JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities and school district officials are investigating a school threat that prompted several Kansas City-area schools to close.

According to a message from the Blue Springs School District, "Safety is our top priority, and we are committed to telling you what we can when we can. The Blue Springs Police Department alerted the FBI of a possible threat related to an unspecific mass shooting."

"The FBI has confirmed that the individual in question whose whereabouts are unknown is dangerous.  As a result, and out of an abundance of caution we will be canceling summer school/Prime Time/all school activities Wednesday, June 15. "

"We believe the best course of action is to close our summer school sites and all school programming until further notice.

We know this will be a burden to many of our families and we ask for your understanding and flexibility as we continue to keep our students, staff, and schools safe."

According to their social media pages, Lees Summit, Grain Valley, Fort Osage and several other districts also closed schools Wednesday.

Officials in Blue Springs are expected to update the school schedule for Thursday before 7 p.m. Wednesday.

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities and school district officials are investigating a school threat that prompted several Kansas City-area schools to close.According to a message from the Blue Springs School District, "Safety is our top priority, and we are committed to telling you what we can when we can. The Blue Springs Police Department alerted the FBI of a possible threat related to an unspecific mass shooting."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">All summer school, Valley Kids, and other student programs are canceled today. BSSD canceled all school activities for today after receiving information about a possible threat of a shooting. We are closing as a precaution.&mdash; Grain Valley Schools (@GV_Schools) <a href="https://twitter.com/GV_Schools/status/1537031304704692224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"The FBI has confirmed that the individual in question whose whereabouts are unknown is dangerous. As a result, and out of an abundance of caution we will be canceling summer school/Prime Time/all school activities Wednesday, June 15. ""We believe the best course of action is to close our summer school sites and all school programming until further notice.We know this will be a burden to many of our families and we ask for your understanding and flexibility as we continue to keep our students, staff, and schools safe."According to their social media pages, Lees Summit, Grain Valley, Fort Osage and several other districts also closed schools Wednesday.Officials in Blue Springs are expected to update the school schedule for Thursday before 7 p.m. Wednesday.

FBI investigating mass shooting threat at KC-area schools 

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the fatal shooting of a teen at a home in Wichita on Monday have made an arrest.

 Jalen Reed, 14,&nbsp; of Wichita died at a Wichita hospital on Monday afternoon, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Just before 1 p.m. on Monday, officers responded to a shooting call at the intersection of East Harry Street and South Doreen Street. Upon arrival, officers located Reed inside a vehicle with single gunshot wound to his upper body.&nbsp;

The investigation revealed Reed was inside a residence in the 1900 block of South Shiloh with a 16-year-old suspect. The 16-year-old suspect was recklessly pointing a firearm at Reed, when a single shot was fired striking him in the upper body.

The 16 year-old suspect and another juvenile attempted to take Reed to a local hospital but the vehicle had a mechanical failure at the intersection of Harry Street and Doreen Street. They called 911, EMS arrived and transported Reed to an area hospital.&nbsp;

Police arrested the 16-year-old boy on one count of second-degree murder and criminal possession of a firearm by juvenile, according to Officer Rebolledo.&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured a 14-year-old boy.

Just before 1p.m., police responded to reports of a shooting at Harry and Doreen west of Rock Road in Wichita, according to Officer Paul Cruz.

First responders at the scene found the boy with a gunshot wound. EMS transported him to an area hospital in critical condition.&nbsp;

Investigators learned someone shot the boy at a home in the 1900 block of South Shiloh, according to Cruz. A private vehicle transported the boy&nbsp; to the area where someone notified police and EMS.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655164570135.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the fatal shooting of a teen at a home in Wichita on Monday have made an arrest. Jalen Reed, 14,&nbsp; of Wichita died at a Wichita hospital on Monday afternoon, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.Just before 1 p.m. on Monday, officers responded to a shooting call at the intersection of East Harry Street and South Doreen Street. Upon arrival, officers located Reed inside a vehicle with single gunshot wound to his upper body.&nbsp;The investigation revealed Reed was inside a residence in the 1900 block of South Shiloh with a 16-year-old suspect. The 16-year-old suspect was recklessly pointing a firearm at Reed, when a single shot was fired striking him in the upper body.The 16 year-old suspect and another juvenile attempted to take Reed to a local hospital but the vehicle had a mechanical failure at the intersection of Harry Street and Doreen Street. They called 911, EMS arrived and transported Reed to an area hospital.&nbsp;Police arrested the 16-year-old boy on one count of second-degree murder and criminal possession of a firearm by juvenile, according to Officer Rebolledo.&nbsp;-----------SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured a 14-year-old boy.Just before 1p.m., police responded to reports of a shooting at Harry and Doreen west of Rock Road in Wichita, according to Officer Paul Cruz.First responders at the scene found the boy with a gunshot wound. EMS transported him to an area hospital in critical condition.&nbsp;Investigators learned someone shot the boy at a home in the 1900 block of South Shiloh, according to Cruz. A private vehicle transported the boy&nbsp; to the area where someone notified police and EMS.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Teen's attempt to rush Kan. shooting victim to hospital failed

KANSAS CITY —A&nbsp; juvenile charged in February 2022 fatal shooting in Independence of another youth after an alleged gun exchange was set up among them, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Marquis A Henderson, 18, faces Murder 2nd Degree, Robbery 1st Degree and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.

According to court records, on February, Independence Police were dispatched to the 3300 block of S. Sterling Avenue in Independence on report of a shooting. 

Officers found a 17-year-old juvenile boy in the breezeway of the apartments. A witness told police the victim was meeting someone to trade a rife for handguns. 

But shortly after the victim handed the rifle to Henderson, he pulled a handgun from his waistband and began shooting. 

Two other boys were with the defendant. A check of social media showed Henderson involved in setting up the gun trade on the dates of the shooting.

The defendant was certified on June 8, 2022 by Family Court to stand trial as an adult. He is being held on a $250,000 secured bond, according to the district attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654879359892.png" alt="Henderson-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Henderson-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A&nbsp; juvenile charged in February 2022 fatal shooting in Independence of another youth after an alleged gun exchange was set up among them, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Marquis A Henderson, 18, faces Murder 2nd Degree, Robbery 1st Degree and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.According to court records, on February, Independence Police were dispatched to the 3300 block of S. Sterling Avenue in Independence on report of a shooting. Officers found a 17-year-old juvenile boy in the breezeway of the apartments. A witness told police the victim was meeting someone to trade a rife for handguns. But shortly after the victim handed the rifle to Henderson, he pulled a handgun from his waistband and began shooting. Two other boys were with the defendant. A check of social media showed Henderson involved in setting up the gun trade on the dates of the shooting.The defendant was certified on June 8, 2022 by Family Court to stand trial as an adult. He is being held on a $250,000 secured bond, according to the district attorney.

KC teen in gun trade killing will stand trial as an adult

FINNEY COUNTY —Fire crews responded to report of a large wheat field on fire&nbsp; just before 2:30p.m. Monday afternoon in northern Finney County.

Upon arrival, crews found a large grass fire in a grass pasture rapidly growing and spreading towards the houses on Quarterhorse Road, according to a media release.

The fire was in a CRP grass field approximately 300 acres in size with another grass field approximately 300 acres in size to the north. Crews also observed approximately 1500 acres of uncut wheat to the east, a circle of uncut wheat and 2 more houses to the northeast, and more uncut wheat directly north. 

Finney County Sheriffs advised they would be evacuating 5 houses in possible danger. 

Authorities contacts Holcomb County Fire Department, Garfield Township, and Scott County Fire Department. The request for assistance supplied an additional 11 brush trucks, Tenders from the county arrived, and approximately 10 tractors with discs arrived on scene to help contain and control the spread of the fire.

 Due to the large size, dry fuel, and wind conditions, crews worked with Finney County Emergency Manager to get a local declaration signed and sent to the state. After Governor Laura Kelly issued a State of Disaster Emergency and signed the declaration, two planes from Tri-State Rotor were dispatched and used to help control this fire. Kansas Forest Service also dispatched at that time.

The two aircraft dropped a total of 3times each and would refill water at the Garden City Regional Airport with assistance from Garden City Firefighters.

