By ELAINE S. POVICH <a href="https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2022/08/15/state-attorneys-general-unite-against-robocalls">Stateline</a>

Nothing has been able to kill scam robocalls — not federal 
regulation, not individual state lawsuits, not private software. Each 
effort has made a dent, but the unwanted calls keep on coming, much to 
the consternation of Americans on the receiving end.

Now, all 50 state attorneys general, Republicans and Democrats, have 
come together through a newly formed task force to go after U.S. 
telecommunications companies that allow robocalls originating overseas 
to reach their customers.

Stopping nuisance calls from foreign countries has been particularly 
challenging. The AGs have put telecom companies on notice that they must
 stop the scam calls before they go through to customers, or face 
prosecution. Experts say that strategy just might work. 

“Technology has advanced to the point so AGs can see when telecom 
carriers are carrying illegal traffic,” said Alex Quilici, CEO of 
YouMail, a robocall-blocking software company that keeps track of 
robocalling in the United States. 

“The problem has been that the [Federal Communications Commission] 
fines someone … one at a time, or one AG shuts down a carrier,” he said.
 “Now, it’s 50 going after them and 50 court proceedings and 50 fines. 
I’m optimistic that this will make some impact. Enforcement really is 
key.” 

Further, Quilici said, by coordinating lawsuits, the attorneys 
general make it more expensive for the robocaller companies, which 
earlier had calculated the cost of individual court cases into their 
cost of doing business. “The key thing you want to do is raise the cost 
for the robocaller,” he said.

As an example, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein in January 
sued telephone service provider Articul8 for allegedly facilitating 
illegal and fraudulent telemarketing phone calls in his state. Stein 
alleges the company sent 65 million fraud calls to his constituents in 
just a few months.

Now, Stein, a Democrat, and GOP attorneys general Todd Rokita of 
Indiana and Dave Yost of Ohio are leading the effort to coordinate 
similar suits against telecom providers on a 50-state (plus the District
 of Columbia) basis by forming an Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force. 

As its first act, the task force this month issued 20 investigative 
requests to 20 companies that are “allegedly responsible for a majority 
of foreign robocall traffic,” Stein said. 

Rokita, in a news release, pointed out that robocalls “aren't just a 
Hoosier problem. They are a nationwide problem.” He put the telecom 
industry on notice that if it “won't police itself, this unprecedented 
task force will."

State attorneys general have taken some coordinated actions in the 
past few years, such as calling on internet resellers like eBay Inc. <a href="https://www.naag.org/policy-letter/vaccination-cards/">to stop selling</a> fake COVID-19 vaccination cards and <a href="https://www.naag.org/policy-letter/attorneys-general-raise-concern-about-illegal-alcohol-sales-online">raising concerns</a> about illegal alcohol sales online. And together, they’ve <a href="https://www.naag.org/policy-letter/bipartisan-coalition-of-52-attorneys-general-send-ustelecom-letter-outlining-plan-to-strengthen-illegal-robocall-enforcement/">pushed companies</a> to beef up anti-robocalling technology.

But mostly the attorneys general have split along party lines. The 
Republican AGs association, for example, was on the winning side in its 
“friend of the court” brief <a href="https://republicanags.com/2021/06/17/republican-ags-win-unanimous-victory-for-religious-liberty-at-scotus/">supporting</a>
 a lawsuit in Pennsylvania arguing that religious institutions that ban 
same-sex foster parents should be allowed to take part in Philadelphia’s
 foster care system.

And the Democratic AGs issued a <a href="https://dems.ag/democratic-attorneys-general-praise-biden-harris-administrations-executive-order-on-reproductive-healthcare-access/">statement</a> this month praising President Joe Biden’s executive order aimed at protecting some abortion rights.

“I think we can give all the credit to the robocallers,” said former Maine Attorney General James Tierney, founder of <a href="https://www.stateag.org/">StateAG.org</a>,
 an educational group that studies the offices of state attorneys 
general. “They have been able to do the politically impossible feat: 
They have been able to unite the attorneys general when they don’t unite
 on anything else. I don’t know who they are, or what country they are 
in, but everybody hates robocallers.

“They [the AGs] are going to lose the pro-robocall vote, but I think 
they are willing to take the risk,” said Tierney, a Democrat. 

Some government actions have seemed to reduce the scourge a bit, but 
not enough to get rid of constituent hate for the scam calls. (There is 
some legitimate “opt-in” automatic calling, such as when schools notify 
parents of a snow day, for example.) 

The National Consumer Law Center and the Electronic Privacy Information Center <a href="https://www.nclc.org/issues/energy-utilities-a-communications/scam-robocalls-will-continue-until-telecom-providers-no-longer-profit-from-them.html">found</a> that in 2021, about 60 million Americans were bilked out of $29 billion by scam robocalls and texts.&nbsp;

YouMail reported that American phones got just over 3.8 billion 
robocalls in July, a nearly 12% decrease from June. That was due mostly 
to the July Fourth holiday and one extra weekend in the month, Quilici 
said. He said robocalling is notably down on weekends and holidays. 
Still, in July, there were an average 123.1 million calls a day, YouMail
 reported. 

But the reported decrease in calls in July might be misleading, 
YouMail said in its report, as many robocalls go undetected because of a
 regulatory quirk related to so-called spoofed numbers. &nbsp;

A spoofed number appears to be a legitimate number, likely one with a
 local area code and exchange, but is actually falsified information 
showing on the Caller ID to disguise where the call is coming from. 
Quilici said the FCC’s Stir/Shaken program — a digital verification <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/call-authentication">system</a>
 that makes it easier to identify spoofed or fake numbers — is driving 
down the number of obvious spoofed calls, but there may be many others 
that are going undetected.

Large carriers such as Verizon have implemented Stir/Shaken for a 
couple of years. The AGs are focusing on smaller carriers, such as the 
one Stein sued, which only came under the program in June, so its effect
 is not obvious yet. 

“Verizon is a strong advocate of tracking down and shutting down 
sources of illegal robocalls and we stand ready to help law enforcement 
with that goal,” Verizon spokesperson Rich Young said in an email to Stateline. 

Louis Jacobson, who writes about attorneys general for University of 
Virginia professor Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball website, said political 
polarization among attorneys general has increased in recent years. 
“There’s not as much cooperation, especially on high profile issues,” he
 said in a phone interview. “There is mostly partisan alignment.”


Still, he added: “While I think that general partisan division is still 
in force, robocall is the kind of thing that everyone can get behind 
stopping. There’s no political downside.”

