometimes it breaks party lines.”LaTurner says agriculture needs a voice in Congress.“Agriculture has really been up against it over the last couple of years. Input costs have gone through the roof. The regulation involved with the ag sector has been overwhelming. Those are things we need to focus on,” LaTurner says. “Then, of course, there are specific infrastructure needs that my district cares about that we’re going to be mindful of.”LaTurner won his second term to the Second Congressional District of Congress November 8th. LaTurner represents northeast Kansas as well as all of eastern Kansas outside the Kansas City, Kansas metro area.He served as Kansas state Treasurer prior to running for Congress two years ago.

Kan. congressman wants a seat on Appropriations Committee

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating an alleged kidnapping have confirmed the arrest of a suspect.

On Tuesday, authorities in Caye Caulker, an island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean, arrested 47-year-old Aldrick Scott of Topeka, according to the Douglas County Nebraska sheriff's office.

&nbsp;Douglas County Nebraska authorities wanted Scott in connection with the disappearance of 43-year-old Cari Allen.

On November 22, Omaha police reported their effort to locate Allen who is still missing.&nbsp; She is described as a white female, 5-foot-8, 130 pounds, blonde hair and hazel eyes. She&nbsp;was last seen Saturday, Nov. 19 at 11 p.m. 

Scott has ties to Topeka and Shawnee County, according to the Shawnee County Sheriff's department who released photos of him.

Anyone with information on Allen's whereabouts is encouraged to call the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 402-444-6000 or 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669652492930.png" alt="Scott-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Scott-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating an alleged kidnapping have confirmed the arrest of a suspect.On Tuesday, authorities in Caye Caulker, an island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean, arrested 47-year-old Aldrick Scott of Topeka, according to the Douglas County Nebraska sheriff's office.&nbsp;Douglas County Nebraska authorities wanted Scott in connection with the disappearance of 43-year-old Cari Allen.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669587276863.png" alt="Allen-photo Omaha Police" />
 <figcaption>Allen-photo Omaha Police</figcaption>
 </figure>On November 22, Omaha police reported their effort to locate Allen who is still missing.&nbsp; She is described as a white female, 5-foot-8, 130 pounds, blonde hair and hazel eyes. She&nbsp;was last seen Saturday, Nov. 19 at 11 p.m. Scott has ties to Topeka and Shawnee County, according to the Shawnee County Sheriff's department who released photos of him.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669652758142.png" alt="Scott-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Scott-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Anyone with information on Allen's whereabouts is encouraged to call the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 402-444-6000 or 911.

Kan. man wanted in woman's disappearance captured in Caribbean

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;4,256&nbsp;new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Nov. 30 to Dec. 7, for a total of&nbsp; &nbsp;905,678 cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state reported 3,609 new cases the previous week.

On Wednesday, th<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/June-15-Case-Summary-PDF?bidId=">e state reported</a>&nbsp;13 additional COVID-19 deaths since the report on Nov.30, for a total of 9,692.

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

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

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

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

The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;4,256&nbsp;new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Nov. 30 to Dec. 7, for a total of&nbsp; &nbsp;905,678 cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state reported 3,609 new cases the previous week.On Wednesday, th<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/June-15-Case-Summary-PDF?bidId=">e state reported</a>&nbsp;13 additional COVID-19 deaths since the report on Nov.30, for a total of 9,692.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670437708751.png" alt="Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

KDHE reports increase in COVID cases; 13 more deaths

By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/06/kansas-towns-library-lease-renewed-after-months-of-debate-about-lgbtq-content/">Kansas Reflector</a>

ST. MARYS — The Pottawatomie 
Wabaunsee Regional Library’s lease is safe for another year, following 
community uproar and legal pressure from the American Civil Liberties 
Union of Kansas.

The Saint Marys City Commission voted to extend the lease, without restrictions, during a meeting Tuesday night. The
 lease renewal was up for debate because the library had refused to 
accept a renewal clause asking for the removal of all LGBTQ and socially
 divisive books from the shelves.

Judith Cremer, the
 library director, said she was relieved by the renewal, though she 
didn’t understand some of the claims made by commissioners at earlier 
meetings, referencing their claims that many parents were angry at the 
library. Cremer said community response to the library has always been 
positive.

“They don’t know us, so they need to 
come and visit and we need to get to know each other, because we’re both
 in the same job, we’re doing the same job. So hopefully we can get them
 to understand this a little better,” Cremer said.

The commissioners have been discussing whether to renew the lease — which ends Dec. 31 — for the past few months.

A lease proposed by Commissioner 
Matthew Childs stipulated the library not “supply, distribute, loan, 
encourage, or coerce acceptance of or approval of explicit sexual or 
racially or socially divisive material, or events (such as ‘drag queen 
story hours’) that support the LGBTQ+ or critical theory ideology or 
practice.”

Commissioners said the outpouring of 
public support for the library informed their decision to extend the 
lease by one year. The four members who were present for Tuesday’s 
meeting all voted in favor of the one-year renewal.

Childs, who was elected mayor by the 
other commissioners at Tuesday’s meeting, said the issue now was 
discussing how to keep the library in line with community standards, 
though he didn’t clarify what these standards would look like, and 
refused to give clarification or comments on the situation to the Kansas
 Reflector.

“It was very clear from that meeting 
that citizens want the library to remain open,” Childs said. “Everyone 
agreed on that. So there’s really no question about that. The question 
is, how do we assure the safety of the community and that the community 
is getting what they want in the library? And that’s kind of up to the 
community.”

All members of the commission are 
members of Society of St. Pius X, or SSPX, an extreme Catholic religious
 sect. At a previous commission meeting, Commissioner Richard Binsfeld said their religion had an impact on their views of the library.

“We do go to the church, yes, all five of us,” Binsfeld said. “I
 think it has an influence on our decisions because we make decisions on
 our faith and morals, so certainly we’re going to be influenced by 
that. It’s definitely going to have a bearing on that certainly, without
 question.”&nbsp;

Gerard Kleinsmith was elected to the position of vice mayor at the meeting, replacing Francis Awerkamp, a Republican who serves in the Kansas House.