Kansas Forest Service called this fire under control just after 4:30p.m.&nbsp; An estimate of damage and cause of the fire are unknown at this time.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655157834624.png" alt="Scott County Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Scott County Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Fire crews responded to report of a large wheat field on fire&nbsp; just before 2:30p.m. Monday afternoon in northern Finney County.Upon arrival, crews found a large grass fire in a grass pasture rapidly growing and spreading towards the houses on Quarterhorse Road, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655203263538.png" alt="Photo Garden City Fire" />
 <figcaption>Photo Garden City Fire</figcaption>
 </figure>The fire was in a CRP grass field approximately 300 acres in size with another grass field approximately 300 acres in size to the north. Crews also observed approximately 1500 acres of uncut wheat to the east, a circle of uncut wheat and 2 more houses to the northeast, and more uncut wheat directly north. Finney County Sheriffs advised they would be evacuating 5 houses in possible danger. Authorities contacts Holcomb County Fire Department, Garfield Township, and Scott County Fire Department. The request for assistance supplied an additional 11 brush trucks, Tenders from the county arrived, and approximately 10 tractors with discs arrived on scene to help contain and control the spread of the fire. Due to the large size, dry fuel, and wind conditions, crews worked with Finney County Emergency Manager to get a local declaration signed and sent to the state. After Governor Laura Kelly issued a State of Disaster Emergency and signed the declaration, two planes from Tri-State Rotor were dispatched and used to help control this fire. Kansas Forest Service also dispatched at that time.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655202975422.png" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas Forest Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas Forest Service</figcaption>
 </figure>The two aircraft dropped a total of 3times each and would refill water at the Garden City Regional Airport with assistance from Garden City Firefighters.Kansas Forest Service called this fire under control just after 4:30p.m.&nbsp; An estimate of damage and cause of the fire are unknown at this time.&nbsp;

Teamwork helps control large SW Kansas grass fire

MOSCOW (AP) — WNBA star Brittney Griner will remain in Russian custody through at least July 2, Russian state-run news agency Tass reported Tuesday.

The 31-year-old American basketball player has been held in Russia since February when she was detained at a Moscow airport after authorities there claimed she was carrying vape cartridges containing cannabis oil. The U.S. Department of State last month reclassified her as wrongfully detained.

The Khimki district court of the Moscow region extended Griner’s detention for a third time, according to the Tass report, which also cited a top Russian diplomat as saying that Moscow will not consider including Griner in a detainee swap “until a court investigation into her case is completed.”

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, according to Tass, was responding to US media reports that the Biden administration had offered to exchange convicted arms trader Viktor Bout for Griner. Ryabkov gave no timeline for the proceedings in the player’s case.

Griner’s supporters continue to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-sports-basketball-brittney-griner-9dc0d1c8d810ae9cb52da03f176f5f63">advocate for her release</a>, with some raising concerns that Moscow might use her as a bargaining chip amid tensions over the war in Ukraine.

Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and&nbsp;three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor who plays in Russia during the WNBA offseason, was accused of “smuggling significant amounts of a narcotic substance,” an offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison in Russia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646510097872.png" alt="The 31-year-old Griner, 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>The 31-year-old Griner, 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>MOSCOW (AP) — WNBA star Brittney Griner will remain in Russian custody through at least July 2, Russian state-run news agency Tass reported Tuesday.The 31-year-old American basketball player has been held in Russia since February when she was detained at a Moscow airport after authorities there claimed she was carrying vape cartridges containing cannabis oil. The U.S. Department of State last month reclassified her as wrongfully detained.The Khimki district court of the Moscow region extended Griner’s detention for a third time, according to the Tass report, which also cited a top Russian diplomat as saying that Moscow will not consider including Griner in a detainee swap “until a court investigation into her case is completed.”Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, according to Tass, was responding to US media reports that the Biden administration had offered to exchange convicted arms trader Viktor Bout for Griner. Ryabkov gave no timeline for the proceedings in the player’s case.Griner’s supporters continue to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-sports-basketball-brittney-griner-9dc0d1c8d810ae9cb52da03f176f5f63">advocate for her release</a>, with some raising concerns that Moscow might use her as a bargaining chip amid tensions over the war in Ukraine.Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and&nbsp;three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor who plays in Russia during the WNBA offseason, was accused of “smuggling significant amounts of a narcotic substance,” an offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison in Russia.

Former Big-12 star will remain in Russian detention 

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. producer prices surged 10.8% in May from a year earlier, underscoring the ongoing threat to the economy from inflation that shows no sign of slowing.

Tuesday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ppi.pdf" target="_blank">report from the Labor Department</a>&nbsp;showed that the producer price index — which measures inflation before it reaches consumers — rose at slightly slower pace last month than in April, when it jumped 10.9% from a year earlier, and is down from an 11.5% yearly gain in March.

On a monthly basis, producer prices climbed 0.8% in May from April, above the previous month, when they increased 0.4%.

Energy prices, led by gas, rose 5% just in May from April. Another big driver of the price gains last month was a sharp 2.9% increase in the cost of truck freight hauling, a sign that supply chain problems still aren’t fully resolved. Food costs were unchanged.

The figures indicate that rising prices will continue to erode Americans’ paychecks and wreak havoc on household budgets in the coming months. Inflation has created major political headaches for President Joe Biden and congressional Democrats and has forced the Federal Reserve into a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-business-economy-inflation-jerome-powell-3e11a4955e372f297905ce645c321c9a">series of rapid interest rate hikes</a>&nbsp;intended to slow the economy and cool price increases.

On Friday, the government reported that inflation — as measured by the consumer price index — jumped to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/key-inflation-report-highest-level-in-four-decades-c0248c5b5705cd1523d3dab3771983b4">new 40-year high of 8.6% in May,</a>&nbsp;a surprise gain that disappointed expectations that price increases might be slowing. Gas and food costs rose sharply, pushed higher by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but the costs for rent, new and used cars, medical care, and clothing also rose, evidence that inflation is spreading more broadly through the economy.

The Federal Reserve is expected to hike its short-term interest rate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-business-economy-inflation-jerome-powell-3e11a4955e372f297905ce645c321c9a">by three-quarters of a point on Wednesday</a>, the largest increase since 1994, as it ramps up its efforts to rein in higher prices.

The producer price data captures inflation at an earlier stage of production and can sometimes signal where consumer prices are headed. It also feeds into the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation, the personal consumption expenditures price index.

Strong consumer spending has pushed up demand for a range of goods and services, which has in turn overwhelmed supply chains, creating shortages in some cases and pushing up prices. Greater demand for travel this spring and summer has also sent hotel and airfare prices soaring.

How long that consumer demand will last is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-inflation-prices-4e671c834fb40342d544362f2bdf5791">a key question for the economy going forward</a>. Millions of Americans have enjoyed solid pay raises in the past year, including lower-income workers at restaurants, hotels, and warehouses.

Consumers also have greater savings than is typically the case from government stimulus checks and because they weren’t able to spend as much on travel and entertainment in the past two years. Those savings are supporting ongoing spending even amid high prices.

Yet prices are rising at a faster pace than wages, on average, suggesting that eventually consumers may have little choice but to pull back on spending.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626184911218.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. producer prices surged 10.8% in May from a year earlier, underscoring the ongoing threat to the economy from inflation that shows no sign of slowing.Tuesday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ppi.pdf" target="_blank">report from the Labor Department</a>&nbsp;showed that the producer price index — which measures inflation before it reaches consumers — rose at slightly slower pace last month than in April, when it jumped 10.9% from a year earlier, and is down from an 11.5% yearly gain in March.On a monthly basis, producer prices climbed 0.8% in May from April, above the previous month, when they increased 0.4%.Energy prices, led by gas, rose 5% just in May from April. Another big driver of the price gains last month was a sharp 2.9% increase in the cost of truck freight hauling, a sign that supply chain problems still aren’t fully resolved. Food costs were unchanged.The figures indicate that rising prices will continue to erode Americans’ paychecks and wreak havoc on household budgets in the coming months. Inflation has created major political headaches for President Joe Biden and congressional Democrats and has forced the Federal Reserve into a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-business-economy-inflation-jerome-powell-3e11a4955e372f297905ce645c321c9a">series of rapid interest rate hikes</a>&nbsp;intended to slow the economy and cool price increases.On Friday, the government reported that inflation — as measured by the consumer price index — jumped to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/key-inflation-report-highest-level-in-four-decades-c0248c5b5705cd1523d3dab3771983b4">new 40-year high of 8.6% in May,</a>&nbsp;a surprise gain that disappointed expectations that price increases might be slowing. Gas and food costs rose sharply, pushed higher by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but the costs for rent, new and used cars, medical care, and clothing also rose, evidence that inflation is spreading more broadly through the economy.The Federal Reserve is expected to hike its short-term interest rate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-business-economy-inflation-jerome-powell-3e11a4955e372f297905ce645c321c9a">by three-quarters of a point on Wednesday</a>, the largest increase since 1994, as it ramps up its efforts to rein in higher prices.The producer price data captures inflation at an earlier stage of production and can sometimes signal where consumer prices are headed. It also feeds into the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation, the personal consumption expenditures price index.Strong consumer spending has pushed up demand for a range of goods and services, which has in turn overwhelmed supply chains, creating shortages in some cases and pushing up prices. Greater demand for travel this spring and summer has also sent hotel and airfare prices soaring.How long that consumer demand will last is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-inflation-prices-4e671c834fb40342d544362f2bdf5791">a key question for the economy going forward</a>. Millions of Americans have enjoyed solid pay raises in the past year, including lower-income workers at restaurants, hotels, and warehouses.Consumers also have greater savings than is typically the case from government stimulus checks and because they weren’t able to spend as much on travel and entertainment in the past two years. Those savings are supporting ongoing spending even amid high prices.Yet prices are rising at a faster pace than wages, on average, suggesting that eventually consumers may have little choice but to pull back on spending.

