OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A child likely died from a rare infection caused by a brain-eating amoeba after swimming in an eastern Nebraska river, health officials said, making it the second such probable death in the Midwest this summer and raising the question of whether climate change is playing a role.

The Douglas County Department of Health based in Omaha, Nebraska, reported Wednesday that doctors believe the child died of primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a usually fatal infection caused by the naegleria fowleri amoeba. Health officials believe the child came into contact with the amoeba on Sunday while swimming in the Elkhorn River just west of Omaha.

Officials have not released the child's identity.

Last month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lakes-iowa-kansas-city-missouri-1571504deedeaca56c0418e460a94a19">a Missouri resident died</a>&nbsp;of the same infection likely caused by the amoeba at Lake of Three Fires in southwestern Iowa. Iowa officials closed the lake's beach as a precaution for nearly three weeks.

People are usually infected when water containing the amoeba enters the body through the nose while swimming or diving into lakes and rivers. Other sources have been documented, including tainted tap water in a Houston-area city in 2020. Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea or vomiting, progressing to a stiff neck, loss of balance, hallucinations and seizures.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says naegleria fowleri infections are rare — there are about three cases in the United States every year — but that those infections are overwhelmingly fatal.

There were 154 cases reported between 1962 and 2021 in the U.S., with only four survivors, according to the CDC. Of those, 71 cases were reported between 2000 and 2021. Texas and Florida recorded the most infections with 39 and 37 cases respectively, and the amoeba is typically found in southern states because it 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, Douglas County Health Director Dr. Lindsey Huse noted during a news conference Thursday.

“Our regions are becoming warmer,” she said. “As things warm up, the water warms up and water levels drop because of drought, you see that this organism is a lot happier and more typically grows in those situations.”

According to the National Water Information System, the surface water temperature near where the child was swimming was between 86 and 92 degrees.

Jacob Lorenzo-Morales, a researcher at the Universidad de La Laguna in the Canary Islands who has studied naegleria fowleri, said Thursday that an increase in infections since 2000 can be blamed on two factors: better knowledge and diagnosis of the disease, and the rising temperature in bodies of water providing “a perfect environment” for the amoeba to thrive.

Researcher Sutherland Maciver, who has studied the amoeba at the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at Edinburgh Medical School in Scotland, says not all infections are reported and that the 430 cases that have ever been reported worldwide are almost certainly an undercount. And, he said, scientists cannot say with certainty that the Nebraska case is directly attributable to climate change.

The two researchers co-authored a paper titled “Is Naegleria fowleri an Emerging Parasite?” that examined factors behind the increase in reported cases.

Health officials recommend that freshwater swimmers plug their noses, avoid putting their heads underwater and avoid activities such as water skiing and tubing, which could force water into the nose, eyes or mouth. You cannot be infected by drinking contaminated water.

<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) — A child likely died from a rare infection caused by a brain-eating amoeba after swimming in an eastern Nebraska river, health officials said, making it the second such probable death in the Midwest this summer and raising the question of whether climate change is playing a role.The Douglas County Department of Health based in Omaha, Nebraska, reported Wednesday that doctors believe the child died of primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a usually fatal infection caused by the naegleria fowleri amoeba. Health officials believe the child came into contact with the amoeba on Sunday while swimming in the Elkhorn River just west of Omaha.Officials have not released the child's identity.Last month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lakes-iowa-kansas-city-missouri-1571504deedeaca56c0418e460a94a19">a Missouri resident died</a>&nbsp;of the same infection likely caused by the amoeba at Lake of Three Fires in southwestern Iowa. Iowa officials closed the lake's beach as a precaution for nearly three weeks.People are usually infected when water containing the amoeba enters the body through the nose while swimming or diving into lakes and rivers. Other sources have been documented, including tainted tap water in a Houston-area city in 2020. Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea or vomiting, progressing to a stiff neck, loss of balance, hallucinations and seizures.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says naegleria fowleri infections are rare — there are about three cases in the United States every year — but that those infections are overwhelmingly fatal.There were 154 cases reported between 1962 and 2021 in the U.S., with only four survivors, according to the CDC. Of those, 71 cases were reported between 2000 and 2021. Texas and Florida recorded the most infections with 39 and 37 cases respectively, and the amoeba is typically found in southern states because it 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, Douglas County Health Director Dr. Lindsey Huse noted during a news conference Thursday.“Our regions are becoming warmer,” she said. “As things warm up, the water warms up and water levels drop because of drought, you see that this organism is a lot happier and more typically grows in those situations.”According to the National Water Information System, the surface water temperature near where the child was swimming was between 86 and 92 degrees.Jacob Lorenzo-Morales, a researcher at the Universidad de La Laguna in the Canary Islands who has studied naegleria fowleri, said Thursday that an increase in infections since 2000 can be blamed on two factors: better knowledge and diagnosis of the disease, and the rising temperature in bodies of water providing “a perfect environment” for the amoeba to thrive.Researcher Sutherland Maciver, who has studied the amoeba at the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at Edinburgh Medical School in Scotland, says not all infections are reported and that the 430 cases that have ever been reported worldwide are almost certainly an undercount. And, he said, scientists cannot say with certainty that the Nebraska case is directly attributable to climate change.The two researchers co-authored a paper titled “Is Naegleria fowleri an Emerging Parasite?” that examined factors behind the increase in reported cases.Health officials recommend that freshwater swimmers plug their noses, avoid putting their heads underwater and avoid activities such as water skiing and tubing, which could force water into the nose, eyes or mouth. You cannot be infected by drinking contaminated water.

Brain-eating amoeba suspected in 2nd Midwest death

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 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 ID man who died after stabbing at SW Kansas home

OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations after a traffic stop.

Just before 4:30p.m. Tuesday, a sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop at 229th and U.S.56 Highway near Osage City for a traffic violation. During the stop, the deputy located illegal narcotics, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

The driver of the vehicle, Shane E. Dieker, 45, of Osage City, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges that include Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia and&nbsp;Driving while license is suspended.

Dieker has previous convictions for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer in Cowley County, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660819616226.png" alt="Dieker-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Dieker-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations after a traffic stop.Just before 4:30p.m. Tuesday, a sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop at 229th and U.S.56 Highway near Osage City for a traffic violation. During the stop, the deputy located illegal narcotics, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.The driver of the vehicle, Shane E. Dieker, 45, of Osage City, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges that include Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia and&nbsp;Driving while license is suspended.Dieker has previous convictions for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer in Cowley County, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Sheriff: Kansas felon caught transporting meth

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday ordered the Justice Department to put forward proposed redactions as he committed to making public at least part of the affidavit supporting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-donald-trump-mar-a-lago-merrick-garland-government-and-politics-f63c018b600e1539ff3660a896a132d0">the search warrant for former President Donald Trump's estate in Florida.</a>

U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart gave prosecutors a week to submit a copy of the affidavit with proposed redactions for the information it wants to keep secret after the FBI seized classified and top secret information during a search at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate last week.

The hearing was convened Thursday after several news organizations, including The Associated Press, sought to unseal additional records tied to last week’s search, including the affidavit. It is likely to contain key details about the Justice Department’s investigation examining whether Trump retained and mishandled classified and sensitive government records.

The Justice Department has adamantly opposed making the affidavit public, arguing that doing so would compromise its ongoing investigation, would expose the identities of witnesses and could prevent others from coming forward and cooperating with the government.

The attorneys for the news organizations, however, argued that the unprecedented nature of the Justice Department's investigation warrants public disclosure.

“You can't trust what you can't see,” said Chuck Tobin, a lawyer representing the AP and several other news outlets.

In addition to ordering the redactions, the judge agreed to make public other documents, including the warrant's cover sheet, the Justice Department's motion to seal the documents and the judge's order requiring them to be sealed.

Those documents showed the FBI was specifically investigating the “willful retention of national defense information,” the concealment or removal of government records and obstruction of a federal investigation.

