WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government declared a public health emergency Thursday to bolster the response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/monkeypox">monkeypox</a><a href="https://apnews.com/hub/monkeypox">outbreak</a>&nbsp;that has infected more <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/us-map.html">than 6,600 Americans.</a>

The announcement will free up money and other resources to fight the virus, which may cause fever, body aches, chills, fatigue and pimple-like bumps on many parts of the body.

“We are prepared to take our response to the next level in addressing this virus, and we urge every American to take monkeypox seriously,” said Xavier Becerra, head of the Department of Health and Human Services.

The declaration by HHS comes as the Biden administration has faced criticism over monkeypox vaccine availability. Clinics in major cities such as New York and San Francisco say they haven’t received enough of the two-shot vaccine to meet demand, and some have had to stop offering the second dose to ensure supply of first doses.

The White House said it has made more than 1.1 million doses available and has helped to boost domestic diagnostic capacity to 80,000 tests per week.

The monkeypox virus spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, including hugging, cuddling and kissing, as well as sharing bedding, towels and clothing. The people who have gotten sick so far have been primarily men who have sex with men. But health officials emphasize that the virus can infect anyone.

Earlier this week, the Biden administration named top officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to serve as the White House coordinators to combat monkeypox.

Thursday's declaration is an important — and overdue — step, said Lawrence Gostin, a public health law expert at Georgetown University.

“It signals the U.S. government’s seriousness and purpose, and sounds a global alarm,” he said.

Under the declaration, HHS can draw from emergency funds, hire or reassign staff to deal with the outbreak and take other steps to control the virus.

For example, the announcement should help the federal government to seek more information from state and local health officials about who is becoming infected and who is being vaccinated. That information can be used to better understand how the outbreak is unfolding and how well the vaccine works.

Gostin said the U.S. government has been too cautious and should have declared a nationwide emergency earlier. Public health measures to control outbreaks have increasingly faced legal challenges in recent years, but Gostin didn’t expect that to happen with monkeypox.

“It is a textbook case of a public health emergency,” Gostin said. “It’s not a red or a blue state issue. There is no political opposition to fighting monkeypox.”

A public health emergency can be extended, similar to what happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted.

The urgency in the current response stems from the rapid spread of the virus coupled with the limited availability of the two-dose vaccine called Jynneos, which is considered the main medical weapon against the disease.

The doses, given 28 days apart, are currently being given to people soon after they think they were exposed, as a measure to prevent symptoms.

Becerra announced the emergency declaration during a call with reporters. During the call, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf said regulators are reviewing an approach that would stretch supplies by allowing health professionals to vaccinate up to five people — instead of one — with each vial of Jynneos.

Under this so-called “dose-sparing” approach, physicians and others would use a shallower injection under the skin, instead of the subcutaneous injection currently recommended in the vaccine’s labeling.

Califf said a decision authorizing that approach could come “within days.”

That would require another declaration, to allow the government to alter its guidelines on how to administer the vaccine, officials said.

Health officials pointed to a study published in 2015 that found that Jynneos vaccine administered that way was as effective at stimulating the immune system as when the needle plunger deeper into other tissue.

But experts also have acknowledged they are still gathering information on how well the conventional administration of one or two full doses works against the outbreak.

Others health organizations have made similar declarations.

Last week, the World Health Organization called monkeypox a public health emergency, with cases in more than 70 countries. A global emergency is WHO’s highest level of alert, but the designation does not necessarily mean a disease is particularly transmissible or lethal.

California, Illinois and New York have all made declarations in the last week, as have New York City, San Francisco and San Diego County.

The declaration of a national public health emergency and the naming of a monkeypox czar are “symbolic actions,” said Gregg Gonsalves, a Yale University infectious diseases expert.

What’s important is that the government is taking the necessary steps to control the outbreak and — if it comes to that — to have a plan for how to deal with monkeypox if it becomes endemic, he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655678482994.png" alt="Monkeypox Photo Credit: NHS England High Consequence Infectious Diseases Network-CDC" />
 <figcaption>Monkeypox Photo Credit: NHS England High Consequence Infectious Diseases Network-CDC</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government declared a public health emergency Thursday to bolster the response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/monkeypox">monkeypox</a><a href="https://apnews.com/hub/monkeypox">outbreak</a>&nbsp;that has infected more <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/us-map.html">than 6,600 Americans.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659646384899.png" alt="Monkeypox cases by state-August 3, 2022 CDC image" />
 <figcaption>Monkeypox cases by state-August 3, 2022 CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659646434549.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The announcement will free up money and other resources to fight the virus, which may cause fever, body aches, chills, fatigue and pimple-like bumps on many parts of the body.“We are prepared to take our response to the next level in addressing this virus, and we urge every American to take monkeypox seriously,” said Xavier Becerra, head of the Department of Health and Human Services.The declaration by HHS comes as the Biden administration has faced criticism over monkeypox vaccine availability. Clinics in major cities such as New York and San Francisco say they haven’t received enough of the two-shot vaccine to meet demand, and some have had to stop offering the second dose to ensure supply of first doses.The White House said it has made more than 1.1 million doses available and has helped to boost domestic diagnostic capacity to 80,000 tests per week.The monkeypox virus spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, including hugging, cuddling and kissing, as well as sharing bedding, towels and clothing. The people who have gotten sick so far have been primarily men who have sex with men. But health officials emphasize that the virus can infect anyone.Earlier this week, the Biden administration named top officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to serve as the White House coordinators to combat monkeypox.Thursday's declaration is an important — and overdue — step, said Lawrence Gostin, a public health law expert at Georgetown University.“It signals the U.S. government’s seriousness and purpose, and sounds a global alarm,” he said.Under the declaration, HHS can draw from emergency funds, hire or reassign staff to deal with the outbreak and take other steps to control the virus.For example, the announcement should help the federal government to seek more information from state and local health officials about who is becoming infected and who is being vaccinated. That information can be used to better understand how the outbreak is unfolding and how well the vaccine works.Gostin said the U.S. government has been too cautious and should have declared a nationwide emergency earlier. Public health measures to control outbreaks have increasingly faced legal challenges in recent years, but Gostin didn’t expect that to happen with monkeypox.“It is a textbook case of a public health emergency,” Gostin said. “It’s not a red or a blue state issue. There is no political opposition to fighting monkeypox.”A public health emergency can be extended, similar to what happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted.The urgency in the current response stems from the rapid spread of the virus coupled with the limited availability of the two-dose vaccine called Jynneos, which is considered the main medical weapon against the disease.The doses, given 28 days apart, are currently being given to people soon after they think they were exposed, as a measure to prevent symptoms.Becerra announced the emergency declaration during a call with reporters. During the call, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf said regulators are reviewing an approach that would stretch supplies by allowing health professionals to vaccinate up to five people — instead of one — with each vial of Jynneos.Under this so-called “dose-sparing” approach, physicians and others would use a shallower injection under the skin, instead of the subcutaneous injection currently recommended in the vaccine’s labeling.Califf said a decision authorizing that approach could come “within days.”That would require another declaration, to allow the government to alter its guidelines on how to administer the vaccine, officials said.Health officials pointed to a study published in 2015 that found that Jynneos vaccine administered that way was as effective at stimulating the immune system as when the needle plunger deeper into other tissue.But experts also have acknowledged they are still gathering information on how well the conventional administration of one or two full doses works against the outbreak.Others health organizations have made similar declarations.Last week, the World Health Organization called monkeypox a public health emergency, with cases in more than 70 countries. A global emergency is WHO’s highest level of alert, but the designation does not necessarily mean a disease is particularly transmissible or lethal.California, Illinois and New York have all made declarations in the last week, as have New York City, San Francisco and San Diego County.The declaration of a national public health emergency and the naming of a monkeypox czar are “symbolic actions,” said Gregg Gonsalves, a Yale University infectious diseases expert.What’s important is that the government is taking the necessary steps to control the outbreak and — if it comes to that — to have a plan for how to deal with monkeypox if it becomes endemic, he said.

US declares public health emergency over monkeypox outbreak

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 for another day in what is reported to be a rare case of “rebound” following treatment with an anti-viral drug.

White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor says in a letter Thursday that the president “feels well but continues to cough."

Biden is working from the executive residence and hosted a roundtable with business and labor leaders to discuss how the Inflation Reduction Act will lower costs and the deficit, fight inflation, and bolster domestic manufacturing. After Biden tested positive on Saturday, he canceled plans to travel and hold in-person events. 