US producer prices soar 10.8%  as energy costs spike

REPUBLIC COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 8a.m. Tuesday in Republic County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Harley Davidson Road King motorcycle driven by Scott&nbsp;McIntosh, 58, Olathe, was eastbound on U.S. 36 two miles east of Bellville.&nbsp;

The motorcycle attempted to pass a 2004 GMC Yukon driven by Bradley Dean Hansen, 43, Concordia, who was slowing down to turn left on Talmo Road. 

The motorcycle struck the SUV. McIntosh was ejected from the motorcycle and struck the guardrail. He was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp; Bachelor-Faulkner-Dart-Surber Funeral Home.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hansen was not injured and not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP. McIntosh was wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

REPUBLIC COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 8a.m. Tuesday in Republic County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Harley Davidson Road King motorcycle driven by Scott&nbsp;McIntosh, 58, Olathe, was eastbound on U.S. 36 two miles east of Bellville.&nbsp;The motorcycle attempted to pass a 2004 GMC Yukon driven by Bradley Dean Hansen, 43, Concordia, who was slowing down to turn left on Talmo Road. The motorcycle struck the SUV. McIntosh was ejected from the motorcycle and struck the guardrail. He was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp; Bachelor-Faulkner-Dart-Surber Funeral Home.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hansen was not injured and not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP. McIntosh was wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after motorcycle rear-ends SUV

By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-06-13/domestic-violence-took-her-health-and-her-job-now-she-teaches-first-responders-how-to-help">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA, Kan. — Paula Walters had 14 medical diagnoses and at
 one point took 22 different medications. She had vision, stomach and 
heart problems. Even walking up stairs or talking came hard.

The 
most common diagnosis was aggressive multiple sclerosis. But Walters, 
who is a paramedic, said that just didn’t seem right. She was 
misdiagnosed and lost her job and her driver's license because of it. It
 took over a decade before she was diagnosed with traumatic brain injury
 from a near-fatal strangulation in a domestic violence incident.

Walters,
 now off medication and back at work, joined Rachel Ramirez to teach 
Kansas first responders how to best deal with survivors of domestic 
violence. The one-day seminar in Emporia focused on trauma-informed 
policing and the effect brain injuries and strangulation have on 
survivors of domestic or sexual violence.

Police could think 
someone is lying or exaggerating details about an incident if they keep 
changing their story. But Walters said that’s normal. When police 
investigate shootings, officers are not interviewed until 48 to 72 hours
 after the incident.

“That’s because memories get jumbled up in a 
traumatic event,” said Walters, founder of the group Standing 
Courageous. “So if we’re doing that for police officers, why are we not 
doing the same for (others)?”

Ramirez, director of health and 
disability programs at the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, said giving 
survivors time after traumatic events can make the details more 
accurate. She said brain and strangulation injuries can cause memory 
loss and people do remember things over time. When football players are 
suspected of having a concussion, doctors will ask the player simple 
questions like “What are you doing? What day of the week is this? What 
game are you playing?”

“Nobody thinks that the NFL players are 
faking it,” Ramirez said. “This is really about better understanding 
science and better understanding scientifically and biologically how our
 brains work.”

The training was also given to prosecutors, 
community-based advocates, forensic interviewers and even forensic 
laboratory personnel. Involving multiple industries helps because 
survivors deal with all types of professionals. Ramirez has heard from 
community advocates that survivors could get into treatment programs, 
but if injuries are undiagnosed it can be harder for them to complete 
because “neurological damage and brain injury … could be playing a role 
in the behaviors and the actions” of a victim. Knowing the proper 
diagnosis would allow service providers to more adequately help that 
person.

She said over 80% of survivors said they were strangled 
and over 80% said they were hit in the head. Some may seem minor, but 
Ramirez hates “to use the word minor when you’re talking about 
assaults.”

When police questioned Walters in the hospital, they 
downplayed the extent of her injuries to only a couple of bruises, she 
said, but injuries from that incident have life-long consequences.

The
 two women said police officers tend to be open to the training. Yet 
they said some still see shifting stories as signs of guilt despite 
research showing aggressive questioning of a survivor could make it 
harder for them to come forward.

Survivors sometimes don’t report 
their crimes because they worry nobody will believe them. If first 
responders and community members continue to doubt someone because their
 story shifts, Walters said, that plays to the abuser’s favor.

“You
 just made everything that person has told me true, that nobody will 
believe me and I’ll never be able to get free from him,” she said. “I 
was never shamed into recovery. I was loved into it.”

Blaise 
Mesa reports on criminal justice and social services for the Kansas News
 Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter @Blaise_Mesa or email 
him at blaise@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655146183292.png" alt="Rachel Ramirez and Paula Walters taught first responders in Emporia about brain injuries. Courtesy Jeanny Sharp / Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence" />
 <figcaption>Rachel Ramirez and Paula Walters taught first responders in Emporia about brain injuries. Courtesy Jeanny Sharp / Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence</figcaption>
 </figure>By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-06-13/domestic-violence-took-her-health-and-her-job-now-she-teaches-first-responders-how-to-help">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA, Kan. — Paula Walters had 14 medical diagnoses and at
 one point took 22 different medications. She had vision, stomach and 
heart problems. Even walking up stairs or talking came hard.The 
most common diagnosis was aggressive multiple sclerosis. But Walters, 
who is a paramedic, said that just didn’t seem right. She was 
misdiagnosed and lost her job and her driver's license because of it. It
 took over a decade before she was diagnosed with traumatic brain injury
 from a near-fatal strangulation in a domestic violence incident.Walters,
 now off medication and back at work, joined Rachel Ramirez to teach 
Kansas first responders how to best deal with survivors of domestic 
violence. The one-day seminar in Emporia focused on trauma-informed 
policing and the effect brain injuries and strangulation have on 
survivors of domestic or sexual violence.Police could think 
someone is lying or exaggerating details about an incident if they keep 
changing their story. But Walters said that’s normal. When police 
investigate shootings, officers are not interviewed until 48 to 72 hours
 after the incident.“That’s because memories get jumbled up in a 
traumatic event,” said Walters, founder of the group Standing 
Courageous. “So if we’re doing that for police officers, why are we not 
doing the same for (others)?”Ramirez, director of health and 
disability programs at the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, said giving 
survivors time after traumatic events can make the details more 
accurate. She said brain and strangulation injuries can cause memory 
loss and people do remember things over time. When football players are 
suspected of having a concussion, doctors will ask the player simple 
questions like “What are you doing? What day of the week is this? What 
game are you playing?”“Nobody thinks that the NFL players are 
faking it,” Ramirez said. “This is really about better understanding 
science and better understanding scientifically and biologically how our
 brains work.”The training was also given to prosecutors, 
community-based advocates, forensic interviewers and even forensic 
laboratory personnel. Involving multiple industries helps because 
survivors deal with all types of professionals. Ramirez has heard from 
community advocates that survivors could get into treatment programs, 
but if injuries are undiagnosed it can be harder for them to complete 
because “neurological damage and brain injury … could be playing a role 
in the behaviors and the actions” of a victim. Knowing the proper 
diagnosis would allow service providers to more adequately help that 
person.She said over 80% of survivors said they were strangled 
and over 80% said they were hit in the head. Some may seem minor, but 
Ramirez hates “to use the word minor when you’re talking about 
assaults.”When police questioned Walters in the hospital, they 
downplayed the extent of her injuries to only a couple of bruises, she 
said, but injuries from that incident have life-long consequences.The
 two women said police officers tend to be open to the training. Yet 
they said some still see shifting stories as signs of guilt despite 
research showing aggressive questioning of a survivor could make it 
harder for them to come forward.Survivors sometimes don’t report 
their crimes because they worry nobody will believe them. If first 
responders and community members continue to doubt someone because their
 story shifts, Walters said, that plays to the abuser’s favor.“You
 just made everything that person has told me true, that nobody will 
believe me and I’ll never be able to get free from him,” she said. “I 
was never shamed into recovery. I was loved into it.”Blaise 
Mesa reports on criminal justice and social services for the Kansas News
 Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter @Blaise_Mesa or email 
him at blaise@kcur.org.