Stateline is an initiative of The Pew Charitable Trusts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660916830378.png" alt="All 50 state attorneys general, Republicans and Democrats, have come together through a newly formed task force to go after U.S. telecommunications companies that allow robocalls originating overseas to reach their customers. That includes Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, pictured here in 2021 (photo courtesy of the Attorney General's office)." />
 <figcaption>All 50 state attorneys general, Republicans and Democrats, have come together through a newly formed task force to go after U.S. telecommunications companies that allow robocalls originating overseas to reach their customers. That includes Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, pictured here in 2021 (photo courtesy of the Attorney General's office).</figcaption>
 </figure>By ELAINE S. POVICH <a href="https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2022/08/15/state-attorneys-general-unite-against-robocalls">Stateline</a>Nothing has been able to kill scam robocalls — not federal 
regulation, not individual state lawsuits, not private software. Each 
effort has made a dent, but the unwanted calls keep on coming, much to 
the consternation of Americans on the receiving end.Now, all 50 state attorneys general, Republicans and Democrats, have 
come together through a newly formed task force to go after U.S. 
telecommunications companies that allow robocalls originating overseas 
to reach their customers.Stopping nuisance calls from foreign countries has been particularly 
challenging. The AGs have put telecom companies on notice that they must
 stop the scam calls before they go through to customers, or face 
prosecution. Experts say that strategy just might work. “Technology has advanced to the point so AGs can see when telecom 
carriers are carrying illegal traffic,” said Alex Quilici, CEO of 
YouMail, a robocall-blocking software company that keeps track of 
robocalling in the United States. “The problem has been that the [Federal Communications Commission] 
fines someone … one at a time, or one AG shuts down a carrier,” he said.
 “Now, it’s 50 going after them and 50 court proceedings and 50 fines. 
I’m optimistic that this will make some impact. Enforcement really is 
key.” Further, Quilici said, by coordinating lawsuits, the attorneys 
general make it more expensive for the robocaller companies, which 
earlier had calculated the cost of individual court cases into their 
cost of doing business. “The key thing you want to do is raise the cost 
for the robocaller,” he said.As an example, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein in January 
sued telephone service provider Articul8 for allegedly facilitating 
illegal and fraudulent telemarketing phone calls in his state. Stein 
alleges the company sent 65 million fraud calls to his constituents in 
just a few months.Now, Stein, a Democrat, and GOP attorneys general Todd Rokita of 
Indiana and Dave Yost of Ohio are leading the effort to coordinate 
similar suits against telecom providers on a 50-state (plus the District
 of Columbia) basis by forming an Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force. As its first act, the task force this month issued 20 investigative 
requests to 20 companies that are “allegedly responsible for a majority 
of foreign robocall traffic,” Stein said. Rokita, in a news release, pointed out that robocalls “aren't just a 
Hoosier problem. They are a nationwide problem.” He put the telecom 
industry on notice that if it “won't police itself, this unprecedented 
task force will."State attorneys general have taken some coordinated actions in the 
past few years, such as calling on internet resellers like eBay Inc. <a href="https://www.naag.org/policy-letter/vaccination-cards/">to stop selling</a> fake COVID-19 vaccination cards and <a href="https://www.naag.org/policy-letter/attorneys-general-raise-concern-about-illegal-alcohol-sales-online">raising concerns</a> about illegal alcohol sales online. And together, they’ve <a href="https://www.naag.org/policy-letter/bipartisan-coalition-of-52-attorneys-general-send-ustelecom-letter-outlining-plan-to-strengthen-illegal-robocall-enforcement/">pushed companies</a> to beef up anti-robocalling technology. But mostly the attorneys general have split along party lines. The 
Republican AGs association, for example, was on the winning side in its 
“friend of the court” brief <a href="https://republicanags.com/2021/06/17/republican-ags-win-unanimous-victory-for-religious-liberty-at-scotus/">supporting</a>
 a lawsuit in Pennsylvania arguing that religious institutions that ban 
same-sex foster parents should be allowed to take part in Philadelphia’s
 foster care system. And the Democratic AGs issued a <a href="https://dems.ag/democratic-attorneys-general-praise-biden-harris-administrations-executive-order-on-reproductive-healthcare-access/">statement</a> this month praising President Joe Biden’s executive order aimed at protecting some abortion rights. But they all hate robocalls. “I think we can give all the credit to the robocallers,” said former Maine Attorney General James Tierney, founder of <a href="https://www.stateag.org/">StateAG.org</a>,
 an educational group that studies the offices of state attorneys 
general. “They have been able to do the politically impossible feat: 
They have been able to unite the attorneys general when they don’t unite
 on anything else. I don’t know who they are, or what country they are 
in, but everybody hates robocallers.“They [the AGs] are going to lose the pro-robocall vote, but I think 
they are willing to take the risk,” said Tierney, a Democrat. Some government actions have seemed to reduce the scourge a bit, but 
not enough to get rid of constituent hate for the scam calls. (There is 
some legitimate “opt-in” automatic calling, such as when schools notify 
parents of a snow day, for example.) The National Consumer Law Center and the Electronic Privacy Information Center <a href="https://www.nclc.org/issues/energy-utilities-a-communications/scam-robocalls-will-continue-until-telecom-providers-no-longer-profit-from-them.html">found</a> that in 2021, about 60 million Americans were bilked out of $29 billion by scam robocalls and texts.&nbsp; YouMail reported that American phones got just over 3.8 billion 
robocalls in July, a nearly 12% decrease from June. That was due mostly 
to the July Fourth holiday and one extra weekend in the month, Quilici 
said. He said robocalling is notably down on weekends and holidays. 
Still, in July, there were an average 123.1 million calls a day, YouMail
 reported. But the reported decrease in calls in July might be misleading, 
YouMail said in its report, as many robocalls go undetected because of a
 regulatory quirk related to so-called spoofed numbers. &nbsp;A spoofed number appears to be a legitimate number, likely one with a
 local area code and exchange, but is actually falsified information 
showing on the Caller ID to disguise where the call is coming from. 
Quilici said the FCC’s Stir/Shaken program — a digital verification <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/call-authentication">system</a>
 that makes it easier to identify spoofed or fake numbers — is driving 
down the number of obvious spoofed calls, but there may be many others 
that are going undetected. Large carriers such as Verizon have implemented Stir/Shaken for a 
couple of years. The AGs are focusing on smaller carriers, such as the 
one Stein sued, which only came under the program in June, so its effect
 is not obvious yet. “Verizon is a strong advocate of tracking down and shutting down 
sources of illegal robocalls and we stand ready to help law enforcement 
with that goal,” Verizon spokesperson Rich Young said in an email to Stateline. Louis Jacobson, who writes about attorneys general for University of 
Virginia professor Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball website, said political 
polarization among attorneys general has increased in recent years. 
“There’s not as much cooperation, especially on high profile issues,” he
 said in a phone interview. “There is mostly partisan alignment.”
Still, he added: “While I think that general partisan division is still 
in force, robocall is the kind of thing that everyone can get behind 
stopping. There’s no political downside.”Stateline is an initiative of The Pew Charitable Trusts.

All 50 state attorneys general unite against robocalls

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating several cases involving gunshots in the Topeka area and have made an arrest.

On August 18, police officers&nbsp;and detectives served a search warrant in the 2300 block of SW Boswell Court in Topeka, according to Lt. Edward Stanley.&nbsp;

As a result of the investigation into these gunshot report, police arrested Dymounik Jymarland Davis, 19 and Topeka and Azhar Andrell Keith Davis,21, both of Topeka and booked into them into the

Dymounik Davis is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated Assault and&nbsp;Aggravated endangering a child. Azhar Davis is in custody on requested charges of Criminal Possession of a firearm,&nbsp;Criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle, Aggravated Assault and Aggravated endangering a child.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660936588117.png" alt="Dymounik Davis" />
 <figcaption>Dymounik Davis</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating several cases involving gunshots in the Topeka area and have made an arrest.On August 18, police officers&nbsp;and detectives served a search warrant in the 2300 block of SW Boswell Court in Topeka, according to Lt. Edward Stanley.&nbsp;As a result of the investigation into these gunshot report, police arrested Dymounik Jymarland Davis, 19 and Topeka and Azhar Andrell Keith Davis,21, both of Topeka and booked into them into the<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660936657933.png" alt="Azhar Davis " />
 <figcaption>Azhar Davis </figcaption>
 </figure>Dymounik Davis is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated Assault and&nbsp;Aggravated endangering a child. Azhar Davis is in custody on requested charges of Criminal Possession of a firearm,&nbsp;Criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle, Aggravated Assault and Aggravated endangering a child.

Kan.  brothers jailed after multiple reports of gunshots 

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson toured Cosmosphere Friday morning.

"You could see a number of the exhibits were emotional for him," Moran said. "Particularly words of other astronauts. This clearly was a very personal visit. It's nice to have the administrator of NASA feel this place. What I always hope is that the Cosmosphere provides inspiration. Today, I saw where it provides respect for those who preceded us in space exploration."

One part that appeared to touch the administrator, judging by his reaction, is the fact that both the Soviet and American sides of the space race are prominently featured. Nelson appeared to have interest in letting newly appointed Roscosmos chief Yuri Borisov see what the Cosmosphere offers, if relations can eventually improve.

"What I thought walking through here is, he would never have a clue," Nelson said. "If we can get over the Ukraine thing, which, eventually, I think Ukraine will prevail, and we're back at some semblance of lessened tensions between our two countries. If I brought him here, he'd be amazed that in America, you would show this program, the Soviet program."

Cosmosphere CEO Jim Remar knows that the story of space is far from finished, and he wants to find places for more of that to be told here in Hutchinson.

"We're getting close to being fairly landlocked, running out of square footage," Remar said. "We're starting to carefully look at potentially doing some expansions, that would allow us to expand our education programming, but more importantly, allow us to increase exhibit space, to showcase the present and future of space exploration."

Nelson and Moran were part of a breakfast hosted by the Hutchinson Chamber prior to their Friday morning tour.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660922428670.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson toured Cosmosphere Friday morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660925858212.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Mimi Meredith" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Mimi Meredith</figcaption>
 </figure>"You could see a number of the exhibits were emotional for him," Moran said. "Particularly words of other astronauts. This clearly was a very personal visit. It's nice to have the administrator of NASA feel this place. What I always hope is that the Cosmosphere provides inspiration. Today, I saw where it provides respect for those who preceded us in space exploration."One part that appeared to touch the administrator, judging by his reaction, is the fact that both the Soviet and American sides of the space race are prominently featured. Nelson appeared to have interest in letting newly appointed Roscosmos chief Yuri Borisov see what the Cosmosphere offers, if relations can eventually improve."What I thought walking through here is, he would never have a clue," Nelson said. "If we can get over the Ukraine thing, which, eventually, I think Ukraine will prevail, and we're back at some semblance of lessened tensions between our two countries. If I brought him here, he'd be amazed that in America, you would show this program, the Soviet program."Cosmosphere CEO Jim Remar knows that the story of space is far from finished, and he wants to find places for more of that to be told here in Hutchinson."We're getting close to being fairly landlocked, running out of square footage," Remar said. "We're starting to carefully look at potentially doing some expansions, that would allow us to expand our education programming, but more importantly, allow us to increase exhibit space, to showcase the present and future of space exploration."Nelson and Moran were part of a breakfast hosted by the Hutchinson Chamber prior to their Friday morning tour.

NASA Administrator wowed during tour of Kan. Cosmosphere 

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/news/2022-08-19/kansas-schools-to-parents-you-can-keep-tabs-on-what-your-kids-check-out-from-our-libraries">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA — The American Library Association takes a 
hard line on privacy. Even kids, it contends, ought to be able to check 
out a book without someone looking over their shoulders.

“All 
people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right
 to privacy and confidentiality in their library use,” the group 
declares in its <a href="https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill" target="_blank">Library Bill of Rights</a>.