&nbsp;The 79-year-old Biden first tested positive on July 21. He was treated with the anti-viral drug Paxlovid and he had originally ended his isolation on July 27.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659643956275.png" alt="&nbsp;President virtually hosted an Inflation Reduction Act roundtable with business and labor leaders on Thursday-photo White House" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;President virtually hosted an Inflation Reduction Act roundtable with business and labor leaders on Thursday-photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 for another day in what is reported to be a rare case of “rebound” following treatment with an anti-viral drug.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659643337414.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor says in a letter Thursday that the president “feels well but continues to cough."Biden is working from the executive residence and hosted a roundtable with business and labor leaders to discuss how the Inflation Reduction Act will lower costs and the deficit, fight inflation, and bolster domestic manufacturing. After Biden tested positive on Saturday, he canceled plans to travel and hold in-person events. &nbsp;The 79-year-old Biden first tested positive on July 21. He was treated with the anti-viral drug Paxlovid and he had originally ended his isolation on July 27.

President Biden continues to test positive for COVID

Washington, D.C.— U.S. Senator Roger Marshall asked questions during a U.S. Senate hearing on the federal government’s involvement with gain-of-function (GoF) research projects in China, according to a statement from Marshall's office.

Senator Marshall’s opening statement and questions centered on Dr. Anthony Fauci’s, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, efforts to push GoF research out of the United States and into China through EcoHealth Alliance.&nbsp;

“In 2021, Dr. Fauci said, almost prophetically, he worried about ‘unregulated’ laboratories, perhaps outside of the United States, doing work ‘sloppily’ and leading to an inadvertent pandemic… Clearly the U.S. government and Dr. Fauci knew that viral GoF was concerning… But while Fauci encouraged U.S. scientists to pause their GoF studies, Fauci offshored the paused research to China. In 2012, Fauci gave a new grant to Peter Daszak’s EcoHealth Alliance for influenza research in China. In 2014, Fauci gave another new grant to Daszak for SARS research in China. Daszak partnered with who? The Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV)… This is a bipartisan, national security issue and together we must immediately pause all viral gain-of-function research…”

Washington, D.C.— U.S. Senator Roger Marshall asked questions during a U.S. Senate hearing on the federal government’s involvement with gain-of-function (GoF) research projects in China, according to a statement from Marshall's office.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wgM9CrFr8g0?start=1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Senator Marshall’s opening statement and questions centered on Dr. Anthony Fauci’s, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, efforts to push GoF research out of the United States and into China through EcoHealth Alliance.&nbsp;Marshall said in part,“In 2021, Dr. Fauci said, almost prophetically, he worried about ‘unregulated’ laboratories, perhaps outside of the United States, doing work ‘sloppily’ and leading to an inadvertent pandemic… Clearly the U.S. government and Dr. Fauci knew that viral GoF was concerning… But while Fauci encouraged U.S. scientists to pause their GoF studies, Fauci offshored the paused research to China. In 2012, Fauci gave a new grant to Peter Daszak’s EcoHealth Alliance for influenza research in China. In 2014, Fauci gave another new grant to Daszak for SARS research in China. Daszak partnered with who? The Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV)… This is a bipartisan, national security issue and together we must immediately pause all viral gain-of-function research…”

🎥Marshall connects Dr. Fauci to gain-of-function research in China

WASHINGTON — With identity thieves continuing to target the tax community, Internal Revenue Service <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit">Security Summit</a> partners today urged tax professionals to learn the signs of data theft so they can react quickly to protect clients.

The IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry – working together 
as the Security Summit – reminded tax professionals that they should 
contact the IRS immediately when there's an identity theft issue while 
also contacting insurance or cybersecurity experts to assist them with 
determining the cause and extent of the loss.

"Tax pros must be vigilant to protect their systems from identity 
thieves who continue to look for ways to steal data," said IRS 
Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Practitioners can take simple steps to 
remain on the lookout for signs of data and identity theft. It's 
critical for tax pros to watch out for these details and to quickly take
 action when tell-tale signs emerge. This can be critical to protect 
their business as well as their clients against identity theft."

This is the third in a summer series of five Security Summit news 
releases aimed at raising awareness among tax professionals about data 
security. The special Protect Your Client; Protect Yourself campaign is 
designed to help protect against tax-related identity theft by 
increasing attention on basic security steps that tax professionals and 
others should take to protect sensitive information.

One common concern the IRS hears from tax professionals is that they did not immediately recognize the signs of data theft.

Summit partners are urging tax professionals to watch out for these critical signs:

Tax professionals should also watch for warning signs when clients report they've received:

These are just a few examples. Tax pros should ensure they have 
the highest security possible and react quickly if they sense or see 
something amiss.

If the tax pro or their firm are the victim of data theft,&nbsp;immediately:

Find more information at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/data-theft-information-for-tax-professionals">Data Theft Information for Tax Professionals</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — With identity thieves continuing to target the tax community, Internal Revenue Service <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit">Security Summit</a> partners today urged tax professionals to learn the signs of data theft so they can react quickly to protect clients.The IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry – working together 
as the Security Summit – reminded tax professionals that they should 
contact the IRS immediately when there's an identity theft issue while 
also contacting insurance or cybersecurity experts to assist them with 
determining the cause and extent of the loss."Tax pros must be vigilant to protect their systems from identity 
thieves who continue to look for ways to steal data," said IRS 
Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Practitioners can take simple steps to 
remain on the lookout for signs of data and identity theft. It's 
critical for tax pros to watch out for these details and to quickly take
 action when tell-tale signs emerge. This can be critical to protect 
their business as well as their clients against identity theft."This is the third in a summer series of five Security Summit news 
releases aimed at raising awareness among tax professionals about data 
security. The special Protect Your Client; Protect Yourself campaign is 
designed to help protect against tax-related identity theft by 
increasing attention on basic security steps that tax professionals and 
others should take to protect sensitive information.One common concern the IRS hears from tax professionals is that they did not immediately recognize the signs of data theft.Summit partners are urging tax professionals to watch out for these critical signs:<ul>
 <li>Client e-filed returns rejected because client's Social Security number was already used on another return.</li><li>More e-file acknowledgements received than returns the tax pro filed.</li><li>Clients responded to emails the tax pro didn't send.</li><li>Slow or unexpected computer or network responsiveness such as:
	Software or actions take longer to process than usual,Computer cursor moves or changes numbers without touching the mouse or keyboard,Unexpectedly locked out of a network or computer.</li><li>Software or actions take longer to process than usual,</li><li>Computer cursor moves or changes numbers without touching the mouse or keyboard,</li><li>Unexpectedly locked out of a network or computer.</li>
 </ul>Tax professionals should also watch for warning signs when clients report they've received:<ul>
 <li>IRS Authentication letters (5071C, 6331C, 4883C, 5747C) even though they haven't filed a return.</li><li>A refund even though they haven't filed a return.</li><li>A tax transcript they didn't request.</li><li>Emails or calls from the tax pro that they didn't initiate.</li><li>A notice that someone created an IRS online account for the taxpayer without their consent.</li><li>A notice the taxpayer wasn't expecting that:
	Someone accessed their IRS online account,The IRS disabled their online account,Balance due or other notices from the IRS that are not correct based on return filed or if a return had not been filed.</li><li>Someone accessed their IRS online account,</li><li>The IRS disabled their online account,</li><li>Balance due or other notices from the IRS that are not correct based on return filed or if a return had not been filed.</li>
 </ul>These are just a few examples. Tax pros should ensure they have 
the highest security possible and react quickly if they sense or see 
something amiss.If the tax pro or their firm are the victim of data theft,&nbsp;immediately:<ul>
 <li>Report it to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/stakeholder-liaison-local-contacts">local IRS Stakeholder Liaison</a>Liaisons will notify IRS Criminal Investigation and others within 
the agency on the practitioner's behalf. Speed is critical. If reported 
quickly, the IRS can take steps to block fraudulent returns in the 
clients' names and will assist tax pros through the process.
	</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Email the Federation of Tax Administrators at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:statealert@taxadmin.org">StateAlert@taxadmin.org</a>Get information on how to report victim information to the states. 
Most states require that the state attorney general be notified of data 
breaches. This notification process may involve multiple offices.
	</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Be pro-active with clients that could have been impacted 
and suggest appropriate actions, such as obtaining an IP PIN or 
completing a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit if applicable. See the
 early Security Summit reminder about <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit-identity-protection-pins-provide-an-important-defense-against-tax-related-identity-theft">the importance of IP PINs</a>.</li>
 </ul>Find more information at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/data-theft-information-for-tax-professionals">Data Theft Information for Tax Professionals</a>.<h2>Additional resources</h2><ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5293.pdf">Publication 5293, Data Security Resource Guide for Tax Professionals</a>PDF, provides an overview resources about how to avoid data theft.</li><li>Tax professionals can also get help with security recommendations by reviewing IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4557.pdf">Publication 4557, Safeguarding Taxpayer Data</a>PDF, and&nbsp;the IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central">Identity Theft Central</a> pages for tax pros.</li><li>Tax pros should also review <a href="https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/ir/2016/NIST.IR.7621r1.pdf">Small Business Information Security: The Fundamentals</a>PDF&nbsp;by the National Institute of Standards and Technology</li><li>Also, tax professionals should stay connected to the IRS through subscriptions to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/join-e-news-for-tax-professionals">e-News for Tax Professionals</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-social-media">Social Media</a>.</li><li>For more information, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/boost-security-immunity-fight-against-identity-theft">Boost Security Immunity: Fight Against Identity Theft.</a></li>
 </ul>

IRS: Tell-tell signs of identity theft revealed

NEW YORK (AP) — Democrats displayed a newfound sense of optimism about the election-year political climate Wednesday after voters in traditionally conservative Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">overwhelmingly backed a measure</a>&nbsp;protecting abortion rights.