Kleinsmith said he didn’t want his 
tax dollars paying for books he didn’t approve of, saying the library 
didn’t reflect the interests of people in the county.

“If you do a search of the Potawatomi
 library and look for actual books on their shelves, there are six books
 authored by Secretary Clinton on the shelves in Pottawattamie County 
Library,” Kleinsmith said. “There are none authored by President Trump. 
Not even ‘The Art of the Deal,’ that he wrote long before he was 
President. That’s just one example.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670423277908.png" alt="Judith Cremer, library director, said she’s optimistic about the future of the library with the lease renewal. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Judith Cremer, library director, said she’s optimistic about the future of the library with the lease renewal. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/06/kansas-towns-library-lease-renewed-after-months-of-debate-about-lgbtq-content/">Kansas Reflector</a>ST. MARYS — The Pottawatomie 
Wabaunsee Regional Library’s lease is safe for another year, following 
community uproar and legal pressure from the American Civil Liberties 
Union of Kansas.The Saint Marys City Commission voted to extend the lease, without restrictions, during a meeting Tuesday night. The
 lease renewal was up for debate because the library had refused to 
accept a renewal clause asking for the removal of all LGBTQ and socially
 divisive books from the shelves.Judith Cremer, the
 library director, said she was relieved by the renewal, though she 
didn’t understand some of the claims made by commissioners at earlier 
meetings, referencing their claims that many parents were angry at the 
library. Cremer said community response to the library has always been 
positive.“They don’t know us, so they need to 
come and visit and we need to get to know each other, because we’re both
 in the same job, we’re doing the same job. So hopefully we can get them
 to understand this a little better,” Cremer said.The commissioners have been discussing whether to renew the lease — which ends Dec. 31 — for the past few months.A lease proposed by Commissioner 
Matthew Childs stipulated the library not “supply, distribute, loan, 
encourage, or coerce acceptance of or approval of explicit sexual or 
racially or socially divisive material, or events (such as ‘drag queen 
story hours’) that support the LGBTQ+ or critical theory ideology or 
practice.”Commissioners said the outpouring of 
public support for the library informed their decision to extend the 
lease by one year. The four members who were present for Tuesday’s 
meeting all voted in favor of the one-year renewal.Childs, who was elected mayor by the 
other commissioners at Tuesday’s meeting, said the issue now was 
discussing how to keep the library in line with community standards, 
though he didn’t clarify what these standards would look like, and 
refused to give clarification or comments on the situation to the Kansas
 Reflector.“It was very clear from that meeting 
that citizens want the library to remain open,” Childs said. “Everyone 
agreed on that. So there’s really no question about that. The question 
is, how do we assure the safety of the community and that the community 
is getting what they want in the library? And that’s kind of up to the 
community.”All members of the commission are 
members of Society of St. Pius X, or SSPX, an extreme Catholic religious
 sect. At a previous commission meeting, Commissioner Richard Binsfeld said their religion had an impact on their views of the library.“We do go to the church, yes, all five of us,” Binsfeld said. “I
 think it has an influence on our decisions because we make decisions on
 our faith and morals, so certainly we’re going to be influenced by 
that. It’s definitely going to have a bearing on that certainly, without
 question.”&nbsp;Gerard Kleinsmith was elected to the position of vice mayor at the meeting, replacing Francis Awerkamp, a Republican who serves in the Kansas House.Kleinsmith said he didn’t want his 
tax dollars paying for books he didn’t approve of, saying the library 
didn’t reflect the interests of people in the county.“If you do a search of the Potawatomi
 library and look for actual books on their shelves, there are six books
 authored by Secretary Clinton on the shelves in Pottawattamie County 
Library,” Kleinsmith said. “There are none authored by President Trump. 
Not even ‘The Art of the Deal,’ that he wrote long before he was 
President. That’s just one example.”

Kansas town's library lease renewed after months of debate

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of crimes and asking the public for help to locate 35-year-old Jose Santoyo, according to Garden City Police.

Santoyo is wanted in connection to a string of Motor Vehicle Thefts, Auto Burglaries, Storage Unit Burglaries, and various other property crimes in Southwest Kansas. 

There are several outstanding warrants for his arrest including for meth possession, domestic battery, criminal damage and probation violation.

Jose is believed to be traveling with his one-year old daughter. If you have any information on Jose or know of his whereabouts, please contact the Finney County Sheriff's Office directly at 620-272-3700 or anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 620-275-7807 by texting tip411.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670367710533.png" alt="Santoyo-photo Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Santoyo-photo Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of crimes and asking the public for help to locate 35-year-old Jose Santoyo, according to Garden City Police.Santoyo is wanted in connection to a string of Motor Vehicle Thefts, Auto Burglaries, Storage Unit Burglaries, and various other property crimes in Southwest Kansas. There are several outstanding warrants for his arrest including for meth possession, domestic battery, criminal damage and probation violation.Jose is believed to be traveling with his one-year old daughter. If you have any information on Jose or know of his whereabouts, please contact the Finney County Sheriff's Office directly at 620-272-3700 or anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 620-275-7807 by texting tip411.

Wanted SW Kan. burglary suspect traveling with 1-year-old

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;is taking up a case with the potential to fundamentally reshape elections for Congress and the presidency.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/live.aspx">Click here to listen</a> to the oral arguments 9a.m. CST

The justices are hearing arguments Wednesday over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-north-carolina-legislature-3d92b5079e7d66913a9a74678e0680d2">the power of state courts to strike down congressional districts</a>&nbsp;drawn by the legislature because they violate state constitutions.

Republicans from North Carolina who are bringing the case to the high court argue that a provision of the U.S. Constitution known as the elections clause gives state lawmakers virtually total control over the “times, places and manner” of congressional elections, including redistricting, and cuts state courts out of the process.