“It’s kind of Rule No. 1,” said Rachel Yoder, president of the <a href="https://www.ksschoollibrarians.org/" target="_blank">Kansas Association of School Librarians</a>. “You can’t have intellectual freedom without privacy. … But there’s an added twist to it, as a school librarian.”

That twist? School library histories are part of a student’s educational record. Parents can see those records.

The
 Goddard school district, west of Wichita, recently emailed families 
with step-by-step instructions for how to view their children’s library 
history, going back as many as 500 titles.

Officials said the 
district’s library software has given parents online access to their 
children’s records for years. But recent, high-profile book challenges 
prompted the reminder.

“Parents have always had access to review 
curriculum, to know what the books are that are in our libraries,” said 
district spokesman Dane Baxa. “This just gives them access to that 
information.”

Last fall, the Goddard district <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-09/goddard-school-district-orders-29-books-removed-from-circulation" target="_blank">removed more than two dozen library books from circulation</a> in school libraries after a parent complained about some titles. Administrators quickly reversed the decision after receiving <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-10/goddard-school-district-reverses-decision-to-pull-library-books" target="_blank">national pushback from authors and free speech advocates</a>.

But those school officials pledged to review the district’s vetting process for library materials.

In the recent email to families, Goddard school librarians touted the district’s <a href="https://www.follettlearning.com/education-technology/library-management-system" target="_blank">Destiny Library management system</a> as a way to collaborate and partner with parents. The district also posts<a href="https://library.goddardusd.com/" target="_blank"> library catalogs for all Goddard schools</a> on its website.

“We
 encourage you to periodically check your child’s Destiny Library 
account to spark conversations about books and what your child is 
reading,” the email said.

The Destiny software is used by many Kansas school districts, including <a href="https://destiny.usd259.net/" target="_blank">Wichita</a>, <a href="https://tl.topekapublicschools.net/cms/one.aspx?portalid=9484689&amp;pageid=9532813" target="_blank">Topeka</a>, and <a href="https://destiny.smsd.org/" target="_blank">Shawnee Mission</a>.

Follet School Solutions, which owns and distributes Destiny, announced plans earlier this year to <a href="https://librarytechnology.org/document/27189/follett-to-develop-tools-in-response-to-new-legislation-targeting-k-12-schools" target="_blank">beef up parental controls</a>,
 including a feature that would alert parents each time their child 
checked out a book and would let them limit their child’s access to 
materials they deemed inappropriate.

Officials pointed to new <a href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2022/07/22/floridas-new-parental-rights-law-means-more-paperwork-for-pasco-parents/" target="_blank">parents’ rights measures</a> in Florida, Texas and Georgia, where school districts are scrambling to comply with parental notification requirements.

But the company <a href="https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/88929-follett-reverses-course-on-parental-controls-for-customers-facing-censorship-legislation.html" target="_blank">walked that plan back</a>
 after an outcry from librarians, educators and authors, who said that 
those monitoring tools could invade the privacy of vulnerable students, 
especially those who identify as LGBTQ.

Sara Moesel, assistant 
director of the Mulvane Public Library, said many students assume — 
incorrectly — that their school library history is confidential.

Library
 workers in K-12 schools are bound by federal laws, such as the Family 
Educational Rights Act (FERPA), that those in public libraries might not
 be. Compare that to the <a href="https://mulvane.scklslibrary.info/about/policies/" target="_blank">Mulvane Public Library’s privacy policy</a>,
 which says patrons can’t access or use another person’s account without
 that person or the card being present. “This includes parental access 
to juvenile cards,” the policy says.

“Unless the (school) 
librarians have been telling them all along, ‘Hey, your parents have 
access to these records. Just be aware,’ it just becomes a real risk for
 children who are in vulnerable situations,” she said.

Moesel, a 
lesbian, said she experienced that fear as an adolescent when she read 
queer-themed books but didn’t want her family to know. She worries about
 children in similar situations.

“Maybe I’m going to encounter 
verbal abuse at home. Maybe I’m going to risk homelessness,” she said. 
“There are real serious consequences to what’s essentially doxxing.”

The free speech group PEN America has reported a massive spike in book bans and challenges nationwide. A <a href="https://pen.org/banned-in-the-usa/" target="_blank">report released in April</a> showed that the majority of books being targeted involve race, racism, sexual orientation or gender identity.

In
 Kansas last school year, parents made a number of attempts to remove 
certain books from school libraries, including districts in <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2022-02-07/salina-parents-want-lgbtq-memoir-removed-from-school-libraries" target="_blank">Salina</a>, <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-03-08/derby-district-removes-novel-from-class-materials-and-middle-school-library-after-anonymous-complaint" target="_blank">Derby</a> and the <a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2021-12-03/conservative-parents-are-trying-to-ban-books-in-kansas-city-schools-students-wont-let-them" target="_blank">Kansas City area</a>.

Yoder,
 the Kansas Association of School Librarians president, said parents 
have always had the right to know about their child’s education and to 
weigh in on the curriculum. But the recent political battles around 
books have been disheartening to her.

“It’s a hard time to be a 
school librarian. We’re trying to meet a lot of different needs,” she 
said. “As educators, we want to do our best to provide a safe and 
protective environment for all students. … It’s a hard line to walk.”

Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660916482977.png" alt="As book challenges increase, public school districts are trying to balance parental outrage with students’ access to diverse books. Suzanne Perez / KMUW" />
 <figcaption>As book challenges increase, public school districts are trying to balance parental outrage with students’ access to diverse books. Suzanne Perez / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/news/2022-08-19/kansas-schools-to-parents-you-can-keep-tabs-on-what-your-kids-check-out-from-our-libraries">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA — The American Library Association takes a 
hard line on privacy. Even kids, it contends, ought to be able to check 
out a book without someone looking over their shoulders.“All 
people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right
 to privacy and confidentiality in their library use,” the group 
declares in its <a href="https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill" target="_blank">Library Bill of Rights</a>.“It’s kind of Rule No. 1,” said Rachel Yoder, president of the <a href="https://www.ksschoollibrarians.org/" target="_blank">Kansas Association of School Librarians</a>. “You can’t have intellectual freedom without privacy. … But there’s an added twist to it, as a school librarian.”That twist? School library histories are part of a student’s educational record. Parents can see those records.The
 Goddard school district, west of Wichita, recently emailed families 
with step-by-step instructions for how to view their children’s library 
history, going back as many as 500 titles.Officials said the 
district’s library software has given parents online access to their 
children’s records for years. But recent, high-profile book challenges 
prompted the reminder.“Parents have always had access to review 
curriculum, to know what the books are that are in our libraries,” said 
district spokesman Dane Baxa. “This just gives them access to that 
information.”Last fall, the Goddard district <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-09/goddard-school-district-orders-29-books-removed-from-circulation" target="_blank">removed more than two dozen library books from circulation</a> in school libraries after a parent complained about some titles. Administrators quickly reversed the decision after receiving <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-10/goddard-school-district-reverses-decision-to-pull-library-books" target="_blank">national pushback from authors and free speech advocates</a>.But those school officials pledged to review the district’s vetting process for library materials.In the recent email to families, Goddard school librarians touted the district’s <a href="https://www.follettlearning.com/education-technology/library-management-system" target="_blank">Destiny Library management system</a> as a way to collaborate and partner with parents. The district also posts<a href="https://library.goddardusd.com/" target="_blank"> library catalogs for all Goddard schools</a> on its website.“We
 encourage you to periodically check your child’s Destiny Library 
account to spark conversations about books and what your child is 
reading,” the email said.The Destiny software is used by many Kansas school districts, including <a href="https://destiny.usd259.net/" target="_blank">Wichita</a>, <a href="https://tl.topekapublicschools.net/cms/one.aspx?portalid=9484689&amp;pageid=9532813" target="_blank">Topeka</a>, and <a href="https://destiny.smsd.org/" target="_blank">Shawnee Mission</a>.Follet School Solutions, which owns and distributes Destiny, announced plans earlier this year to <a href="https://librarytechnology.org/document/27189/follett-to-develop-tools-in-response-to-new-legislation-targeting-k-12-schools" target="_blank">beef up parental controls</a>,
 including a feature that would alert parents each time their child 
checked out a book and would let them limit their child’s access to 
materials they deemed inappropriate.Officials pointed to new <a href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2022/07/22/floridas-new-parental-rights-law-means-more-paperwork-for-pasco-parents/" target="_blank">parents’ rights measures</a> in Florida, Texas and Georgia, where school districts are scrambling to comply with parental notification requirements.But the company <a href="https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/88929-follett-reverses-course-on-parental-controls-for-customers-facing-censorship-legislation.html" target="_blank">walked that plan back</a>
 after an outcry from librarians, educators and authors, who said that 
those monitoring tools could invade the privacy of vulnerable students, 
especially those who identify as LGBTQ.Sara Moesel, assistant 
director of the Mulvane Public Library, said many students assume — 
incorrectly — that their school library history is confidential.Library
 workers in K-12 schools are bound by federal laws, such as the Family 
Educational Rights Act (FERPA), that those in public libraries might not
 be. Compare that to the <a href="https://mulvane.scklslibrary.info/about/policies/" target="_blank">Mulvane Public Library’s privacy policy</a>,
 which says patrons can’t access or use another person’s account without
 that person or the card being present. “This includes parental access 
to juvenile cards,” the policy says.“Unless the (school) 
librarians have been telling them all along, ‘Hey, your parents have 
access to these records. Just be aware,’ it just becomes a real risk for
 children who are in vulnerable situations,” she said.Moesel, a 
lesbian, said she experienced that fear as an adolescent when she read 
queer-themed books but didn’t want her family to know. She worries about
 children in similar situations.“Maybe I’m going to encounter 
verbal abuse at home. Maybe I’m going to risk homelessness,” she said. 
“There are real serious consequences to what’s essentially doxxing.”The free speech group PEN America has reported a massive spike in book bans and challenges nationwide. A <a href="https://pen.org/banned-in-the-usa/" target="_blank">report released in April</a> showed that the majority of books being targeted involve race, racism, sexual orientation or gender identity.In
 Kansas last school year, parents made a number of attempts to remove 
certain books from school libraries, including districts in <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2022-02-07/salina-parents-want-lgbtq-memoir-removed-from-school-libraries" target="_blank">Salina</a>, <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-03-08/derby-district-removes-novel-from-class-materials-and-middle-school-library-after-anonymous-complaint" target="_blank">Derby</a> and the <a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2021-12-03/conservative-parents-are-trying-to-ban-books-in-kansas-city-schools-students-wont-let-them" target="_blank">Kansas City area</a>.Yoder,
 the Kansas Association of School Librarians president, said parents 
have always had the right to know about their child’s education and to 
weigh in on the curriculum. But the recent political battles around 
books have been disheartening to her.“It’s a hard time to be a 
school librarian. We’re trying to meet a lot of different needs,” she 
said. “As educators, we want to do our best to provide a safe and 
protective environment for all students. … It’s a hard line to walk.”Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.