(Click below to watch the Task Force meeting)

At the White House, President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;hailed the vote in Kansas as the direct result of outrage at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court's decision</a>&nbsp;in June to repeal a woman's constitutional right to obtain an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>.

Republicans and the high court “don't have a clue about the power of American women,” Biden said. “Last night in Kansas, they found out.”

On Capitol Hill, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., boasted of the political winds “blowing at Democrats.”

“Last night in the American heartland, the people of Kansas sent an unmistakable message to the Republican extremists,” he said. “If it’s gong to happen in Kansas, it’s going to happen in a whole lot of states.”

With three months until the November&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">election</a>, the optimism may be premature. But it represents a much-needed break for a party that has spent the better part of the past year reeling from crisis to crisis, including the botched&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-islamic-state-group-dd43bcc58bd17668b1cf4ae79997142b">withdrawal from Afghanistan</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-consumer-spending-prices-1c912833f8e24c6ca151f0d5d89332f7">rising prices</a>&nbsp;for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/louisiana-baton-rouge-camarillo-493e75d92489a7412493397871a83cb4">gasoline</a>&nbsp;and other goods. Those developments have contributed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-russia-ukraine-biden-covid-health-b6d1751b2554555f7246f9e914b87c59">Biden's low approval ratings</a>, leaving Democrats without a unifying leader in a position to rally voters before the election, with control of Congress at stake.

The Kansas vote, however, suggests that threats to abortion rights may energize Democrats in a way few political leaders can. And it comes at a moment when the party is gaining momentum on other fronts, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-biden-sports-congress-e499871130fa9881beb0618ebddfe88c">legislative package</a>&nbsp;to reduce prescription drug prices, combat climate change and raise taxes on corporations.

The challenge for Democrats will be to maintain the energy for several more months and defy trends that typically trip up the party in power.

In recent history, the party controlling the White House almost always suffers deep losses in the first midterm election of a new presidency. Also, an overwhelming majority of voters believe the country is headed in the wrong direction amid inflation and other economic concerns.

Even with abortion-related momentum, many Democratic strategists privately expect to lose the House majority and believe the Senate is essentially a coin flip.

The day after the Kansas vote, Democratic strategists on the front lines of key midterm contests described a complicated political reality on abortion.

Abortion rights supporters surged to the polls in Kansas, where abortion was quite literally on the ballot. By a roughly 20-percentage point margin, they rejected a measure that would have changed the state constitution to allow state lawmakers to impose restrictions on abortion — or even a ban. The early August primary turnout was on par with a governor's general election contest.

But few elections this fall will feature such clear stakes for abortion rights. Just four states — California, Michigan, Vermont and Kentucky — are expected to feature a Kansas-style abortion referendum on the November ballot, according to the pro-Democratic group EMILY's List.

In the majority of states, Democrats must convince voters they can protect abortion access only by defeating anti-abortion Republican candidates at the state and federal level. While that is true in most cases, it's much more complicated to run against a candidate than a single-issue ballot measure, according to Democratic pollster Molly Murphy.

“The optimist would say, when voters know that abortion is on the ballot, they are motivated to turn out,” Murphy said. “That’s the messaging challenge that we are going to face. Will voters believe that a legal right to abortion is at stake here in this country in their vote for Congress, Senate, governor, state house — all of those things — and be as motivated to show up to vote?”

“Republicans are going to do everything they can to deflect and not engage on this," she added, noting the GOP's heavy focus on inflation, gas prices and immigration.

Indeed, as Democrats celebrated on Wednesday, the Republican reaction to the abortion vote was decidedly muted.

The Kansas vote was “a huge disappointment for pro-life Kansans and Americans nationwide," said Mallory Carroll, of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.

Republican strategist Christine Matthews warned that the Kansas vote could have “an energizing effect for abortion rights supporters.”

“Success breeds success,” she said. "It will encourage the belief that turning out and activating can make a difference and that is particularly important with younger voters and those less inclined to participate. It’s a momentum-shifter.”

Democrats have long tried without much success to energize supporters by focusing on abortion. But the Supreme Court's decision clarified the stakes as never before. Absent a new federal law,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-health-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-constitutions-022d340cf968be3c28b03f7f96965f09">abortion rights now fall to the states</a>, and in 12 states led by Republicans, abortion has already been banned or heavily restricted. Many more are expected to follow.

Republican strategists acknowledge that swing state candidates will have to tread carefully on the issue.

In Georgia, GOP Senate nominee Herschel Walker, for example, worried some Washington Republicans by quickly declaring his opposition to abortion rights even in cases of rape, incest and the life of the mother. Such a position, thought to be extreme in past years, is somewhat common among Republican candidates in 2022.

Republicans in other states have largely sought to avoid clarifying their position.

The Senate Democrats campaign arm recently established a website, GOPOnAbortion.com, to highlight Republican candidates' outspoken opposition to abortion rights. While Democratic candidates from New York to Washington state are already running ads on abortion, the issue is expected to play a bigger role in some races than others.

Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, who leads the group dedicated to protecting the Senate's Democratic majority, predicted that abortion would likely matter most as a political issue in Senate races in Nevada, New Hampshire and Arizona — all states in which polling suggests strong support for abortion rights. Suburban women and younger voters are most likely to be motivated by the issue.

“There's a great deal of anger," Peters said of the backlash against the Roe reversal. "There’s an energy I haven’t seen before."

The Kansas vote suggests that such energy could extend well beyond a handful of states.

Polling shows that relatively few Americans wanted to see Roe overturned.

More Americans disapprove than approve of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, 53% to 30%, according to an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-congress-government-and-politics-fc8c68d1c4dd29ef0a364050013b8cf4">Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll</a>&nbsp;from July conducted about three weeks after the ruling. Just over half of those surveyed said they felt angry or sad about the ruling, the poll found.

In Wisconsin, the leading Democratic Senate candidate, Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, noted that the day the Supreme Court overturned Roe was the biggest fundraising day of his entire campaign.