Domestic violence victim teaching first responders how to help

Parents anxious to finally vaccinate their youngest children against COVID-19, strap in: A lot is set to happen over the next week.

On Wednesday, both&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moderna-low-dose-vaccine-children-c7702f93e863d74b712791b55e54bdc1">Moderna</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pfizer-covid-vaccine-children-under-5-bb01e939338991f83a84f5c1a2aabafa">Pfizer</a>&nbsp;will have to convince what’s essentially a science court -- advisers to the Food and Drug Administration -- that their shots work well in babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

The FDA weighed in late Friday with its own analysis of Moderna’s vaccine, finding the shots appear safe and effective for children as young as 6 months old. A federal review of Pfizer’s vaccine for the littlest kids is expected by Monday.

Kids under 5 are the only group not yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccination in the U.S. If the FDA’s advisers endorse one or both shots for them -- and the FDA agrees -- there’s still another hurdle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must recommend whether all tots need immunization or just those at high risk from the virus.

Adding to the complexity, each company is offering different dose sizes and number of shots. And the week won’t even start with the littlest kid debate: Moderna first will ask FDA’s advisers to support its vaccine for older children.

Only a handful of countries, including China and Cuba, have offered different types of COVID-19 vaccinations to children younger than 5.

Pfizer has a pediatric track record -- its COVID-19 vaccine is the only type the FDA allows for children of any age. Two doses plus a booster are cleared for everyone 5 and older. Shots for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-260b31d4232472e68540cca834f0f57e">5- to 11-year-olds</a>&nbsp;contain a third of the dose given to teens and adults.

For kids younger than 5, Pfizer and its partner BioNTech lowered the dose even more, to a tenth of the adult dose. The trade-off is a need for three shots, the first two given three weeks apart and the last at least two months later.

Moderna is seeking FDA clearance for two shots, each a quarter of its adult dose, given about four weeks apart for kids younger than 6. (Moderna tested a slightly different age limit than Pfizer.)

The FDA currently allows Moderna’s vaccine to be used only in adults. But some countries allow two full-size doses for teens and half-size shots for kids ages 6 to 11 — which Moderna also hopes to offer in the U.S.

Pfizer disappointed parents back in December when a study found two shots weren’t quite strong enough. So researchers tested a third shot in youngsters age 6 months through 4 years during the winter surge of the omicron variant.

Pfizer’s preliminary data showed after three shots, children developed high levels of virus-fighting antibodies with no safety problems. In addition, the vaccine appeared 80% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19. But that calculation was based on just 10 cases diagnosed among study participants by the end of April, and it could change if more cases have occurred since.

Moderna’s study found tots ages 6 months through 5 years developed high antibody levels after two of its shots. But while there were no severe cases of COVID-19 during the trial, the vaccine was only about 40% to 50% effective at preventing milder infections.

In their review, FDA scientists noted the study was too short to determine how long the vaccine’s effectiveness would last. They also said that it was likely that a booster would be needed, based on the experience with adults.

Moderna recently added a booster dose to the tot study — and disclosed in a presentation for Wednesday’s meeting that it also plans to allow participants a chance to help test an omicron-targeting booster.

If the FDA authorizes one or both shots — a decision expected shortly after its advisory panel’s meeting — all eyes move to the CDC. That agency recommends how to use vaccines. Which tots should get COVID-19 vaccination will be an important debate as the coronavirus doesn’t tend to make children as sick as adults yet nearly 500 deaths in U.S. children under 5 have been reported.

The CDC’s own vaccine advisers are scheduled to meet next Friday and Saturday, and a final decision by the CDC’s director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, should come shortly after they’re done.

If all those steps fall into place, vaccinations could begin in many areas June 21.

Pediatricians, other primary care physicians and children’s hospitals are expected to vaccinate most of the youngest kids. Limited drugstores will offer them for at least some of the under-5 group — parents should check local availability for different ages. The Biden administration says it also is working with a variety of other groups, such as children’s museums, to offer pop-up clinics and reach even more youngsters.

About&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-covid-infections-kids-baefa22555970245f0ff939e7bbc7c80">three-quarters of children</a>&nbsp;of all ages are estimated to have been infected at some point during the pandemic. It’s a question sure to come up as CDC’s advisers make recommendations for the littlest kids, so stay tuned.

For older ages, the CDC has recommended vaccination anyway to lower the chances of reinfection. There’s no firm guidance on how long to wait; the CDC has said people may wait as long as three months.

There are roughly 18 million children younger than 5, and many parents are eager to get their tots vaccinated. But it’s unclear how many ultimately will, given disappointing vaccine uptake by older children.

According to the CDC, just 29% of kids ages 5 to 11 have gotten two doses, and about 60% of 12- to 17-year-olds.

On Tuesday, the FDA’s advisers will consider Moderna shots for older kids, those 6 to 17 -- a decision that might alleviate some parent confusion. The FDA review released Friday also included an analysis of the company’s shots for that age group.

The FDA has held up Moderna’s teen vaccine for months while it investigated a rare side effect, heart inflammation. That’s mostly a risk for teen boys and young men, and also can occur with the Pfizer vaccine. The FDA review said its latest analysis of reports of myocarditis both in the U.S. and in other countries did not find conclusive evidence of a difference in risk between the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