Kansas schools: You can keep tabs on what books your kids check out

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court on Friday upheld the conviction and sentence of a Wichita woman accused of beheading her ex-boyfriend’s mother.

Rachael Hilyard, 40,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1225834e3e086e91ba9d6c52917fff2a">was convicted</a>&nbsp;in 2020 of first-degree murder in the killing 63-year-old Micki Davis three years earlier. She was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 50 years.

Prosecutors said Davis was killed after she and her grandson went to Hilyard’s home in Wichita to collect some of her son's belongings. She was attacked as the 9-year-old boy ran for help. Police found Davis decapitated in the garage.

Hilyard testified during her trial that she did not remember the attack. She said she decapitated Davis because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3b2c91c3d7da2b95b87279ddcab2d000">"her soul needed to get out</a>&nbsp;so she could go to heaven.”

In her appeal, Hilyard claimed she was convicted based on insufficient evidence, incorrect jury instruction, prosecutorial error, ineffective counsel and abuse of discretion by the Sedgwick County District Court.

The Supreme Court on Friday announced it had found no error in the trial or sentencing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601326324188.png" alt="Hilyard-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Hilyard-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court on Friday upheld the conviction and sentence of a Wichita woman accused of beheading her ex-boyfriend’s mother.Rachael Hilyard, 40,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1225834e3e086e91ba9d6c52917fff2a">was convicted</a>&nbsp;in 2020 of first-degree murder in the killing 63-year-old Micki Davis three years earlier. She was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 50 years.Prosecutors said Davis was killed after she and her grandson went to Hilyard’s home in Wichita to collect some of her son's belongings. She was attacked as the 9-year-old boy ran for help. Police found Davis decapitated in the garage.Hilyard testified during her trial that she did not remember the attack. She said she decapitated Davis because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3b2c91c3d7da2b95b87279ddcab2d000">"her soul needed to get out</a>&nbsp;so she could go to heaven.”In her appeal, Hilyard claimed she was convicted based on insufficient evidence, incorrect jury instruction, prosecutorial error, ineffective counsel and abuse of discretion by the Sedgwick County District Court.The Supreme Court on Friday announced it had found no error in the trial or sentencing.

Court rejects appeal of Kansas woman convicted in beheading

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. for the first time Friday said it will give Ukraine Scan Eagle surveillance drones, mine-resistant vehicles, anti-armor rounds and howitzer weapons to help Ukrainian forces regain territory and mount a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">counteroffensive against Russian invaders.</a>

A senior defense official told reporters that a new $775 million aid package will include 15 Scan Eagles, 40 mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles known as MRAPs with mine-clearing rollers, and 2,000 anti-armor rounds that can help Ukraine troops move forward in the south and east, where Russian forces have placed mines. The official said the U.S. is looking to help shape and arm the Ukrainian force of the future as the war drags on.

"These capabilities are carefully calibrated to make the most difference on the battlefield and strengthen Ukraine’s position at the negotiating table," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

This latest aid comes as Russia’s war on Ukraine is about to reach the six-month mark. It brings the total U.S. military aid to Ukraine to about $10.6 billion since the beginning of the Biden administration. It is the 19th time the Pentagon has provided equipment from Defense Department stocks to Ukraine since August 2021.

The U.S. has provided howitzer ammunition in the past, but this is the first time it will send 16 of the weapon systems. The aid package also includes 1,500 anti-tank missiles, 1,000 javelin missiles and an undisclosed number of high-speed, anti-radiation or HARM missiles that target radar systems. The Ukrainian forces have been successfully using various precision artillery systems to try and hold off&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russian forces and take back territory Moscow has gained.</a>

The defense official briefed reporters on the new weapons aid on condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the Defense Department.

For much of the last four months of the war, Russia has concentrated on capturing the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, where pro-Moscow separatists have controlled some territory as self-proclaimed republics for eight years.

Russian forces have made some incremental gains in the east, but they have also been put on the defensive in other regions, as Ukraine ratchets up its attacks in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/crimea">Ukraine’s Black Sea peninsula of Crimea.</a>&nbsp;The Russian-occupied territory was seized by Moscow in 2014.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-kyiv-crimea-81a08f492db4683275d4aa3928cb3c43">Nine Russian warplanes were reported destroyed last week</a>&nbsp;at an airbase on Crimea in strikes that highlighted the Ukrainians’ capacity to strike deep behind enemy lines.

Russian leaders have warned that striking facilities in Crimea marks an escalation in the conflict fueled by the U.S. and NATO allies and threatens to pull America deeper into the war.

One Western official said Friday that the war is at a “near operational standstill,” with neither side able to launch major offensives. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military assessments, said the whole tempo of the campaign has slowed, partly because both sides recognize that "this is a marathon not a sprint and that expenditure rates and conserving their munitions is important.”

But the U.S. and Western officials both said that Ukraine has been able to launch successful attacks deep behind Russian battle lines, which is eroding logistics support and command and control of Moscow's forces, and harming their morale.

The U.S. official said that while Ukrainian troops haven't been able to retake a lot of territory, they have been able to significantly weaken Russian positions in a number of places.

Efforts to tamp down the fighting have also continued. On Thursday, Turkey’s leader and the U.N. chief met in western Ukraine with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. They discussed a range of issues including prisoner exchanges and an effort to get U.N. atomic energy experts to visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-united-nations-climate-and-environment-dd93178c92cda9c898e2f8ffacbd1016">Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine.</a>