Jay Bratt, a top Justice Department national security prosecutor, had argued that the affidavit should remain hidden from the public. Unsealing it, he said, would provide a “road map” of the investigation — which is in its “early stages” — and expose the next steps to be taken by federal agents and prosecutors.

He argued it was in the public interest for the investigation, including interviews of witnesses, to go forward unhindered.

As the hearing kicked off, a small caravan of vehicles with Trump flags drove past the federal courthouse in West Palm Beach, Florida. An attorney for Trump, Christina Bobb, was in the courthouse Thursday but said she was only there to observe the court proceeding.

Bratt argued in court that even a redacted version of the document could reveal investigative steps or create the ability for sleuths or those being eyed in the investigation to identify witnesses in the case. He also contended that the Justice Department had already gone to rare lengths to bring transparency, including making a request for the court to unseal the warrant and property receipt, which were made public last week.

“There is heightened interest," he conceded. "This is likely an unprecedented situation.”

Trump, in a Truth Social post last week, called for the release of the unredacted affidavit in the interest of transparency.

Reinhart gave the government until next Thursday to submit its version with the proposed redactions. He said he would then review it and may meet lawyers for the government and give them a chance to make an argument for why specific information should be withheld.

Justice Department attorneys have argued in a court filings that the investigation into Trump's handling of “highly classified material” is ongoing and that the document contains sensitive information about witnesses.

A recent filing by Bratt and Juan Antonio Gonzalez, the U.S. attorney in Miami, says making the affidavit public would “cause significant and irreparable damage to this ongoing criminal investigation.”

“If disclosed, the affidavit would serve as a roadmap to the government’s ongoing investigation, providing specific details about its direction and likely course, in a manner that is highly likely to compromise future investigative steps,” they wrote.

FBI agents searched Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate on Aug. 8, removing 11 sets of classified documents, with some not only marked top secret but also “sensitive compartmented information," according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-donald-trump-mar-a-lago-merrick-garland-government-and-politics-f63c018b600e1539ff3660a896a132d0">a receipt of what was taken that was released Friday.</a>&nbsp;That is a special category meant to protect the nation’s most important secrets that if revealed publicly could cause “exceptionally grave” damage to U.S. interests. The court records did not provide specific details about information the documents might contain.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660337904040.jpeg" alt="The receipt for property that was seized during the execution of a search warrant by the FBI at former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., is photographed Friday, Aug. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)" />
 <figcaption>The receipt for property that was seized during the execution of a search warrant by the FBI at former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., is photographed Friday, Aug. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)</figcaption>
 </figure>WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday ordered the Justice Department to put forward proposed redactions as he committed to making public at least part of the affidavit supporting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-donald-trump-mar-a-lago-merrick-garland-government-and-politics-f63c018b600e1539ff3660a896a132d0">the search warrant for former President Donald Trump's estate in Florida.</a>U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart gave prosecutors a week to submit a copy of the affidavit with proposed redactions for the information it wants to keep secret after the FBI seized classified and top secret information during a search at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate last week.The hearing was convened Thursday after several news organizations, including The Associated Press, sought to unseal additional records tied to last week’s search, including the affidavit. It is likely to contain key details about the Justice Department’s investigation examining whether Trump retained and mishandled classified and sensitive government records.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660644441411.png" alt="Trump, in a Truth Social post early Tuesday, called for the release of the unredacted affidavit in the interest of transparency." />
 <figcaption>Trump, in a Truth Social post early Tuesday, called for the release of the unredacted affidavit in the interest of transparency.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Justice Department has adamantly opposed making the affidavit public, arguing that doing so would compromise its ongoing investigation, would expose the identities of witnesses and could prevent others from coming forward and cooperating with the government.The attorneys for the news organizations, however, argued that the unprecedented nature of the Justice Department's investigation warrants public disclosure.“You can't trust what you can't see,” said Chuck Tobin, a lawyer representing the AP and several other news outlets.In addition to ordering the redactions, the judge agreed to make public other documents, including the warrant's cover sheet, the Justice Department's motion to seal the documents and the judge's order requiring them to be sealed.Those documents showed the FBI was specifically investigating the “willful retention of national defense information,” the concealment or removal of government records and obstruction of a federal investigation.Jay Bratt, a top Justice Department national security prosecutor, had argued that the affidavit should remain hidden from the public. Unsealing it, he said, would provide a “road map” of the investigation — which is in its “early stages” — and expose the next steps to be taken by federal agents and prosecutors.He argued it was in the public interest for the investigation, including interviews of witnesses, to go forward unhindered.As the hearing kicked off, a small caravan of vehicles with Trump flags drove past the federal courthouse in West Palm Beach, Florida. An attorney for Trump, Christina Bobb, was in the courthouse Thursday but said she was only there to observe the court proceeding.Bratt argued in court that even a redacted version of the document could reveal investigative steps or create the ability for sleuths or those being eyed in the investigation to identify witnesses in the case. He also contended that the Justice Department had already gone to rare lengths to bring transparency, including making a request for the court to unseal the warrant and property receipt, which were made public last week.“There is heightened interest," he conceded. "This is likely an unprecedented situation.”Trump, in a Truth Social post last week, called for the release of the unredacted affidavit in the interest of transparency.Reinhart gave the government until next Thursday to submit its version with the proposed redactions. He said he would then review it and may meet lawyers for the government and give them a chance to make an argument for why specific information should be withheld.Justice Department attorneys have argued in a court filings that the investigation into Trump's handling of “highly classified material” is ongoing and that the document contains sensitive information about witnesses.A recent filing by Bratt and Juan Antonio Gonzalez, the U.S. attorney in Miami, says making the affidavit public would “cause significant and irreparable damage to this ongoing criminal investigation.”“If disclosed, the affidavit would serve as a roadmap to the government’s ongoing investigation, providing specific details about its direction and likely course, in a manner that is highly likely to compromise future investigative steps,” they wrote.FBI agents searched Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate on Aug. 8, removing 11 sets of classified documents, with some not only marked top secret but also “sensitive compartmented information," according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-donald-trump-mar-a-lago-merrick-garland-government-and-politics-f63c018b600e1539ff3660a896a132d0">a receipt of what was taken that was released Friday.</a>&nbsp;That is a special category meant to protect the nation’s most important secrets that if revealed publicly could cause “exceptionally grave” damage to U.S. interests. The court records did not provide specific details about information the documents might contain.

Judge appears willing to unveil some of Trump affidavit

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday that sportsbooks at Kansas’ four state-owned casinos can begin accepting wagers in person and on mobile platforms starting September 1, 2022, and will officially open September 8.

Sports wagering, like all gaming in Kansas, is owned by the state and operated by the Kansas Lottery. Under temporary rules and regulations, the state’s four casino gaming partners can begin launching sports betting just in time for the first professional football game on September 8.&nbsp;

The four casinos contracted with the state to offer sports wagering through independent platforms are Boot Hill Casino &amp; Resort; Ford County near Dodge City; Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane; Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, Kansas City, KS; and Kansas Crossing Casino &amp; Hotel in Pittsburg.&nbsp;

Tribal casinos are also working to align on contracts with the State of Kansas for sports wagering. These casinos will be authorized to launch as soon as they are ready.&nbsp;

"Legalizing sports betting is a common-sense solution that keeps Kansans’ money in Kansas and drives business to sporting events, casinos, restaurants, and other entertainment venues,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I want to thank all our partners for working with us to get this done in time for football season.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Operators are being granted a one-year provisional license based on past performance in other states. The platforms that have been granted contracts will be announced soon.&nbsp;

Kansans will be able to use any of state-approved platforms within the geographic boundaries of the state.&nbsp;

“This announcement represents a lot of hard work and collaboration between the Kansas Lottery, the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, our casino and tribal partners,”&nbsp;Stephen Durrell, Executive Director of the Kansas Lottery, said.&nbsp;“The process to bring this to fruition has moved at an unbelievable pace. We are excited to be bringing sports betting to Kansas players and adding more fun and exciting play options to the Sunflower State.”&nbsp;