By LAURAN NEERGAARD, Associated PressParents anxious to finally vaccinate their youngest children against COVID-19, strap in: A lot is set to happen over the next week.On Wednesday, both&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moderna-low-dose-vaccine-children-c7702f93e863d74b712791b55e54bdc1">Moderna</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pfizer-covid-vaccine-children-under-5-bb01e939338991f83a84f5c1a2aabafa">Pfizer</a>&nbsp;will have to convince what’s essentially a science court -- advisers to the Food and Drug Administration -- that their shots work well in babies, toddlers and preschoolers.The FDA weighed in late Friday with its own analysis of Moderna’s vaccine, finding the shots appear safe and effective for children as young as 6 months old. A federal review of Pfizer’s vaccine for the littlest kids is expected by Monday.Kids under 5 are the only group not yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccination in the U.S. If the FDA’s advisers endorse one or both shots for them -- and the FDA agrees -- there’s still another hurdle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must recommend whether all tots need immunization or just those at high risk from the virus.Adding to the complexity, each company is offering different dose sizes and number of shots. And the week won’t even start with the littlest kid debate: Moderna first will ask FDA’s advisers to support its vaccine for older children.Only a handful of countries, including China and Cuba, have offered different types of COVID-19 vaccinations to children younger than 5.PFIZER’S PLAN FOR THE LITTLESTPfizer has a pediatric track record -- its COVID-19 vaccine is the only type the FDA allows for children of any age. Two doses plus a booster are cleared for everyone 5 and older. Shots for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-260b31d4232472e68540cca834f0f57e">5- to 11-year-olds</a>&nbsp;contain a third of the dose given to teens and adults.For kids younger than 5, Pfizer and its partner BioNTech lowered the dose even more, to a tenth of the adult dose. The trade-off is a need for three shots, the first two given three weeks apart and the last at least two months later.MODERNA’S PLAN FOR THE LITTLESTModerna is seeking FDA clearance for two shots, each a quarter of its adult dose, given about four weeks apart for kids younger than 6. (Moderna tested a slightly different age limit than Pfizer.)The FDA currently allows Moderna’s vaccine to be used only in adults. But some countries allow two full-size doses for teens and half-size shots for kids ages 6 to 11 — which Moderna also hopes to offer in the U.S.MAKING THEIR CASEPfizer disappointed parents back in December when a study found two shots weren’t quite strong enough. So researchers tested a third shot in youngsters age 6 months through 4 years during the winter surge of the omicron variant.Pfizer’s preliminary data showed after three shots, children developed high levels of virus-fighting antibodies with no safety problems. In addition, the vaccine appeared 80% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19. But that calculation was based on just 10 cases diagnosed among study participants by the end of April, and it could change if more cases have occurred since.Moderna’s study found tots ages 6 months through 5 years developed high antibody levels after two of its shots. But while there were no severe cases of COVID-19 during the trial, the vaccine was only about 40% to 50% effective at preventing milder infections.In their review, FDA scientists noted the study was too short to determine how long the vaccine’s effectiveness would last. They also said that it was likely that a booster would be needed, based on the experience with adults.Moderna recently added a booster dose to the tot study — and disclosed in a presentation for Wednesday’s meeting that it also plans to allow participants a chance to help test an omicron-targeting booster.WHEN COULD SHOTS START?If the FDA authorizes one or both shots — a decision expected shortly after its advisory panel’s meeting — all eyes move to the CDC. That agency recommends how to use vaccines. Which tots should get COVID-19 vaccination will be an important debate as the coronavirus doesn’t tend to make children as sick as adults yet nearly 500 deaths in U.S. children under 5 have been reported.The CDC’s own vaccine advisers are scheduled to meet next Friday and Saturday, and a final decision by the CDC’s director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, should come shortly after they’re done.If all those steps fall into place, vaccinations could begin in many areas June 21.VACCINATION SITESPediatricians, other primary care physicians and children’s hospitals are expected to vaccinate most of the youngest kids. Limited drugstores will offer them for at least some of the under-5 group — parents should check local availability for different ages. The Biden administration says it also is working with a variety of other groups, such as children’s museums, to offer pop-up clinics and reach even more youngsters.WHAT IF MY CHILD RECENTLY HAD COVID-19?About&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-covid-infections-kids-baefa22555970245f0ff939e7bbc7c80">three-quarters of children</a>&nbsp;of all ages are estimated to have been infected at some point during the pandemic. It’s a question sure to come up as CDC’s advisers make recommendations for the littlest kids, so stay tuned.For older ages, the CDC has recommended vaccination anyway to lower the chances of reinfection. There’s no firm guidance on how long to wait; the CDC has said people may wait as long as three months.DEMAND IS UNCLEARThere are roughly 18 million children younger than 5, and many parents are eager to get their tots vaccinated. But it’s unclear how many ultimately will, given disappointing vaccine uptake by older children.According to the CDC, just 29% of kids ages 5 to 11 have gotten two doses, and about 60% of 12- to 17-year-olds.WHAT ABOUT MODERNA AND OLDER KIDS?On Tuesday, the FDA’s advisers will consider Moderna shots for older kids, those 6 to 17 -- a decision that might alleviate some parent confusion. The FDA review released Friday also included an analysis of the company’s shots for that age group.The FDA has held up Moderna’s teen vaccine for months while it investigated a rare side effect, heart inflammation. That’s mostly a risk for teen boys and young men, and also can occur with the Pfizer vaccine. The FDA review said its latest analysis of reports of myocarditis both in the U.S. and in other countries did not find conclusive evidence of a difference in risk between the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.___

Marathon US hearings to decide fate of COVID shots for tots

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities were on the scene of a single vehicle accident in Saline County. Old 40 Highway between Ohio and Simpson was shut down when the vehicle struck a power pole and gas line, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Kansas Gas and the Salina Regional HazMat Team - a part of the Salina Fire Department - are on the scene.

Officials with Kanasas Gas Service encouraged residents within a one mile radius north and east of the area to evacuate their homes until further notice.&nbsp;

Check the post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655216975130.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the accident Tuesday morning-photo courtesy KHP" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the accident Tuesday morning-photo courtesy KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities were on the scene of a single vehicle accident in Saline County. Old 40 Highway between Ohio and Simpson was shut down when the vehicle struck a power pole and gas line, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.Kansas Gas and the Salina Regional HazMat Team - a part of the Salina Fire Department - are on the scene.Officials with Kanasas Gas Service encouraged residents within a one mile radius north and east of the area to evacuate their homes until further notice.&nbsp;Check the post for additional details as they become available.

Some residents evacuated after Saline Co. crash

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a 2-state chase.

On Monday, Richardson County Nebraska deputies engaged in a vehicle pursuit. Speeds reached over 100 mile per hour and continued into Brown County Kansas, according to a media&nbsp; release.

Brown County Deputies, were able to spike the driver's front tire successfully. Once the vehicle finally came to a stop, and the driver identified as 33-year-old Nathan Wagner of Ashland, Nebraska was taken into custody.

Deputies learned the vehicle had been stolen out of Lincoln, Nebraska, on June 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wagner had multiple warrants for his arrest and was booked into the Brown County jail on requested charges of theft, driving while license cancelled/ revoked and reckless driving, according to online jail records.

&nbsp;Wagner will be extradited back to Nebraska, where he will face additional requested charges of Theft by Receiving Stolen Property, Flight to Avoid Arrest, Willful Reckless Driving, Driving Revoked, Driving Left of Center, Fail to use Turn Signal, Defective Vehicle Lighting, Speeding and and Fictitious Plates, according to the sheriff's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655150742513.png" alt="Wagner photo Brown Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Wagner photo Brown Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a 2-state chase.On Monday, Richardson County Nebraska deputies engaged in a vehicle pursuit. Speeds reached over 100 mile per hour and continued into Brown County Kansas, according to a media&nbsp; release.Brown County Deputies, were able to spike the driver's front tire successfully. Once the vehicle finally came to a stop, and the driver identified as 33-year-old Nathan Wagner of Ashland, Nebraska was taken into custody.Deputies learned the vehicle had been stolen out of Lincoln, Nebraska, on June 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wagner had multiple warrants for his arrest and was booked into the Brown County jail on requested charges of theft, driving while license cancelled/ revoked and reckless driving, according to online jail records.&nbsp;Wagner will be extradited back to Nebraska, where he will face additional requested charges of Theft by Receiving Stolen Property, Flight to Avoid Arrest, Willful Reckless Driving, Driving Revoked, Driving Left of Center, Fail to use Turn Signal, Defective Vehicle Lighting, Speeding and and Fictitious Plates, according to the sheriff's office.

Suspect jailed in Kansas after 2-state, 100-mph chase

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt is looking to increase funding for priorities Democrats and Republicans can agree on when it comes to public safety and mental health.

"There are already provisions on the books for the civil commitment of individuals who are adjudicated as being a danger to themselves or others," Schmidt said. "They, of course, can be restrained until the threat abates and while they are restrained, they obviously can't have a firearm. That's been current law in Kansas for a very long time. I think the real key in some of these discussions is, for example, making sure that due process attaches anytime the government tries to infringe a Constitutional right. That's true in speech, that's true in religion, that's true in search and seizure. That's true in the Second Amendment."

Schmidt wants to talk about treating the people, not taking the guns.

"I really think the fruitful focus is on dealing with mental health issues, on dealing with behavioral issues on trying to nip the misbehavior in the bud, before it becomes a threat to anybody."

However, Schmidt does want to make sure those who are prohibited from owning guns serve time for using them, if they commit another crime.

"I proposed legislation this year," Schmidt said. "It got a hearing and a warm reception in the legislature, but didn't actually make it through the process, but we should try again next year. It is aimed very specifically at felons. People who have already committed and been convicted of felonies. Because of that, under current law, they are not allowed to lawfully possess firearms. In many cases, they do anyway. Then they use those firearms they are not even supposed to have, to commit new violent crimes. We want to make sure that the gun crime they have committed gets its own separate punishment."