The facility has been controlled by Russian forces since shortly after the invasion began on Feb. 24 and has been the target of a number of explosions. Kyiv and Moscow accuse each other of shelling the plant, stoking international fears of a catastrophe on the continent.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would follow up with Russian President Vladimir Putin, given that most of the matters discussed would require the Kremlin’s agreement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659117165215.png" alt=""These capabilities are carefully calibrated to make the most difference on the battlefield and strengthen Ukraine’s position at the negotiating table," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.- photo State Department" />
 <figcaption>"These capabilities are carefully calibrated to make the most difference on the battlefield and strengthen Ukraine’s position at the negotiating table," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.- photo State Department</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. for the first time Friday said it will give Ukraine Scan Eagle surveillance drones, mine-resistant vehicles, anti-armor rounds and howitzer weapons to help Ukrainian forces regain territory and mount a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">counteroffensive against Russian invaders.</a>A senior defense official told reporters that a new $775 million aid package will include 15 Scan Eagles, 40 mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles known as MRAPs with mine-clearing rollers, and 2,000 anti-armor rounds that can help Ukraine troops move forward in the south and east, where Russian forces have placed mines. The official said the U.S. is looking to help shape and arm the Ukrainian force of the future as the war drags on."These capabilities are carefully calibrated to make the most difference on the battlefield and strengthen Ukraine’s position at the negotiating table," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.This latest aid comes as Russia’s war on Ukraine is about to reach the six-month mark. It brings the total U.S. military aid to Ukraine to about $10.6 billion since the beginning of the Biden administration. It is the 19th time the Pentagon has provided equipment from Defense Department stocks to Ukraine since August 2021.The U.S. has provided howitzer ammunition in the past, but this is the first time it will send 16 of the weapon systems. The aid package also includes 1,500 anti-tank missiles, 1,000 javelin missiles and an undisclosed number of high-speed, anti-radiation or HARM missiles that target radar systems. The Ukrainian forces have been successfully using various precision artillery systems to try and hold off&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russian forces and take back territory Moscow has gained.</a>The defense official briefed reporters on the new weapons aid on condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the Defense Department.For much of the last four months of the war, Russia has concentrated on capturing the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, where pro-Moscow separatists have controlled some territory as self-proclaimed republics for eight years.Russian forces have made some incremental gains in the east, but they have also been put on the defensive in other regions, as Ukraine ratchets up its attacks in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/crimea">Ukraine’s Black Sea peninsula of Crimea.</a>&nbsp;The Russian-occupied territory was seized by Moscow in 2014.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-kyiv-crimea-81a08f492db4683275d4aa3928cb3c43">Nine Russian warplanes were reported destroyed last week</a>&nbsp;at an airbase on Crimea in strikes that highlighted the Ukrainians’ capacity to strike deep behind enemy lines.Russian leaders have warned that striking facilities in Crimea marks an escalation in the conflict fueled by the U.S. and NATO allies and threatens to pull America deeper into the war.One Western official said Friday that the war is at a “near operational standstill,” with neither side able to launch major offensives. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military assessments, said the whole tempo of the campaign has slowed, partly because both sides recognize that "this is a marathon not a sprint and that expenditure rates and conserving their munitions is important.”But the U.S. and Western officials both said that Ukraine has been able to launch successful attacks deep behind Russian battle lines, which is eroding logistics support and command and control of Moscow's forces, and harming their morale.The U.S. official said that while Ukrainian troops haven't been able to retake a lot of territory, they have been able to significantly weaken Russian positions in a number of places.Efforts to tamp down the fighting have also continued. On Thursday, Turkey’s leader and the U.N. chief met in western Ukraine with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. They discussed a range of issues including prisoner exchanges and an effort to get U.N. atomic energy experts to visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-united-nations-climate-and-environment-dd93178c92cda9c898e2f8ffacbd1016">Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine.</a>The facility has been controlled by Russian forces since shortly after the invasion began on Feb. 24 and has been the target of a number of explosions. Kyiv and Moscow accuse each other of shelling the plant, stoking international fears of a catastrophe on the continent.Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would follow up with Russian President Vladimir Putin, given that most of the matters discussed would require the Kremlin’s agreement.

US will spend $775 million more on military aid for Ukraine

SALINE COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Salina man Friday connected to a 2011 murder, according to a media release from the agency.

In March of 2019, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance to further investigate the February 17, 2011 death of 39-year-old Carol S. Williams that occurred in New Cambria, Kansas. KBI agents initiated an investigation.

Just after 11a.m. Friday, KBI agents arrested Steven Couch, Jr., 51, of Salina, at the Salina Municipal Court, 255 N. 10th Street in Salina. 

Couch was arrested for on requested charges of second-degree murder&nbsp; in the death of Carol Williams. She was his girlfriend at the time of her death.

Following the arrest, Couch was booked into the Saline County Jail. Bond was set at $1 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660961335137.png" alt="Couch-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Couch-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Salina man Friday connected to a 2011 murder, according to a media release from the agency.In March of 2019, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance to further investigate the February 17, 2011 death of 39-year-old Carol S. Williams that occurred in New Cambria, Kansas. KBI agents initiated an investigation.Just after 11a.m. Friday, KBI agents arrested Steven Couch, Jr., 51, of Salina, at the Salina Municipal Court, 255 N. 10th Street in Salina. Couch was arrested for on requested charges of second-degree murder&nbsp; in the death of Carol Williams. She was his girlfriend at the time of her death.Following the arrest, Couch was booked into the Saline County Jail. Bond was set at $1 million.

KBI: Kansas man jailed for the 2011 murder of his girlfriend

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a home burglary and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 7 a.m. Tuesday,&nbsp; police were called to the 400 block of NE Arter on a burglary to a residence, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.

Officers were provided a brief description of a suspect and arrived to find him in the area. Officers detained the individual identified as 33-year-old Luke Terwillinger of Topeka while they investigated further. 

As officers were gathering information and speaking to several people, the Terwillinger ran from police bu was apprehended a short distance away.

As a result of the investigation, it was determined that the he had burglarized several residences in the area and had burglarized several work trucks. Police transported Terwillinger to the Shawnee County Department of corrections on requested charges of Burglary, theft of from Motor Vehicle, and interference with law enforcement office as result of Terwillinger giving the offices a false name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660737177827.png" alt="Terwilliger-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Terwilliger-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a home burglary and have a suspect in custody.Just after 7 a.m. Tuesday,&nbsp; police were called to the 400 block of NE Arter on a burglary to a residence, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.Officers were provided a brief description of a suspect and arrived to find him in the area. Officers detained the individual identified as 33-year-old Luke Terwillinger of Topeka while they investigated further. As officers were gathering information and speaking to several people, the Terwillinger ran from police bu was apprehended a short distance away.As a result of the investigation, it was determined that the he had burglarized several residences in the area and had burglarized several work trucks. Police transported Terwillinger to the Shawnee County Department of corrections on requested charges of Burglary, theft of from Motor Vehicle, and interference with law enforcement office as result of Terwillinger giving the offices a false name.

Kansas home burglary suspect gave police a fake name

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Federal health officials confirmed Friday that a Nebraska child died from a rare infection caused by a brain-eating amoeba after swimming in a river near Omaha.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the presence of the naegleria fowleri amoeba in the child, according to the Douglas County Department of Health in Omaha.

Health officials believe the child became infected while swimming Sunday in the Elkhorn River, a few miles west of Omaha. Authorities have not released the child's name.

People are usually infected when water containing the amoeba enters the body through the nose while swimming in or diving into lakes and rivers. Other sources have been documented, including tainted tap water in a Houston-area city in 2020.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-nebraska-missouri-omaha-13fd392ffcda760e3dbabeaf66da12e6">It is the second death in the Midwest</a>&nbsp;this summer from primary amebic meningoencephalitis, an infection caused by the amoeba that has proved fatal in 97% of reported cases.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lakes-iowa-kansas-city-missouri-1571504deedeaca56c0418e460a94a19">A Missouri resident died</a>&nbsp;of the infection in July after swimming at Lake of Three Fires in southwestern Iowa, health officials have said.

Symptoms of the infection include fever, headache, nausea or vomiting, progressing to a stiff neck, loss of balance, hallucinations and seizures.

The CDC says naegleria fowleri infections are rare, with about three cases in the United States every year. There were 154 cases reported between 1962 and 2021 in the U.S., with only four survivors. Only about 430 cases have ever been documented globally.

In the U.S., infections from the amoeba typically occur in southern states because the amoeba thrives in waters that are warmer than 86 degrees Fahrenheit. But infections have migrated north in recent years, including two cases in Minnesota since 2010.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657393056107.png" alt="Naegleria fowleri amoeba- image CDC" />
 <figcaption>Naegleria fowleri amoeba- image CDC</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Federal health officials confirmed Friday that a Nebraska child died from a rare infection caused by a brain-eating amoeba after swimming in a river near Omaha.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the presence of the naegleria fowleri amoeba in the child, according to the Douglas County Department of Health in Omaha.Health officials believe the child became infected while swimming Sunday in the Elkhorn River, a few miles west of Omaha. Authorities have not released the child's name.People are usually infected when water containing the amoeba enters the body through the nose while swimming in or diving into lakes and rivers. Other sources have been documented, including tainted tap water in a Houston-area city in 2020.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-nebraska-missouri-omaha-13fd392ffcda760e3dbabeaf66da12e6">It is the second death in the Midwest</a>&nbsp;this summer from primary amebic meningoencephalitis, an infection caused by the amoeba that has proved fatal in 97% of reported cases.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lakes-iowa-kansas-city-missouri-1571504deedeaca56c0418e460a94a19">A Missouri resident died</a>&nbsp;of the infection in July after swimming at Lake of Three Fires in southwestern Iowa, health officials have said.Symptoms of the infection include fever, headache, nausea or vomiting, progressing to a stiff neck, loss of balance, hallucinations and seizures.The CDC says naegleria fowleri infections are rare, with about three cases in the United States every year. There were 154 cases reported between 1962 and 2021 in the U.S., with only four survivors. Only about 430 cases have ever been documented globally.In the U.S., infections from the amoeba typically occur in southern states because the amoeba thrives in waters that are warmer than 86 degrees Fahrenheit. But infections have migrated north in recent years, including two cases in Minnesota since 2010.

Brain-eating amoeba confirmed in 2nd Midwest death

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A 2-year-old boy has drowned at a home in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

The child was found in a backyard in-ground pool in&nbsp;1900 Block of Siefkin just before 2p.m. Friday. EMS and Fire arrived and performed life saving efforts.&nbsp; The child was pronounced deceased on scene, according to Ditch.

Police released no additional details as the investigation continues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660940908336.png" alt="First responders on the scene -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A 2-year-old boy has drowned at a home in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.The child was found in a backyard in-ground pool in&nbsp;1900 Block of Siefkin just before 2p.m. Friday. EMS and Fire arrived and performed life saving efforts.&nbsp; The child was pronounced deceased on scene, according to Ditch.Police released no additional details as the investigation continues.