In May, Governor Kelly signed&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA4MTguNjI0NDUxNTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtzbGVnaXNsYXR1cmUub3JnL2xpL2IyMDIxXzIyL21lYXN1cmVzL3NiODQvIn0.71gOJoDAPa9cdxy_kQrnKV13qfzMwaY6CsEGK_Z_PIQ/s/1303160919/br/142773137836-l" target="_blank">Senate Bill 84</a>, bipartisan legislation legalizing sports wagering in Kansas on mobile apps, in casinos, and other specific venues. SB 84 allows venues such as restaurants and nonprofit fraternal or veterans organizations to hold sports wagering. SB 84 preserves tribal sovereignty, allowing the negotiation of a new or existing gaming compact regarding sports wagering.&nbsp;

Additional information about sports wagering can be found on the KRGC website at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA4MTguNjI0NDUxNTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rcmdjLmtzLmdvdi8ifQ.2b_-YNsUvO0uTDTPMvMkTXwnH0J575VcH10vF-7KeSA/s/1303160919/br/142773137836-l" target="_blank">krgc.ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday that sportsbooks at Kansas’ four state-owned casinos can begin accepting wagers in person and on mobile platforms starting September 1, 2022, and will officially open September 8.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Apw4uucr4B4?start=1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Sports wagering, like all gaming in Kansas, is owned by the state and operated by the Kansas Lottery. Under temporary rules and regulations, the state’s four casino gaming partners can begin launching sports betting just in time for the first professional football game on September 8.&nbsp;The four casinos contracted with the state to offer sports wagering through independent platforms are Boot Hill Casino &amp; Resort; Ford County near Dodge City; Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane; Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, Kansas City, KS; and Kansas Crossing Casino &amp; Hotel in Pittsburg.&nbsp;Tribal casinos are also working to align on contracts with the State of Kansas for sports wagering. These casinos will be authorized to launch as soon as they are ready.&nbsp;"Legalizing sports betting is a common-sense solution that keeps Kansans’ money in Kansas and drives business to sporting events, casinos, restaurants, and other entertainment venues,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I want to thank all our partners for working with us to get this done in time for football season.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operators are being granted a one-year provisional license based on past performance in other states. The platforms that have been granted contracts will be announced soon.&nbsp;Kansans will be able to use any of state-approved platforms within the geographic boundaries of the state.&nbsp;“This announcement represents a lot of hard work and collaboration between the Kansas Lottery, the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, our casino and tribal partners,”&nbsp;Stephen Durrell, Executive Director of the Kansas Lottery, said.&nbsp;“The process to bring this to fruition has moved at an unbelievable pace. We are excited to be bringing sports betting to Kansas players and adding more fun and exciting play options to the Sunflower State.”&nbsp;In May, Governor Kelly signed&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA4MTguNjI0NDUxNTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtzbGVnaXNsYXR1cmUub3JnL2xpL2IyMDIxXzIyL21lYXN1cmVzL3NiODQvIn0.71gOJoDAPa9cdxy_kQrnKV13qfzMwaY6CsEGK_Z_PIQ/s/1303160919/br/142773137836-l" target="_blank">Senate Bill 84</a>, bipartisan legislation legalizing sports wagering in Kansas on mobile apps, in casinos, and other specific venues. SB 84 allows venues such as restaurants and nonprofit fraternal or veterans organizations to hold sports wagering. SB 84 preserves tribal sovereignty, allowing the negotiation of a new or existing gaming compact regarding sports wagering.&nbsp;Additional information about sports wagering can be found on the KRGC website at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA4MTguNjI0NDUxNTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rcmdjLmtzLmdvdi8ifQ.2b_-YNsUvO0uTDTPMvMkTXwnH0J575VcH10vF-7KeSA/s/1303160919/br/142773137836-l" target="_blank">krgc.ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;

🎥Legal sport betting begins in Kansas September 1

By BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

Riley County teen, Mikey Silva from Randolph, is one of the top 11 teens with mullets competing in the USA Teen Mullet Championship.

Silva has been growing out his mullet for the last three years, maintaining it by getting it trimmed every eight weeks.

You can vote for Mikey in the USA Teen Mullet Championship by following <a href="https://mulletchamp.com/2022-teens-division-voting/">this link, an email address is required to vote</a>. Voting ends Friday, August 19th, 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660846608414.jpeg" alt="Mikey Silva mullet, photos courtesy Krystal Sullivan-Silva" />
 <figcaption>Mikey Silva mullet, photos courtesy Krystal Sullivan-Silva</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostRiley County teen, Mikey Silva from Randolph, is one of the top 11 teens with mullets competing in the USA Teen Mullet Championship.Silva has been growing out his mullet for the last three years, maintaining it by getting it trimmed every eight weeks.You can vote for Mikey in the USA Teen Mullet Championship by following <a href="https://mulletchamp.com/2022-teens-division-voting/">this link, an email address is required to vote</a>. Voting ends Friday, August 19th, 2022.

Kan. teen finalist in USA Mullet Championship competition

WASHINGTON–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger Marshall introduced the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/No-Taxpayer-Funds-for-Illegal-Alien-Abortions-Act.pdf" target="_blank">No Taxpayer Funds for Illegal Alien Abortions Act</a>&nbsp;to prohibit any employee or contractor with U.S. Immigration &amp; Customs Enforcement (ICE) or the U.S. Department of Health &amp; Human Services (HHS) from transporting any illegal immigrant&nbsp;across state lines for the purpose of procuring an abortion.

“No American’s tax dollars should pay for any illegal alien’s abortion, just like they should not pay for any American citizen’s abortion. Deportations are the only form of government-funded travel ICE should be providing to illegal immigrants. Additionally, with a major strain on resources and manpower on the southern border, we should be prioritizing activities performed by ICE and HHS that keep Americans safe,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall. “We’ve seen President Biden and his cabinet secretaries repeatedly abuse their power to enact a radical agenda that is failing the American people. The deterioration of our country will not stop unless Congress acts to put a check on this far left administration”

Joining Senator Marshall’s legislation as original cosponsors are Senators Marsha Blackburn (TN), Mike Braun (IN), Steve Daines (MT), Cindy Hyde-Smith (MS), James Inhofe (OK), James Lankford (OK), Mike Lee (UT), Rick Scott (FL), and Roger Wicker (MS).

“A massive wave of illegal immigration is providing cover for human smugglers and sex traffickers. We know that thousands of vulnerable women and girls have fallen victim to these criminals, yet the Biden White House has done nothing to stop it. It’s up to Congress to step in. Joe Biden’s taxpayer-funded welcome package already includes a free phone, free plane ticket, and free baby formula – this legislation will stop the administration from adding free abortions to the list,”&nbsp;said Senator Blackburn&nbsp;

“American taxpayer dollar should never go to fund abortion, and definitely should never be spent on transporting illegal immigrants across state lines for abortions,”&nbsp;said Senator Braun.

“Rather than getting control of the southern border crisis President Biden created, he wants to ship illegal immigrants across the country to get taxpayer funded abortions. This is a gross abuse of Montanans’ taxpayer dollars and should never be allowed,”&nbsp;said Senator Daines.

“The Biden administration’s willingness to act outside the law makes this legislation necessary.&nbsp; The Hyde Amendment restricts the use of taxpayer dollars to fund abortions.&nbsp; Whether it be ICE personnel or any other executive branch employee, spending American tax dollars to escort illegal immigrants across state lines for abortions is a clear violation of the law.&nbsp; It must be stopped,”&nbsp;said Senator Hyde-Smith.

“The Biden administration continues to push their liberal agenda on hardworking Americans and it has to stop,”&nbsp;said Senator Inhofe. “As if trying to use taxpayer dollars to fund American citizens’ abortions was not enough, the Biden administration now wants to use taxpayer dollars to fund illegal migrants’ abortions. To protect our nation’s integrity and safety, we must ensure that ICE and HHS cannot sponsor transportation for illegal immigrants to obtain an abortion.”