"People are motivated and energetic in ways that I’ve never seen before," he said in an interview. “I can only assume that that intensity will increase all the way to November.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659554746286.png" alt="&nbsp;President Biden delivered remarks Wednesday on reproductive rights at a meeting of his interagency Task Force on Reproductive Healthcare Access chaired by Vice President Kamala Harris." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;President Biden delivered remarks Wednesday on reproductive rights at a meeting of his interagency Task Force on Reproductive Healthcare Access chaired by Vice President Kamala Harris.</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Democrats displayed a newfound sense of optimism about the election-year political climate Wednesday after voters in traditionally conservative Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">overwhelmingly backed a measure</a>&nbsp;protecting abortion rights.(Click below to watch the Task Force meeting)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1122681391937356%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1616" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>At the White House, President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;hailed the vote in Kansas as the direct result of outrage at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court's decision</a>&nbsp;in June to repeal a woman's constitutional right to obtain an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>.Republicans and the high court “don't have a clue about the power of American women,” Biden said. “Last night in Kansas, they found out.”On Capitol Hill, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., boasted of the political winds “blowing at Democrats.”“Last night in the American heartland, the people of Kansas sent an unmistakable message to the Republican extremists,” he said. “If it’s gong to happen in Kansas, it’s going to happen in a whole lot of states.”With three months until the November&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">election</a>, the optimism may be premature. But it represents a much-needed break for a party that has spent the better part of the past year reeling from crisis to crisis, including the botched&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-islamic-state-group-dd43bcc58bd17668b1cf4ae79997142b">withdrawal from Afghanistan</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-consumer-spending-prices-1c912833f8e24c6ca151f0d5d89332f7">rising prices</a>&nbsp;for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/louisiana-baton-rouge-camarillo-493e75d92489a7412493397871a83cb4">gasoline</a>&nbsp;and other goods. Those developments have contributed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-russia-ukraine-biden-covid-health-b6d1751b2554555f7246f9e914b87c59">Biden's low approval ratings</a>, leaving Democrats without a unifying leader in a position to rally voters before the election, with control of Congress at stake.The Kansas vote, however, suggests that threats to abortion rights may energize Democrats in a way few political leaders can. And it comes at a moment when the party is gaining momentum on other fronts, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-biden-sports-congress-e499871130fa9881beb0618ebddfe88c">legislative package</a>&nbsp;to reduce prescription drug prices, combat climate change and raise taxes on corporations.The challenge for Democrats will be to maintain the energy for several more months and defy trends that typically trip up the party in power.In recent history, the party controlling the White House almost always suffers deep losses in the first midterm election of a new presidency. Also, an overwhelming majority of voters believe the country is headed in the wrong direction amid inflation and other economic concerns.Even with abortion-related momentum, many Democratic strategists privately expect to lose the House majority and believe the Senate is essentially a coin flip.The day after the Kansas vote, Democratic strategists on the front lines of key midterm contests described a complicated political reality on abortion.Abortion rights supporters surged to the polls in Kansas, where abortion was quite literally on the ballot. By a roughly 20-percentage point margin, they rejected a measure that would have changed the state constitution to allow state lawmakers to impose restrictions on abortion — or even a ban. The early August primary turnout was on par with a governor's general election contest.But few elections this fall will feature such clear stakes for abortion rights. Just four states — California, Michigan, Vermont and Kentucky — are expected to feature a Kansas-style abortion referendum on the November ballot, according to the pro-Democratic group EMILY's List.In the majority of states, Democrats must convince voters they can protect abortion access only by defeating anti-abortion Republican candidates at the state and federal level. While that is true in most cases, it's much more complicated to run against a candidate than a single-issue ballot measure, according to Democratic pollster Molly Murphy.“The optimist would say, when voters know that abortion is on the ballot, they are motivated to turn out,” Murphy said. “That’s the messaging challenge that we are going to face. Will voters believe that a legal right to abortion is at stake here in this country in their vote for Congress, Senate, governor, state house — all of those things — and be as motivated to show up to vote?”“Republicans are going to do everything they can to deflect and not engage on this," she added, noting the GOP's heavy focus on inflation, gas prices and immigration.Indeed, as Democrats celebrated on Wednesday, the Republican reaction to the abortion vote was decidedly muted.The Kansas vote was “a huge disappointment for pro-life Kansans and Americans nationwide," said Mallory Carroll, of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.Republican strategist Christine Matthews warned that the Kansas vote could have “an energizing effect for abortion rights supporters.”“Success breeds success,” she said. "It will encourage the belief that turning out and activating can make a difference and that is particularly important with younger voters and those less inclined to participate. It’s a momentum-shifter.”Democrats have long tried without much success to energize supporters by focusing on abortion. But the Supreme Court's decision clarified the stakes as never before. Absent a new federal law,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-health-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-constitutions-022d340cf968be3c28b03f7f96965f09">abortion rights now fall to the states</a>, and in 12 states led by Republicans, abortion has already been banned or heavily restricted. Many more are expected to follow.Republican strategists acknowledge that swing state candidates will have to tread carefully on the issue.In Georgia, GOP Senate nominee Herschel Walker, for example, worried some Washington Republicans by quickly declaring his opposition to abortion rights even in cases of rape, incest and the life of the mother. Such a position, thought to be extreme in past years, is somewhat common among Republican candidates in 2022.Republicans in other states have largely sought to avoid clarifying their position.The Senate Democrats campaign arm recently established a website, GOPOnAbortion.com, to highlight Republican candidates' outspoken opposition to abortion rights. While Democratic candidates from New York to Washington state are already running ads on abortion, the issue is expected to play a bigger role in some races than others.Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, who leads the group dedicated to protecting the Senate's Democratic majority, predicted that abortion would likely matter most as a political issue in Senate races in Nevada, New Hampshire and Arizona — all states in which polling suggests strong support for abortion rights. Suburban women and younger voters are most likely to be motivated by the issue.“There's a great deal of anger," Peters said of the backlash against the Roe reversal. "There’s an energy I haven’t seen before."The Kansas vote suggests that such energy could extend well beyond a handful of states.Polling shows that relatively few Americans wanted to see Roe overturned.More Americans disapprove than approve of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, 53% to 30%, according to an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-congress-government-and-politics-fc8c68d1c4dd29ef0a364050013b8cf4">Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll</a>&nbsp;from July conducted about three weeks after the ruling. Just over half of those surveyed said they felt angry or sad about the ruling, the poll found.In Wisconsin, the leading Democratic Senate candidate, Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, noted that the day the Supreme Court overturned Roe was the biggest fundraising day of his entire campaign."People are motivated and energetic in ways that I’ve never seen before," he said in an interview. “I can only assume that that intensity will increase all the way to November.”___

🎥 Abortion vote in Kansas sparks hope for Dems in midterms

McPHERSON – A Kansas woman entered a no-contest plea to charges of second-degree reckless murder and battery on a law enforcement officer in connection with the death of a McPherson man in 2020, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Tina Nicole Brown, 35, entered the plea Wednesday in McPherson County District Court.&nbsp;

The charges stemmed from an investigation into the death of Kelly G. Peterson in February 2020 when police received a 911 call from someone who reported finding a man dead inside a mobile home in the 100 block of South Kelly drive, in McPherson. First responders found Peterson and&nbsp; EMS pronounced him dead at the scene.&nbsp;

Judge John B. Klenda accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for November 1 at 10 a.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659625268274.png" alt="Brown-photo McPherson Co." />
 <figcaption>Brown-photo McPherson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>McPHERSON – A Kansas woman entered a no-contest plea to charges of second-degree reckless murder and battery on a law enforcement officer in connection with the death of a McPherson man in 2020, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt. Tina Nicole Brown, 35, entered the plea Wednesday in McPherson County District Court.&nbsp; The charges stemmed from an investigation into the death of Kelly G. Peterson in February 2020 when police received a 911 call from someone who reported finding a man dead inside a mobile home in the 100 block of South Kelly drive, in McPherson. First responders found Peterson and&nbsp; EMS pronounced him dead at the scene.&nbsp; Judge John B. Klenda accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for November 1 at 10 a.m.

Kan. woman enters plea in death of victim found in mobile home

KHIMKI, Russia (AP) — U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner was convicted Thursday in Russia of drug possession and sentenced to nine years in prison following a politically charged trial that came amid soaring tensions between Moscow and Washington over Ukraine and could lead to a high-stakes prisoner exchange between the two world powers.

The 31-year-old Griner, a two-time U.S. Olympic champion and a eight-time all-star with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury listened with a blank expression as an interpreter translated the verdict by Judge Anna Sotnikova. The judge also fined 1 million rubles (about $16,700) fine.

U.S. President Joe Biden denounced the verdict and sentence as “unacceptable.”

“I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates,” Biden said, adding that he would continue to work to bring home Griner and Paul Whelan, an American imprisoned in Russia on an espionage conviction.

Earlier in the session, with a conviction all but certain, an emotional Griner made a final appeal to the court for leniency. She said she had no intention to break the law by bringing vape cartridges with cannabis oil when she flew to Moscow in February to play basketball in the city of Yekaterinburg.

“I want to apologize to my teammates, my club, my fans and the city of (Yekaterinburg) for my mistake that I made and the embarrassment that I brought on them,” Griner said, her voice cracking. “I want to also apologize to my parents, my siblings, the Phoenix Mercury organization back at home, the amazing women of the WNBA, and my amazing spouse back at home.”

Under Russian law, the 31-year-old Griner faces up to 10 years in prison, but judges have considerable latitude on sentencing.

If she does not go free, attention will turn to the possibility of a high-stakes prisoner swap that was proposed last week by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to his Russian counterpart.

Griner said she made “an honest mistake” in bringing the vape cartridges into Russia, adding: “I hope in your ruling it does not end my life.”

Griner said Yekaterinburg, a city east of the Ural Mountains, had become her “second home.”

“I had no idea that the team, the cities, the fans, my teammates would make such a great impression on me over the 6 1/2 years that I spent here,” she said. “I remember vividly coming out of the gym and all the little girls that were in the stands there waiting on me, and that’s what kept making me come back here.”