Police: 2-year-old boy drowns in pool at Kansas home

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After weeks in the hospital, Amy and Ava Jones&nbsp; returned home late Thursday night from Louisville, Kentucky.

On July 5, Amy and Ava, along with Trey and Creek Jones, were the victims of an accident in Louisville, Kentucky where they were struck by a car driven by&nbsp;33-year-old Michael Hurley of Lexington, Ind. The Jones family were pedestrians.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e7a209e9-dd88-4d0b-9c63-874ad774c4b1">Trey Jones</a> died from his injuries in the accident. Ava Jones and her family were in Louisville for an AAU basketball tournament with Wheat State Elite.

Amy Jones, a standout player at Nickerson High School, had signed a letter of intent to play basketball at University of Iowa.&nbsp; The Hawkeyes say she will keep her scholarship whether she is ever able to play for them or not.

Hurley's case went before a grand jury earlier this month.&nbsp; He has been charged with murder in the death of Trey Jones, two counts of first-degree aggravated assault and one count of fourth-degree aggravated assault. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660247623254.jpeg" alt="Trey, Ava and Amy Jones" />
 <figcaption>Trey, Ava and Amy Jones</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After weeks in the hospital, Amy and Ava Jones&nbsp; returned home late Thursday night from Louisville, Kentucky.On July 5, Amy and Ava, along with Trey and Creek Jones, were the victims of an accident in Louisville, Kentucky where they were struck by a car driven by&nbsp;33-year-old Michael Hurley of Lexington, Ind. The Jones family were pedestrians.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e7a209e9-dd88-4d0b-9c63-874ad774c4b1">Trey Jones</a> died from his injuries in the accident. Ava Jones and her family were in Louisville for an AAU basketball tournament with Wheat State Elite.Amy Jones, a standout player at Nickerson High School, had signed a letter of intent to play basketball at University of Iowa.&nbsp; The Hawkeyes say she will keep her scholarship whether she is ever able to play for them or not.Hurley's case went before a grand jury earlier this month.&nbsp; He has been charged with murder in the death of Trey Jones, two counts of first-degree aggravated assault and one count of fourth-degree aggravated assault.

Kansas family in fatal DUI accident home from Kentucky

SALINE COUNTY — The trailer of a northbound semi collapsed and buckled in half on Interstate 135 in Saline County on Friday morning.

A social media report from&nbsp;<a href="https://kansashighwaypatrol.org/" target="_blank">Kansas Highway Patrol&nbsp;</a>Trooper Ben Gardner said authorities worked the unique incident just south of Interstate 70.

According to officials on the scene, the trailer of a northbound semi-truck collapsed and buckled in half.

According to Gardner, there were no traffic delays. The semi truck continued into a closed portion of a construction zone. There were no injuries reported.

Gardner also urged drivers to slow down for first responders assisting and working to clear the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660937480183.png" alt="Photos Kansas Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photos Kansas Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY — The trailer of a northbound semi collapsed and buckled in half on Interstate 135 in Saline County on Friday morning.A social media report from&nbsp;<a href="https://kansashighwaypatrol.org/" target="_blank">Kansas Highway Patrol&nbsp;</a>Trooper Ben Gardner said authorities worked the unique incident just south of Interstate 70.According to officials on the scene, the trailer of a northbound semi-truck collapsed and buckled in half.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660937813448.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>According to Gardner, there were no traffic delays. The semi truck continued into a closed portion of a construction zone. There were no injuries reported.Gardner also urged drivers to slow down for first responders assisting and working to clear the scene.

Semi-trailer buckles along Kansas Interstate highway

By PATRICIA RIDDELL <a href="https://theconversation.com/four-ways-to-stop-thinking-the-worst-will-happen-when-youre-stressed-185802">The Conversation</a>

Imagine you have an interview for a new job tomorrow. Some people might think about what kind of questions they will be asked so that they can prepare, or imagine the interview going well. For others, the thought of an interview will cause them to toss and turn all night thinking of every worst case scenario possible – no matter how outlandish these may be. If you’re someone who has a tendency to do the latter, you are prone to catastrophising.

<a href="https://www.sane.org/information-and-resources/the-sane-blog/managing-symptoms/how-to-stop-catastrophising">Catastrophising</a>
 is a tendency to assume the worst will happen when imagining a future 
situation – even if you have evidence that this is not the most likely 
outcome. People who like to feel in control (and are therefore 
intolerant of uncertainty) are more likely to catastrophise. This has 
been <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0005796712001234?via%3Dihub">linked to anxiety</a> – suggesting that frequent catastrophising may be a factor in developing certain mental health problems.

Catastrophising comes from the belief that by imagining what might go
 wrong, we’re better able to protect ourselves from harm – both physical
 and mental. However, this tendency is only helpful if you’re able to 
correctly predict what will happen in a certain situation and how it 
will make you feel.

As we imagine future events, we experience an emotional reaction to 
the story we are creating – and we use this response to determine how we
 will feel in the future. But this way of predicting the future is often
 wrong since we’re not able to imagine everything that might happen. 
This can lead to us creating the wrong <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Timothy-Wilson-19/publication/6017733_Prospection_Experiencing_the_Future/links/576ee8ea08ae0b3a3b79ce6c/Prospection-Experiencing-the-Future.pdf">emotional response for future situations</a> in our heads.

But our belief in what will happen in the future can have a big 
influence on our behaviour. For example, people who are optimistic (or 
even realistic) about the future are more likely to be <a href="https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/195176/1/166246732X.pdf">willing to try new things</a>.
 They are also likely to notice what has gone well in new situations. On
 the flip side, people who catastrophise about what might go wrong are 
less likely to try new things. And, when they do try something new, they
 are more likely to notice what has gone wrong. This will be stored in 
their memory and will add to the reasons why they we shouldn’t try new 
things in the future. As a result, catastrophising can lead to undue 
stress and anxiety and may stop you from doing the things you might 
enjoy or learn from.

If you’re someone who tends to catastrophise when stressed or anxious, there are a few things that you can do to help:

We often worry about the future at night. When we are asleep, 
activity in the rational part of our brain is reduced and activity in 
the more <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32573885/">emotional part</a>
 of our brain is increased. As a result, we tend to use our emotional 
brain to picture the future when we’re awake at night. Lack of sleep can
 also make us more sensitive to things we <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6143346/">see as threatening</a>. This can lead us to focus more on what might go wrong, and makes us <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13548506.2020.1734637?journalCode=cphm20">more prone to catastrophising</a>.

It can be helpful to remind yourself that you are not thinking 
rationally when you’re lying awake worrying about something. It can also
 be useful to wait until the morning to make decisions when your brain 
is rested.

2. Teach your inner critic to be more compassionate

Catastrophising can be driven by our <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/14779757.2013.767747?casa_token=KkLpPC0JMcIAAAAA:1H-d_fg5JrdAOW3xeH8OmikQTK8lMJFsG_uX4wfCsdyMLCtKHIwmksZ6lKcGqohVbQbetWzeU2uZ90U">inner critic</a>, which may use harsh language that makes us emotional.

When this happens, try imagining your inner critic as if you were 
looking through someone else’s eyes. What language do you use and would 
you use this language when talking about someone else in a similar 
situation? Is the language your inner critic uses helpful or justified? 
Often the answers to these questions will be no. Be conscious of the 
language your inner critic is using when you’re worried or stressed. If 
it’s overly harsh, try to switch to a kinder way of speaking to 
yourself. 

Even if things have gone wrong in the past, this is unlikely to be 
the case in the future – despite what we might tell ourselves. If you 
have a tendency to catastrophise about future events, try to think 
instead about ways in which this event might go well, which may help you
 to feel less anxious.

Another strategy is to make up, not just one, but a number of 
plausible stories about what might happen. This may help to remind you 
that the stories you’re telling yourself are just that – stories. 
Choosing to focus on the stories with a positive outcome might also help
 you to feel less worried or stressed.

Try to be more compassionate with yourself when considering your 
future. This is more difficult than you might imagine – even for people 
who are very compassionate and empathetic to others. 

Compassion and empathy evolved to help us to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187892931100048X">interact well with others</a>.
 As such, compassion and empathy aren’t really designed to be used for 
yourself. But small things – such as asking what advice you might give a
 friend in your situation – can help you to get in touch with your 
compassionate voice. Practising this often may even help you to see 
solutions where you might otherwise have only focused on the problem.

Planning for ways in which things might go wrong in the future does 
serve a purpose – and that is to keep us safe. But if you often find 
that you castrophise by thinking of all the worst case scenarios – 
especially to the detriment of your own mental health – it can be 
important to remind yourself that the things you’re worrying about may 
never happen, and, if they do, they will probably turn out much better 
than you think.