&nbsp;“In a new low, even for the most pro-abortion President in US history, President Biden apparently only wants pregnant women, including minors, who illegally cross our southern border to be placed in states where they can get an abortion,”&nbsp;said Senator Lankford.&nbsp;“His priority seems to be increasing abortions in America, rather than stopping illegal immigration or protecting the lives of children.”

Senator Scott said,&nbsp;“Taxpayers should never be on the hook to pay for abortions, and the thought of forcing Americans to foot the bill for transportation so illegal immigrants can get abortions is horrific. Just when you think that the Biden administration couldn’t get any more radical, it doubles down by pairing its failed open borders policies with its extreme anti-life agenda. I’m proud to join Senator Marshall and our colleagues in introducing this good bill to protect the unborn and prevent this gross misuse of taxpayer dollars.”

“Abortion is wrong, and American taxpayers should never have to pay for it, whether for citizens or illegal immigrants,”&nbsp;said Senator Wicker.&nbsp;“I am proud to stand with my fellow pro-life legislators to protect the sanctity of all human life.”

Additionally, Senator Marshall’s legislation has received endorsements from premiere organizations that advocate for pro-life causes, including the Family Research Council and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.

“For 45 years federal law has maintained the principle that taxpayer funds should not be used to subsidize abortion at home and abroad. &nbsp;Thanks to Senator Marshall for carrying this principle forward to ensure that our taxpayer funds are not used to pay for abortions or abortion travel for any detainees in U.S. custody,”&nbsp;said Connor Semelsberger, Director of Federal Affairs for Life and Human Dignity, Family Research Council

“With over 25 years of experience as an OB-GYN, Senator Marshall understands there are two patients in every pregnancy – mother and unborn child. As Americans we stand for life regardless of social status and we know both deserve protection from the horror of abortion,”&nbsp;said Marilyn Musgrave, SBA Pro-Life America’s vice president of government affairs.&nbsp;“Many women and girls who make the perilous journey to the United States suffer trauma, including human trafficking, only to be shamefully exploited by the abortion industry under the Biden-Harris administration. We thank Senator Marshall and his colleagues for introducing this compassionate bill to safeguard women and children against the radical abortion-on-demand agenda.”

Townhall carried an&nbsp;<a href="https://townhall.com/tipsheet/rebeccadowns/2022/08/17/sen-marshall-bill-n2611845" target="_blank">exclusive story</a>&nbsp;on Senator Marshall’s bill. You may click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/No-Taxpayer-Funds-for-Illegal-Alien-Abortions-Act.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to read the full text of the&nbsp;No Taxpayer Funds for Illegal Alien Abortions Act.

WASHINGTON–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger Marshall introduced the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/No-Taxpayer-Funds-for-Illegal-Alien-Abortions-Act.pdf" target="_blank">No Taxpayer Funds for Illegal Alien Abortions Act</a>&nbsp;to prohibit any employee or contractor with U.S. Immigration &amp; Customs Enforcement (ICE) or the U.S. Department of Health &amp; Human Services (HHS) from transporting any illegal immigrant&nbsp;across state lines for the purpose of procuring an abortion.“No American’s tax dollars should pay for any illegal alien’s abortion, just like they should not pay for any American citizen’s abortion. Deportations are the only form of government-funded travel ICE should be providing to illegal immigrants. Additionally, with a major strain on resources and manpower on the southern border, we should be prioritizing activities performed by ICE and HHS that keep Americans safe,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall. “We’ve seen President Biden and his cabinet secretaries repeatedly abuse their power to enact a radical agenda that is failing the American people. The deterioration of our country will not stop unless Congress acts to put a check on this far left administration”Joining Senator Marshall’s legislation as original cosponsors are Senators Marsha Blackburn (TN), Mike Braun (IN), Steve Daines (MT), Cindy Hyde-Smith (MS), James Inhofe (OK), James Lankford (OK), Mike Lee (UT), Rick Scott (FL), and Roger Wicker (MS).“A massive wave of illegal immigration is providing cover for human smugglers and sex traffickers. We know that thousands of vulnerable women and girls have fallen victim to these criminals, yet the Biden White House has done nothing to stop it. It’s up to Congress to step in. Joe Biden’s taxpayer-funded welcome package already includes a free phone, free plane ticket, and free baby formula – this legislation will stop the administration from adding free abortions to the list,”&nbsp;said Senator Blackburn&nbsp;“American taxpayer dollar should never go to fund abortion, and definitely should never be spent on transporting illegal immigrants across state lines for abortions,”&nbsp;said Senator Braun.“Rather than getting control of the southern border crisis President Biden created, he wants to ship illegal immigrants across the country to get taxpayer funded abortions. This is a gross abuse of Montanans’ taxpayer dollars and should never be allowed,”&nbsp;said Senator Daines.“The Biden administration’s willingness to act outside the law makes this legislation necessary.&nbsp; The Hyde Amendment restricts the use of taxpayer dollars to fund abortions.&nbsp; Whether it be ICE personnel or any other executive branch employee, spending American tax dollars to escort illegal immigrants across state lines for abortions is a clear violation of the law.&nbsp; It must be stopped,”&nbsp;said Senator Hyde-Smith.“The Biden administration continues to push their liberal agenda on hardworking Americans and it has to stop,”&nbsp;said Senator Inhofe. “As if trying to use taxpayer dollars to fund American citizens’ abortions was not enough, the Biden administration now wants to use taxpayer dollars to fund illegal migrants’ abortions. To protect our nation’s integrity and safety, we must ensure that ICE and HHS cannot sponsor transportation for illegal immigrants to obtain an abortion.”&nbsp;“In a new low, even for the most pro-abortion President in US history, President Biden apparently only wants pregnant women, including minors, who illegally cross our southern border to be placed in states where they can get an abortion,”&nbsp;said Senator Lankford.&nbsp;“His priority seems to be increasing abortions in America, rather than stopping illegal immigration or protecting the lives of children.”Senator Scott said,&nbsp;“Taxpayers should never be on the hook to pay for abortions, and the thought of forcing Americans to foot the bill for transportation so illegal immigrants can get abortions is horrific. Just when you think that the Biden administration couldn’t get any more radical, it doubles down by pairing its failed open borders policies with its extreme anti-life agenda. I’m proud to join Senator Marshall and our colleagues in introducing this good bill to protect the unborn and prevent this gross misuse of taxpayer dollars.”“Abortion is wrong, and American taxpayers should never have to pay for it, whether for citizens or illegal immigrants,”&nbsp;said Senator Wicker.&nbsp;“I am proud to stand with my fellow pro-life legislators to protect the sanctity of all human life.”Additionally, Senator Marshall’s legislation has received endorsements from premiere organizations that advocate for pro-life causes, including the Family Research Council and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.“For 45 years federal law has maintained the principle that taxpayer funds should not be used to subsidize abortion at home and abroad. &nbsp;Thanks to Senator Marshall for carrying this principle forward to ensure that our taxpayer funds are not used to pay for abortions or abortion travel for any detainees in U.S. custody,”&nbsp;said Connor Semelsberger, Director of Federal Affairs for Life and Human Dignity, Family Research Council“With over 25 years of experience as an OB-GYN, Senator Marshall understands there are two patients in every pregnancy – mother and unborn child. As Americans we stand for life regardless of social status and we know both deserve protection from the horror of abortion,”&nbsp;said Marilyn Musgrave, SBA Pro-Life America’s vice president of government affairs.&nbsp;“Many women and girls who make the perilous journey to the United States suffer trauma, including human trafficking, only to be shamefully exploited by the abortion industry under the Biden-Harris administration. We thank Senator Marshall and his colleagues for introducing this compassionate bill to safeguard women and children against the radical abortion-on-demand agenda.”Townhall carried an&nbsp;<a href="https://townhall.com/tipsheet/rebeccadowns/2022/08/17/sen-marshall-bill-n2611845" target="_blank">exclusive story</a>&nbsp;on Senator Marshall’s bill. You may click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/No-Taxpayer-Funds-for-Illegal-Alien-Abortions-Act.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to read the full text of the&nbsp;No Taxpayer Funds for Illegal Alien Abortions Act.