The bill would tack the gun crime sentence on to the end of whatever the violent crime sentence is. That is part of a <a href="https://schmidtforkansas.com/ag-derek-schmidt-announces-public-safety-plan-to-improve-school-security-and-reduce-armed-violence-in-kansas-communities/">larger safety framework Schmidt publicized June 7.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583409290272.jpeg" alt="Kansas AG Derek Schmidt" />
 <figcaption>Kansas AG Derek Schmidt</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt is looking to increase funding for priorities Democrats and Republicans can agree on when it comes to public safety and mental health."There are already provisions on the books for the civil commitment of individuals who are adjudicated as being a danger to themselves or others," Schmidt said. "They, of course, can be restrained until the threat abates and while they are restrained, they obviously can't have a firearm. That's been current law in Kansas for a very long time. I think the real key in some of these discussions is, for example, making sure that due process attaches anytime the government tries to infringe a Constitutional right. That's true in speech, that's true in religion, that's true in search and seizure. That's true in the Second Amendment."Schmidt wants to talk about treating the people, not taking the guns."I really think the fruitful focus is on dealing with mental health issues, on dealing with behavioral issues on trying to nip the misbehavior in the bud, before it becomes a threat to anybody."However, Schmidt does want to make sure those who are prohibited from owning guns serve time for using them, if they commit another crime."I proposed legislation this year," Schmidt said. "It got a hearing and a warm reception in the legislature, but didn't actually make it through the process, but we should try again next year. It is aimed very specifically at felons. People who have already committed and been convicted of felonies. Because of that, under current law, they are not allowed to lawfully possess firearms. In many cases, they do anyway. Then they use those firearms they are not even supposed to have, to commit new violent crimes. We want to make sure that the gun crime they have committed gets its own separate punishment."The bill would tack the gun crime sentence on to the end of whatever the violent crime sentence is. That is part of a <a href="https://schmidtforkansas.com/ag-derek-schmidt-announces-public-safety-plan-to-improve-school-security-and-reduce-armed-violence-in-kansas-communities/">larger safety framework Schmidt publicized June 7.</a>

Schmidt: Due process and mental health treatment key to limiting threats

WICHITA&nbsp;– Today an alliance of over 200 Kansas Medical and Mental Health&nbsp;Professionals
has publicly issued a statement&nbsp;expressing support for the Value Them
Both&nbsp;constitutional amendment.

At present, the group consists of more than 120 doctors,
including nine OBGYNs, 70 family&nbsp;medicine physicians, and additional
representatives from the fields of neurosurgery, cardiology,&nbsp;anesthesia,
surgery, pediatrics, internal medicine, pathology, emergency medicine, and
other&nbsp;essential specialties. Doctors of Pharmacy, nurses, and licensed
psychotherapists and counselors&nbsp;round out the coalition. The coalition is
expected to grow in coming weeks.

Dr. Kelly Byrd, a Kansas City-based pediatrician raised in
Wichita, spoke on behalf of the&nbsp;coalition.

“We’re here to represent over 200 Medical and Mental
Health Professionals in support of the&nbsp;Value Them Both Amendment,” said
Byrd. “We came together through colleague-to-colleague&nbsp;outreach because
all of us share a dedication for caring for the physical health and
emotional&nbsp;well-being of our patients. Together we’ve written an open
letter to explain why passing the&nbsp;Value Them Both Amendment is vital to
returning our state to a place where the abortion&nbsp;industry is not left
unlimited or unregulated and should not be allowed to police itself.”

Dr. Lisa Gilbert, a Wichita-based family physician providing full-spectrum
primary care,&nbsp;including women’s health and obstetrics, said coalition
members, “had become aware that an&nbsp;unprecedented Kansas Supreme Court
decision in 2019 removed the legal foundation for decades&nbsp;of
bipartisan-passed, common-sense laws regulating abortion practices.”

“The court decreed that virtually any limitation or regulation
on abortion are presumed&nbsp;unconstitutional,” said Gilbert. “This sweeping
2019 ruling was then used to strike down basic&nbsp;protections for women,
including standard inspection, safety, and sanitation requirements
for&nbsp;abortion facilities. Sadly, Kansas is a destination for extreme
abortions”

Mackenzie Haddix,
spokesperson for the Value Them Both Coalition, which is leading
statewide&nbsp;grassroots efforts to promote passage of the amendment,
expressed appreciation for the group’s&nbsp;support.

“We know that highly-educated medical and mental health
professionals are the most valued and&nbsp;respected voices when it comes to
the health and well-being of women and children. We’re&nbsp;grateful for their
support in solidarity with the Value Them Both Coalition and hundreds
of&nbsp;thousands of Kansans who share the belief that women deserve better
than to be left vulnerable&nbsp;to an unregulated abortion industry.”

The coalition welcomes others to join in support of the&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-qvr9z6ZjK-eIzxmmuuBYbpvvuLis7XN/view">statement</a>,
by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:media@valuethemboth.com">media@valuethemboth.com</a>.
Membership list is available to members of the media upon request.

The Value Them Both Coalition is made up of Kansas citizens and
groups who believe every&nbsp;human life has value. We are committed to
advocating across our&nbsp;state for the passage of the Value Them Both
Amendment to ensure that Kansas can stop&nbsp;unlimited abortion from coming to
our state and can continue to pass laws that put the health and&nbsp;safety of
mothers and babies before the abortion industry. We are led by Kansans for
Life,&nbsp;Kansas Catholic Conference, and Kansas Family Voice.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedWICHITA&nbsp;– Today an alliance of over 200 Kansas Medical and Mental Health&nbsp;Professionals
has publicly issued a statement&nbsp;expressing support for the Value Them
Both&nbsp;constitutional amendment.At present, the group consists of more than 120 doctors,
including nine OBGYNs, 70 family&nbsp;medicine physicians, and additional
representatives from the fields of neurosurgery, cardiology,&nbsp;anesthesia,
surgery, pediatrics, internal medicine, pathology, emergency medicine, and
other&nbsp;essential specialties. Doctors of Pharmacy, nurses, and licensed
psychotherapists and counselors&nbsp;round out the coalition. The coalition is
expected to grow in coming weeks.Dr. Kelly Byrd, a Kansas City-based pediatrician raised in
Wichita, spoke on behalf of the&nbsp;coalition.“We’re here to represent over 200 Medical and Mental
Health Professionals in support of the&nbsp;Value Them Both Amendment,” said
Byrd. “We came together through colleague-to-colleague&nbsp;outreach because
all of us share a dedication for caring for the physical health and
emotional&nbsp;well-being of our patients. Together we’ve written an open
letter to explain why passing the&nbsp;Value Them Both Amendment is vital to
returning our state to a place where the abortion&nbsp;industry is not left
unlimited or unregulated and should not be allowed to police itself.”Dr. Lisa Gilbert, a Wichita-based family physician providing full-spectrum
primary care,&nbsp;including women’s health and obstetrics, said coalition
members, “had become aware that an&nbsp;unprecedented Kansas Supreme Court
decision in 2019 removed the legal foundation for decades&nbsp;of
bipartisan-passed, common-sense laws regulating abortion practices.”“The court decreed that virtually any limitation or regulation
on abortion are presumed&nbsp;unconstitutional,” said Gilbert. “This sweeping
2019 ruling was then used to strike down basic&nbsp;protections for women,
including standard inspection, safety, and sanitation requirements
for&nbsp;abortion facilities. Sadly, Kansas is a destination for extreme
abortions”Mackenzie Haddix,
spokesperson for the Value Them Both Coalition, which is leading
statewide&nbsp;grassroots efforts to promote passage of the amendment,
expressed appreciation for the group’s&nbsp;support.“We know that highly-educated medical and mental health
professionals are the most valued and&nbsp;respected voices when it comes to
the health and well-being of women and children. We’re&nbsp;grateful for their
support in solidarity with the Value Them Both Coalition and hundreds
of&nbsp;thousands of Kansans who share the belief that women deserve better
than to be left vulnerable&nbsp;to an unregulated abortion industry.”The coalition welcomes others to join in support of the&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-qvr9z6ZjK-eIzxmmuuBYbpvvuLis7XN/view">statement</a>,
by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:media@valuethemboth.com">media@valuethemboth.com</a>.
Membership list is available to members of the media upon request.The Value Them Both Coalition is made up of Kansas citizens and
groups who believe every&nbsp;human life has value. We are committed to
advocating across our&nbsp;state for the passage of the Value Them Both
Amendment to ensure that Kansas can stop&nbsp;unlimited abortion from coming to
our state and can continue to pass laws that put the health and&nbsp;safety of
mothers and babies before the abortion industry. We are led by Kansans for
Life,&nbsp;Kansas Catholic Conference, and Kansas Family Voice.— Submitted

Kan. medical, mental health professionals announce support for Value Them Both constitutional amendment

WASHINGTON (AP) — The outline of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gun-laws-senate-bipartisan-agreement-59d553f3d1e35fdbe4930e4341e74efb">bipartisan Senate agreement to rein in gun violence</a>&nbsp;has no game-changing steps banning the deadliest firearms. It does propose measured provisions making it harder for some young gun buyers, or people considered threatening, to have weapons.