The Republicans are advancing a concept called the independent legislature theory, never before adopted by the Supreme Court but cited approvingly by four conservative justices.

A broad ruling could threaten hundreds of election laws, require separate rules for federal and state elections on the same ballot and lead to new efforts to redraw congressional districts to maximize partisan advantage.

The court's decision in the North Carolina case also might suggest how the justices would deal with another part of the Constitution — not at issue in the current case — that gives legislatures the authority to decide how presidential electors are appointed. That provision, the electors clause, was central to efforts to try to overturn the outcome of the 2020 presidential election in several closely contested states.

The North Carolina state Supreme Court struck down districts drawn by Republicans who control the legislature because they heavily favored Republicans in the highly competitive state. The court-drawn map used in last month's elections for Congress produced a 7-7 split between Democrats and Republicans.

North Carolina is among six states in recent years in which state courts have ruled that overly partisan redistricting for Congress violated their state constitutions. The others are Florida, Maryland, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

State courts have become the only legal forum for challenging partisan congressional maps since the Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that those lawsuits cannot be brought in federal court.

“This is the single most important case on American democracy -- and for American democracy -- in the nation’s history,” said former federal judge Michael Luttig, a prominent conservative who has joined the legal team defending the North Carolina court decision.

Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the court and joined by four other conservative justices, noted that state courts remained open. “Provisions in state statutes and state constitutions can provide standards and guidance for state courts to apply,” Roberts wrote, in an opinion joined by Justices Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas.

But Alito, Gorsuch and Thomas wrote in March that they would have allowed the Republican-drawn map to be used this year. Alito wrote for the three justices that “there must be some limit on the authority of state courts to countermand actions taken by state legislatures when they are prescribing rules for the conduct of federal elections. I think it is likely that the applicants would succeed in showing that the North Carolina Supreme Court exceeded those limits.”

Kavanaugh has separately written about the need for federal courts to police the actions of state courts when it comes to federal elections, citing an opinion by three conservatives in the Bush v. Gore case that settled the 2000 presidential election. Thomas was one of the three justices on that 22-year-old opinion, but the court decided the case on other grounds.

In North Carolina, Republican lawmakers won't have to wait for the court's decision to produce a new congressional map that is expected to have more Republican districts.

Even as Democrats won half the state's 14 congressional seats, Republicans seized control of the state Supreme Court. Two newly elected Republican justices give them a 5-2 edge that makes it more likely than not that the court would uphold a map with more Republican districts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609956651601.png" alt="Michael Luttig, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-biden-riots-government-and-politics-election-2020-0a325b3a16d10dd5db8d715b011c92f8">advised former Vice President Mike Pence</a>&nbsp;that he had no authority to reject electoral votes following the 2020 election, is among several prominent conservatives and Republicans who have lined up against the broad assertion that legislatures can't be challenged in state courts when they make decisions about federal elections, including congressional redistricting-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Michael Luttig, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-biden-riots-government-and-politics-election-2020-0a325b3a16d10dd5db8d715b011c92f8">advised former Vice President Mike Pence</a>&nbsp;that he had no authority to reject electoral votes following the 2020 election, is among several prominent conservatives and Republicans who have lined up against the broad assertion that legislatures can't be challenged in state courts when they make decisions about federal elections, including congressional redistricting-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;is taking up a case with the potential to fundamentally reshape elections for Congress and the presidency.<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/live.aspx">Click here to listen</a> to the oral arguments 9a.m. CSTThe justices are hearing arguments Wednesday over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-north-carolina-legislature-3d92b5079e7d66913a9a74678e0680d2">the power of state courts to strike down congressional districts</a>&nbsp;drawn by the legislature because they violate state constitutions.Republicans from North Carolina who are bringing the case to the high court argue that a provision of the U.S. Constitution known as the elections clause gives state lawmakers virtually total control over the “times, places and manner” of congressional elections, including redistricting, and cuts state courts out of the process.The Republicans are advancing a concept called the independent legislature theory, never before adopted by the Supreme Court but cited approvingly by four conservative justices.A broad ruling could threaten hundreds of election laws, require separate rules for federal and state elections on the same ballot and lead to new efforts to redraw congressional districts to maximize partisan advantage.The court's decision in the North Carolina case also might suggest how the justices would deal with another part of the Constitution — not at issue in the current case — that gives legislatures the authority to decide how presidential electors are appointed. That provision, the electors clause, was central to efforts to try to overturn the outcome of the 2020 presidential election in several closely contested states.The North Carolina state Supreme Court struck down districts drawn by Republicans who control the legislature because they heavily favored Republicans in the highly competitive state. The court-drawn map used in last month's elections for Congress produced a 7-7 split between Democrats and Republicans.North Carolina is among six states in recent years in which state courts have ruled that overly partisan redistricting for Congress violated their state constitutions. The others are Florida, Maryland, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.State courts have become the only legal forum for challenging partisan congressional maps since the Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that those lawsuits cannot be brought in federal court.“This is the single most important case on American democracy -- and for American democracy -- in the nation’s history,” said former federal judge Michael Luttig, a prominent conservative who has joined the legal team defending the North Carolina court decision.Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the court and joined by four other conservative justices, noted that state courts remained open. “Provisions in state statutes and state constitutions can provide standards and guidance for state courts to apply,” Roberts wrote, in an opinion joined by Justices Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas.But Alito, Gorsuch and Thomas wrote in March that they would have allowed the Republican-drawn map to be used this year. Alito wrote for the three justices that “there must be some limit on the authority of state courts to countermand actions taken by state legislatures when they are prescribing rules for the conduct of federal elections. I think it is likely that the applicants would succeed in showing that the North Carolina Supreme Court exceeded those limits.”Kavanaugh has separately written about the need for federal courts to police the actions of state courts when it comes to federal elections, citing an opinion by three conservatives in the Bush v. Gore case that settled the 2000 presidential election. Thomas was one of the three justices on that 22-year-old opinion, but the court decided the case on other grounds.In North Carolina, Republican lawmakers won't have to wait for the court's decision to produce a new congressional map that is expected to have more Republican districts.Even as Democrats won half the state's 14 congressional seats, Republicans seized control of the state Supreme Court. Two newly elected Republican justices give them a 5-2 edge that makes it more likely than not that the court would uphold a map with more Republican districts.___

🎤 Supreme Court hears case that could reshape voting in the U.S.