Marshall's bill bans taxpayer funded abortions for illegal aliens

BARTON COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 12:30p.m. Thursday in Barton County.

On Wednesday at about 12:30 p.m., the Barton County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a collision at the intersection of NW 40 Avenue and Northwest 110 Road. This location is about ½ mile north of the Boyd elevator.

A 2012 Dodge charger driven by a 15-year-old Olmitz boy was eastbound on Northwest 110 Road, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

Evidence indicates the driver failed to stop for a stop sign at NW 40 Avenue and struck a northbound 1998 Buick Century driven by Glenn Stricker, 92 of Great Bend.A

After impact, both vehicles continued into the east ditch with the Stricker vehicle rolling 1 ½ times before coming to rest, according to Bellendir.

Stricker was pronounced dead at the scene by the Barton County Coroner’s Office. The teen sustained minor injuries and was transported to Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington and released.

The roadway was closed for approximately 90 minutes while the accident was investigated.&nbsp;

The accident remains under investigation, according to Bellendir.

BARTON COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 12:30p.m. Thursday in Barton County.On Wednesday at about 12:30 p.m., the Barton County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a collision at the intersection of NW 40 Avenue and Northwest 110 Road. This location is about ½ mile north of the Boyd elevator.A 2012 Dodge charger driven by a 15-year-old Olmitz boy was eastbound on Northwest 110 Road, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.Evidence indicates the driver failed to stop for a stop sign at NW 40 Avenue and struck a northbound 1998 Buick Century driven by Glenn Stricker, 92 of Great Bend.AAfter impact, both vehicles continued into the east ditch with the Stricker vehicle rolling 1 ½ times before coming to rest, according to Bellendir.Stricker was pronounced dead at the scene by the Barton County Coroner’s Office. The teen sustained minor injuries and was transported to Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington and released.The roadway was closed for approximately 90 minutes while the accident was investigated.&nbsp;The accident remains under investigation, according to Bellendir.

92-year-old Kan. man dies after crash with teen driver

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Police arrested a Kansas man after he allegedly led police on a chase that reached speeds of more than 100 mph early Thursday.

Officers were called to the Country Inn and Suites, 2760 S. Ninth Street, for the report of a fight on the third floor, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

When officers arrived, several people were leaving, as was a dark-color Nissan passenger car. An officer turned on the patrol vehicle's overhead lights and stopped in front of the Nissan, which went around the patrol vehicle and headed north on S. Ninth Street at a high rate of speed, Forrester said.

Another officer caught sight of the Nissan as it approached the intersection with W. Magnolia Road. At that point, still driving at a high rate of speed, it attempted to pass two vehicles by jumping the east curb and driving on the grass, nearly hitting one of the vehicles, Forrester said.

For safety reasons, the pursuit was terminated, however, an officer at the hotel had captured the image of the Nissan's driver and another officer identified him as Brandon Stapleton, 25, of Salina.

Forrester said officers made contact with Stapleton at his residence in the 100 block of S College Avenue and took him into custody.

Stapleton is being held on requested charges of Felony flee and elude, Reckless driving and Interference with a law enforcement officer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660837561231.jpeg" alt="Brandon Stapleton. Photo Saline County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Brandon Stapleton. Photo Saline County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostPolice arrested a Kansas man after he allegedly led police on a chase that reached speeds of more than 100 mph early Thursday.Officers were called to the Country Inn and Suites, 2760 S. Ninth Street, for the report of a fight on the third floor, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.When officers arrived, several people were leaving, as was a dark-color Nissan passenger car. An officer turned on the patrol vehicle's overhead lights and stopped in front of the Nissan, which went around the patrol vehicle and headed north on S. Ninth Street at a high rate of speed, Forrester said.Another officer caught sight of the Nissan as it approached the intersection with W. Magnolia Road. At that point, still driving at a high rate of speed, it attempted to pass two vehicles by jumping the east curb and driving on the grass, nearly hitting one of the vehicles, Forrester said.For safety reasons, the pursuit was terminated, however, an officer at the hotel had captured the image of the Nissan's driver and another officer identified him as Brandon Stapleton, 25, of Salina.Forrester said officers made contact with Stapleton at his residence in the 100 block of S College Avenue and took him into custody.Stapleton is being held on requested charges of Felony flee and elude, Reckless driving and Interference with a law enforcement officer.

Kansas man captured after motel fight, 100 mph chase

<a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>

HUTCHINSON — Many years ago, Hutchinson had the annual Pow Wow 
celebration. The celebration was so popular that more than 125,000 
people would come celebrate. It included a mile-long meal and party.&nbsp;

That
 tradition is back Thursday evening with the city's sesquicentennial 
celebration. Thursday evening, Hutchinson will relive the mile-long 
celebration in a different way with food, games and other activities 
held in each block, stretching one mile from Avenue C through 9th 
Avenue.

If you want to be a part of the 150th birthday photo, you 
need to be in front of Crow &amp; Co. around 5:30 p.m. The photo-op 
starts around 5:45. If you participate in the photo, you will receive a 
raffle ticket for the Grand Prize 150th Celebration Gift Basket. Main 
will be closed from 10th Avenue to Avenue C starting at 4 p.m.

Eagle Media (<a href="https://www.khmyfm.com/">My 93-1</a> and <a href="https://www.country1029.com/">Country 102.9</a>)
 will be broadcasting live from the 800 block of Main. And for a look back on Hutchinson’s 
history, <a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/the-decades">CLICK HERE</a> to enjoy our feature, The Decades, all over again.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660842400855.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>HUTCHINSON — Many years ago, Hutchinson had the annual Pow Wow 
celebration. The celebration was so popular that more than 125,000 
people would come celebrate. It included a mile-long meal and party.&nbsp;That
 tradition is back Thursday evening with the city's sesquicentennial 
celebration. Thursday evening, Hutchinson will relive the mile-long 
celebration in a different way with food, games and other activities 
held in each block, stretching one mile from Avenue C through 9th 
Avenue.If you want to be a part of the 150th birthday photo, you 
need to be in front of Crow &amp; Co. around 5:30 p.m. The photo-op 
starts around 5:45. If you participate in the photo, you will receive a 
raffle ticket for the Grand Prize 150th Celebration Gift Basket. Main 
will be closed from 10th Avenue to Avenue C starting at 4 p.m.Eagle Media (<a href="https://www.khmyfm.com/">My 93-1</a> and <a href="https://www.country1029.com/">Country 102.9</a>)
 will be broadcasting live from the 800 block of Main. And for a look back on Hutchinson’s 
history, <a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/the-decades">CLICK HERE</a> to enjoy our feature, The Decades, all over again.

Hutchinson celebrates 150 years by bringing back mile-long party

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent attack on a jail officer in Riley County.

Just after 3p.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report for battery on a law enforcement officer and aggravated robbery at the Riley County Jail in Manhattan, according to the Riley County police department activity report.

A 20-year-old inmate body slammed a 29-year-old corrections officer in his cell and stole the officer's radio and keys.&nbsp; Other corrections officers quickly restrained the inmate.

EMS transported the injured corrections officer to Via Christi for treatment of back pain and scrapes. He was later released. 

The inmate was transported to Osawatomie State Hospital for mental health evaluation.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent attack on a jail officer in Riley County.Just after 3p.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report for battery on a law enforcement officer and aggravated robbery at the Riley County Jail in Manhattan, according to the Riley County police department activity report.A 20-year-old inmate body slammed a 29-year-old corrections officer in his cell and stole the officer's radio and keys.&nbsp; Other corrections officers quickly restrained the inmate.EMS transported the injured corrections officer to Via Christi for treatment of back pain and scrapes. He was later released. The inmate was transported to Osawatomie State Hospital for mental health evaluation.