Patricia Riddell is a Professor of Applied Neuroscience at the University of Reading.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660936036416.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By PATRICIA RIDDELL <a href="https://theconversation.com/four-ways-to-stop-thinking-the-worst-will-happen-when-youre-stressed-185802">The Conversation</a>Imagine you have an interview for a new job tomorrow. Some people might think about what kind of questions they will be asked so that they can prepare, or imagine the interview going well. For others, the thought of an interview will cause them to toss and turn all night thinking of every worst case scenario possible – no matter how outlandish these may be. If you’re someone who has a tendency to do the latter, you are prone to catastrophising.<a href="https://www.sane.org/information-and-resources/the-sane-blog/managing-symptoms/how-to-stop-catastrophising">Catastrophising</a>
 is a tendency to assume the worst will happen when imagining a future 
situation – even if you have evidence that this is not the most likely 
outcome. People who like to feel in control (and are therefore 
intolerant of uncertainty) are more likely to catastrophise. This has 
been <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0005796712001234?via%3Dihub">linked to anxiety</a> – suggesting that frequent catastrophising may be a factor in developing certain mental health problems. Catastrophising comes from the belief that by imagining what might go
 wrong, we’re better able to protect ourselves from harm – both physical
 and mental. However, this tendency is only helpful if you’re able to 
correctly predict what will happen in a certain situation and how it 
will make you feel.As we imagine future events, we experience an emotional reaction to 
the story we are creating – and we use this response to determine how we
 will feel in the future. But this way of predicting the future is often
 wrong since we’re not able to imagine everything that might happen. 
This can lead to us creating the wrong <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Timothy-Wilson-19/publication/6017733_Prospection_Experiencing_the_Future/links/576ee8ea08ae0b3a3b79ce6c/Prospection-Experiencing-the-Future.pdf">emotional response for future situations</a> in our heads.But our belief in what will happen in the future can have a big 
influence on our behaviour. For example, people who are optimistic (or 
even realistic) about the future are more likely to be <a href="https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/195176/1/166246732X.pdf">willing to try new things</a>.
 They are also likely to notice what has gone well in new situations. On
 the flip side, people who catastrophise about what might go wrong are 
less likely to try new things. And, when they do try something new, they
 are more likely to notice what has gone wrong. This will be stored in 
their memory and will add to the reasons why they we shouldn’t try new 
things in the future. As a result, catastrophising can lead to undue 
stress and anxiety and may stop you from doing the things you might 
enjoy or learn from. If you’re someone who tends to catastrophise when stressed or anxious, there are a few things that you can do to help:1. Make decisions in the morningWe often worry about the future at night. When we are asleep, 
activity in the rational part of our brain is reduced and activity in 
the more <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32573885/">emotional part</a>
 of our brain is increased. As a result, we tend to use our emotional 
brain to picture the future when we’re awake at night. Lack of sleep can
 also make us more sensitive to things we <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6143346/">see as threatening</a>. This can lead us to focus more on what might go wrong, and makes us <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13548506.2020.1734637?journalCode=cphm20">more prone to catastrophising</a>. It can be helpful to remind yourself that you are not thinking 
rationally when you’re lying awake worrying about something. It can also
 be useful to wait until the morning to make decisions when your brain 
is rested.2. Teach your inner critic to be more compassionateCatastrophising can be driven by our <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/14779757.2013.767747?casa_token=KkLpPC0JMcIAAAAA:1H-d_fg5JrdAOW3xeH8OmikQTK8lMJFsG_uX4wfCsdyMLCtKHIwmksZ6lKcGqohVbQbetWzeU2uZ90U">inner critic</a>, which may use harsh language that makes us emotional.When this happens, try imagining your inner critic as if you were 
looking through someone else’s eyes. What language do you use and would 
you use this language when talking about someone else in a similar 
situation? Is the language your inner critic uses helpful or justified? 
Often the answers to these questions will be no. Be conscious of the 
language your inner critic is using when you’re worried or stressed. If 
it’s overly harsh, try to switch to a kinder way of speaking to 
yourself. 3. Make up a better storyEven if things have gone wrong in the past, this is unlikely to be 
the case in the future – despite what we might tell ourselves. If you 
have a tendency to catastrophise about future events, try to think 
instead about ways in which this event might go well, which may help you
 to feel less anxious.Another strategy is to make up, not just one, but a number of 
plausible stories about what might happen. This may help to remind you 
that the stories you’re telling yourself are just that – stories. 
Choosing to focus on the stories with a positive outcome might also help
 you to feel less worried or stressed.4. Be kind to yourself Try to be more compassionate with yourself when considering your 
future. This is more difficult than you might imagine – even for people 
who are very compassionate and empathetic to others. Compassion and empathy evolved to help us to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187892931100048X">interact well with others</a>.
 As such, compassion and empathy aren’t really designed to be used for 
yourself. But small things – such as asking what advice you might give a
 friend in your situation – can help you to get in touch with your 
compassionate voice. Practising this often may even help you to see 
solutions where you might otherwise have only focused on the problem.Planning for ways in which things might go wrong in the future does 
serve a purpose – and that is to keep us safe. But if you often find 
that you castrophise by thinking of all the worst case scenarios – 
especially to the detriment of your own mental health – it can be 
important to remind yourself that the things you’re worrying about may 
never happen, and, if they do, they will probably turn out much better 
than you think.Patricia Riddell is a Professor of Applied Neuroscience at the University of Reading.<div><iframe src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/185802/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" width="1" height="1"></iframe></div>

Four ways to stop thinking the worst will happen when you’re stressed

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/18/kansas-state-president-quickly-plowing-new-ground-to-raise-75-million-in-private-donations/">Kansas Reflector</a>

MANHATTAN — Kansas State 
University president Richard Linton said Thursday success of a campaign 
to raise $75 million in less than one year could transform agriculture 
education at the land-grant institution by modernizing grain, food, 
animal and agronomy research and innovation.

He said the university received a $25 million grant from the Kansas 
Legislature and embarked on an effort to raise $75 million in private 
gifts to qualify for a supplemental 3:1 match from the state, or another
 $25 million. The cash would be used to overhaul the College of 
Agriculture’s presence on campus by renovating two buildings and adding 
another.

The deadline for securing and certifying the $75 million in contributions is March 2023.

“Our challenge is that we’ve got to make this happen,” said Linton, 
who officially started his job at Kansas State in February. “We’re 
working hard. It’s time for agriculture.”

Linton urged 400 participants at the Kansas Governor’s Summit on 
Agricultural Growth to support the campaign by advocating for Kansas 
State and, potentially, by making donations to the special fund. A 
comparable campaign at North Carolina State University, where he 
previously worked, gained traction by collaborating 44 commodity groups 
in that state.

He said Kansas agriculture faced significant business obstacles that 
included the dwindling underground Ogallala aquifer, volatile climate 
conditions and inflation in the cost of fertilizer, equipment, seed, 
fuel and other inputs.

Challenges at Kansas State centered on the 21% student enrollment 
decline — about 4,000 students — in the past eight years, Linton said. 
That lost revenue hurt the university’s budget, weakened opportunity to 
improve faculty and staff compensation and delayed improvements in 
campus facilities, he said.

Linton said Kansas State had placed renewed emphasis on raising more 
money for student scholarships. He said KSU would advance a proposal to 
charge out-of-state students with 3.9 or higher school grade-point 
averages the lower in-state tuition rate. That program would offer a 
discount to nonresident students with 3.25 or higher GPAs.

In addition, he said, Kansas State would more directly engage Kansas 
communities at town halls and through other means to explain the 
university’s place in their lives and explore how the university might 
be more directly beneficial to Kansans. The expected the approach would 
lead to enrollment of 500 to 1,000 more students in fall 2023, he said.

Gov. Laura Kelly, who is seeking reelection against Republican 
nominee Derek Schmidt, said agriculture contributed nearly $70 billion 
to the Kansas economy and fueled nearly 240,000 jobs in 2021. She said 
Kansas exported a record $5.35 billion of agricultural goods in the past
 year.

“The Kansas ag industry is the life blood of this 
state,” Kelly said. “Given we saw record-breaking agricultural exports 
last year, I’ve never been more confident in the agriculture community’s
 ability to lead our state toward continued success.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660916666095.png" alt="Kansas State University president Richard Linton said during the governor’s agriculture conference in Manhattan the land-grant university was working to raise $75 million in private donations by March to qualify for a $25 million grant from the state. It’s part of a $125 million plan to improve facilities to spark development of agriculture research and innovation centers. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State University president Richard Linton said during the governor’s agriculture conference in Manhattan the land-grant university was working to raise $75 million in private donations by March to qualify for a $25 million grant from the state. It’s part of a $125 million plan to improve facilities to spark development of agriculture research and innovation centers. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/18/kansas-state-president-quickly-plowing-new-ground-to-raise-75-million-in-private-donations/">Kansas Reflector</a>MANHATTAN — Kansas State 
University president Richard Linton said Thursday success of a campaign 
to raise $75 million in less than one year could transform agriculture 
education at the land-grant institution by modernizing grain, food, 
animal and agronomy research and innovation.He said the university received a $25 million grant from the Kansas 
Legislature and embarked on an effort to raise $75 million in private 
gifts to qualify for a supplemental 3:1 match from the state, or another
 $25 million. The cash would be used to overhaul the College of 
Agriculture’s presence on campus by renovating two buildings and adding 
another.The deadline for securing and certifying the $75 million in contributions is March 2023.“Our challenge is that we’ve got to make this happen,” said Linton, 
who officially started his job at Kansas State in February. “We’re 
working hard. It’s time for agriculture.”Linton urged 400 participants at the Kansas Governor’s Summit on 
Agricultural Growth to support the campaign by advocating for Kansas 
State and, potentially, by making donations to the special fund. A 
comparable campaign at North Carolina State University, where he 
previously worked, gained traction by collaborating 44 commodity groups 
in that state.He said Kansas agriculture faced significant business obstacles that 
included the dwindling underground Ogallala aquifer, volatile climate 
conditions and inflation in the cost of fertilizer, equipment, seed, 
fuel and other inputs.Challenges at Kansas State centered on the 21% student enrollment 
decline — about 4,000 students — in the past eight years, Linton said. 
That lost revenue hurt the university’s budget, weakened opportunity to 
improve faculty and staff compensation and delayed improvements in 
campus facilities, he said.Linton said Kansas State had placed renewed emphasis on raising more 
money for student scholarships. He said KSU would advance a proposal to 
charge out-of-state students with 3.9 or higher school grade-point 
averages the lower in-state tuition rate. That program would offer a 
discount to nonresident students with 3.25 or higher GPAs.In addition, he said, Kansas State would more directly engage Kansas 
communities at town halls and through other means to explain the 
university’s place in their lives and explore how the university might 
be more directly beneficial to Kansans. The expected the approach would 
lead to enrollment of 500 to 1,000 more students in fall 2023, he said.Gov. Laura Kelly, who is seeking reelection against Republican 
nominee Derek Schmidt, said agriculture contributed nearly $70 billion 
to the Kansas economy and fueled nearly 240,000 jobs in 2021. She said 
Kansas exported a record $5.35 billion of agricultural goods in the past
 year.“The Kansas ag industry is the life blood of this 
state,” Kelly said. “Given we saw record-breaking agricultural exports 
last year, I’ve never been more confident in the agriculture community’s
 ability to lead our state toward continued success.”