CASS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating after two inmates escaped from the jail in Cass County, Missouri in Harrisonville, according to a statement from the Cass County Sheriff's office.

 Deputies in cooperation with the United States Marshall’s Service continue an investigation to locate 43-year-old&nbsp; Sergio Perez-Martinez of Panorama City, California and 33-year-old&nbsp;Trevor Scott Sparks of Kansas City. Authorities did not know they were missing until Tuesday.

Perez Mertinez&nbsp; was being held for possession of dangerous drugs. Sparks was jailed on money laundering charges, according to the sheriff's office.

 Anyone with any information is urged to contact the Cass County Sheriff’s Office at (816) 380-5200, or call 911. Harrisonville is located approximately 38 miles southeast of Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670413683995.png" alt="Sparks-photo Cass Co." />
 <figcaption>Sparks-photo Cass Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>CASS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating after two inmates escaped from the jail in Cass County, Missouri in Harrisonville, according to a statement from the Cass County Sheriff's office. Deputies in cooperation with the United States Marshall’s Service continue an investigation to locate 43-year-old&nbsp; Sergio Perez-Martinez of Panorama City, California and 33-year-old&nbsp;Trevor Scott Sparks of Kansas City. Authorities did not know they were missing until Tuesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670413662559.png" alt="Perez-Martinez-photo Cass Co." />
 <figcaption>Perez-Martinez-photo Cass Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Perez Mertinez&nbsp; was being held for possession of dangerous drugs. Sparks was jailed on money laundering charges, according to the sheriff's office. Anyone with any information is urged to contact the Cass County Sheriff’s Office at (816) 380-5200, or call 911. Harrisonville is located approximately 38 miles southeast of Kansas City.

Two inmates escape from jail south of Kansas City

WICHITA (AP) —Two Kansas high schools are investigating after students at one school reportedly yelled racist and offensive taunts at the other school's basketball team.

On Tuesday, Valley Center called off school for Wednesday, Dec. 7 as a result of threats. "Out of an abundance of caution for all of our students and staff and after consulting with local law enforcement, all USD 262 buildings and schools will be closed, and all activities will be canceled, according to a statement sent from Dr. Gibson."&nbsp; 

"Staff members are not to report to work unless specifically requested by their supervisor.&nbsp;The difficult decision to close our schools was a result of online threats received by our district this evening. Law enforcement is investigating these threats."

Topeka schools Superintendent Tiffany Anderson said in a letter to district patrons that the incident has been reported to the Kansas State High School Activities Association.

She said the Topeka district appreciated Valley Center's apology but they hope the district will take appropriate steps to address what occurred with those involved.

“I am so grateful for our coaches, principal (Rebecca) Morrisey and the mighty Trojans at Topeka High who modeled the conduct we expect from our students and we hope that it sets the example of what excellence looks like for others to learn from moving forward,” Anderson wrote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670380837123.png" alt="Image from Saturday's game courtesy Valley Center High School YouTube" />
 <figcaption>Image from Saturday's game courtesy Valley Center High School YouTube</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA (AP) —Two Kansas high schools are investigating after students at one school reportedly yelled racist and offensive taunts at the other school's basketball team.Topeka High School's team was subjected to “racial slurs, threats and disgusting taunts,” during a game on Saturday with Valley Center High School, Coach Geo Lyons said in a Change.org petition. He also said Valley Center students used a Black baby doll to taunt his team during the game.Lyons has started a petition asking that Valley Center High School fans be removed from sporting events.Lyons told KSN-TV that his son was shooting a free throw when the Valley Center student section chanted an expletive. He also alleged that racial epithets were used and his team was told they were going to be hanged."I had a down locker room, I’m talking about tears were flowing in that locker room,” Lyons said.Valley Center officials issued an apology Monday to Topeka High School for “inappropriate language and behavior” by students during the game.The district said in a statement that Topeka and Valley Center officials spent much of the weekend studying videos and interviewing people in attendance. As of Tuesday, the officials had not found evidence of specifically racist taunts but Valley Center acknowledged that students acted inappropriately.It said students who chanted the expletive at the Topeka student were immediately removed and Valley Center officials worked to prevent any other negative interactions when the game ended.The Black baby doll was part of a class assignment that requires students to “parent” the baby for a few days, the district said. It was not brought to the game intentionally to taunt Topeka High School but “without context, seeing the baby and images of the ‘baby’ caused hurt and concern to many, and for that we are very sorry,” the statement said.Valley Center Superintendent Cory Gibson had a “fruitful” conversation about the incident with representatives of the NAACP on Tuesday, spokeswoman Amy Pavlacka said. Gibson and Valley Center High School Principal Bruce Lolling also visited with patrons from both cities to discuss the situation.“As a district, we sent a letter to all VCHS families and students explaining there would be follow-up consequences for those students involved, and that we, as a community, should learn and grow from this experience,” the statement said.On Tuesday, Valley Center called off school for Wednesday, Dec. 7 as a result of threats. "Out of an abundance of caution for all of our students and staff and after consulting with local law enforcement, all USD 262 buildings and schools will be closed, and all activities will be canceled, according to a statement sent from Dr. Gibson."&nbsp; "Staff members are not to report to work unless specifically requested by their supervisor.&nbsp;The difficult decision to close our schools was a result of online threats received by our district this evening. Law enforcement is investigating these threats."Topeka schools Superintendent Tiffany Anderson said in a letter to district patrons that the incident has been reported to the Kansas State High School Activities Association.She said the Topeka district appreciated Valley Center's apology but they hope the district will take appropriate steps to address what occurred with those involved.“I am so grateful for our coaches, principal (Rebecca) Morrisey and the mighty Trojans at Topeka High who modeled the conduct we expect from our students and we hope that it sets the example of what excellence looks like for others to learn from moving forward,” Anderson wrote.