Kan. corrections officer injured after body slammed by inmate

BUTLER COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered sex offender on new allegations.&nbsp;

On August 16,&nbsp; the police executed a search warrant on a residence in El Dorado, Kansas, according to a media release.

The search warrant was done as part of an investigation reported by way of a cyber tip, received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), alleging the sexual exploitation of children through the use of electronic devices. 

This search warrant led to the arrest of 38-year-old Thomas Lee Pennycuff, who is a registered offender living in the community.

He is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; aggravated internet trading of child pornography and child exploitation. In 2011, Pennycuff was convicted in Sedgwick County of electronic sexual solicitation of a child under the age of 16, according to the offender registry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660742067025.png" alt="Pennycuff-photo KBI offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Pennycuff-photo KBI offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered sex offender on new allegations.&nbsp;On August 16,&nbsp; the police executed a search warrant on a residence in El Dorado, Kansas, according to a media release.The search warrant was done as part of an investigation reported by way of a cyber tip, received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), alleging the sexual exploitation of children through the use of electronic devices. This search warrant led to the arrest of 38-year-old Thomas Lee Pennycuff, who is a registered offender living in the community.He is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; aggravated internet trading of child pornography and child exploitation. In 2011, Pennycuff was convicted in Sedgwick County of electronic sexual solicitation of a child under the age of 16, according to the offender registry.

Kansas sex offender accused of trading online child porn

By JOHN HANNA, AARON M. KESSLER, NUHA DOLBY and HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — An increase in turnout among Democrats and independents and a notable shift in Republican-leaning counties contributed to the overwhelming support of abortion rights last week in traditionally conservative Kansas, according to a detailed Associated Press analysis of the voting results.

A proposed state constitutional amendment would have allowed the Republican-controlled Legislature to tighten restrictions or ban abortions outright. But Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">voters rejected the measure</a>&nbsp;by nearly 20 percentage points, almost a mirror of Republican Donald Trump's statewide margin over Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election.

In the aftermath of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">U.S. Supreme Court's decision to repeal a woman's constitutional right to an abortion</a>, the threat of new restrictions in the state galvanized Democrats and independents more than anticipated. At the same time, Republicans showed less interest in turning out to support the measure.

The findings reinforce a sense in both parties that the Supreme Court's decision may have altered the dynamics of this year's midterm elections. Here's how it played out:

In 2020, Trump carried Kansas by 18 points. Last week, not a single county in the state favored the ballot measure as much as it had supported the former president, the AP found.

In 99 of the state’s 105 counties, support for the abortion measure was more than 10 percentage points lower than its support for Trump against Biden. In 29 of those counties, that difference was more than 20 points.

And in 14 Kansas counties that Trump won, majorities rejected the amendment.

“The anti-abortion politicians have just overplayed their hand on these bans,” said Tamarra Wieder, director for Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates in Kentucky, where another abortion measure will be on the ballot in November.

The Kansas county with the largest drop from the presidential election to the abortion referendum was Greenwood, in rural southeast Kansas. Trump won nearly 80% of the vote there in 2020, but there was about a 30-point shift on abortion, with voters narrowly favoring “no,” the position that leaves abortion rights in place for women in Kansas.

Beyond counties that flipped entirely, dozens of deeply Republican counties saw voters favor the abortion amendment as expected, but by much narrower margins than their preference for Trump two years ago. Near Topeka, for example, 72% of voters in Pottawatomie County backed the former president’s re-election, while just 57% supported the amendment.

Abortion opponents said they were stunned by the margin of the results.

“I was surprised for sure,” said Ruth Tisdale, executive director of the Advice and Aid Pregnancy Center. “I thought that it would be a closer outcome either way. I didn’t have a strong sense of whether it would pass or not, but I thought that it would be closer, you know, 51 to 49 kind of thing. ... It was very sad.”

It wasn’t just the amendment’s margin of defeat that jolted the political consciousness. It was also the seam-busting turnout in what otherwise should have been a normal, low-turnout primary in a midterm election year.

The latest AP tallies show that more than 922,000 votes were cast by Kansas voters on the abortion referendum. That’s roughly twice as many voters as turned out for the state’s previous midterm primary election in 2018, and it’s about as many as turn out for Kansas’ midterm general elections in some years. Overall turnout — 48% of registered voters — outpaced the 34% turnout for the 2020 presidential primaries.

The most recent electorate also was considerably less Republican than in a typical Kansas primary. From 2010 through 2020, Republican primary ballots outnumbered non-Republican ballots by about 2-to-1. In last week’s election, according to the Kansas secretary of state’s office, the two groups turned out in nearly equal numbers.

Advocates on both sides of the amendment spent more than $14 million blanketing Kansas with ads and signs, knocking on doors and calling voters, according to state campaign finance reports.

That effort helped attract an unusual variable in Kansas primaries: independent voters. That group is eligible to vote on referenda but not for candidates running in any party primary. But campaign ads emphasized that “no affiliation” voters could indeed vote on the abortion question. It worked: Around 184,000 more votes were cast for the abortion amendment than voted for governor, a likely barometer to measure their portion of the electorate.

“The decision to overturn Roe really was a wake-up call for more moderate voters,” said Ashley All, a spokesperson for Kansans for Constitutional Freedom, a group that fought against the ballot measure.

The result from Kansas is rippling into numerous other states.

In Georgia, the membership for NARAL Pro-Choice America jumped from 53,000 to more than 80,000 and could hit 100,000 by the November election, said Alicia Stallworth, the director of NARAL campaigns in the Southeastern U.S.

“I don’t think this is something that disappears,” Stallworth said of the current energy among abortion rights advocates.

Abortion-rights advocates said the decision to strike down Roe vs. Wade, the 1973 case that recognized a woman's constitutional right to an abortion, energized many voters who had assumed abortion access was safe.

“It was such a beacon of light in this moment,” said Helen Shumaker, director of state abortion access at the National Women’s Law Center, of the Kansas vote. “I think there is energy around ballot measures for the foreseeable future.”

In Ohio, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Nan Whaley has called for a statewide ballot question on a state constitutional amendment to protect abortion rights as soon as 2023.

In South Dakota, a group called Dakotans for Health is pushing a similar ballot initiative in 2024. And in Colorado, advocates want a 2024 referendum that could allow public funding for abortion.

But getting measures on ballots without going through a state legislature can be difficult. The Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, which advises liberal groups on initiative campaigns, advises the process could take three years.

In half of the states, including Kansas, only lawmakers can put propositions on the statewide ballot. That means in Texas, which bans most abortions, the only options are to wait for legislators to put an initiative to a vote—as anti-abortion lawmakers did in Kansas — or vote out the incumbents.

“In Texas we know that’s why we’re losing,” said Delma Catalina Limones, communications director for Avow, an abortion-rights group in that state.

But despite the apparent confidence of Kansas legislators to put the abortion amendment on the ballot this month, their expectations were upended by the resounding defeat.

Value Them Both Coalition, the main group in Kansas that fought in favor of the amendment, called it a “temporary setback” and promised in a statement that “our dedicated fight to value women and babies is far from over.”