Prosecutor Nikolai Vlasenko insisted that Griner packed the cannabis oil deliberately, and he asked the court to hand Briner a fine of 1 million rubles (about $16,700) in addition to the prison sentence.

Lawyers for the Phoenix Mercury center and two-time Olympic gold medalist have sought to bolster Griner's contention that she had no criminal intent and that the canisters ended up in her luggage by mistake. They presented&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-russian-trial-1db9fad8b028b0158e46625b1a4af1bd">character witnesses</a>&nbsp;from the Yekaterinburg team that she plays for in the WNBA offseason and written testimony from a doctor who said he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-russia-trial-medical-cannabis-371fa5bc6b77c97a445414193cd637c6">prescribed her cannabis</a>&nbsp;for pain treatment from injuries sustained in her basketball career.

Her lawyer, Maria Blagovolina, argued that Griner used the cannabis only in Arizona, where medical marijuana is legal.

She emphasized that Griner was packing in haste after a grueling flight and suffering from the consequences of COVID-19. Blagovolina also pointed out that the analysis of cannabis found in Griner's possession was flawed and violated legal procedures.

Blagovolina asked the court to acquit Griner, noting that she had no past criminal record and hailing her role in "the development of Russian basketball."

Another defense attorney, Alexander Boykov, emphasized Griner's role in taking her Yekaterinburg team to win multiple championships, noting that she was loved and admired by her teammates. He told the judge that a conviction would undermine Russia's efforts to develop national sports and make Moscow's call to depoliticize sports sound shallow.

Boykov added that even after her arrest, Griner won the sympathy of both her guards and prison inmates, who supported her by shouting, “Brittney, everything will be OK!” when she went on walks at the jail.

Before her trial began in July, the State Department designated her as “wrongfully detained,” moving her case under the supervision of its special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, effectively the government’s chief hostage negotiator.

Then last week,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-moscow-antony-blinken-sergey-lavrov-paul-whelan-54d694915c7c6c7222d2bb8893f93b04">in an extraordinary move</a>, Blinken spoke to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, urging him to accept a deal under which Griner and Whelan would go free.

The Lavrov-Blinken call marked the highest-level known contact between Washington and Moscow since Russia sent troops into Ukraine more than five months ago. The direct outreach over Griner is at odds with U.S. efforts to isolate the Kremlin.

People familiar with the proposal say it envisions trading Griner and Whelan for the notorious arms trader Viktor Bout, who is serving a prison sentence in the United States. It underlines the public pressure that the White House has faced to get Griner released.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday that Russia has made a “bad faith” response to the U.S. government’s offer, a counteroffer that American officials don’t regard as serious. She declined to elaborate.

Russian officials have scoffed at U.S. statements about the case, saying they show a disrespect for Russian law. They remained poker-faced, urging Washington to discuss the issue through “quiet diplomacy without releases of speculative information.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646510097872.png" alt="Griner, 31, is one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor-photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury" />
 <figcaption>Griner, 31, is one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor-photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury</figcaption>
 </figure>KHIMKI, Russia (AP) — U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner was convicted Thursday in Russia of drug possession and sentenced to nine years in prison following a politically charged trial that came amid soaring tensions between Moscow and Washington over Ukraine and could lead to a high-stakes prisoner exchange between the two world powers.The 31-year-old Griner, a two-time U.S. Olympic champion and a eight-time all-star with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury listened with a blank expression as an interpreter translated the verdict by Judge Anna Sotnikova. The judge also fined 1 million rubles (about $16,700) fine.U.S. President Joe Biden denounced the verdict and sentence as “unacceptable.”“I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates,” Biden said, adding that he would continue to work to bring home Griner and Paul Whelan, an American imprisoned in Russia on an espionage conviction.Earlier in the session, with a conviction all but certain, an emotional Griner made a final appeal to the court for leniency. She said she had no intention to break the law by bringing vape cartridges with cannabis oil when she flew to Moscow in February to play basketball in the city of Yekaterinburg.“I want to apologize to my teammates, my club, my fans and the city of (Yekaterinburg) for my mistake that I made and the embarrassment that I brought on them,” Griner said, her voice cracking. “I want to also apologize to my parents, my siblings, the Phoenix Mercury organization back at home, the amazing women of the WNBA, and my amazing spouse back at home.”Under Russian law, the 31-year-old Griner faces up to 10 years in prison, but judges have considerable latitude on sentencing.If she does not go free, attention will turn to the possibility of a high-stakes prisoner swap that was proposed last week by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to his Russian counterpart.Griner said she made “an honest mistake” in bringing the vape cartridges into Russia, adding: “I hope in your ruling it does not end my life.”Griner said Yekaterinburg, a city east of the Ural Mountains, had become her “second home.”“I had no idea that the team, the cities, the fans, my teammates would make such a great impression on me over the 6 1/2 years that I spent here,” she said. “I remember vividly coming out of the gym and all the little girls that were in the stands there waiting on me, and that’s what kept making me come back here.”Prosecutor Nikolai Vlasenko insisted that Griner packed the cannabis oil deliberately, and he asked the court to hand Briner a fine of 1 million rubles (about $16,700) in addition to the prison sentence.Lawyers for the Phoenix Mercury center and two-time Olympic gold medalist have sought to bolster Griner's contention that she had no criminal intent and that the canisters ended up in her luggage by mistake. They presented&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-russian-trial-1db9fad8b028b0158e46625b1a4af1bd">character witnesses</a>&nbsp;from the Yekaterinburg team that she plays for in the WNBA offseason and written testimony from a doctor who said he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-russia-trial-medical-cannabis-371fa5bc6b77c97a445414193cd637c6">prescribed her cannabis</a>&nbsp;for pain treatment from injuries sustained in her basketball career.Her lawyer, Maria Blagovolina, argued that Griner used the cannabis only in Arizona, where medical marijuana is legal.She emphasized that Griner was packing in haste after a grueling flight and suffering from the consequences of COVID-19. Blagovolina also pointed out that the analysis of cannabis found in Griner's possession was flawed and violated legal procedures.Blagovolina asked the court to acquit Griner, noting that she had no past criminal record and hailing her role in "the development of Russian basketball."Another defense attorney, Alexander Boykov, emphasized Griner's role in taking her Yekaterinburg team to win multiple championships, noting that she was loved and admired by her teammates. He told the judge that a conviction would undermine Russia's efforts to develop national sports and make Moscow's call to depoliticize sports sound shallow.Boykov added that even after her arrest, Griner won the sympathy of both her guards and prison inmates, who supported her by shouting, “Brittney, everything will be OK!” when she went on walks at the jail.Before her trial began in July, the State Department designated her as “wrongfully detained,” moving her case under the supervision of its special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, effectively the government’s chief hostage negotiator.Then last week,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-moscow-antony-blinken-sergey-lavrov-paul-whelan-54d694915c7c6c7222d2bb8893f93b04">in an extraordinary move</a>, Blinken spoke to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, urging him to accept a deal under which Griner and Whelan would go free.The Lavrov-Blinken call marked the highest-level known contact between Washington and Moscow since Russia sent troops into Ukraine more than five months ago. The direct outreach over Griner is at odds with U.S. efforts to isolate the Kremlin.People familiar with the proposal say it envisions trading Griner and Whelan for the notorious arms trader Viktor Bout, who is serving a prison sentence in the United States. It underlines the public pressure that the White House has faced to get Griner released.White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday that Russia has made a “bad faith” response to the U.S. government’s offer, a counteroffer that American officials don’t regard as serious. She declined to elaborate.Russian officials have scoffed at U.S. statements about the case, saying they show a disrespect for Russian law. They remained poker-faced, urging Washington to discuss the issue through “quiet diplomacy without releases of speculative information.”

Russian judge: Former Big 12 star guilty, 9 years in prison

PRATT —An anonymous donor has made a commitment to pay for a new city pool in Pratt just hours after voters approved a sales tax to fund a new pool.

In a statement on the city's web site, the community shared about an act of kindness "that is stunning."

"The Pratt Pool Project began in 2007 when the City was made aware of our failing pool situation. The City was informed then that the pool needed to be replaced in the next few years."

The issue was deferred through the years because of the perceived cost of a new pool and the burden it would put on the citizens. &nbsp;In 2019 the commission was made aware that deferring any longer would be a tremendous cost to the City, as well as a liability. A project began in earnest and a public input survey was conducted and a pool committee was appointed."