Kan. district cancels school after threats, investigation of offensive chants 

By FELICIA FONSECA Associated Press

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The leader of small polygamous group near the Arizona-Utah border had taken at least 20 wives, most of them minors, and punished followers who did not treat him as a prophet, newly filed federal court documents show.

Samuel Bateman was a former member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or FLDS, until he left to start his own small offshoot group. He was supported financially by male followers who also gave up their own wives and children to be Bateman's wives, according to an FBI affidavit.

The document filed Friday provides new insight about what investigators have found in a case that first became public in August. It accompanied charges of kidnapping and impeding a foreseeable prosecution against three of Bateman's wives — Naomi Bistline, Donnae Barlow and Moretta Rose Johnson.

Bistline and Barlow are scheduled to appear in federal magistrate court in Flagstaff on Wednesday. Johnson is awaiting extradition from Washington state.

The women are accused of fleeing with eight of Bateman's children, who were placed in Arizona state custody earlier this year. The children were found last week hundreds of miles (kilometers) away in Spokane, Washington.

Bateman was arrested in August when someone spotted small fingers in the gap of a trailer he was hauling through Flagstaff. He posted bond but was arrested again and charged with obstructing justice in a federal investigation into whether children were being transported across state lines for sexual activity.

Court records allege that Bateman, 46, engaged in child sex trafficking and polygamy, but none of his current charges relate to those allegations. Polygamy is illegal in Arizona but was decriminalized in Utah in 2020.

Arizona Department of Child Services spokesman Darren DaRonco and FBI spokesman Kevin Smith declined to comment on the case Tuesday. Bistline's attorney didn't respond to a request for comment, and Barlow's attorney declined to comment. Johnson didn't have a publicly listed attorney.

The FBI affidavit filed in the women's case largely centers on Bateman, who proclaimed himself a prophet in 2019. Bateman says he was told by former FLDS leader Warren Jeffs to invoke the "Spirit of God on these people." The affidavit details explicit sexual acts that Bateman and his followers engaged in to fulfill "Godly duties."

Jeffs is serving a life sentence in a Texas prison for child sex abuse related to underage marriages.

Criminal defense attorney Michael Piccarreta, who represented Jeffs on Arizona charges that were dismissed, said the state has a history of trying to take a stand against polygamy by charging relatively minor offenses to build bigger cases.

"Whether this is the same tactic that has been used in the past or whether there's more to the story, only time will tell," he said.

The office of Bateman's attorney in the federal case, Adam Zickerman, declined to comment Tuesday.

Bateman lived in Colorado City among a patchwork of devout members of the polygamous FLDS, ex-church members and those who don't practice the beliefs. Polygamy is a legacy of the early teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but the mainstream church abandoned the practice in 1890 and now strictly prohibits it.

Bateman often traveled to Nebraska where some of his other followers lived and internationally to Canada and Mexico for conferences.

When Bateman was arrested earlier this year, he instructed his followers to obtain passports and to delete messages sent through an encrypted system, authorities said.

He demanded that his followers confess publicly for any indiscretions, and shared those confessions widely, according to the FBI affidavit. He claimed the punishments, which ranged from a time out to public shaming and sexual activity, came from the Lord, the affidavit states.

The children identified by their initials in court documents have said little to authorities. The three children found in the trailer Bateman was hauling through Flagstaff — which had a makeshift toilet, a couch, camping chairs and no ventilation — told authorities they didn't have any health or medical needs, a police report stated.

None of the girls placed in state custody in Arizona disclosed sexual abuse by Bateman during forensic interviews, though one said she was present during sexual activity, according to the FBI affidavit. But the girls often wrote in journals that were seized by the FBI. In them, several of the girls referenced intimate interactions with Bateman. Authorities believe the older girls influenced the younger ones not to talk about Bateman, the FBI said.