By JOHN HANNA, AARON M. KESSLER, NUHA DOLBY and HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTHTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — An increase in turnout among Democrats and independents and a notable shift in Republican-leaning counties contributed to the overwhelming support of abortion rights last week in traditionally conservative Kansas, according to a detailed Associated Press analysis of the voting results.A proposed state constitutional amendment would have allowed the Republican-controlled Legislature to tighten restrictions or ban abortions outright. But Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">voters rejected the measure</a>&nbsp;by nearly 20 percentage points, almost a mirror of Republican Donald Trump's statewide margin over Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election.In the aftermath of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">U.S. Supreme Court's decision to repeal a woman's constitutional right to an abortion</a>, the threat of new restrictions in the state galvanized Democrats and independents more than anticipated. At the same time, Republicans showed less interest in turning out to support the measure.The findings reinforce a sense in both parties that the Supreme Court's decision may have altered the dynamics of this year's midterm elections. Here's how it played out:‘OVERPLAYED THEIR HAND’In 2020, Trump carried Kansas by 18 points. Last week, not a single county in the state favored the ballot measure as much as it had supported the former president, the AP found.In 99 of the state’s 105 counties, support for the abortion measure was more than 10 percentage points lower than its support for Trump against Biden. In 29 of those counties, that difference was more than 20 points.And in 14 Kansas counties that Trump won, majorities rejected the amendment.“The anti-abortion politicians have just overplayed their hand on these bans,” said Tamarra Wieder, director for Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates in Kentucky, where another abortion measure will be on the ballot in November.The Kansas county with the largest drop from the presidential election to the abortion referendum was Greenwood, in rural southeast Kansas. Trump won nearly 80% of the vote there in 2020, but there was about a 30-point shift on abortion, with voters narrowly favoring “no,” the position that leaves abortion rights in place for women in Kansas.Beyond counties that flipped entirely, dozens of deeply Republican counties saw voters favor the abortion amendment as expected, but by much narrower margins than their preference for Trump two years ago. Near Topeka, for example, 72% of voters in Pottawatomie County backed the former president’s re-election, while just 57% supported the amendment.Abortion opponents said they were stunned by the margin of the results.“I was surprised for sure,” said Ruth Tisdale, executive director of the Advice and Aid Pregnancy Center. “I thought that it would be a closer outcome either way. I didn’t have a strong sense of whether it would pass or not, but I thought that it would be closer, you know, 51 to 49 kind of thing. ... It was very sad.”HUGE TURNOUT, SURGE OF INDEPENDENTSIt wasn’t just the amendment’s margin of defeat that jolted the political consciousness. It was also the seam-busting turnout in what otherwise should have been a normal, low-turnout primary in a midterm election year.The latest AP tallies show that more than 922,000 votes were cast by Kansas voters on the abortion referendum. That’s roughly twice as many voters as turned out for the state’s previous midterm primary election in 2018, and it’s about as many as turn out for Kansas’ midterm general elections in some years. Overall turnout — 48% of registered voters — outpaced the 34% turnout for the 2020 presidential primaries.The most recent electorate also was considerably less Republican than in a typical Kansas primary. From 2010 through 2020, Republican primary ballots outnumbered non-Republican ballots by about 2-to-1. In last week’s election, according to the Kansas secretary of state’s office, the two groups turned out in nearly equal numbers.Advocates on both sides of the amendment spent more than $14 million blanketing Kansas with ads and signs, knocking on doors and calling voters, according to state campaign finance reports.That effort helped attract an unusual variable in Kansas primaries: independent voters. That group is eligible to vote on referenda but not for candidates running in any party primary. But campaign ads emphasized that “no affiliation” voters could indeed vote on the abortion question. It worked: Around 184,000 more votes were cast for the abortion amendment than voted for governor, a likely barometer to measure their portion of the electorate.“The decision to overturn Roe really was a wake-up call for more moderate voters,” said Ashley All, a spokesperson for Kansans for Constitutional Freedom, a group that fought against the ballot measure.‘ENERGY AROUND BALLOT MEASURES’The result from Kansas is rippling into numerous other states.In Georgia, the membership for NARAL Pro-Choice America jumped from 53,000 to more than 80,000 and could hit 100,000 by the November election, said Alicia Stallworth, the director of NARAL campaigns in the Southeastern U.S.“I don’t think this is something that disappears,” Stallworth said of the current energy among abortion rights advocates.Abortion-rights advocates said the decision to strike down Roe vs. Wade, the 1973 case that recognized a woman's constitutional right to an abortion, energized many voters who had assumed abortion access was safe.“It was such a beacon of light in this moment,” said Helen Shumaker, director of state abortion access at the National Women’s Law Center, of the Kansas vote. “I think there is energy around ballot measures for the foreseeable future.”In Ohio, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Nan Whaley has called for a statewide ballot question on a state constitutional amendment to protect abortion rights as soon as 2023.In South Dakota, a group called Dakotans for Health is pushing a similar ballot initiative in 2024. And in Colorado, advocates want a 2024 referendum that could allow public funding for abortion.But getting measures on ballots without going through a state legislature can be difficult. The Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, which advises liberal groups on initiative campaigns, advises the process could take three years.‘WHY WE’RE LOSING'In half of the states, including Kansas, only lawmakers can put propositions on the statewide ballot. That means in Texas, which bans most abortions, the only options are to wait for legislators to put an initiative to a vote—as anti-abortion lawmakers did in Kansas — or vote out the incumbents.“In Texas we know that’s why we’re losing,” said Delma Catalina Limones, communications director for Avow, an abortion-rights group in that state.But despite the apparent confidence of Kansas legislators to put the abortion amendment on the ballot this month, their expectations were upended by the resounding defeat.Value Them Both Coalition, the main group in Kansas that fought in favor of the amendment, called it a “temporary setback” and promised in a statement that “our dedicated fight to value women and babies is far from over.”___

Kansas abortion vote shows limits of GOP’s strength

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double homicide in Kansas City.

Just after 5p.m. Wednesday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 1500 Block of Haskell Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.&nbsp;

At the scene, officers found two men dead from apparent gunshot wounds outside a home. The KCK Police Department Major Crimes Unit is in charge of the investigation.&nbsp; Police reported no additional details early Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660820022458.png" alt="First responders near the scene of the investigation Thursday -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>First responders near the scene of the investigation Thursday -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double homicide in Kansas City.Just after 5p.m. Wednesday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 1500 Block of Haskell Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.&nbsp;At the scene, officers found two men dead from apparent gunshot wounds outside a home. The KCK Police Department Major Crimes Unit is in charge of the investigation.&nbsp; Police reported no additional details early Thursday.

Homicide: 2 found dead outside Kansas home

NEW YORK (AP) — The head of the nation's top public health agency on Wednesday announced a shake-up of the organization, saying it fell short responding to COVID-19 and needs to become more nimble.

The planned changes at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — CDC leaders call it a “reset”— come amid criticism of the agency's response to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">COVID-19</a>, monkeypox and other public health threats. The changes include internal staffing moves and steps to speed up data releases.

The CDC's director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, told the agency's staff about the changes on Wednesday. It's a CDC initiative, and was not directed by the White House or other administration officials, she said.

“I feel like it's my my responsibility to lead this agency to a better place after a really challenging three years,” Walensky told The Associated Press.

The Atlanta-based agency, with a $12 billion budget and more than 11,000 employees, is charged with protecting Americans from disease outbreaks and other public health threats. It’s customary for each CDC director to do some reorganizing, but Walensky’s action comes amid a wider demand for change.

The agency has long been criticized as too ponderous, focusing on collection and analysis of data but not acting quickly against new health threats. Public unhappiness with the agency grew dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts said the CDC was slow to recognize how much virus was entering the U.S. from Europe, to recommend people wear masks, to say the virus can spread through the air, and to ramp up systematic testing for new variants.

“We saw during COVID that CDC’s structures, frankly, weren’t designed to take in information, digest it and disseminate it to the public at the speed necessary,” said Jason Schwartz, a health policy researcher at the Yale School of Public Health.

Walensky, who became director in January 2021, has long said the agency has to move faster and communicate better, but stumbles have continued during her tenure. In April, she called for an in-depth review of the agency, which resulted in the announced changes.

"It’s not lost on me that we fell short in many ways” responding to the coronavirus, Walensky said. "We had some pretty public mistakes, and so much of this effort was to hold up the mirror ... to understand where and how we could do better."

Her reorganization proposal must be approved by the Department of Health and Human Services secretary. CDC officials say they hope to have a full package of changes finalized, approved and underway by early next year.