"In early 2022, a team of advisers including structural engineers, bond and finance counselors, and City department heads stated in solidarity that now is the critical time to replace the City Pool in accordance with the public input. After much research, discussion, and due diligence, the City Commission committed to proceed; consensus was reached that not making such a decision was a dereliction of duty. "

"It is with hearts full of gratitude that we now announce that a generous and selfless family has committed to paying for the City of Pratt Pool Project in full. Their strong desire to unburden their fellow citizens has led them to make this commitment of an estimated $6 million over four years."

"An agreement between this generous family and the City ensures that no tax dollars will be spent to bring the project to fruition. Please join us and your fellow citizens in a spirit of thanksgiving and celebrate this kind act; may it be remembered in Pratt lore forever."

The primary reason the donor made this incredible decision was so that no new taxes (sales or property) would be used for the Pratt Pool Project. The donation agreement in place ensures this."

"The agreement also ensures that even though the Pratt electorate voted Tuesday to authorize a sales tax to service debt for the Pratt Pool Project only, it will not be utilized. Doing so would be a direct violation of the donor's wishes and the agreement. The City of Pratt is committed to honoring the agreement and donor's wishes, which also includes remaining anonymous until the family wishes to make their identity known."&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659623990822.png" alt="Photo courtesy City of Pratt" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy City of Pratt</figcaption>
 </figure>PRATT —An anonymous donor has made a commitment to pay for a new city pool in Pratt just hours after voters approved a sales tax to fund a new pool.In a statement on the city's web site, the community shared about an act of kindness "that is stunning.""The Pratt Pool Project began in 2007 when the City was made aware of our failing pool situation. The City was informed then that the pool needed to be replaced in the next few years."The issue was deferred through the years because of the perceived cost of a new pool and the burden it would put on the citizens. &nbsp;In 2019 the commission was made aware that deferring any longer would be a tremendous cost to the City, as well as a liability. A project began in earnest and a public input survey was conducted and a pool committee was appointed.""In early 2022, a team of advisers including structural engineers, bond and finance counselors, and City department heads stated in solidarity that now is the critical time to replace the City Pool in accordance with the public input. After much research, discussion, and due diligence, the City Commission committed to proceed; consensus was reached that not making such a decision was a dereliction of duty. ""It is with hearts full of gratitude that we now announce that a generous and selfless family has committed to paying for the City of Pratt Pool Project in full. Their strong desire to unburden their fellow citizens has led them to make this commitment of an estimated $6 million over four years.""An agreement between this generous family and the City ensures that no tax dollars will be spent to bring the project to fruition. Please join us and your fellow citizens in a spirit of thanksgiving and celebrate this kind act; may it be remembered in Pratt lore forever."The primary reason the donor made this incredible decision was so that no new taxes (sales or property) would be used for the Pratt Pool Project. The donation agreement in place ensures this.""The agreement also ensures that even though the Pratt electorate voted Tuesday to authorize a sales tax to service debt for the Pratt Pool Project only, it will not be utilized. Doing so would be a direct violation of the donor's wishes and the agreement. The City of Pratt is committed to honoring the agreement and donor's wishes, which also includes remaining anonymous until the family wishes to make their identity known."&nbsp; &nbsp;

Anonymous donor will pay for new city pool in Pratt

DOUGLAS COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; a Kansas woman with cause to believe she took advantage of co-workers, acquaintances and a neighbor&nbsp;by stealing their personal identifying information and fraudulently charging thousands of dollars to the victims’ accounts over several months, according to police spokesperson&nbsp;Laura McCabe.

Police arrested 25-year-old Billie Jean Peterson of Lawrence on requested charges of felony theft along with 26 counts of criminal use of a financial card, 28 counts of unlawful computer acts, and 56 counts of identity theft – 111 total counts involving 18 evidence-based victims and additional witnesses.

The investigation began in March when a small group of women who worked with Peterson at a local dental office compared notes about fraudulent charges on their bank cards.&nbsp;

After gathering paperwork and facts from their banks, the women called the&nbsp;Lawrence Police Department.&nbsp;Patrol Officers responded to the initial call, took the reports, and forwarded them to the department's Investigations Unit where the lead investigator dug deeper.&nbsp;

A trail led by evidence and dozens of interviews&nbsp;found potential victims dating back as far as&nbsp;June of 2021&nbsp;and enough facts to gain a search warrant.&nbsp;The warrant, executed in April, resulted in additional clues and more potential victims. 

Peterson has held jobs at several dental offices during this time, but the crimes were not limited to co-workers. Managers and employees at each of the clinics have been helpful and cooperative during the investigation.

Investigators have proactively contacted every person whose information they found during their search. 

Those who believe you are a victim of this criminal activity, contact your financial institution to stop any fraudulent activity, and an officer with the LKPD would be happy to speak with you.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659540000423.png" alt="Peterson from an earlier arrest in Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Peterson from an earlier arrest in Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; a Kansas woman with cause to believe she took advantage of co-workers, acquaintances and a neighbor&nbsp;by stealing their personal identifying information and fraudulently charging thousands of dollars to the victims’ accounts over several months, according to police spokesperson&nbsp;Laura McCabe.Police arrested 25-year-old Billie Jean Peterson of Lawrence on requested charges of felony theft along with 26 counts of criminal use of a financial card, 28 counts of unlawful computer acts, and 56 counts of identity theft – 111 total counts involving 18 evidence-based victims and additional witnesses.The investigation began in March when a small group of women who worked with Peterson at a local dental office compared notes about fraudulent charges on their bank cards.&nbsp;After gathering paperwork and facts from their banks, the women called the&nbsp;Lawrence Police Department.&nbsp;Patrol Officers responded to the initial call, took the reports, and forwarded them to the department's Investigations Unit where the lead investigator dug deeper.&nbsp;A trail led by evidence and dozens of interviews&nbsp;found potential victims dating back as far as&nbsp;June of 2021&nbsp;and enough facts to gain a search warrant.&nbsp;The warrant, executed in April, resulted in additional clues and more potential victims. Peterson has held jobs at several dental offices during this time, but the crimes were not limited to co-workers. Managers and employees at each of the clinics have been helpful and cooperative during the investigation.Investigators have proactively contacted every person whose information they found during their search. Those who believe you are a victim of this criminal activity, contact your financial institution to stop any fraudulent activity, and an officer with the LKPD would be happy to speak with you.

Kan. investigation leads to arrest of habitual ID theft, fraud suspect

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The climate deal reached last week by Senate Democrats could reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that American farmers produce by expanding programs that help accumulate carbon in soil, fund climate-focused research and lower the abundant methane emissions that come from cows.

The bill includes more than $20 billion to improve the agriculture sector’s impact on the environment, mostly by expanding existing U.S. Department of Agriculture programs that help farmers change to better practices. Farmers would be paid to improve the health of their soil, withstand extreme weather and protect their land if the bill is enacted.

The roughly $370 billion climate and energy spending deal would bring the country closer to cutting greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030, according to new analyses. That is something many scientists say is important, and that President Joe Biden promised. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W. Va., a long-time holdout on climate legislation, endorsed measures that would benefit electric vehicles, renewable energy and climate-friendly farming. Agriculture is responsible for 11% of the country's climate-warming emissions.

The funding would expand programs favored by both environmental groups and the agricultural sector, said Ben Thomas, who focuses on agriculture at the Environmental Defense Fund.

“They are voluntary, they are incentive-based, they get results in terms of implementing conservation practices on working lands,” said Thomas. “It’s great to see.”

Thomas said historically, the agricultural sector has not aggressively tackled its contribution to climate change, but that hesitation has shifted in recent years and more money will accelerate progress. There's a lot of potential, he said.

“It is worth taking very, very seriously,” Thomas said.

Cows belch an enormous amount of methane and agriculture is responsible for more than one-third of human-caused methane emissions, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This is a way that people's diets — if they are high in meat or dairy — contribute to greenhouse gas buildup. The bill directs funds towards altering what cows eat to reduce those emissions.

On farms, soil can hold or sequester carbon if it is left undisturbed and covered by a crop. Money from the bill will expand programs that help farmers turn their soil less, implement climate-friendly crop rotation practices and plant cover crops that aren’t for harvest but improve soil health.

“The historic funding validates the fact that these practices are important,” said Ranjani Prabhakar, an agriculture and climate policy specialist at the environmental group Earthjustice

Cover crops, for example, are only used by a fraction of farmers. If their use were to triple — from around 5% of cropland to 15% — it could remove the equivalent of 14 megatons of carbon dioxide per year, roughly the total annual emissions of New Hampshire, according to Kevin Karl, a food and climate researcher at Columbia University.

“The adoption rate is so low,” Karl said. “There’s a lot of potential improvement.”