And there are meaningful efforts to address mental health and school safety concerns. It all reflects&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-parkland-florida-school-shooting-gun-violence-shootings-public-opinion-06cd760edf8977716dba0c2b157a1a91">election-year pressure to act</a>&nbsp;both parties feel after mass shootings in May killed 10 people in Buffalo, New York, and 21 more in Uvalde, Texas.

Details of the plan remain in negotiation between Democrats and Republicans, with disagreements over how tightly the initiatives should be drawn. That means the proposal’s potency — and perhaps whether some parts survive — remain undetermined as it’s translated into legislation.

Here’s what’s in and out of the agreement:

A STRENGTHENING, NARROWLY, OF BACKGROUND CHECKS

When people age 18 to 20 try buying firearms, the required federal background check would for the first time include their juvenile crime and mental health records. To allow time for getting data from state and local authorities, the process’ current three-day maximum would be extended up to seven more days, according to aides following the talks. Once the 10 days lapse, the buyer could get the weapon, even if the record search is incomplete.

Currently, dealers considered in the “business” of selling guns are required to get federal firearms licenses. Such sellers must conduct background checks. Bargainers want to cover more people who, while not running a formal business, occasionally sell weapons.

The framework calls for grants to help states enforce or enact “red flag” laws that let authorities get court orders temporarily taking guns from people deemed dangerous. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have such statutes, but some lack funds to enforce them robustly.

Penalties would be toughened for so-called straw purchasers, those buying guns for others who don’t qualify. More current or former romantic partners convicted of domestic abuse, or targeted with restraining orders by their victims, would be barred from getting guns. The ban applies today if the couple was married, lived together or had children together.

Inclusion of the tougher restrictions against straw purchasers and estranged partners were surprises because they’d been blocked by Republicans before.

Democrats say there will be billions of dollars to expand mental health initiatives. This would pay for more community behavioral health centers, strengthened suicide prevention and violence intervention efforts and increased access to mental telehealth visits.

There would be new sums for school safety. These could include better security at building entrances, training for staff and violence prevention programs. The dollar amount is unclear.

Democrats responsive to constituents who strongly favor gun curbs want the new law to be as stringent as possible. Republicans want nothing that would turn their adamantly pro-gun voters against them.

This means tough bargaining on the fine print of the legislation.

How narrowly will a new definition of which sellers need federal firearms licenses be written? Are there limits on which juvenile records would be accessible during background checks for younger buyers?

What conditions would states have to meet to qualify for “red flag” funds? What legal protections would people have if the authorities consider them too risky to have firearms?

How much money will the package cost? No one has said, though people familiar with the discussions say a ballpark $15 billion is possible. And how will it be paid for?

A leader of the effort, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., told reporters Monday that bargainers plan to pay for the costs with offsetting spending cuts or new revenues. The latter could be a no-go for Republicans.

Leaders hope the package can be written and approved before Congress begins its July 4 recess.

President Joe Biden has proposed reviving the 1994 assault weapons ban, which expired after a decade, or raising the minimum age for buying one from 18 to 21. He wants to ban high-capacity magazines.

He’d repeal the legal immunity from liability protecting gun makers. He wants safe storage requirements for guns and a federal “red-flag” law to cover states without one.

None of those made it into the bill; nor did universal background checks. Biden backs the agreement anyway in the name of a compromise that would produce an achievement.

Ten senators from each party joined in announcing the gun outline and saying they backed it. Those numbers are not a coincidence.

They signal potentially enough support for passage by the 50-50 Senate, where Democrats will need at least 10 GOP backers to reach the usual 60-vote threshold. Besides Murphy, the other lead negotiators were Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., and Thom Tillis, R-N.C.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-jerrold-nadler-district-of-columbia-judiciary-government-and-politics-982c04dba1f131f4893d14ad010d31ca">Approval in the Democratic-run House is expected</a>, though complications could always emerge.

Another bargainer, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said he hopes Republicans will see that “the gun lobby is weaker than they think.” But there are signs that approving future restrictions will be challenging.

For one thing, this spurt of action on guns is Congress’ most significant since the now-expired assault weapons ban was enacted three decades ago. That spotlights how hardened positions can be lasting.

Another clue is the makeup of the agreement’s 20 announced supporters. Blumenthal and Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., are the only two running for reelection this year.

Four others, all Republicans, are retiring in January: Sens. Roy Blunt of Missouri, Richard Burr of North Carolina, Rob Portman of Ohio and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania.

The rest don’t face reelection until 2024 or 2026.

They are Republican Sens. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Mitt Romney of Utah.

The Democrats are Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey, Chris Coons of Delaware, Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan.

Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine, allied with Democrats, also backed the proposal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654991563265.png" alt="March For our Lives rally at at the National Mall on Saturday photo courtesy March for our Lives" />
 <figcaption>March For our Lives rally at at the National Mall on Saturday photo courtesy March for our Lives</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The outline of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gun-laws-senate-bipartisan-agreement-59d553f3d1e35fdbe4930e4341e74efb">bipartisan Senate agreement to rein in gun violence</a>&nbsp;has no game-changing steps banning the deadliest firearms. It does propose measured provisions making it harder for some young gun buyers, or people considered threatening, to have weapons.And there are meaningful efforts to address mental health and school safety concerns. It all reflects&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-parkland-florida-school-shooting-gun-violence-shootings-public-opinion-06cd760edf8977716dba0c2b157a1a91">election-year pressure to act</a>&nbsp;both parties feel after mass shootings in May killed 10 people in Buffalo, New York, and 21 more in Uvalde, Texas.Details of the plan remain in negotiation between Democrats and Republicans, with disagreements over how tightly the initiatives should be drawn. That means the proposal’s potency — and perhaps whether some parts survive — remain undetermined as it’s translated into legislation.Here’s what’s in and out of the agreement:A STRENGTHENING, NARROWLY, OF BACKGROUND CHECKSWhen people age 18 to 20 try buying firearms, the required federal background check would for the first time include their juvenile crime and mental health records. To allow time for getting data from state and local authorities, the process’ current three-day maximum would be extended up to seven more days, according to aides following the talks. Once the 10 days lapse, the buyer could get the weapon, even if the record search is incomplete.Currently, dealers considered in the “business” of selling guns are required to get federal firearms licenses. Such sellers must conduct background checks. Bargainers want to cover more people who, while not running a formal business, occasionally sell weapons.OTHER MEASURED CURBSThe framework calls for grants to help states enforce or enact “red flag” laws that let authorities get court orders temporarily taking guns from people deemed dangerous. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have such statutes, but some lack funds to enforce them robustly.Penalties would be toughened for so-called straw purchasers, those buying guns for others who don’t qualify. More current or former romantic partners convicted of domestic abuse, or targeted with restraining orders by their victims, would be barred from getting guns. The ban applies today if the couple was married, lived together or had children together.Inclusion of the tougher restrictions against straw purchasers and estranged partners were surprises because they’d been blocked by Republicans before.ADDRESSING BROADER PROBLEMSDemocrats say there will be billions of dollars to expand mental health initiatives. This would pay for more community behavioral health centers, strengthened suicide prevention and violence intervention efforts and increased access to mental telehealth visits.There would be new sums for school safety. These could include better security at building entrances, training for staff and violence prevention programs. The dollar amount is unclear.HURDLES AHEADDemocrats responsive to constituents who strongly favor gun curbs want the new law to be as stringent as possible. Republicans want nothing that would turn their adamantly pro-gun voters against them.This means tough bargaining on the fine print of the legislation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654991535181.png" alt="March for out Lives protest Saturday -Photo courtesy American Federation of Teachers Union" />
 <figcaption>March for out Lives protest Saturday -Photo courtesy American Federation of Teachers Union</figcaption>
 </figure>How narrowly will a new definition of which sellers need federal firearms licenses be written? Are there limits on which juvenile records would be accessible during background checks for younger buyers?What conditions would states have to meet to qualify for “red flag” funds? What legal protections would people have if the authorities consider them too risky to have firearms?How much money will the package cost? No one has said, though people familiar with the discussions say a ballpark $15 billion is possible. And how will it be paid for?A leader of the effort, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., told reporters Monday that bargainers plan to pay for the costs with offsetting spending cuts or new revenues. The latter could be a no-go for Republicans.Leaders hope the package can be written and approved before Congress begins its July 4 recess.WHAT’S OUT?President Joe Biden has proposed reviving the 1994 assault weapons ban, which expired after a decade, or raising the minimum age for buying one from 18 to 21. He wants to ban high-capacity magazines.He’d repeal the legal immunity from liability protecting gun makers. He wants safe storage requirements for guns and a federal “red-flag” law to cover states without one.None of those made it into the bill; nor did universal background checks. Biden backs the agreement anyway in the name of a compromise that would produce an achievement.PROSPECTS AHEAD?Ten senators from each party joined in announcing the gun outline and saying they backed it. Those numbers are not a coincidence.They signal potentially enough support for passage by the 50-50 Senate, where Democrats will need at least 10 GOP backers to reach the usual 60-vote threshold. Besides Murphy, the other lead negotiators were Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., and Thom Tillis, R-N.C.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-jerrold-nadler-district-of-columbia-judiciary-government-and-politics-982c04dba1f131f4893d14ad010d31ca">Approval in the Democratic-run House is expected</a>, though complications could always emerge.MORE RESTRICTIONS?Another bargainer, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said he hopes Republicans will see that “the gun lobby is weaker than they think.” But there are signs that approving future restrictions will be challenging.For one thing, this spurt of action on guns is Congress’ most significant since the now-expired assault weapons ban was enacted three decades ago. That spotlights how hardened positions can be lasting.Another clue is the makeup of the agreement’s 20 announced supporters. Blumenthal and Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., are the only two running for reelection this year.Four others, all Republicans, are retiring in January: Sens. Roy Blunt of Missouri, Richard Burr of North Carolina, Rob Portman of Ohio and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania.The rest don’t face reelection until 2024 or 2026.They are Republican Sens. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Mitt Romney of Utah.The Democrats are Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey, Chris Coons of Delaware, Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan.Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine, allied with Democrats, also backed the proposal.___