K-State president plows new ground to raise $75M in donations

Voters cast 431,000 Republican ballots in contest with gap of less than 500

By&nbsp;TIM CARPENTER Kansas Reflector

TOPEKA — State Sen. Caryn Tyson conceded the Republican Party’s nomination for state treasurer amid a recount she sought in six counties that barely nudged the needle in an extremely close primary.

Tyson, a GOP senator from Parker in eastern Kansas, sent a message Thursday to supporters of her campaign who provided donations, walked door-to-door, put up yard signs and prayed on her behalf. She lost by less than 500 votes out of 431,000 cast statewide.

“While our campaign is over,” she said, “I will continue to work to protect our freedoms and to make Kansas a shining state in the nation. Over the course of the campaign, I have been blessed to meet and get to know so many amazing Kansans.”

Unofficial returns from the Aug. 2 primary and additional ballots processed by counties during the canvassing showed state Rep. Steven Johnson, of Assaria in central Kansas, with a lead of 475 votes.

Tyson sought a recount in Barton, Cloud, Dickinson, Harvey, McPherson and Ottawa counties. The secretary of state’s office said the recount in four of those counties shaved five votes from Johnson’s lead. The recount in McPherson and Cloud counties remained unofficial, but Johnson’s campaign said results in those two counties wouldn’t flip outcome of the primary.

Johnson has turned his attention to the November contest against Treasurer Lynn Rogers, a Democrat appointed to the position by Gov. Laura Kelly following resignation of Republican Jake LaTurner, who now serves in the U.S. House.

“We didn’t lose any ground while we waited for all the legally cast ballots to be counted,”&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;said. “Our team hit the ground running knowing this process could take weeks to complete.”

Johnson raised about $100,000 in days following the primary election, and his campaign manager urged Republicans to unify behind GOP nominee.

“I want to thank my opponent for her willingness to run and for her continued service to this great state,”&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;said. “I also want to thank my many volunteers and supporters who have been critical in winning a close race where every voter contact mattered. With our base of support we are well-positioned to win the general election.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660928997241.jpeg" alt="In the Republican Party’s primary for state treasurer, Assaria Rep. Steven Johnson, right, prevailed over Parker Sen. Caryn Tyson. Johnson faces state Treasurer Lynn Rogers, a Democrat, in the November general election. Photos by Tim Carpenter and Sherman Smith courtesy Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>In the Republican Party’s primary for state treasurer, Assaria Rep. Steven Johnson, right, prevailed over Parker Sen. Caryn Tyson. Johnson faces state Treasurer Lynn Rogers, a Democrat, in the November general election. Photos by Tim Carpenter and Sherman Smith courtesy Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Voters cast 431,000 Republican ballots in contest with gap of less than 500</h2>By&nbsp;TIM CARPENTER Kansas ReflectorTOPEKA — State Sen. Caryn Tyson conceded the Republican Party’s nomination for state treasurer amid a recount she sought in six counties that barely nudged the needle in an extremely close primary.Tyson, a GOP senator from Parker in eastern Kansas, sent a message Thursday to supporters of her campaign who provided donations, walked door-to-door, put up yard signs and prayed on her behalf. She lost by less than 500 votes out of 431,000 cast statewide.“While our campaign is over,” she said, “I will continue to work to protect our freedoms and to make Kansas a shining state in the nation. Over the course of the campaign, I have been blessed to meet and get to know so many amazing Kansans.”Unofficial returns from the Aug. 2 primary and additional ballots processed by counties during the canvassing showed state Rep. Steven Johnson, of Assaria in central Kansas, with a lead of 475 votes.Tyson sought a recount in Barton, Cloud, Dickinson, Harvey, McPherson and Ottawa counties. The secretary of state’s office said the recount in four of those counties shaved five votes from Johnson’s lead. The recount in McPherson and Cloud counties remained unofficial, but Johnson’s campaign said results in those two counties wouldn’t flip outcome of the primary.Johnson has turned his attention to the November contest against Treasurer Lynn Rogers, a Democrat appointed to the position by Gov. Laura Kelly following resignation of Republican Jake LaTurner, who now serves in the U.S. House.“We didn’t lose any ground while we waited for all the legally cast ballots to be counted,”&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;said. “Our team hit the ground running knowing this process could take weeks to complete.”Johnson raised about $100,000 in days following the primary election, and his campaign manager urged Republicans to unify behind GOP nominee.“I want to thank my opponent for her willingness to run and for her continued service to this great state,”&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;said. “I also want to thank my many volunteers and supporters who have been critical in winning a close race where every voter contact mattered. With our base of support we are well-positioned to win the general election.”

Recount: Johnson narrowly defeats Tyson in GOP treasurer’s race

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the fatal stabbing of 58-year-old Robert Gallardo Molina in Garden City on Thursday have presented evidence to the Finney County Attorney, according to a media release from police.

Just after 5:30.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to the 400 block of E. Santa Fe Street in Garden City for a reported stabbing.

First responders found Molina stabbed inside the residence where relatives lived, according to a social media report. EMS transported Molina to St. Catherine Hospital, where he later died.

&nbsp;The evidence gathered in the case was reviewed by the Garden City Police Department and the Finney County Attorney’s Office. At this time, both police and the Finney County Attorney agree the evidence available provides probable cause that the suspect in this matter acted in self-defense, and therefore no arrests should be made, and no charges will be filed. 

If additional evidence comes to light indicating this homicide was not justified by self-defense, the Garden City Police Department and the Finney County Attorney will re-evaluate the case to determine if charges should be filed at that time.

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal stabbing and have identified the victim as 58-year-old&nbsp;Robert Gallardo Molina of Garden City.

Just after 5:30.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to the 400 block of E. Santa Fe Street in Garden City for a reported stabbing, according to a media release.

First responders found Molina&nbsp; stabbed inside the residence where relatives lived, according to a social media report.

EMS transported Molina to St. Catherine Hospital, where he later died.

The initial investigation has determined Molina forced entry into the residence and was involved in an altercation with a man living there when Molina was stabbed.

Police have detained the individual.&nbsp; No arrest has been made.&nbsp;

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the fatal stabbing of 58-year-old Robert Gallardo Molina in Garden City on Thursday have presented evidence to the Finney County Attorney, according to a media release from police.Just after 5:30.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to the 400 block of E. Santa Fe Street in Garden City for a reported stabbing.First responders found Molina stabbed inside the residence where relatives lived, according to a social media report. EMS transported Molina to St. Catherine Hospital, where he later died.&nbsp;The evidence gathered in the case was reviewed by the Garden City Police Department and the Finney County Attorney’s Office. At this time, both police and the Finney County Attorney agree the evidence available provides probable cause that the suspect in this matter acted in self-defense, and therefore no arrests should be made, and no charges will be filed. If additional evidence comes to light indicating this homicide was not justified by self-defense, the Garden City Police Department and the Finney County Attorney will re-evaluate the case to determine if charges should be filed at that time.----------FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal stabbing and have identified the victim as 58-year-old&nbsp;Robert Gallardo Molina of Garden City.Just after 5:30.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to the 400 block of E. Santa Fe Street in Garden City for a reported stabbing, according to a media release.First responders found Molina&nbsp; stabbed inside the residence where relatives lived, according to a social media report.EMS transported Molina to St. Catherine Hospital, where he later died.The initial investigation has determined Molina forced entry into the residence and was involved in an altercation with a man living there when Molina was stabbed.Police have detained the individual.&nbsp; No arrest has been made.&nbsp;

Police: Fatal stabbing at SW Kan. home was in self-defense