Federal officials already offer farmers help with a variety of environmentally-focused issues including irrigation and fertilizer use. One program helps fund conservation easements for agricultural land.

Dan Sheafer works on nitrogen research with the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association and operates a 20-acre farm. He plants cover crops and keeps soil disturbance to a minimum — practices that benefit soil health and reduce soil erosion. But he said cover crops also have drawbacks, requiring farmers who want an environmental benefit to change their practices.

“There's just more time involved with doing cover crops,” he said.

The bill also includes money for research. While it is clear that managing soil properly can capture carbon, more needs to be known about important questions like how long sequestered carbon stays in soil.

Kaiyu Guan, a professor focused on climate and agriculture at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, said some people believe farmers don’t pay enough attention to climate change.

“I think farmers shouldn’t be blamed, they actually should be incentivized,” Guan said. “Not only are they doing this to be part of the solution to help the climate, they are doing this to help their land."

The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of AP’s environmental coverage, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment">https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649193940022.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — The climate deal reached last week by Senate Democrats could reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that American farmers produce by expanding programs that help accumulate carbon in soil, fund climate-focused research and lower the abundant methane emissions that come from cows.The bill includes more than $20 billion to improve the agriculture sector’s impact on the environment, mostly by expanding existing U.S. Department of Agriculture programs that help farmers change to better practices. Farmers would be paid to improve the health of their soil, withstand extreme weather and protect their land if the bill is enacted.The roughly $370 billion climate and energy spending deal would bring the country closer to cutting greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030, according to new analyses. That is something many scientists say is important, and that President Joe Biden promised. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W. Va., a long-time holdout on climate legislation, endorsed measures that would benefit electric vehicles, renewable energy and climate-friendly farming. Agriculture is responsible for 11% of the country's climate-warming emissions.The funding would expand programs favored by both environmental groups and the agricultural sector, said Ben Thomas, who focuses on agriculture at the Environmental Defense Fund.“They are voluntary, they are incentive-based, they get results in terms of implementing conservation practices on working lands,” said Thomas. “It’s great to see.”Thomas said historically, the agricultural sector has not aggressively tackled its contribution to climate change, but that hesitation has shifted in recent years and more money will accelerate progress. There's a lot of potential, he said.“It is worth taking very, very seriously,” Thomas said.Cows belch an enormous amount of methane and agriculture is responsible for more than one-third of human-caused methane emissions, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This is a way that people's diets — if they are high in meat or dairy — contribute to greenhouse gas buildup. The bill directs funds towards altering what cows eat to reduce those emissions.On farms, soil can hold or sequester carbon if it is left undisturbed and covered by a crop. Money from the bill will expand programs that help farmers turn their soil less, implement climate-friendly crop rotation practices and plant cover crops that aren’t for harvest but improve soil health.“The historic funding validates the fact that these practices are important,” said Ranjani Prabhakar, an agriculture and climate policy specialist at the environmental group EarthjusticeCover crops, for example, are only used by a fraction of farmers. If their use were to triple — from around 5% of cropland to 15% — it could remove the equivalent of 14 megatons of carbon dioxide per year, roughly the total annual emissions of New Hampshire, according to Kevin Karl, a food and climate researcher at Columbia University.“The adoption rate is so low,” Karl said. “There’s a lot of potential improvement.”Federal officials already offer farmers help with a variety of environmentally-focused issues including irrigation and fertilizer use. One program helps fund conservation easements for agricultural land.Dan Sheafer works on nitrogen research with the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association and operates a 20-acre farm. He plants cover crops and keeps soil disturbance to a minimum — practices that benefit soil health and reduce soil erosion. But he said cover crops also have drawbacks, requiring farmers who want an environmental benefit to change their practices.“There's just more time involved with doing cover crops,” he said.The bill also includes money for research. While it is clear that managing soil properly can capture carbon, more needs to be known about important questions like how long sequestered carbon stays in soil.Kaiyu Guan, a professor focused on climate and agriculture at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, said some people believe farmers don’t pay enough attention to climate change.“I think farmers shouldn’t be blamed, they actually should be incentivized,” Guan said. “Not only are they doing this to be part of the solution to help the climate, they are doing this to help their land."The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of AP’s environmental coverage, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment">https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment</a>

How the climate deal would help farmers aid the environment

WYANDOTTE COUNTY – On Wednesday, August 3, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) executed a search warrant at the Wyandotte Unified Government. The search warrant relates to an ongoing investigation into allegations made against certain personnel of the Unified Government.

The Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office received information, reviewed it, and determined an investigation was warranted. Subsequently, the KBI initiated this case on June 23. The County Administrator’s Office and the Mayor’s Office are cooperating fully with the investigation.

Currently, no arrest(s) have been made. The investigation remains ongoing.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY – On Wednesday, August 3, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) executed a search warrant at the Wyandotte Unified Government. The search warrant relates to an ongoing investigation into allegations made against certain personnel of the Unified Government.The Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office received information, reviewed it, and determined an investigation was warranted. Subsequently, the KBI initiated this case on June 23. The County Administrator’s Office and the Mayor’s Office are cooperating fully with the investigation.Currently, no arrest(s) have been made. The investigation remains ongoing.

KBI: Search warrant at Wyandotte Unified Gov. following ‘allegations’

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;Joe Biden&nbsp;on Wednesday signed an <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/08/03/fact-sheet-president-biden-issues-executive-order-at-the-first-meeting-of-the-task-force-on-reproductive-healthcare-access-2/">executive order </a>aimed in part at making it easier for women seeking&nbsp;abortions&nbsp;to travel between states to obtain access to the procedure.

(Click below to watch the&nbsp;Task Force on Reproductive Healthcare Access)

More specifically, one of the directives Biden issued&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/08/03/fact-sheet-president-biden-issues-executive-order-at-the-first-meeting-of-the-task-force-on-reproductive-healthcare-access-2/">will allow states</a> that have not outlawed abortion to apply for specific Medicaid waivers that would, in effect, help them treat women who have traveled from out of state.

The order also calls on health care providers to comply with federal nondiscrimination laws and streamline the collection of key data and information on maternal health at the National Institutes of Health and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention">the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>. The details were described by senior administration officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the executive order ahead of a formal announcement.

Biden, who continues to isolate in the White House residence after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-government-and-politics-6ffc64aa1d8d67b074dd8beb67d7cf6f">a rebound case of COVID-19</a>, signed the executive order as he helped launch a federal task force on access to reproductive care, led by Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>, the officials said.

The new order nonetheless falls short of what many Democratic lawmakers and abortion advocacy groups have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-covid-health-government-and-politics-5846193b70557c36d381797b603483e5">demanded of the Biden administration</a>&nbsp;since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">the Supreme Court’s decision overturning the landmark 1973 ruling Roe vs. Wade</a>. One chief ask has been for Biden to declare&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-abortion-health-emergency-access-states-497aca6c30c79dd32a34cb2dfc923b81">a public health emergency</a>&nbsp;on abortion, which White House officials have said would do little to free up federal resources or activate new legal authorities.

Wednesday’s order is the latest in a series of executive actions from the Biden administration since the constitutional right to an abortion was eliminated in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in June.

The executive order comes just one day after abortion rights activists secured a major win in Kansas, where voters on rejected removing the right to abortion&nbsp;from the state constitution.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;Joe Biden&nbsp;on Wednesday signed an <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/08/03/fact-sheet-president-biden-issues-executive-order-at-the-first-meeting-of-the-task-force-on-reproductive-healthcare-access-2/">executive order </a>aimed in part at making it easier for women seeking&nbsp;abortions&nbsp;to travel between states to obtain access to the procedure.(Click below to watch the&nbsp;Task Force on Reproductive Healthcare Access)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1122681391937356%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1633" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>More specifically, one of the directives Biden issued&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/08/03/fact-sheet-president-biden-issues-executive-order-at-the-first-meeting-of-the-task-force-on-reproductive-healthcare-access-2/">will allow states</a> that have not outlawed abortion to apply for specific Medicaid waivers that would, in effect, help them treat women who have traveled from out of state.The order also calls on health care providers to comply with federal nondiscrimination laws and streamline the collection of key data and information on maternal health at the National Institutes of Health and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention">the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>. The details were described by senior administration officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the executive order ahead of a formal announcement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659554746286.png" alt="The Task Force on Reproductive Healthcare Access met Wednesday afternoon-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>The Task Force on Reproductive Healthcare Access met Wednesday afternoon-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Biden, who continues to isolate in the White House residence after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-government-and-politics-6ffc64aa1d8d67b074dd8beb67d7cf6f">a rebound case of COVID-19</a>, signed the executive order as he helped launch a federal task force on access to reproductive care, led by Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>, the officials said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today’s Executive Order builds on the first Executive Order that I signed last month to safeguard access to health care – including abortion care – that was ripped away. I told you I wouldn’t back down. That hasn’t changed. <a href="https://t.co/IOZNjCFy7D">pic.twitter.com/IOZNjCFy7D</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1554894823869612036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The new order nonetheless falls short of what many Democratic lawmakers and abortion advocacy groups have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-covid-health-government-and-politics-5846193b70557c36d381797b603483e5">demanded of the Biden administration</a>&nbsp;since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">the Supreme Court’s decision overturning the landmark 1973 ruling Roe vs. Wade</a>. One chief ask has been for Biden to declare&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-abortion-health-emergency-access-states-497aca6c30c79dd32a34cb2dfc923b81">a public health emergency</a>&nbsp;on abortion, which White House officials have said would do little to free up federal resources or activate new legal authorities.Wednesday’s order is the latest in a series of executive actions from the Biden administration since the constitutional right to an abortion was eliminated in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in June.The executive order comes just one day after abortion rights activists secured a major win in Kansas, where voters on rejected removing the right to abortion&nbsp;from the state constitution.___