Tentative Senate gun deal has surprises and loose ends

BARRY COUNTY —A second inmate who escaped from a Southwest Missouri County jail June 3, is in custody, according to the Barry County Sheriff's office.

Matthew Crawford, 29, who made a dramatic change to his appearance while on the run is in custody in Greene County on requested charges of stealing and a hold for Barry&nbsp; County, according to online jail records. He was arrested in Springfield Monday.

On June 8, police in Natrone County, Wyoming captured 37-year-old Christopher Blevins.

Blevins, Crawford and Lance Justin Stephens escaped from jail and were considered armed and dangerous. They were in custody on requested theft, drug and weapons charges.

The inmates are believed to be connected to the theft of&nbsp;a white 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 pickup stolen in Barry County in Southwest Missouri and&nbsp; found in Salina, Kansas.

If you know the whereabouts or see Stephens, call 911 immediately. Do not approach him.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655209724523.png" alt="Crawford-photo Greene County" />
 <figcaption>Crawford-photo Greene County</figcaption>
 </figure>BARRY COUNTY —A second inmate who escaped from a Southwest Missouri County jail June 3, is in custody, according to the Barry County Sheriff's office.Matthew Crawford, 29, who made a dramatic change to his appearance while on the run is in custody in Greene County on requested charges of stealing and a hold for Barry&nbsp; County, according to online jail records. He was arrested in Springfield Monday.On June 8, police in Natrone County, Wyoming captured 37-year-old Christopher Blevins.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654650939081.png" alt="Clockwise from left Lance Stephens,&nbsp;Matthew Crawford and Christopher Blevins.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Clockwise from left Lance Stephens,&nbsp;Matthew Crawford and Christopher Blevins.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Blevins, Crawford and Lance Justin Stephens escaped from jail and were considered armed and dangerous. They were in custody on requested theft, drug and weapons charges.The inmates are believed to be connected to the theft of&nbsp;a white 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 pickup stolen in Barry County in Southwest Missouri and&nbsp; found in Salina, Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654535279954.jpeg" alt="Stephens photo Barry County&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Stephens photo Barry County&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>If you know the whereabouts or see Stephens, call 911 immediately. Do not approach him.

2nd inmate captured after escape from SW Missouri jail

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655164570135.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured a 14-year-old boy.Just before 1p.m., police responded to reports of a shooting at Harry and Doreen west of Rock Road in Wichita, according to Officer Paul Cruz.First responders at the scene found the boy with a gunshot wound. EMS transported him to an area hospital in critical condition.&nbsp;Investigators learned someone shot the boy at a home in the 1900 block of South Shiloh, according to Cruz. A private vehicle transported the boy&nbsp; to the area where someone notified police and EMS.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Police: 14-year-old Kan. boy critically injured in shooting

JOHNSON COUNTY —One firefighter is recovering from injuries after a&nbsp; house fire on one of the hottest days of the year.

Just before 8p.m. Monday, crews were dispatched to a fire at a home in the 20500 Block of South Ridgeview Road in Spring Hill, according to Johnson County Kansas Fire District #1.

Crews&nbsp; at the fire station saw smoke&nbsp; from the fire. The first arriving unit found fire and smoke showing from the backside of the home. There was one resident home at the time of the fire and was the individual who reported the blaze.

&nbsp;The cause of the fire is still under investigation.Due to the hot temperatures outside, Johnson County MED-ACT’s Rehab Unit was dispatched to the incident to assist with keeping personnel from becoming fatigued due to the heat.&nbsp; One firefighter was transported to a nearby hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

A total of three adults were displaced due to the fire. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasRedCross/?__cft__[0]=AZXwA7MgtbD09Z3YyYVmYimvilxk-zlZNBKaVBjJ2DdgiwEomS5p8IMS4kEBSzOsAxVSm59xPr-zYn1rJi9tnjSHtt6Q_BkFzXq_6mEBPieNJDv5E7ZJT2Diy2SbsAKWO5ZRLdHzs9LMVZtYlLdAyvApdBrwTyunxEdpR1vs-lHPOubQc0JEEHc3PfTT-6izeCc&amp;__tn__=kK-R">American Red Cross Kansas</a>&nbsp;is assisting the family. There were no other injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655202064038.png" alt="Monday night house fire -photo courtesy Johnson Co. Fire District #1" />
 <figcaption>Monday night house fire -photo courtesy Johnson Co. Fire District #1</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —One firefighter is recovering from injuries after a&nbsp; house fire on one of the hottest days of the year.Just before 8p.m. Monday, crews were dispatched to a fire at a home in the 20500 Block of South Ridgeview Road in Spring Hill, according to Johnson County Kansas Fire District #1.Crews&nbsp; at the fire station saw smoke&nbsp; from the fire. The first arriving unit found fire and smoke showing from the backside of the home. There was one resident home at the time of the fire and was the individual who reported the blaze.&nbsp;The cause of the fire is still under investigation.Due to the hot temperatures outside, Johnson County MED-ACT’s Rehab Unit was dispatched to the incident to assist with keeping personnel from becoming fatigued due to the heat.&nbsp; One firefighter was transported to a nearby hospital for non-life threatening injuries.A total of three adults were displaced due to the fire. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasRedCross/?__cft__[0]=AZXwA7MgtbD09Z3YyYVmYimvilxk-zlZNBKaVBjJ2DdgiwEomS5p8IMS4kEBSzOsAxVSm59xPr-zYn1rJi9tnjSHtt6Q_BkFzXq_6mEBPieNJDv5E7ZJT2Diy2SbsAKWO5ZRLdHzs9LMVZtYlLdAyvApdBrwTyunxEdpR1vs-lHPOubQc0JEEHc3PfTT-6izeCc&amp;__tn__=kK-R">American Red Cross Kansas</a>&nbsp;is assisting the family. There were no other injuries.

Firefighter injured fighting house fire in 100-degree weather

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Two Kansas men died in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Monday in Shawnee County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655169459216.png" alt="Law enforcement blocking traffic near the crash scene -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement blocking traffic near the crash scene -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Two Kansas men died in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Monday in Shawnee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Ford F150 driven by Thomas Mika, 61, Topeka, was northbound on K4 two miles west of Kansas 24The pickup left the roadway to the right and the driver over corrected.The pickup returned to the road, crossed left of center and struck a&nbsp; southbound&nbsp; 2020 Chevy Equinox driven by Gerald Counter, 74, Topeka head-on.&nbsp; After impact, the pickup overturned and the driver was ejected.&nbsp;Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to Frontier Forensics. EMS transported a passenger in the Chevy identified as Daniel&nbsp;Starkweather, 58, to Stormont Vail. Mika was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.