<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/2ddcec21-000f-4ace-b19e-4250120d6629">&nbsp;&nbsp;Download The Post app for iOs or Android</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670418694316.png" alt="Bateman" />
 <figcaption>Bateman</figcaption>
 </figure>By FELICIA FONSECA Associated PressFLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The leader of small polygamous group near the Arizona-Utah border had taken at least 20 wives, most of them minors, and punished followers who did not treat him as a prophet, newly filed federal court documents show.Samuel Bateman was a former member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or FLDS, until he left to start his own small offshoot group. He was supported financially by male followers who also gave up their own wives and children to be Bateman's wives, according to an FBI affidavit.The document filed Friday provides new insight about what investigators have found in a case that first became public in August. It accompanied charges of kidnapping and impeding a foreseeable prosecution against three of Bateman's wives — Naomi Bistline, Donnae Barlow and Moretta Rose Johnson.Bistline and Barlow are scheduled to appear in federal magistrate court in Flagstaff on Wednesday. Johnson is awaiting extradition from Washington state.The women are accused of fleeing with eight of Bateman's children, who were placed in Arizona state custody earlier this year. The children were found last week hundreds of miles (kilometers) away in Spokane, Washington.Bateman was arrested in August when someone spotted small fingers in the gap of a trailer he was hauling through Flagstaff. He posted bond but was arrested again and charged with obstructing justice in a federal investigation into whether children were being transported across state lines for sexual activity.Court records allege that Bateman, 46, engaged in child sex trafficking and polygamy, but none of his current charges relate to those allegations. Polygamy is illegal in Arizona but was decriminalized in Utah in 2020.Arizona Department of Child Services spokesman Darren DaRonco and FBI spokesman Kevin Smith declined to comment on the case Tuesday. Bistline's attorney didn't respond to a request for comment, and Barlow's attorney declined to comment. Johnson didn't have a publicly listed attorney.The FBI affidavit filed in the women's case largely centers on Bateman, who proclaimed himself a prophet in 2019. Bateman says he was told by former FLDS leader Warren Jeffs to invoke the "Spirit of God on these people." The affidavit details explicit sexual acts that Bateman and his followers engaged in to fulfill "Godly duties."Jeffs is serving a life sentence in a Texas prison for child sex abuse related to underage marriages.Criminal defense attorney Michael Piccarreta, who represented Jeffs on Arizona charges that were dismissed, said the state has a history of trying to take a stand against polygamy by charging relatively minor offenses to build bigger cases."Whether this is the same tactic that has been used in the past or whether there's more to the story, only time will tell," he said.The office of Bateman's attorney in the federal case, Adam Zickerman, declined to comment Tuesday.Bateman lived in Colorado City among a patchwork of devout members of the polygamous FLDS, ex-church members and those who don't practice the beliefs. Polygamy is a legacy of the early teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but the mainstream church abandoned the practice in 1890 and now strictly prohibits it.Bateman often traveled to Nebraska where some of his other followers lived and internationally to Canada and Mexico for conferences.When Bateman was arrested earlier this year, he instructed his followers to obtain passports and to delete messages sent through an encrypted system, authorities said.He demanded that his followers confess publicly for any indiscretions, and shared those confessions widely, according to the FBI affidavit. He claimed the punishments, which ranged from a time out to public shaming and sexual activity, came from the Lord, the affidavit states.The children identified by their initials in court documents have said little to authorities. The three children found in the trailer Bateman was hauling through Flagstaff — which had a makeshift toilet, a couch, camping chairs and no ventilation — told authorities they didn't have any health or medical needs, a police report stated.None of the girls placed in state custody in Arizona disclosed sexual abuse by Bateman during forensic interviews, though one said she was present during sexual activity, according to the FBI affidavit. But the girls often wrote in journals that were seized by the FBI. In them, several of the girls referenced intimate interactions with Bateman. Authorities believe the older girls influenced the younger ones not to talk about Bateman, the FBI said.<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/2ddcec21-000f-4ace-b19e-4250120d6629">&nbsp;&nbsp;Download The Post app for iOs or Android</a><figure>
 <img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/2zrBCvLc_tK_m24DTDqNN1GkJdbcOLHdxeQvdkUdzmJH31MRgSQZYw2Lba-cMNtc5LjWys1tcYR9Xwe2Zg0jly7ufH6_jbvFZl1tbtBmUk-HB9eRR4CUi7uzEo2X3pLIkZ3fLW5_0PLMXAuZ8PDT2GGqJIogW_mw_MdsDelIXJWcF3pFUFXCx3Kk7S0k" alt="" />
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FBI: Polygamous leader had 20 wives, many of them minors

By DEWEY TERRILL JC Post

Justin
 Aaron, Junction City, reached the semifinal round of "The Voice" competition on NBC but was unable to advance to the finals. Following 
singing performances on Tuesday night, voters reduced the field of eight 
down to five.&nbsp;Aaron was among those who did not move on.

The 
Junction City resident had a strong run through "The Voice" competition 
and received national attention for his singing.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670424659400.jpeg" alt="Justin Aaron" />
 <figcaption>Justin Aaron</figcaption>
 </figure>By DEWEY TERRILL JC PostJustin
 Aaron, Junction City, reached the semifinal round of "The Voice" competition on NBC but was unable to advance to the finals. Following 
singing performances on Tuesday night, voters reduced the field of eight 
down to five.&nbsp;Aaron was among those who did not move on.The 
Junction City resident had a strong run through "The Voice" competition 
and received national attention for his singing.&nbsp;

Kansas singer's run on 'The Voice' comes to an end

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.

First responders found a woman inside of a residence who had been shot and was unresponsive. Officers begin CPR on the victim.&nbsp; EMS arrived and pronounced her deceased at the scene.&nbsp; Detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene and were actively canvassing for witnesses and processing the scene for evidence.&nbsp; Police released no additional details early Wednesday.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.Just after 8p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting at a home in the 4900 block of Bellefontaine in Kansas City, according to Police Captain Leslie Forean.First responders found a woman inside of a residence who had been shot and was unresponsive. Officers begin CPR on the victim.&nbsp; EMS arrived and pronounced her deceased at the scene.&nbsp; Detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene and were actively canvassing for witnesses and processing the scene for evidence.&nbsp; Police released no additional details early Wednesday.

Police: Woman found with gunshot wound in KC home 

ATLANTA (AP) — Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock defeated Republican challenger Herschel Walker in a Georgia runoff election Tuesday, ensuring Democrats an outright majority in the Senate for the rest of President Joe Biden’s term and helping cap an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-government-and-politics-897222c2690df16aac53f52eafafeb80">underwhelming midterm cycle for the GOP</a>&nbsp;in the last major vote of the year.

With Warnock’s second runoff victory in as many years, Democrats will have a 51-49 Senate majority, gaining a seat from the current 50-50 split with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-senate-race-2022-midterm-elections-93709b5b7ab4cef658f45751cd76c090">John Fetterman’s victory in Pennsylvania</a>. There will be divided government, however, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-house-control-79475a4fc11e4375cd0dded651b9eede">Republicans having narrowly flipped House control</a>.

In last month’s election,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-senate-race-runoff-2022-midterms-b32e84784e9e644b3e3163b7ca9cc569">Warnock led Walker by 37,000 votes</a>&nbsp;out of almost 4 million cast, but fell short of the 50% threshold needed to avoid a runoff. Walker, a football legend who first gained fame at the University of Georgia and later in the NFL in the 1980s, was unable to overcome a bevy of damaging allegations, including claims that he paid for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-2022-midterm-elections-herschel-walker-health-georgia-1a7c86004f571ea10e6f88ea375b439d">two former girlfriends’ abortions</a>.