🎥 Biden order makes it easier for women to travel for an abortion

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;6,722&nbsp;new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Wednesday July 27 to Wednesday August 3, for a total of&nbsp; 841,542 cases.&nbsp; The state reported 7,519&nbsp; coronavirus cases in Kansas from Wednesday July 20 to Wednesday July&nbsp; 27.

On Wednesday, th<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/June-15-Case-Summary-PDF?bidId=">e state reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;-1 COVID-19 deaths in the past week for a total of 8,970.

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

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

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

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

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

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;6,722&nbsp;new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Wednesday July 27 to Wednesday August 3, for a total of&nbsp; 841,542 cases.&nbsp; The state reported 7,519&nbsp; coronavirus cases in Kansas from Wednesday July 20 to Wednesday July&nbsp; 27.On Wednesday, th<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/June-15-Case-Summary-PDF?bidId=">e state reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;-1 COVID-19 deaths in the past week for a total of 8,970.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659572932260.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

KDHE: Reported COVID case numbers down over the past week

RENO COUNTY — A man who claims to be from Maryland took a unique way to establish a permanent address with his arrest early Wednesday morning.

Deputies arrested 43-year-old Robert Laney, who told authorities he is homeless, at the W. 30th Avenue Yesway store in Hutchinson on suspicion of arson. 

According to the Reno Co. Sheriff’s Department Laney allegedly set fire to a dumpster at the convenience store. When he was detained by law enforcement he said he needed to be taken to jail so he would have a permanent address to collect his disability check and move on from Hutchinson.

He was taken into custody on a bond of $5000. No serious damage occurred from the fire.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659539433804.png" alt="Laney-photo Reno County" />
 <figcaption>Laney-photo Reno County</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — A man who claims to be from Maryland took a unique way to establish a permanent address with his arrest early Wednesday morning.Deputies arrested 43-year-old Robert Laney, who told authorities he is homeless, at the W. 30th Avenue Yesway store in Hutchinson on suspicion of arson. According to the Reno Co. Sheriff’s Department Laney allegedly set fire to a dumpster at the convenience store. When he was detained by law enforcement he said he needed to be taken to jail so he would have a permanent address to collect his disability check and move on from Hutchinson.He was taken into custody on a bond of $5000. No serious damage occurred from the fire.&nbsp;

Man jailed for alleged arson in Kan. wanted permanent address

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations.

On Tuesday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in the 1800 Block of SW Burnett Road related to an ongoing investigation, according to Police LT Ronnie Connell.

While conducting the search warrant, officers located cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a firearm.

As a result, Torrez Parker, 45 years of age, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Distribution of opiate/opium/narc within 1000 ft. from a school, Distribution of marijuana within 1000 ft. from a school, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent of distribution within 1000 ft. from a school and Criminal use of a weapon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659478205546.png" alt="Parker-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Parker-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations.On Tuesday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in the 1800 Block of SW Burnett Road related to an ongoing investigation, according to Police LT Ronnie Connell.While conducting the search warrant, officers located cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a firearm.As a result, Torrez Parker, 45 years of age, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Distribution of opiate/opium/narc within 1000 ft. from a school, Distribution of marijuana within 1000 ft. from a school, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent of distribution within 1000 ft. from a school and Criminal use of a weapon.

Police: Kansas man was allegedly selling cocaine near school

TOPEKA (AP) —Two Kansas lawmakers who faced legal issues during their time in the Legislature have been soundly defeated in their bids for reelection.

Freshman Rep. Aaron Coleman, of Turner, lost a three-way race to Melissa Oropeza, of Kansas City, Kansas, in Tuesday's Democratic primary. And Republican Rep. Mark Samsel, of Wellsville, who has served in the Legislature since 2019, was defeated by conservative Carrie Barth, of Baldwin City.

Coleman has been ensnared in controversy since running for election in 2020. He agreed in March to undergo mental health counseling and a domestic violence assessment to avoid prosecution on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-cad353ffd3afe3583df3d267ebb535a5">misdemeanor domestic battery charge</a>&nbsp;involving his brother.

Coleman had previously admitted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-election-2020-kansas-d6ea4066903abd8ef70d60bebe6c8a3c">abuse of young women and girls</a>&nbsp;before he was elected, including circulating revenge porn and slapping and choking an ex-girlfriend. Gov. Laura Kelly and other Democrats said Coleman should resign and the House issued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-legislature-kansas-city-kansas-topeka-768126190ab7c98965245d7808a2bf58">a written reprimand</a>. Coleman also faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-topeka-47d594a1472cc0786048c81d073694e9">two traffic charges</a>&nbsp;after he was arrested in November.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635804497310.png" alt="Coleman's booking photo from Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Coleman's booking photo from Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA (AP) —Two Kansas lawmakers who faced legal issues during their time in the Legislature have been soundly defeated in their bids for reelection.Freshman Rep. Aaron Coleman, of Turner, lost a three-way race to Melissa Oropeza, of Kansas City, Kansas, in Tuesday's Democratic primary. And Republican Rep. Mark Samsel, of Wellsville, who has served in the Legislature since 2019, was defeated by conservative Carrie Barth, of Baldwin City.Coleman has been ensnared in controversy since running for election in 2020. He agreed in March to undergo mental health counseling and a domestic violence assessment to avoid prosecution on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-cad353ffd3afe3583df3d267ebb535a5">misdemeanor domestic battery charge</a>&nbsp;involving his brother.Coleman had previously admitted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-election-2020-kansas-d6ea4066903abd8ef70d60bebe6c8a3c">abuse of young women and girls</a>&nbsp;before he was elected, including circulating revenge porn and slapping and choking an ex-girlfriend. Gov. Laura Kelly and other Democrats said Coleman should resign and the House issued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-legislature-kansas-city-kansas-topeka-768126190ab7c98965245d7808a2bf58">a written reprimand</a>. Coleman also faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-topeka-47d594a1472cc0786048c81d073694e9">two traffic charges</a>&nbsp;after he was arrested in November.Coleman received only 321 votes, or 13.1%, while Oropeza won with 1,203 votes, 49.2%, and Faith Rivera received 923 votes, or 37.7% of the vote.In a statement posted on Twitter, Coleman congratulated Oropeza and thanked his supporters. “I hope this decision is the best for everyone,” he wrote. Coleman did not respond to messages Wednesday seeking further comment.Samsel, an attorney, was placed on a year of probation after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-media-social-media-kansas-topeka-3c076c31d41d2849b151d27c41775251">he pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;in September to three misdemeanor charges of battery after he was accused of angry interactions with two students, ages 15 or 16, while he was working as a substitute teacher at the high school in his hometown of Wellsville.Barth received 2,769 votes, or 63.4%, to Samsel's 1,599, or 36.6%. Samsel did not return a message Wednesday seeking comment.Videos shot by students on April 28 and provided by a parent showed Samsel talking about suicide, God and sex in a noisy classroom. He was accused of kicking a boy in the testicles. Samsel said he only “demonstrated a kick” for one boy who had disrupted class but did not kick him, according to a deputy's affidavit.Samsel said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-stress-4aa77a2a880b0a3b9837e80dd3f3b7d9">in a Facebook post</a>&nbsp;that he was under extreme stress at the time, which caused him to have “an isolated episode of mania with psychotic features” in a classroom. He said he was undergoing mental health treatment and surrendered his state substitute teacher’s license.