Some changes still are being formulated, but steps announced Wednesday include:

—Increasing use of preprint scientific reports to get out actionable data, instead of waiting for research to go through peer review and publication by the CDC journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

—Restructuring the agency's communications office and further revamping CDC websites to make the agency's guidance for the public more clear and easier to find.

—Altering the length of time agency leaders are devoted to outbreak responses to a minimum of six months — an effort to address a turnover problem that at times caused knowledge gaps and affected the agency’s communications.

—Creation of a new executive council to help Walensky set strategy and priorities.

—Appointing Mary Wakefield as senior counselor to implement the changes. Wakefield headed the Health Resources and Services Administration during the Obama administration and also served as the No. 2 administrator at HHS. Wakefield, 68, started Monday.

—Altering the agency's organization chart to undo some changes made during the Trump administration.

—Establishing an office of intergovernmental affairs to smooth partnerships with other agencies, as well as a higher-level office on health equity.

Walensky also said she intends to “get rid of some of the reporting layers that exist, and I'd like to work to break down some of the silos." She did not say exactly what that may entail, but emphasized that the overall changes are less about redrawing the organization chart than rethinking how the CDC does business and motivates staff.

“This will not be simply moving boxes" on the organization chart, she said.

Schwartz said flaws in the federal response go beyond the CDC, because the White House and other agencies were heavily involved.

A CDC reorganization is a positive step but “I hope it's not the end of the story,” Schwartz said. He would like to see "a broader accounting” of how the federal government handles health crises.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637359841305.png" alt="The CDC's director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, told the agency's staff about the changes on Wednesday. It's a CDC initiative, and was not directed by the White House or other administration officials, she said.- White House photo" />
 <figcaption>The CDC's director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, told the agency's staff about the changes on Wednesday. It's a CDC initiative, and was not directed by the White House or other administration officials, she said.- White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The head of the nation's top public health agency on Wednesday announced a shake-up of the organization, saying it fell short responding to COVID-19 and needs to become more nimble.The planned changes at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — CDC leaders call it a “reset”— come amid criticism of the agency's response to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">COVID-19</a>, monkeypox and other public health threats. The changes include internal staffing moves and steps to speed up data releases.The CDC's director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, told the agency's staff about the changes on Wednesday. It's a CDC initiative, and was not directed by the White House or other administration officials, she said.“I feel like it's my my responsibility to lead this agency to a better place after a really challenging three years,” Walensky told The Associated Press.The Atlanta-based agency, with a $12 billion budget and more than 11,000 employees, is charged with protecting Americans from disease outbreaks and other public health threats. It’s customary for each CDC director to do some reorganizing, but Walensky’s action comes amid a wider demand for change.The agency has long been criticized as too ponderous, focusing on collection and analysis of data but not acting quickly against new health threats. Public unhappiness with the agency grew dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts said the CDC was slow to recognize how much virus was entering the U.S. from Europe, to recommend people wear masks, to say the virus can spread through the air, and to ramp up systematic testing for new variants.“We saw during COVID that CDC’s structures, frankly, weren’t designed to take in information, digest it and disseminate it to the public at the speed necessary,” said Jason Schwartz, a health policy researcher at the Yale School of Public Health.Walensky, who became director in January 2021, has long said the agency has to move faster and communicate better, but stumbles have continued during her tenure. In April, she called for an in-depth review of the agency, which resulted in the announced changes."It’s not lost on me that we fell short in many ways” responding to the coronavirus, Walensky said. "We had some pretty public mistakes, and so much of this effort was to hold up the mirror ... to understand where and how we could do better."Her reorganization proposal must be approved by the Department of Health and Human Services secretary. CDC officials say they hope to have a full package of changes finalized, approved and underway by early next year.Some changes still are being formulated, but steps announced Wednesday include:—Increasing use of preprint scientific reports to get out actionable data, instead of waiting for research to go through peer review and publication by the CDC journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.—Restructuring the agency's communications office and further revamping CDC websites to make the agency's guidance for the public more clear and easier to find.—Altering the length of time agency leaders are devoted to outbreak responses to a minimum of six months — an effort to address a turnover problem that at times caused knowledge gaps and affected the agency’s communications.—Creation of a new executive council to help Walensky set strategy and priorities.—Appointing Mary Wakefield as senior counselor to implement the changes. Wakefield headed the Health Resources and Services Administration during the Obama administration and also served as the No. 2 administrator at HHS. Wakefield, 68, started Monday.—Altering the agency's organization chart to undo some changes made during the Trump administration.—Establishing an office of intergovernmental affairs to smooth partnerships with other agencies, as well as a higher-level office on health equity.Walensky also said she intends to “get rid of some of the reporting layers that exist, and I'd like to work to break down some of the silos." She did not say exactly what that may entail, but emphasized that the overall changes are less about redrawing the organization chart than rethinking how the CDC does business and motivates staff.“This will not be simply moving boxes" on the organization chart, she said.Schwartz said flaws in the federal response go beyond the CDC, because the White House and other agencies were heavily involved.A CDC reorganization is a positive step but “I hope it's not the end of the story,” Schwartz said. He would like to see "a broader accounting” of how the federal government handles health crises.

CDC announces shake-up, citing COVID mistakes

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal July 16 shooting continue asking the public for help to locate a Kansas felon.

Just after 9:30 p.m. July 16, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 900 Block of SW 8th Street in Topeka, according to Police LT Ronnie Connell.

First responders found <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/bv3sq?member=20743751&amp;sharetype=teams&amp;utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=copy_link&amp;utm_source=customer">34-year-old&nbsp; Kirk Sexton </a>suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Topeka Police Department wants to speak with Emmanuel Rashad Walker, 35, of Topeka in reference to this homicide investigation.

 Walker has previous convictions for aggravated assault in 2009 and for, obstruction and drug possession in 2019, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Emmanuel Rashad Walker should call police or 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658512386623.png" alt="&nbsp;Emmanuel Rashad Walker has previous convictions for aggravated assault, obstruction and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections -photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Emmanuel Rashad Walker has previous convictions for aggravated assault, obstruction and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections -photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal July 16 shooting continue asking the public for help to locate a Kansas felon.Just after 9:30 p.m. July 16, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 900 Block of SW 8th Street in Topeka, according to Police LT Ronnie Connell.First responders found <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/bv3sq?member=20743751&amp;sharetype=teams&amp;utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=copy_link&amp;utm_source=customer">34-year-old&nbsp; Kirk Sexton </a>suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.The Topeka Police Department wants to speak with Emmanuel Rashad Walker, 35, of Topeka in reference to this homicide investigation. Walker has previous convictions for aggravated assault in 2009 and for, obstruction and drug possession in 2019, according to the Kansas Department of CorrectionsAnyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Emmanuel Rashad Walker should call police or 911.

Search continues for Kansas murder suspect

GREENWOOD COUNTY—The Kansas Highway Patrol continues working to identify the victim of a fatal accident that occurred just after 10p.m. August 4, in Greenwood County.

The patrol reported a vehicle was westbound on U.S 54 twenty miles east of U.S. 77. It crossed the center line and struck an eastbound semi head-on.

Due to the circumstances, authorities have been unable to identify the female victim from out of state, according to Trooper Brett Goins.&nbsp; Authorities are waiting for the result of a DNA test to confirm her identification. The driver of the other vehicle was able to escape.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available

GREENWOOD COUNTY—The Kansas Highway Patrol continues working to identify the victim of a fatal accident that occurred just after 10p.m. August 4, in Greenwood County.The patrol reported a vehicle was westbound on U.S 54 twenty miles east of U.S. 77. It crossed the center line and struck an eastbound semi head-on.Due to the circumstances, authorities have been unable to identify the female victim from out of state, according to Trooper Brett Goins.&nbsp; Authorities are waiting for the result of a DNA test to confirm her identification. The driver of the other vehicle was able to escape.Check the Post for additional details as they become available