Democrats’ Georgia victory solidifies the state’s place as a Deep South battleground two years after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/Georgia-election-results-4b82ba7ee3cc74d33e68daadaee2cbf3">Warnock and fellow Georgia Democrat Jon Ossoff won 2021 runoffs</a>&nbsp;that gave the party Senate control just months after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-georgia-elections-bb997641ca36805c0f53f406a3529d87">Biden became the first Democratic presidential candidate in 30 years to win Georgia</a>. Voters returned Warnock to the Senate in the same cycle they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-governor-race-2022-midterm-elections-f976a0e81f193277d22e176faa852acb">reelected Republican Gov. Brian Kemp</a>&nbsp;by a comfortable margin and chose an all-GOP slate of statewide constitutional officers.

“I’ll work with anyone to get things done for the people of Georgia,” Warnock, the state’s first Black senator, said throughout his campaign, a nod to the state’s historically conservative lean and his need to win over GOP-leaning independents and at least some moderate Republicans in a midterm election year.

Warnock, 53, paired that argument with an emphasis on his personal values, buoyed by his status as senior pastor of Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church, where civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. once preached.

Walker's defeat bookends the GOP’s struggles this year to win with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-00c770068d8b82f165a9f4871eee983b">flawed candidates cast from Trump’s mold</a>, a blow to the former president as he builds his third White House bid.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/herschel-walker-georgia-kamala-harris-congress-government-and-politics-0f6cc74d575921e13c19d7569e4e5382">Democrats’ new outright majority in the Senate means</a>&nbsp;the party will no longer have to negotiate a power-sharing deal with Republicans and won’t have to rely on Vice President Kamala Harris to break as many tie votes.

About 1.9 million runoff votes were cast by mail and during early voting, while the state was on track for a robust Election Day, with state officials estimating an additional 1.4 million votes cast — slightly more than in the November midterm and the 2020 election.

Early and mail voting did not reach the same levels as years past, and it was likely the total number of votes cast would be less than the 2021 Senate runoff election. Voting rights groups point to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-does-new-georgia-gop-election-law-do-87665a200f6442e28ef43cbc60c88653">changes made by state lawmakers after the 2020 election</a>&nbsp;that shortened the period for runoffs, from nine weeks to four, as a major reason for the decline in early and mail voting.

Elections officials reported few problems processing early votes and tabulating ballots cast Tuesday, but there were some delays. In south Georgia’s Lowndes County, two poll workers were in a car accident on the way to the county elections office with the memory cards from one precinct’s polling machines. A Lowndes official said a member of the local elections board went to the accident site to retrieve the memory cards so tabulations could continue.

Walker benefited during the campaign from nearly unmatched name recognition from his football career, yet was dogged by questions about his fitness for office and allegations of hypocrisy.

A multimillionaire businessman, Walker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-sports-business-government-and-politics-herschel-walker-7418cd7deadc414b17e3339048fef180">inflated his philanthropic activities and business achievements</a>, including claiming that his company employed hundreds of people and grossed tens of millions of dollars in sales annually, even though records indicate he had eight employees and averaged about $1.5 million a year. He has suggested that he’s worked as a law enforcement officer and graduated college, though he has done neither.

He was accused by two former girlfriends of encouraging and paying for their abortions, despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-warnock-walker-debate-georgia-d831b6cbfce77be05102a0c6f7a0d304">supporting an outright national ban on the procedure</a>&nbsp;during the campaign. He denied both women’s claims.

He was also forced to acknowledge during the campaign that he had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-herschel-walker-nashville-government-and-politics-115fc9e55e007f9203f3a0592ac83452">fathered three children out of wedlock</a>&nbsp;whom he had never before spoken about publicly. The mother of one of those children told The Daily Beast that Walker had not seen his young son since January 2016 and had to be taken to court for child support — in direct conflict with Walker’s years spent criticizing absentee fathers and his calls for Black men, in particular, to play an active role in their kids’ lives.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669567002976.jpeg" alt="Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., and Republican Senate candidate Herschel Walker. (AP Photo" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., and Republican Senate candidate Herschel Walker. (AP Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock defeated Republican challenger Herschel Walker in a Georgia runoff election Tuesday, ensuring Democrats an outright majority in the Senate for the rest of President Joe Biden’s term and helping cap an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-government-and-politics-897222c2690df16aac53f52eafafeb80">underwhelming midterm cycle for the GOP</a>&nbsp;in the last major vote of the year.With Warnock’s second runoff victory in as many years, Democrats will have a 51-49 Senate majority, gaining a seat from the current 50-50 split with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-senate-race-2022-midterm-elections-93709b5b7ab4cef658f45751cd76c090">John Fetterman’s victory in Pennsylvania</a>. There will be divided government, however, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-house-control-79475a4fc11e4375cd0dded651b9eede">Republicans having narrowly flipped House control</a>.In last month’s election,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-senate-race-runoff-2022-midterms-b32e84784e9e644b3e3163b7ca9cc569">Warnock led Walker by 37,000 votes</a>&nbsp;out of almost 4 million cast, but fell short of the 50% threshold needed to avoid a runoff. Walker, a football legend who first gained fame at the University of Georgia and later in the NFL in the 1980s, was unable to overcome a bevy of damaging allegations, including claims that he paid for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-2022-midterm-elections-herschel-walker-health-georgia-1a7c86004f571ea10e6f88ea375b439d">two former girlfriends’ abortions</a>.Democrats’ Georgia victory solidifies the state’s place as a Deep South battleground two years after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/Georgia-election-results-4b82ba7ee3cc74d33e68daadaee2cbf3">Warnock and fellow Georgia Democrat Jon Ossoff won 2021 runoffs</a>&nbsp;that gave the party Senate control just months after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-georgia-elections-bb997641ca36805c0f53f406a3529d87">Biden became the first Democratic presidential candidate in 30 years to win Georgia</a>. Voters returned Warnock to the Senate in the same cycle they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-governor-race-2022-midterm-elections-f976a0e81f193277d22e176faa852acb">reelected Republican Gov. Brian Kemp</a>&nbsp;by a comfortable margin and chose an all-GOP slate of statewide constitutional officers.“I’ll work with anyone to get things done for the people of Georgia,” Warnock, the state’s first Black senator, said throughout his campaign, a nod to the state’s historically conservative lean and his need to win over GOP-leaning independents and at least some moderate Republicans in a midterm election year.Warnock, 53, paired that argument with an emphasis on his personal values, buoyed by his status as senior pastor of Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church, where civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. once preached.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666276868984.png" alt="Kansas Senator Roger Marshall campaigned for Walker in October -Marshall" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Senator Roger Marshall campaigned for Walker in October -Marshall</figcaption>
 </figure>Walker's defeat bookends the GOP’s struggles this year to win with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-00c770068d8b82f165a9f4871eee983b">flawed candidates cast from Trump’s mold</a>, a blow to the former president as he builds his third White House bid.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/herschel-walker-georgia-kamala-harris-congress-government-and-politics-0f6cc74d575921e13c19d7569e4e5382">Democrats’ new outright majority in the Senate means</a>&nbsp;the party will no longer have to negotiate a power-sharing deal with Republicans and won’t have to rely on Vice President Kamala Harris to break as many tie votes.About 1.9 million runoff votes were cast by mail and during early voting, while the state was on track for a robust Election Day, with state officials estimating an additional 1.4 million votes cast — slightly more than in the November midterm and the 2020 election.Early and mail voting did not reach the same levels as years past, and it was likely the total number of votes cast would be less than the 2021 Senate runoff election. Voting rights groups point to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-does-new-georgia-gop-election-law-do-87665a200f6442e28ef43cbc60c88653">changes made by state lawmakers after the 2020 election</a>&nbsp;that shortened the period for runoffs, from nine weeks to four, as a major reason for the decline in early and mail voting.Elections officials reported few problems processing early votes and tabulating ballots cast Tuesday, but there were some delays. In south Georgia’s Lowndes County, two poll workers were in a car accident on the way to the county elections office with the memory cards from one precinct’s polling machines. A Lowndes official said a member of the local elections board went to the accident site to retrieve the memory cards so tabulations could continue.Walker benefited during the campaign from nearly unmatched name recognition from his football career, yet was dogged by questions about his fitness for office and allegations of hypocrisy.A multimillionaire businessman, Walker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-sports-business-government-and-politics-herschel-walker-7418cd7deadc414b17e3339048fef180">inflated his philanthropic activities and business achievements</a>, including claiming that his company employed hundreds of people and grossed tens of millions of dollars in sales annually, even though records indicate he had eight employees and averaged about $1.5 million a year. He has suggested that he’s worked as a law enforcement officer and graduated college, though he has done neither.He was accused by two former girlfriends of encouraging and paying for their abortions, despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-warnock-walker-debate-georgia-d831b6cbfce77be05102a0c6f7a0d304">supporting an outright national ban on the procedure</a>&nbsp;during the campaign. He denied both women’s claims.He was also forced to acknowledge during the campaign that he had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-herschel-walker-nashville-government-and-politics-115fc9e55e007f9203f3a0592ac83452">fathered three children out of wedlock</a>&nbsp;whom he had never before spoken about publicly. The mother of one of those children told The Daily Beast that Walker had not seen his young son since January 2016 and had to be taken to court for child support — in direct conflict with Walker’s years spent criticizing absentee fathers and his calls for Black men, in particular, to play an active role in their kids’ lives.His ex-wife said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/herschel-walker-nfl-georgia-senate-704738fdbed64383e25e3435684d7341">Walker once held a gun to her head</a>&nbsp;and threatened to kill her. He has never denied those specifics and wrote of his violent tendencies in a 2008 memoir that attributed the behavior to mental illness.As a candidate, he sometimes mangled policy discussions, attributing the climate crisis to China’s “bad air” overtaking “good air” from the United States and arguing that diabetics could manage their health by “eating right,” a practice that isn’t enough for insulin-dependent diabetic patients.On Tuesday, Atlanta voter Tom Callaway praised the Republican Party’s strength in Georgia and said he’d supported Kemp in the opening round of voting. But he said he cast his ballot for Warnock because he didn’t think “Herschel Walker has the credentials to be a senator.”“I didn’t believe he had a statement of what he really believed in or had a campaign that made sense,” Callaway said.Walker, meanwhile, sought to portray Warnock as a yes-man for Biden. He sometimes made the attack in especially personal terms, accusing Warnock of “being on his knees, begging” at the White House — a searing charge for a Black challenger to level against a Black senator about his relationship with a white president.“My opponent is not a serious person,” Warnock said during the runoff campaign. “But the election is very serious. Don’t get those two things confused.”Warnock promoted his Senate accomplishments, touting a provision he sponsored to cap insulin costs for Medicare patients. He hailed deals on infrastructure and maternal health care forged with Republican senators, mentioning those GOP colleagues more than he did Biden or other Washington Democrats.Warnock distanced himself from Biden, whose approval ratings have lagged as inflation remains high. After the general election, Biden promised to help Warnock in any way he could, even if it meant staying away from Georgia.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/herschel-walker-biden-georgia-1091b7502bca21c9c847d564042fa845">Bypassing the president</a>, Warnock decided instead to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-herschel-walker-georgia-atlanta-83ecb9128b7db96022256efc06965718">campaign with former President Barack Obama</a>&nbsp;in the days before the runoff election.Walker, meanwhile, avoided campaigning with Trump until the campaign’s final day, when the pair conducted a conference call Monday with supporters.Walker joins failed Senate nominees Dr. Mehmet Oz of Pennsylvania, Blake Masters of Arizona, Adam Laxalt of Nevada and Don Bolduc of New Hampshire as Trump loyalists who ultimately lost races that Republicans once thought they would — or at least could — win.